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About this tour

Paris Chartres Loire Valley Bourges Lyon Chateauneuf du Pape Avignon Nice Granada Cannes Barcelona Zaragoza Toledo Madrid

Sightseeing Highlights Paris: Chartres: Loire Valley: Bourges: Lyon: Chateauneuf du Pape: Avignon: Nice: Monaco: Cannes: Barcelona: Zaragoza: Toledo: Madrid: Dining HIghlights 10 hot buffet breakfasts.
2 three-course dinners.
‘Be My Guest’ speciality dinner with wine in a château near Tours.
Farewell Dinner with wine in Madrid.
14 meals in total First Class Travel Highlights All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes included.
Touring by luxury air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and a washroom onboard.
The services of one of Trafalgar's top professional multi-lingual Tour Directors.
A qualified local city guide in Paris, Lyon, Barcelona, Toledo and Madrid.
Airport transfers are provided on Day 1 and Day 11.
A stylish wallet, tour documents and map book journal.
Airport Transfers London Gateways: Important – Please Note: For included transfers: Your flights must be booked directly by Trafalgar no fewer than 21 days prior to departure. For chargeable transfers: Your Travel Agent provides detailed flight information to Trafalgar no fewer than 21 days prior to departure. Once transfers are booked they cannot be changed.
For London arrivals, you must stay at a London hotel booked by Trafalgar on the night of arrival and the night prior to your departure date.
Trafalgar only includes one inbound and one outbound transfer.
In the event of flight delays outside of Trafalgar’s control, the transfers will be deemed to be cancelled.
All transfers are based on group transfers. No refund is therefore available for missed transfers, or passengers not using this service.
In the event of unforeseen events (such as road or rail works, strikes or demonstrations), Trafalgar will not be responsible for delayed or cancelled transfers.
Heathrow Airport: Gatwick Airport European Gateways: Trafalgar Bonus - Passengers who book Trafalgar's Land+Air package and who arrive or depart outside of these specified times on the scheduled arrival and departure day of the tour will also be provided with a transfer.
Passengers arriving before or leaving after the scheduled tour days are not entitled to a transfer but may book and purchase one through Trafalgar providing that they also purchase the additional pre and/or post tour hotel night(s) from Trafalgar. Please ask for prices of transfers at the time of booking your extra night accommodation.
Land only passengers arriving or departing on the scheduled tour arrival or departure days but whose flights don't coincide with the listed transfer times below may also book and purchase these transfers. Flight details must
Click here to see scheduled transfer times.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Overnight flight to Paris.

Day 2

Welcome to Paris, the elegant capital of France! After check-in you are free to explore this beautiful city or just relax. Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Drink with your Tour Director and meet your fellow travelers. 

Hotel: Oceania (2 nights)

Day 3

Today's sightseeing tour with a local guide includes the ascent of the Eiffel Tower to its second level for wonderful views over the city. Other highlights include views of Notre Dame Cathedral, the Arc de Triomphe, Place de la Concorde and the Champs Élysées before we enjoy a visit of Les Invalides with its golden dome. As part of the Army Museum, its most important relic is the tomb of France's most influential ruler, Napoleon Bonaparte. For the rest of the day you may choose to stroll through the Luxembourg gardens, visit the Louvre or relax over a 'café au lait' in a sidewalk café. (Buffet breakfast)

Day 4

First we drive to Chartres – famous for its mighty Cathedral with its blue stained glass windows. Built on a ley line, this spot has always been said to have mystical power! Then down to the valley of the quiet River Loire with its many beautiful villages and resplendent castles, home to French royalty over the centuries. We’ll stop at Chambord to see the impressive chateau, and then visit fairy tale Chenonceau, straddling the River Cher. Then we continue to our hotel and tonight we enjoy a special dinner with wine in a château where we can try all the local specialities. (Buffet breafast / 'Be My Guest' Dinner) 

Hotel: Mercure Nord

Day 5

Today’s journey takes us through the very centre of France. First we stop in Bourges, to see the Palais Jacques Coeur, the Cathedral of St. Stephen and the delightful archbishop’s gardens. Then into the very centre of the ‘hexagon’, as the French often call their homeland, to stop at the village of St. Amand Montrond. We continue via the volcanic hills around Clermont Ferrand and on to Lyon – a gourmet’s paradise on the Rhone and Saône Rivers. A walking tour of the old city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, reveals the city’s rich and cultural past. It is the largest Renaissance district in France with its narrow streets, inner courtyards and ‘traboules’. We will also drive up the Fourvière hill to admire awe-inspiring views over the city. Then on to our hotel for dinner and overnight. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner) 

Hotel: Novotel Porte du Valvert

Day 6

Our first stop this morning is in the wine village of Chateauneuf-du-Pape where we stop to see the amazing vistas from the ruined fortress and visit one of the Cote du Rhone wine cellars to sample some of the delicious wine. Then on to Avignon, where we see the Papal palace and famous ‘Pont’ (bridge) over the Rhone. Finally we arrive in Nice where an orientation drive shows us the Promenade des Anglais and the Place Massena, before we continue to our hotel for the next two nights. (Buffet breakfast) 

Hotel: Massena (2 nights)

Day 7

A free morning to relax and perhaps take a stroll along the Promenade or shop in the trendy boutiques! Later this afternoon we will enjoy a scenic drive along the Côte d’Azur to visit Monaco and Monte Carlo. Here we’ll see the beautiful casino built by Charles Garnier in the 19th century and our Tour Director will show us a Hidden Treasure as we explore the Principality. (Buffet breakfast)

Day 8

A short drive to ‘la Croisette’ in glamorous Cannes where we have time to admire the yachts and we will see the Film Festival Centre before re-joining the highway to drive through Provençal landscapes reminiscent of Van Gogh paintings. Then on past the Camargue National Park and to the border. We cross over the foothills of the Pyrenees to the region of Spanish Catalonia where we continue to the city of Barcelona. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner) 

Hotel: Catalonia Plaza (2 nights)

Day 9

Our morning sightseeing tour with a local guide takes us on a walking tour of the Gothic Quarter with its impressive cathedral. We also see Gaudi's Sagrada Familia plus many of his other eccentric architectural masterpieces. Later, we'll view the Columbus Monument and the Ramblas. Afterwards enjoy time at leisure in this sophisticated city, or perhaps an optional excursion to mystical Montserrat to see the Black Madonna? (Buffet breakfast)

Day 10

We drive through the arid Aragon hills to the city of Goya’s birth – Zaragoza on the River Ebro. It is here where the Virgin Mary met St. James, leaving the pilar as testimony to the event – hence the name of the cathedral dedicated to him – El Pilar. We will visit this pilgrimage church and see the ancient Cathedral of La Seo before continuing to Madrid. Tonight maybe try out one of Madrid’s many open-air restaurants and enjoy the night time atmopshere of this vibrant capital city. (Buffet breakfast) 

Hotel: Rafael Ventas (2 nights)

Day 11

We enjoy an included excursion to Toledo where our guided tour includes a visit to the synagogue, the Church of Santo Tome and a steel workshop. Then we return to Madrid to see the Plaza España, the Puerta del Sol, the Cibeles Fountain and Gran Via. Then time to join our newly made friends and Tour Director for a Farewell Dinner in a typical restaurant. (Buffet breakfast / Farewell Dinner)

Day 12

This morning it is time to bid farewell to Madrid, our Tour Director and fellow travelers as our vacation comes to an end. Airport transfers are available , conditions apply. (Buffet breakfast)

Day 13

Transfers on Day 2 at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport will operate at 09.00, 12.00 and 15.00. Passengers arriving later should make their own way to the first hotel. Return transfers on the last touring day will arrive at Madrid airport at 07.00, 09.00 and 11.00.

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About Trafalgar Tours

Trafalgar offers tours targeted to the middle class and offers less expensive hotels in more suburban areas vs. city centers. You'll still get to see the key sites while remaining on a budget.

Traveler profile

Most passengers are 50+, especially catering to retired couples. Their Breakaway tours generally cater to 21-38 year olds.

Group size

Maximum 55 people on a bus.

Tour directors

Less experienced tour guides are generally assigned to these tours to help them increase their experience.

Hotel type

Hotels are comfortable but less centrally located than tours by Globus or Insight.

What's included

Most basic city tours included. There are optionals including more in depth tours as well as special dinners, etc. are extra.

Free time

There is more bus time on these tours than on higher end ones, so there is less free time, but you can maximize your leisure time by skipping some of the optional trips.

Booking Policy

Booking Changes:


A fee of US$30 per person (per change) will be charged in addition to any airline fees for any revision or alteration made to a reservation after the booking is confirmed. Any alterations will risk the loss of air space or increased airfares. Name changes or corrections will be treated as a cancellation of air and all normal air cancellation fees will apply. A change of tour date or tour itinerary within 90 days (River Cruises & China), 80 days (Tour & Cruise), 50 days (Tour & Train) or 45 days (Tour Only) prior to tour departure will be treated as a cancellation, and normal cancellation fees will apply.

Cancellations and Cancellation Fees:

If you cancel more than 90 days prior to a River Cruise or China departure, 80 days prior to a Tour & Cruise departure, 50 days prior to a Tour & Train departure or 45 days prior to a Tour Only departure, a cancellation fee equal to your deposit paid will be charged (including the Travel Protection Plan¡¯s insurance premium if applicable, see Trafalgar¡¯s brochure) will not be refunded, nor can it be credited to any other booking.

Notice of cancellation must be made in writing either directly to Trafalgar or through your Travel Agent.

The following scale of charges will apply when notice of cancellation for River Cruise, Tour & Cruise, Tour and Train and Tour Only is given prior to tour departure.

Tour Only (Land Tours)
No. of days prior to tour departure* and Cancellation Free as a % of total price:
Over 45 days: $US200
45 - 22 days: 25%
21 - 8 days: 30%
7 - 1 days: 50%
Departure day or later/no show: 100%

Tour & Train
No. of days prior to tour departure* and Cancellation Free as a % of total price:
Over 50 days: $US200
50 - 35 days: 35%
34 - 20 days: 50%
19 - 8 days: 75%
7 days or less / no show: 100%

Tour & Cruise
No. of days prior to tour departure* and Cancellation Free as a % of total price:
Over 80 days: $US350
80 - 46 days: 35%
45 - 16 days: 50%
15 - 8 days: 75%
7 days or less / no show: 100%


River Cruise & China
No. of days prior to tour departure* and Cancellation Free as a % of total price:
90 days or more: $US200**
89 - 60 days: 35%**
59 - 30 days: 50%**
Less than 30 days: 100%**
Departure day or later / no show: 100%**

South America Tour
No. of days prior to tour departure* and Cancellation Free as a % of total price:
45 days or more: the full non-refundable deposit
45 - 31 days: 25%
30 days or less: 100%
Departure day or later / no show: 100%

*The departure date constitutes the date indicated on Trafalgar's confirmation.
**Fare is defined as the cost of any cruise / tour element purchased from Uniworld Inc.

Extra night hotel accommodation that is cancelled within 14 days of the booked date incurs a 100% cancellation fee. When accommodation is cancelled outside 14 days, the cancellation fees are:
Over 45 days: US$30 per person
45 - 22 days: 25%
21 - 15 days: 30%

Airline arrangements: The following cancellation charges apply for airline arrangements made by Trafalgar Tours:
Prior to Airline Ticketing service fee $50.00 per person.
After Airline Ticketing service fee $75.00 per person plus any airline imposed penalties which may be up to 100% of the air ticket value.

Airline special requests, availability and gateways: Seat assignment and special meal requests can be requested at time of booking. Trafalgar cannot guarantee confirmation of preferences. Frequent Flyer miles can be accrued on most air carriers but upgrades using mileage is not permitted. Note that not all airlines automatically provide pre-reserved seats, add frequent flyer numbers to records or apply frequent flyer bonus upgrades to flights booked and ticketed by Trafalgar unless they are informed by your Travel Agent.
Seats are limited and not available on every flight. If Trafalgar is unable to confirm your air reservation in its scheduled class of service, we may offer an alternative of either connecting flights, substitute gateways or a more expensive booking category. Any air surcharges will be at the passenger¡¯s expense. You will be advised of these conditions at the time of booking.
For alternative routing, specific air travel or other special requirements, we recommend your Travel Agent reserves your flights directly with the airline of your choice. Trafalgar reserves the right to choose the air carrier, routing and gateway airport and you should be advised that flight schedules in force at that time may require you make alternative connections or stops en route to your destination. Trafalgar does not hold block space on any airline and does not guarantee air availability for every single tour departure date. You should be advised that due to demand during peak travel times, there may not be availability in popular gateway cities. Passengers originating from different gateway cities and sharing a room or traveling with other passengers, may not be confirmed on the same airline or routing.

Refunds and Penalties:

Illness or Absenteeism: In the event of your withdrawal from a tour after commencement for reasons of illness, you must obtain a medical certificate in support of any insurance claim. We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including but not limited to missed meals or sightseeing. Trafalgar makes no representation or guarantees concerning reimbursements of funds paid by you under any insurance claim.

Airfares: No refund will be made for cancelled air tickets on air inclusive bookings until tickets are returned to Trafalgar. Refunds for tour portion will only be processed after return of documents to Trafalgar. Please ensure that returned tour documents which contain airline tickets are sent by certified or registered mail. Lost ticket replacement can take up to 1 year and processing fees can be assessed.

If a promotional airfare is broken or extended for any reason, an additional cost may be incurred. Airfares are subject to change at any time. Changes to flight itineraries and name changes may result in penalties charged by Trafalgar and/or the airline concerned passed on to the passenger. Promotionally priced bookings may be subject to additional cancellation or change fees; please refer to specific promotion terms, conditions and restrictions.

* Prices do not include taxes and fees, may not include airfare and are based on double occupancy. Tour information including pricing may not be up to date.

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