SOUTH OF FRANCE & SPAIN 8 DAYS

DAY 1. MARSEILLE AIRPORT – MARSEILLE

Welcome to Marseille, France! Begin your adventures with a city tour of Marseille beginning with the Vieux Port, bustling market where boats have been docking for a thousand years to the incredible Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde. Standing at 154m above the Vieux port, this 19th century Romano-Byzantine basílica is Marseille’s most visited icon. Built on the foundations of a 16th-century fort, which was itself an enlargement of a 13th-century chapel, the basilica is ornamented with coloured marble, superb Byzantine style mosaics, and murals depicting ships sailing under the protection of La Bonne Mère (The Good Mother).

DAY 2. MARSEILLE – AVIGNON – ARLES

After the breakfast. We will visit the stunning Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica.
After lunch continue to Aix en Provence for a walk through the cobblestone alleys, ancient architecture, and the enticing Patisseries. Aix en Provence is also the proud home of Paul Cézanne, the Father of modern painting. Continue to Avignon with your guided tour of this beautiful Provencal City, designated a la UNESCO heritage city. Avignon was for centuries one of the major artistic centers of France. Located on the banks of the River Rhône, this medieval city is dominated by the Pope’s Palace. The Popes’ Palace, built in 1335, is the largest Gothic palace in all of Europe (equivalent of 4 Gothic cathedrals). End this day in Arles, the quaint village famous for Vincent Van Gogh. Lodging at the Hotel.

DAY 3. ARLES

Breakfast. Today, after mass, tour the Roman ruins of the ancient theater and the Roman Arena, where 2000 years ago gladiators fought and today it is still used as a sporting arena. Enjoy the amazing architecture of the Forum Square and be sure to have a treat in the bright yellow cafe also known as the Cafe Van Gogh – where Vincent was inspired for his famous painting. Walk in the footsteps of Van Gogh where he painted 200 canvases in 15 months and where he reportedly cut off his lobe in a fight with his fellow artist, Paul Gauguin. Lodging at the Hotel

DAY 4. ARLES – MONTPELIER – CARCASSONNE

Breakfast. This morning continue along the Mediterranean Sea to the ancient town of Montpellier. Montpellier was only two centuries old in 1181, when Lord Guilhem VIII declared that anyone could teach medicine in Montpellier. This amazing medical school which is the oldest in the western world, is located in the halls of a medieval monastery. The anatomy building and the Institute of Biology were added in the 19th Century. Continue your journey to Carcassonne, one of the most perfectly preserved walled towns of the world. It is also the largest walled city in Europe, it encompasses towers, dungeons, moats and drawbridges which serves as one of the most impressive examples of medieval France. Have fun exploring this amazing place and your first night in a castle. Lodging at the Hotel.

DAY 5. CARCASSONNE – FIGUERES – BARCELONA

Breakfast. This morning join in on your castle tour. See the Chateau Comtal, the Bell Tower and the Cathedral of St. Michael with it’s fantastic views and photo opportunities. Hear stories of the Gauls, Romans, Moors and the Franks. ¡Hola! Welcome to España!
Salvador Dalí – Figueres, Spain. Figueres is the birthplace of the famous artist Salvador Dalí (1904-1989), and houses the Dalí theatre-Museum, the largest surrealistic object in the world which occupies the building of the former Municipal Theatre. Arrive into Barcelona, relaxed and ready to explore the shops and eateries of La Rambla. Barcelona’s old city is, without a doubt, one of the finest of Southern Europe. This wide boulevard connects the Place de Catalunya, a busy square, to the Monument a Colom, a tall column erected in honor of Christopher Columbus. Lodging at the Hotel.

DAY 6. BARCELONA – MADRID

Breakfast. After we will start the visit to the Sagrada Familia. Known as the Bible in Stone, this incredible masterpiece was designed and built by Bocabella and Gaudi in 1882, and is still under construction, even after 136 years. After transfer to the station, depart by high speed train to Madrid – the capital of Spain. Upon arrival, begin your day with a guided tour. This half day tour highlights some of Madrid’s famous avenues and historic quarters, see The Opera, Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, Plaza de la Villa, Las Ventas bullring and tour the Santiago Bernabeu, home of Real Madrid football team. Lodging at the Hotel.

DAY 7. MADRID

Breakfast. Today travel to the medieval pink city of Toledo, located 70 km from Madrid and one of the oldest cities in Europe. Once the former capital of Spain, the beautiful architecture includes almost every period in Spain’s history including; Arab, Gothic, Mudejar, Renaissance, and Baroque. Toledo is also famed for its production of iron products, especially swords. End this day in Madrid. Loding at the Hotel

DAY 8. MADRID AIRPORT

Breakfast at the hotel or take away, depending on our departure time. Transfer to airport. End of our Services

Services Included

• 1 Nights at Hotel ***/**** in Marseille or surroundings
• 2 Nights at Hotel ***/**** in Arles or surroundings
• 1 Nights at Hotel ***/**** in Carcassonne or surroundings
• 1 Nights at Hotel ***/**** in Barcelona or surroundings
• 2 Nights at Hotel ***/**** in Madrid or surroundings
• Bed and Breakfast
• Transport by coach
• Group Assistant during all the tour
• Local guide in Avignon
• Local guide in Arles
• Local guide in Figueres
• Local guide in Barcelona
• Local guide in Madrid
• Local guide in Toledo
• Entrance into Popes Palace
• Entrance into Roman Arene Arles
• Entrance into Dalí Museum
  Entrance into Sagrada Familia
  Entrance into Bernabeu Stadium

If you want more information,  please contact us at info@mundispaintours.es