14-Day Western Europe Tour from Paris: Avignon, Barcelona, Versailles, Luxembourg, Frankfurt and Amsterdam

What you'll experience

Highlights

14 days

Day-by-day itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1 — Paris - Avignon

   In the morning we will depart from Paris to arrive at the heart of the Provence, “Avignon,” in the evening. This region of France is very diverse with lively cities, winding mountains that will change its distinct views depending on the season of the year. Let’s take a break from the fashion and luxury of the big metropoles and head to the south of France. Enjoy the sceneries of picturesque small towns, wind down and appreciate nature and the rural culture. You will experience the romantic ambience of South France, visit Gordes, the most beautiful village of the Provence. Follow in Vincent van Gogh’s footsteps in the small town of Arles and taste the world-renowned mellow flavor of Bordeaux wine, and visit the shopping paradise that is Andorra.
    

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Brit Hotel Avignon Sud ***, Ibis Styles Avignon Sud ***
2. 2

   Day 2 — Avignon - Gordes - Sénanque Monastery - Avignon

   We will start the day in Avignon visiting the two must see landmarks. The Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes) and the Pont Saint-Bénézet, the broken bridge which is also know as Pont d’Avignon. The palace dates to the 14th century, with the support from the King of France the Roman church moved its capital thus making Avignon the second religious capital of the Roman-Catholic church.
   In the afternoon we will depart to visit Gordes, famous from A Year in Provence, the book, written by Peter Mayle. The village of Gordes is made of limestone dating back to 1525 with its buildings rooting themselves into the steep cliff giving the village town its other names; the Stone City and the City in the Sky. The village is considered by the Association des plus villages de France one of France’s most beautiful villages.
   Afterwards we will have a short stay at the Musee de la Lavande, the lavender museum, and the Abbaye de Sénanque which Catholic Cistercian originate from and the story background of the book A Year in Provence.
   * Please note: Lavender is a seasonal plant which blooms from July till the beginning of August affected by climate, growth and harvesting periods, therefore we are unable to guarantee whether clients will see fresh lavender！
    

   

   Gordes

   

   Abbaye de Sénanque

   

   Pont d’Avignon

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Brit Hotel Avignon Sud ***, Ibis Styles Avignon Sud ***
3. 3

   Day 3 — Avignon - Arles - Barcelona

   In the morning we will drive to Arles. The small town is famous because the well-known Dutch master of Impressionism, Vincent van Gogh, whom lived in the sanatorium of Arles from 1888 – 1889. Although Van Gogh stayed for only one year, that single year is considered the most productive period of his life. He painted more than two hundred oil paintings during his stay in Arles. Creating his world-renowned art pieces; The Langlois Bridge at Arles and The Café Terrace on the Place du Forum. It is a true unique experience to visit town and see what the Dutch master saw himself over a century ago. Other than enjoying the village’s connection with Van Gogh there are many ancient Roman ruins to behold. Arles has been listed as a key city since ancient Roman times.
   In the afternoon we will leave Arles for the charming coastal city of Barcelona.
   If time permits, upon arrival, everyone can participate in an optional program to visit the Olympic Beach.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: B&B Hotels Barcelona Sant Cugat ***
4. 4

   Day 4 — Barcelona

   In the morning, embark on a self-paid group activity and drive to the mountainous area to visit the "Montserrat Monastery,"Located on the famous Catalan Mountain. The well-known abbey is the most important religious shrine in Catalonia. The monastery is home to La Moreneta, the black Madonna. The black-faced Madonna statue holding the holy child in her lap is the guardian of the spirit and soul of the local people.
   In the afternoon, explore the vibrant and charming city of Barcelona. The attractions include the Columbus Monument and La Rambla. Continue to visit the iconic Sagrada Familia, the masterpiece of the architectural genius Antoni Gaudí, known as the "architect poet." Afterward, visit the exterior of Camp Nou, the famous football stadium, for photos and souvenir shopping. Then, proceed to Montjuïc Hill to visit the Olympic Stadium, which hosted the 1992 Olympic Games. From the hill, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city. The remaining time is free for leisure activities at the bustling Catalunya Square. Return to the hotel after dinner.
   Note: Camp Nou has been under major renovations since June 2023 and is not open for interior visits.
   * Reservation visit time: 15:00 - 15:30. Due to limited daily access control in Sagrada Família church, and to avoid disappoint, we recommend customer who strongly request to visit this place to book tickets online in advance on www.sagradafamilia.org.
    

   

   Columbus Monument

   

   Camp Nou

   

   La Sagrada Familia

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: B&B Hotels Barcelona Sant Cugat ***
5. 5

   Day 5 — Barcelona - Andorra or Carcassonne - Lourdes

   In the morning we will travel to the Principality of Andorra. This microstate is located between France and Spain in the eastern Pyrenees. The state is surrounded by mountains and rough terrain. Its capital, Andorra la Vella, is Europe’s highest capital with an elevation of 1,023 meters. Andorra is a popular destination for alpine skiing in Europe. Although most Asian travelers do not give Andorra much attention, it is certainly worth a visit with its beautiful sceneries. Also known for duty-free shopping it is a shopping paradise.
   After lunch we will drive through the Pyrenees entering France arriving at the town of Lourdes. It its said that the Virgin Mary appeared at Lourdes some 150 years ago and since has become a place of pilgrimage with records of countless medical miracles. Each year over five million pilgrims visit the town.
   * Please note: From October till the end of February due to winter weather we will not visit Andorra and reroute to Carcassonne in France. Carcassonne is a World Heritage Site city with its landmark Castle of Carcassonne. There are 3 km of double walls and 52 towers in the city.

   

   Lourdes

   

   Andorra

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Hotel Saint Georges ***, Hotel Alliance Lourdes ***
6. 6

   Day 6 — Lourdes - Bordeaux

   Today we will travel from Lourdes to the famous wine region Bordeaux. While in Bordeaux we will visit a well-known winery and its vineyards. You will have an opportunity to taste and buy wine direct from the source.
   After our stop at the winery, we will head to city Bordeaux, visiting famous landmarks such as the opera house Gran Teatro de Burdeos, the world’s largest water mirror called Miroir d’Eau and the famous Place des Quinconces and so on. At the end of the day, you will have some free leisure time in the city center of Bordeaux.
   * Please note: Most wineries in Bordeaux are closed to tourists in August or during festivals. Please understand that during this time we will not be able to visit the wineries however we will be able to taste and buy wine in the city center of Bordeaux.
    

   

   Gran Teatro de Burdeos

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: B&B Hotel Saintes ***
7. 7

   Day 7 — Bordeaux - Chambord - Paris

   Departing from Bordeaux we will be traveling to the world-famous tourist attraction the Loire Valley. The Loire is the longest river in France with a length of 1020 km and is known as the mother river of France. In the Loire Valley there are magnificent and gorgeous castles on both sides of the river. In the afternoon we will arrive at the Chambord Castle also known as the King of Castles. The castle was originally built to serve as a hunting lodge for King Francois I of France in 1519 to make a statement of his imperial power. The King hired Italian artists and architects such as Leonardo da Vinci and Domenico da Cortona to attribute the brilliant art and architectural style of the Italian Renaissance. By doing this he laid the foundation of the French Renaissance.
   Afterwards will be heading to Paris.
    

   

   Chateau de Chambord

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Huatian Chinagora ****
8. 8

   Day 8 — Paris - Versailles - Paris

   Paris is your oyster over the next two days as you enjoy guided tours around one of the world’s most celebrated cities. Your Parisian adventures get off to a spectacular start with a drive along the famous Champs Élysées to the Place de la Concorde, which played such a key part in the French Revolution. You’ll also get to see the iconic Arc de Triomphe here too, the imposing monument that sits near the western end of the avenue and commemorates the fallen of the revolution and Napoleonic wars.
   You’ll take in another significant historical building next as you head to L’Hôtel National des Invalides, where Napoleon’s tomb is located, followed by a stop at the most legendary of all Paris’s icons: the Eiffel Tower.
   Finally, you’ll travel on the coach out through the Parisian suburbs to the splendid Palace of Versailles, the vast regal château that was the residence of the royal family until the start of the revolution in 1789. Today the palace is another popular Parisian attraction. In the evening, you can enjoy one of our optional Paris evening shows.
   * Due to a limited daily access control in the Palace of Versailles, customers who strongly request to visit this palace to book tickets online in advance at https://en.chateauversailles.fr/plan-your-visit/tickets-and-prices.
   * Visit time: 14:00 - 14:30pm
    

   

   Palace of Versailles

   

   Eiffel Tower

   

   Hotel National des Invalides

   

   Place de la Concorde

   

   Champs-Elysees

   

   Arc de Triomphe

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Ibis Styles bobigny Centre Prefecture ***, B&B Hotel Paris Sud Chatenay Malabry ***
9. 9

   Day 9 — Paris

   In the morning, depart for the pier and take a sightseeing boat cruise on the Seine River at your own expense your, a great sightseeing option that offers splendid views of iconic Parisian landmarks, including Notre-Dame Cathedral and Pont Alexandre III.
   After a lunch, we visit to the Louvre, one of the world’s greatest art museums. Here you’ll set your eyes upon some of history’s most famous masterpieces, including the Venus de Milo, Winged Victory of Samothrace (also called Nike of Samothrace), and Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. Opt for a guided gallery tour, which will enhance your experience and allow you to browse through hundreds of works in just a few hours.
   Afterwards, you have an option of having a French 4 course dinner and show experience or spend time shopping at the legendary department stores Galeries Lafayette.
   * Due to a limited daily access control in the Louvre Palace, to avoid disappointment, we recommend customers who strongly request to visit this palace to book tickets online in advance at https://www.ticketlouvre.fr/louvre/b2c/index.cfm/calendar/eventCode/MusWeb.
   * Visit time: 13:00 - 14:00pm
    

   

   Louvre Museum

   

   Moulin Rouge

   

   Galeries Lafayette Department Store

   

   River Seine

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Ibis Styles bobigny Centre Prefecture ***, B&B Hotel Paris Sud Chatenay Malabry ***
10. 10

    Day 10 — Paris - Reims - Luxembourg

    The tour leaves from Paris for a delightful scenic journey through the rolling countryside of the Champagne region, famous the world over for the sparkling white wine produced here. Enjoy seeing the historic attractions of provincial capital Reims, including the city’s cathedral – a key national heritage site, where coronations of French kings took place from the 11th century onwards.
    History and tradition are equally evident in your next location: Luxembourg, the world’s only remaining Grand Duchy. After arriving in refined Luxembourg city, you’ll be introduced on foot to the main places of interest, including the Place de Constitution and Pont Adolphe, before having time for further exploration on your own.

    

    Place de la Constitution

    

    Pont Adolphe

    

    Our Lady of Reims Cathedral

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Ibis Luxembourg Sud ***
11. 11

    Day 11 — Luxembourg - Trier - Koblenz - Frankfurt

    Today we leave Luxembourg behind and head across another European border into Germany. The first stop is historic Trier, Germany’s oldest city and the birthplace of Karl Marx. You’ll have the chance to see from the outside the house where the influential philosopher was born, which now functions as the Karl Marx Haus museum.
    Your walking tour then takes you into the centre of Trier; here you can look around the city’s impressive cathedral, where the celebrated Holy Robe – said to be the tunic of Christ – is preserved and occasionally displayed. Trier is also known as ‘The Second Rome’ (Constantine served as an administrator here for 10 years), and significant legacies of the once-great empire remain today. The highlight is undoubtedly Porta Nigra, the best-preserved Roman city gate north of the Alps, which you’ll get to see and photograph.
    After an exciting morning in Trier, you’ll drive on to Koblenz, famous as the location of the confluence of the Rhine and Mosel rivers. Here you have the option of indulging in a relaxing lunch alongside the water, then afterwards you can also choose to add on a scenic Rhine boat cruise for some memorable city vistas.
    Back on dry land you’ll drive through the wine-making town of Rüdesheim (depending on road and traffic conditions). Then it is on to Frankfurt am Main, where you’ll discover the delights of Römerberg, a charming plaza with a distinctive medieval town hall as its centrepiece.

    

    Rhine River

    

    Porta Nigra

    

    Karl Marx House

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: NH Frankfurt Airport West ****, Mercure Frankfurt Airport Langen ****, Frankfurt hotel Messe by Melia ****
12. 12

    Day 12 — Frankfurt - Bonn - Cologne - Amsterdam

    The morning begins with a leisurely drive north-west from Frankfurt to Bonn, the capital of the former West Germany until reunification. The national government is now in Berlin, but Bonn retains a rich history that is well worth exploring. Discover the city’s secrets on an orientation stroll through its streets, walking past highlights such as the Rococo-fronted town hall and Ludwig Van Beethoven Haus, a museum celebrating the life of the much-loved composer.
    Then it’s on to Cologne, where you’ll head inside the city’s glorious Gothic Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore Cologne further, to do a spot of local shopping or to simply relax with a suitably refreshing German brew.
    After lunch the day is rounded off with a drive into the Netherlands.
     

    

    Cologne Cathedral

    

    Beethoven-Haus

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Amedia Hotel Amsterdam Airport ****, NH Hotel Leeuwenhorst ****, Amrath Hotels lapershoek ****
13. 13

    Day 13 — Amsterdam - Zaanse Schans - Amsterdam

    A day of delights begins with a leisurely trip through the Dutch countryside, where you’ll get to sample at close quarters some of the things that the Netherlands is traditionally famous for: clogs, cheese and windmills. Call in at the hugely popular model town of Zaanse Schans. Next, you’ll head from the quiet countryside to the cosmopolitan city as your journey takes you back to Amsterdam.
    After visiting a well-known diamond factory, where you’ll see the unique cutting techniques that have been practised here since the 16th century, you can take an optional hour-long pre-dinner canal cruise, which is a great way to discover more about this unique European city.
    After disembarking you’ll walk to one of the city’s grandest areas, Dam Square, where the Royal Palace is located and the King’s birthday celebration takes place. You’ll have photo opportunities here, free time for shopping or further sightseeing, and then round the day off with dinner.
    * From mid-March to mid-May the tour will also visit Keukenhof Garden, a 32-hectare seasonal exhibition of beautifully coloured and scented displays of spring flowers - most notably millions of tulips. More information please see: www.keukenhof.com.
     

    

    Amsterdam Red Light District

    

    Keukenhof Gardens

    

    Zaanse Schans

    

    Dam Square

    

    Amsterdam Canals

    

    Volendam

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Amedia Hotel Amsterdam Airport ****, NH Hotel Leeuwenhorst ****, Amrath Hotels lapershoek ****
14. 14

    Day 14 — Amsterdam - Brussels - Paris

    After leaving Amsterdam in the morning you’ll head south across the border into Brussels, the Belgian capital and political centre of the European Union.
    On the way, the tour stops to see the distinctive Atomium monument, a cell-shaped structure of stainless-steel spheres and tubes built for the 1958 World’s Fair. In the centre of Brussels itself an orientation tour will call in at the exquisite Grand Place, as well as seeing the famous impish Manneken Pis Statue.
    After some free time, you can try some mouth-watering Belgian delights. Then from Brussels we will head south again across the French border and on to the bright lights of Paris.
    Please note that the drop off time is for reference only and may vary slightly due to traffic/unforeseen circumstances.
    Drop-off time: around 19:30 PM
    Drop-off point: Paris Place d’Italie
     

    

    Manneken Pis

    

    Grand Place

    

    Atomium

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: Excluded

What's included

Meeting & drop-off

Cancellation policy

Important info

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