UK, Ireland & France Tours -13 Days

The next day offers a journey of discovery through the Loire Valley. We’ll start with an early morning visit to the Château du Clos Lucé in Amboise, where Leonardo da Vinci spent his final years. From there, we’ll explore the iconic Château de Chenonceau (tickets included), an architectural masterpiece that spans the River Cher. Our next destination is Chambord, the largest castle in the Loire Valley (park admission included). As we venture deeper into central France, we’ll stop in Limoges, famous for its porcelain craftsmanship. We recommend exploring the historic center, where the stunning Saint Etienne Cathedral stands as a highlight.

Leaving Limoges, we’ll journey through the Dordogne, a region steeped in history and natural beauty. After arriving at Lascaux, we’ll visit the museum and the replica of the prehistoric caves, home to breathtaking ancient cave paintings (tickets included). Our adventure continues to Sarlat, a UNESCO World Heritage town with an impeccably preserved Renaissance center, offering time for a stroll and lunch. In Beynac, we’ll explore a medieval castle with panoramic views over the river (admission included). We’ll end the day in Rocamadour, a stunning medieval village perched on a cliff, home to an important sanctuary. We recommend walking the Via Crucis and returning by lift. Dinner is included.

Our next day begins with a visit to the impressive Padirac Chasm, where we’ll take a boat ride on an underground river, 75 meters below the surface. Afterward, we’ll head to the picturesque village of Collonges-la-Rouge, renowned for its red sandstone architecture and its place along the Way of St. James. After lunch, we’ll continue to Saint-Emilion, nestled in the heart of the Bordeaux wine region, with time to explore this charming town. We’ll arrive in Bordeaux later in the evening.

*Note:* The Padirac Chasm may be closed from November to March due to weather conditions.

Bordeaux, recognized as a World Heritage Site, is a city of captivating beauty. Highlights include the stunning "Water Mirror" and a visit to the charming old town with its pedestrian streets and the 11th-century cathedral. Admission to the Cité du Vin, an interactive museum exploring the history of wine (with audio guide and wine tasting included), is part of the itinerary. Later, you’ll have free time to enjoy lunch along the scenic banks of the Garonne River. We then head towards the Pyrenees, arriving in Lourdes in the afternoon. You’ll have time to visit the sanctuary, with an option to attend the candlelit procession. Dinner is included.

The next day, we’ll travel through the scenic south of France, stopping in the fortified city of Carcassonne, surrounded by impressive medieval walls. After exploring the city, we’ll continue to Narbonne, where you’ll have free time to discover its historic old town. In the late afternoon, we’ll arrive in Marseille, France’s second-largest city, known for its vibrant Vieux-Port, bustling with life and dotted with charming restaurants.

The following day, we’ll explore the beautiful Provence region, starting with a visit to Arles, a UNESCO World Heritage city rich in Roman and medieval history and famously associated with Van Gogh. In the medieval village of Les Baux, we’ll experience the immersive Carrières de Lumières show, an impressive underground display of art, light, and sound. We’ll then stop in Avignon for lunch and a visit to the imposing Palais des Papes. Our day ends in Lyon, where we’ll explore the World Heritage old town and take a cable car to the stunning Notre-Dame de Fourvière, offering panoramic views of the city.

*Note:* If Carrières de Lumières tickets are unavailable, we will visit the Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard instead.

From Lyon, we’ll journey into the Burgundy region, with our first stop in the charming town of Tournus, home to an imposing abbey. Afterward, we’ll explore Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy, where we recommend visiting the wine museum or the historic hospice. We’ll continue to the Savigny Castle, which houses extraordinary museums of motorbikes, racing cars, planes, and helicopters. Our day concludes in Dijon, the capital of Burgundy, known for its lively streets and stunning medieval and Renaissance architecture.

As we explore more of Burgundy, we’ll stop in Besançon, a city of Roman origin with a beautiful historic center and a 17th-century citadel. We’ll then continue to Alsace, a region with a blend of French and German culture. In Colmar, you’ll discover colorful half-timbered houses and charming canals. We’ll visit the fairy-tale towns of Riquewihr and Ribeauvillé, known for their medieval charm, before arriving in Strasbourg.

In Strasbourg, we’ll explore the city’s historic center, including a boat trip through the picturesque canals of Petite France. Afterward, we’ll cross into Germany, passing through the scenic Black Forest. We’ll visit Freiburg and Triberg, famous for its cuckoo clocks and waterfalls. Our day ends in Baden-Baden, a historic spa town known for its elegant charm.

The next day, we’ll explore Speyer and Heidelberg, where a cable car will take us to its impressive castle. You’ll have time to explore the castle’s gardens, wineries, and apothecary museum before arriving in Frankfurt.

We’ll journey to Luxembourg, a small country with a blend of German and French culture. Explore its historic old town and grand fortifications before continuing to Reims, where you’ll marvel at its stunning Gothic cathedral. We’ll arrive in Paris by evening.

After breakfast, your tour with Europamundo concludes, leaving you with wonderful memories.