"Mandarin Group Tour " 10-Day Portugal + Spain + France Tour (Round trip from Paris)

After meeting in Paris, travel to Cahors in southwestern France, a historic town in the Lot department, renowned for its medieval monuments and deep red wines. Nestled along the winding Lot River, the town boasts iconic landmarks such as the 14th-century Pont Valentré and the Romanesque Saint-Étienne Cathedral. The Pont Valentré is a symbol of Cahors, a historic medieval bridge associated with famous ghost stories. The Saint-Étienne Cathedral, built in the 11th century, is a Romanesque church with a magnificent dome. Stroll through the medieval old town, exploring exquisite architecture and hidden gardens. This is also the birthplace of Malbec wine, producing deep-colored, uniquely flavored dark wines that attract wine lovers worldwide. Cahors, a blend of natural beauty, historical heritage, and rich wines, is an excellent place to explore the culture of southern France. Overnight in Toulouse or a nearby hotel.

After breakfast, drive to Girona to visit the Girona Cathedral, a filming location for King's Landing in Game of Thrones. Magnificent and solemn, it boasts the world's second largest nave. Leaving the cathedral, stroll along winding alleyways paved with cobblestones, climbing the steps of Girona's Jewish Quarter (El Call) for panoramic views of the old town's 4-kilometer-long walls and discovering the secrets of Girona's smallest square in Europe. Then cross La Rambla and capture photos of the distinctive architecture along the Ognac River from the Eiffel Bridge, built before the Eiffel Tower was constructed. During free time, you can purchase tickets to visit Girona Cathedral and the nearby Arab baths. Overnight at a hotel near Barcelona.

Antoni Gaudí—the genius known as the "Dante of Architecture"—infused Barcelona with an eternal artistic soul through his timeless imagination. 【Sagrada Familia】(optional), this "stone Bible" under construction for 141 years is still growing. Standing beneath the Nativity Facade, you will be awestruck by the meticulously crafted biblical scenes—each sculpture is like a frozen epic. 【Casa Milà】(optional), this wave-shaped building, known locally as the "quarry," completely subverts traditional architectural concepts. The chimneys on the roof, resembling alien warriors, are particularly striking against the Barcelona blue sky. In the afternoon, travel to Zaragoza to visit the 【Basilica di Santa Maria Villar】, one of Spain's most important pilgrimage sites. This Baroque-Neoclassical architectural gem houses the Column of Our Lady, said to have been brought by angels. Overnight stay at a hotel near Zaragoza.

☆Note: Due to visitor control measures at the Sagrada Familia and long queues, guests wishing to visit should check the date and time and book tickets online in advance when booking this tour. This is a popular attraction with limited ticket availability. Please check ticket availability and book in advance when placing your order. Recommended booking time: 11:00 AM tickets
https://tickets.sagradafamilia.org/site/SagradaFamilia/product/10/type/1

We embark on our exploration of Madrid, the jewel in the crown of Spain. Starting with the Cervantes monument in Plaza de España, the gaze of this literary giant will guide us through time. The Royal Palace of Madrid, one of the most magnificent surviving palaces in Europe, is the official residence of the Spanish royal family. This Baroque masterpiece, covering 135,000 square meters, perfectly embodies the splendor of the 18th-century Spanish Empire. We arrive at Plaza Mayor, one of Europe's most beautiful squares, where the aroma of chocolate churros wafts from the cafes beneath the Baroque arcades. A must-see for art lovers is the Prado Museum, one of the world's four major art museums, considered a visual encyclopedia of Spanish art history. Passing through the "kilometer zero" marker in Puerta del Sol, the neoclassical Porta Independence and the Cibeles Fountain showcase the city's elegant charm. Overnight at a hotel near Madrid.

Option: Bullfighting show €60-90/person (optional).

We depart for Toledo, the "City of Three Cultures," nestled along the Tagus River. This UNESCO World Heritage Site perfectly preserves the fusion of Christian, Islamic, and Jewish civilizations. We'll drive past the São Martín Bridge, its Moorish-style bridgehead's jagged walls reflected on the azure waters. At Alcázar Fortress, the entire ancient city unfolds like a miniature model from its Renaissance-style military fortress rooftop. The gilded altar of Toledo Cathedral (exterior) shines with the glory of Spain's Golden Age, while the imperial coat of arms at the Piazza dei Bisagra tells of Charles V's ambition. In the afternoon, we'll drive to Portugal. Overnight in Badajoz or its surrounding area.

In the early morning, we embark on our journey through the essence of Portugal, along the Atlantic coastline. Our first stop is Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe, a 140-meter-high cliff praised by the poet Camões as "where the land ends and the sea begins." We then sail into the fairytale-like city of Sintra, where the misty Sintra Palace welcomes us with its iconic twin-cone chimneys. This royal summer palace, a blend of Moorish and Manueline styles, still retains the original 16th-century appearance of the 27 golden swans on the dome of its Swan Hall. When the red bridge of the 25th of April Bridge comes into view over the Tagus River, it signifies our arrival in Lisbon, the city of seven hills. From the hilltop, we see São Jorge Castle. We stroll along the Arc de Triomphe arcades of Piazza della Signoria and the black and white wave-patterned sidewalks of Avenida da Liberdade. Lose ourselves in the labyrinthine alleyways of Lisbon's Old Town, letting the Fado songs transport us back to the Age of Exploration. Overnight at a hotel near Lisbon.

After breakfast, tour Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. Visit the Belém Tower, a white Manueline-style fortress exquisitely crafted like lace, which has silently watched over navigators returning home for 500 years. The adjacent Jerónimos Monastery is considered the "Sistine Chapel of the Age of Discovery," with its 300-meter-long colonnade adorned with stone carvings of marine elements such as anchors and corals. Vasco da Gama's sarcophagus rests here. The Maritime Museum, located in the Belém district, is a three-dimensional textbook of Portugal's maritime epic. The modern Belém Cultural Center, converted from a former maritime school, continues the maritime story with multimedia exhibits. Under the palm trees of Plaza de la Empire, the 52-meter-high Monument to the Discoveries resembles a caravel sailing ship, with a group of sculptures of navigators led by Prince Henry facing the sea. Visit the pink Presidential Palace, where the 19th-century uniforms of the changing of the guard are a highlight. Afterwards, travel to Salamanca and stay overnight in a nearby hotel.

We arrived in San Sebastián, the jewel of northern Spain. This elegant town, gently embraced by La Concha, welcomed us with its well-preserved Old Town (Parte Vieja) and world-renowned culinary culture. Strolling through the cobblestone streets, the sweet aroma of freshly baked Goxua wafted from the neoclassical buildings. Walking along the curved coastline of La Concha, the pearly white sand and the azure Bay of Biscay created a perfect gradient. Playa de La Concha, a shallow sandy beach, is one of the most famous urban beaches in Spain, and was listed as one of Spain's twelve treasures in 2007. We spent the night at a hotel near Dax.

After breakfast, you can optionally visit the Dune of Pilat, the tallest coastal dune in Europe. In 1987, it was designated a national landmark by the French government. With the ocean on one side and a forest on the other, the Great Dune of Pilat instantly transports you to the Sahara Desert, offering an escape from French urban life. Standing 100 meters high, this dune stretches nearly 3 kilometers from north to south. Winds from the Atlantic constantly blow sand upwards, causing it to accumulate, and in this way, the dune has been forming for thousands of years.

Tranquil and beautiful Bordeaux is not only world-renowned for its excellent wines but also boasts a rich history and cultural heritage, with many historical sites listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Stroll along the Garonne River to visit the Old Town, the Place de la Bourse, and the Grand Théâtre, and take your time to appreciate the city's ancient architectural style and unique art of living. Afterwards, visit the Cité du Vin (exterior view) for an exploratory journey into the culture and origins of wine.

After breakfast, we will travel to the Loire Valley to explore the countless treasures hidden within this breathtaking natural landscape. Stretching for 280 kilometers, this UNESCO World Heritage site boasts a unique and endless panorama of natural beauty. National Geographic, in its list of "50 Places to See Before You Die," describes the Loire Valley as follows: "To fully experience the essence of France, you only need to visit two places: Paris and the Loire Valley. If Paris, a melting pot of diverse cultures, represents the romantic and avant-garde side of France, then the Loire Valley is its tranquil and classical backyard. The beauty of Paris lies in the clash and contradictions of various cultural styles; while the beauty of the Loire Valley lies in its sweet and pure French charm."

We will visit the Château de Chambord (optional, admission fee), considered a national treasure and known as the "King of Châteaux," and the Château de Chenonceau (optional, admission fee), the most romantic and magnificent "water castle" in the Loire Valley's palace complex. Afterwards, we will return to Paris, concluding the tour.