Immerse yourself in the history, art, and traditions of France and Spain …from stone built monasteries to fortified castles…from the prestigious past and rich history to the artistic inspiration of these beautiful countries…from the tasty wines to the incredible cheese and fruits…from siesta time to the ferias to the rhythm of the bandas…travel along the infinite curves of the breathtaking coastline to discover the forever-changing scenery…the treasures of the natural landscapes…listen to the murmur of a stream, taste a sun-filled fruit and smell the delicate perfume of the mimosa trees…you are in a crossroads of time and paradise.
Day 1:
Depart from Paris by high-speed TGV train to Toulouse. Pick up a rental car at the train station and enjoy the rest of the day discovering this amazing city. Explore the Ville Rose - Pink City -so called because of its traditional red-brick architecture, a mix of heritage, lifestyle and festival pleasures. Overnight at the hotel Les Bains Douches.
Day 2:
With your private guide, set off on a life-size treasure hunt that will take you to the very heart of the Pink City. Stroll in the paved streets, discover the Renaissance townhouses, the antique dealer’ square, the Saint-Sernin basilica, a jewel of 11th and 12th century Roman art, the amazing little cafes at the huge Capitole place. Then, what about a cruise in a riverboat and go with the flow on the canal du Midi? Along this canal, you will be marveled by the locks, aqueducts, bridges and tunnels and its architectural beauty. Overnight at the hotel Les Bains Douches.
Day 3:
Departure for the beautifully well-preserved town of Albi and its exceptional heritage. Discover the Sainte-Cecile cathedral, an astonishing contrast between the outer rigor of its defensive architecture and the inner riches of its sumptuous decoration. Then, enjoy the old town a real maze with its nooks and crannies, narrow cobbled streets, porches and courtyards. Overnight at the Hotel Saint Antoine.
Day 4:
Enjoy a getaway in the heart of Europe’s largest medieval walled city, the magical fairytale destination of Carcassonne. Perched on a hill above the River Aude, explore the wonders which make it an UNESCO World heritage site. Then, enjoy a private evening cooking lesson with Nathalie, a food lover, who will take you to her lovely home in Carcassonne for an evening of culinary discovery. The class is followed by a dinner with regional wines. Overnight at the Hotel de la Cité, the only hotel within the actual medieval citadel.
Day 5:
Today, discover the architectural treasures of the south of Carcassonne and visit the fabulous Cathar castle of Quéribus. Stop for lunch at the picturesque little village of Cucugnan, admire the Gorges of Galamus with their breathtaking views and then continue on towards Peyrepertuse, to visit the largest Cathar Castle of the area, also the most imposing example of medieval military architecture in Southwest. Overnight at the Hotel de la Cité.
Day 6:
Departure for the charming town of Argeles-sur-Mer, a little jewel between Mediterranean Sea and Pyrennean mountains. On your way, stop by Perpignan, one of the most beautiful village in the Southwest. Former capital of the kingdom of Majorca, this charming place definitely has a sweet Spanish flavor. Overnight at Le Cottage.
Day 7:
Travel along the coastline and cross the border to discover the amazing heritage of Spain, especially the Catalan treasures. Your destination point: Barcelona, the most cosmopolitan of all the Spanish cities. Overnight at the Hotel Jazz.
Day 8:
Today, Barcelona, its atmosphere, its beauty and its heritage is waiting for you! Your private guide will show you the city, an outstanding example of modernism, traditions and passion. You will enjoy the secrets and stories of this architectural treasure and its inhabitants. Overnight at the Hotel Jazz.
Day 9:
This morning, discover two of the most famous Spanish artists, Gaudi and Picasso. Your private guide will reveal you all the secrets about them, their life, their arts and their influence in Barcelona. Then, take advantage of your last day to stroll in this fabulous city. Tonight, enjoy an unforgettable evening by experiencing the passion and excitement of Spanish Flamenco. Overnight at the Hotel Jazz.
Day 10:
Leave Barcelona to enjoy new destinations…
