10 Days Superior Portugal, Spain & France

Depart from home city for Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. Arrive at Lisbon. The afternoon city tour passes the Belem Tower, the Monument to the Discoveries, the Suspension Bridge and the Rossio.

Head north to Coimbra, the third largest city in Portugal. The first stop is at its most prestigious university where we will visit the Royal Palace, St Michael Chapel and Joanina Library. Then onto the churches, the botanic garden and the downtown square. Continue to Porto, the second largest city in Portugal. A delightful wine tasting in a Port wine cellar is arranged.

Drive by coach to Braga, a city of huge beauty and heritage richness. Upon arrival, we will first visit the Santuario do Bom Jesus do Monte, a UNESCO Heritage site and notable Christian pilgrimage site with a monumental Baroque stairway, followed by photo stops at The Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in the country, Archbishop's palace, Santa Barbara Garden, etc. Continue to Santiago de Compostela where a visit is made to the Plaza del Obradoiro, the landmark of the city, before dinner.

The morning tour includes the major landmarks of Santiago de Compostela. First, it will be the Cathedral, the reputed burial place of Saint James the Great who was one of the apostles of Jesus Christ. Then continue to the Monastery of San Martino Pinario. Founded in the 10th century and an architectural jewel, this Catholic monastery is one of the largest monastic complexes in Europe. Finally, arrive at the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Leave Santiago de Compostela for Leon, where we will start a walking tour to see Plaza Mayor, Calle Ancha, Old Post Office, Botines Palace, Basilica de San Isidoro etc. Continue to Andorra la Vella.

The morning city tour of Andorra la Vella will take you to some historic sites such as Casa de la Vall, 16th century former parliament building, The Postal Museum, Casa Cristio a Cultural Heritage property, the church of Santa Coloma, the oldest of its kind in the country, etc. With picturesque views of the Pyrenees mountains, Andorra is the 6th smallest state in Europe and also known for its ski resorts and tax-haven status. Drive to Lourdes. In 1858, a young peasant girl named Bernadette Soubirous claimed that she had 18 encounters with Virgin Mary and talked about the water from a spring believed to have healing powers. Discover the site around Sanctuary Notre Dame with stops at the Massabielle Grotto, Lourdes Castle and Old Town. Leave Lourdes for Carcassonne, a World Heritage Site listed by UNESCO in 1997, for overnight stay.

In this morning, we will tour the world famous medieval citadel of Carcassonne which was built on a hilltop and dated back to the Gallo-Roman period. It has 46 watchtowers with double-walled fortifications and is regarded as the most well preserved castle of its kind in Europe. After visits, proceed to Barcelona, the second largest city in Spain. Ample time is provided to you to explore the city on your own or leisurely stroll along the lively Ramblas, famous for its vibrant atmosphere and open-air markets.

Continue exploration of Barcelona on your own or leisurely stroll along the lively Ramblas.

Head north to cross the border to Biarritz, an elegant seaside town on France's Basque coast. We will stop by some beautiful beaches such as Grand Plage, Plage du Port Vieux and Cote des Basques for photo opportunities.

Proceed to Bayonne, built on the remains of the 4th century Roman castle. The city tour includes visits to the Cathedral de Sainte-Marie, which was part of the pilgrimage path to Santiago de Compostela and was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Old Town and the Grand Bayonne District, the commercial and historic center.

Transfer to the airport for a pleasant flight home.