Nice | Southern France, Pyrenees & La Rioja Small Group Tour

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On our tours from Nice, we take you beyond the glitz and glamour to Europe’s tucked-away treasures and classic destinations. From the heights of the Pyrenean mountains to the depths of red Rioja wine, this tour lets you discover the highlights of France and Spain.

Day 1: Nice | Aix-en-Provence | Carcassonne

This morning you'll say ‘au revoir’ to glamorous Nice and head west towards Aix-en-Provence, a classy city full of lively streets, elegant fountains and leafy squares. Here you can explore the winding streets and visit local cafés; or trace the life of Paul Cézanne, from the house he was born to the painter’s atelier and final resting place. Next on the agenda is the archaeological site and museum of Ambrussum. This is where the Gallo-Romans existed 2,000 years ago. It’s located on one of the most ancient Roman routes and gives an insight into the history of this region. Continue south and leave the Romans behind as we delve into the heart of the Regional Natural Park of Narbonne. This peaceful area is a haven for Fontfroide Abbey which held considerable power during the Middle Ages. Enjoy the tranquillity of this place and breathe in the fresh air before you travel to the walled city of Carcassonne, your base for the night.

Day 2: Carcassonne | Mirepoix | Lourdes

Wake up, enjoy breakfast and start exploring this fascinating medieval city. Carcassonne has more stone towers, spiky turrets, and zigzag battlements than you can shake a sword at. So, it will come as no surprise it boasts a UNESCO title. All this sightseeing must have worked up your appetite, so well travel on to the fortified medieval town of Mirepoix with time for lunch on your own. Here, you can enjoy the local specialities in the main square surrounded by timber-framed houses before we head deeper into the Midi-Pyrénées. Next, instead of travelling up the mountains, you'll descend to the fascinating underground world of The Mas d’Azil Cave. The immensity of the grotto (the only one in Europe you can drive through) and the rich discoveries will leave you speechless. In the early evening, you arrive in Lourdes, a small Pyrenean town, a spiritual centre, and your home for two nights. (B)

Day 3: Lourdes

Today is yours to pass as you choose perhaps deciding to stay in Lourdes and discover the sites at your own pace. There’s the soaring sanctuary of Notre Dame de Lourdes, a nearby castle, and a funicular ride to the top of Pic du Jer for a great view of the Pyrenees. Alternatively, you can spend half a day in Lourdes and half a day on tour exploring the village of Gavarnie deep in the Pyrenees. It’s a perfect opportunity to wander around this little commune and try some local specialities. And if you feel the wilderness calls you, you can spend the whole day with us in the great outdoors. Why not go on a hike to Cirque de Gavarnie? The effort is worth it, this majestic amphitheatre-like valley with tumbling waterfalls will reward you with one of the Pyrenees’ most stunning vistas. Whichever option you choose, you spend the evening enjoying the atmosphere of Lourdes. (B)

Day 4: Lourdes | Jaca | Haro

It’s time to travel through the impressive Pyrenean Mountain passes and into Spain. You'll start your journey through this massive national park and descend into the Spanish town of Jaca, nicknamed the ‘Pearl of the Pyrenees’ and has a captivating history. It was founded by the Romans, conquered by the Moors, and taken over again by the Christians. Ponder over the bravery of the locals as you explore the city and savour your lunch. Hopefully, you’ve got your swimwear with you, because you head to Yesa Reservoir, where you may find thermal pools for bathing. And if the water level is low, you can even have a free spa treatment when you plaster yourself with skin-softening mud. Alternatively, if you don’t want to get out your swimming costume, you can spend your afternoon visiting the peaceful Leyre Monastery built on a mountain range overlooking the greenish and bluish shades of the reservoir. Refreshed by the afternoon’s adventures you head to La Rioja region, the wine connoisseur’s heaven, to spend two nights in Haro. (B)

Day 5 : La Rioja

Today you'll wake up in a hilltop town surrounded by the vineyards of La Rioja. This is a fantastic base for exploring this rich region where wine has been cultivated since Roman times. In the morning, you'll venture off the beaten track to Tobera in Montes Obarenes Nature Park travelling through mountains and forests to arrive in this picturesque hamlet with Romanesque hermitages. Here, you go for a relaxing walk to Tobera waterfall and have a comfort break in the nearby Frías. This tiny medieval city is as old as it is beautiful and is adorned with a ruined castle that will make you stare in wonder. Next, jump over to the Basque Country. Here you take in views of Sobrón Gorge and River Ebro, which nurtures the precious vineyards of La Rioja. After this scenic morning, you'll have an opportunity to uncover the culture and history of the wine of this fertile land and to call on a local bodega where you can savour the aromas and flavours of this beverage. You may also choose to try a superb food and wine pairing to complete your experience. If you think it’s time for your siesta, you can stay in Haro and relax for the rest of the day. But if you still want to carry on indulging in the regional delights, you can choose to enjoy more excellent wine in another winery. Whatever you do, spend your evening discovering gastronomic gems of Haro. (B)

Day 6: La Rioja | Madrid

Say farewell to La Rioja and the vineyards because it’s time to travel on to Burgos. This proud city, situated on the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route, is famous for its Gothic cathedral looming over the skyline. Marvel at this jewel of Spanish architecture and visit the tomb of Burgos’ favourite and most roguish son, El Cid.  Then travel through the vast plains of Castile and León and arrive in Segovia. This city still has the spirit of an old Spanish city and is steeped in history. Start uncovering the city’s rich heritage by gazing in awe at the perfectly engineered Roman aqueduct now standing in the vibrant centre. Then wander the cobbled streets and get dazzled by Alcázar de Segovia. With soaring towers and turrets topped with slate witches’ hats, this castle looks like straight out of a fairy tale. So much so it supposedly inspired Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland. Drink in the vast panoramas of this magnificent city and then finally, travel south where the grand metropolis of Madrid awaits you in the evening. (B)

Guaranteed departures!

May 11 & 25; June 8 & 22; July 6 & 20; August 3, 17 & 31 and September 14, 2020    
All visits & excursions are optional and at your own expense.
Cancellation & change penalties for this tour differ from regular CIT Terms & Conditions.   Full cancellation penalties of 100% apply at 45 days prior to departure.