Paris to the Pyrenees
Between two former empires lie the majestic Pyrenees—a vast mountain range older than The Alps by over 200 million years—whose mere existence has shaped the borders of nations since the dawn of civilization. As you travel south toward them, you'll traverse the scenic Loire Valley, and witness the architectural splendour of the Château de Chenonceau, a Renaissance marvel that overlooks the River Cher. On the Basque Coast, you will climb the imposing Dune du Pilat to earn a breathtaking panorama of Europe’s largest sand dunes. Next, the vibrant cities of Biarritz and San Sebastián reveal an interesting blend of French and Spanish influences, expressed across their peculiar art, food, social customs, and more. Ascend Monte Urgull in San Sebastián, where each step through its cobbled paths, and remnants of military fortifications like the La Mota Castle, is a step back in time. Conclude this inspiring tour with a stroll through Barcelona’s Park Güell, a testament to the genius of Antoni Gaudí, and a final touch of wonder in this educational odyssey. This tour promises to be an enlightening expedition, rich in historical insights, natural splendour, and cultural curiosities.
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Day 1: Fly overnight to France
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Day 2: Paris
Meet your Tour Director at your destinationTake a walking tour of Paris
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Day 3: Paris
Take a guided tour of Paris
With your expert local guide you will see:
- Place de la Concorde
- Champs-Élysées
- Arc de Triomphe
- Les Invalides
- Eiffel Tower
Catch a glimpse of Notre-Dame Cathedral
Visit the Louvre -
Day 4: Paris • Loire Valley • Bordeaux
Travel to Bordeaux via the Loire Valley
Visit the Château de Chenonceau
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Day 5: Bordeaux • Basque Coast
Travel to Biarritz via Arcachon
Take a tour of Dune du Pilat
Take a tour of Biarritz
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Day 6: Basque Coast • San Sebastián • Pamplona
Travel to Pamplona via San Sebastián
Self-Guided Walking Tour of San Sebastian
Take a walk up Monte Urgull for some beautiful views
Take a guided tour of Pamplona
With your expert local guide you will see:
- Plaza del Castillo
- Pamplona Cathedral
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Day 7: Pamplona • Zaragoza • Barcelona
Travel to Barcelona via Zaragoza
Visit Basílica del Pilar
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Day 8: Barcelona
Take a guided tour of Barcelona
With your expert local guide you will see:
- La Sagrada Família
- Park Güell
- La Pedrera or Casa Batlló
Visit Park Güell
Take a walking tour of Barcelona
Add this in-depth excursion:
Barcelona flamenco evening
Feel the pulse of Spain when you attend an unforgettable flamenco performance! Born of Indian, Moorish, Arabian, and gipsy influences, flamenco dance is a passionate display of dramatic poses and colourful costumes, accompanied by song and guitar. Marvel at the intricate rhythms created by a dancer’s steps, castanets, and clapping. Note: A beverage is included during the one-hour performance.
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Day 9: Barcelona
Snap a panoramic photo of Barcelona atop Montjuïc
Add this in-depth excursion:
Montserrat
Journey northwest of Barcelona on a half-day excursion to Montserrat. Its mountain setting provides a dramatic backdrop for the 9th-century monastery whose basilica houses the Black Virgin Mary of Montserrat. Legend has it that Benedictine monks could not move the statue to construct their monastery, so instead they built around it. You may even hear the renowned boys choir during your visit.
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Day 10: Depart for home
Add 2 more days
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Day 10: Barcelona • Madrid
Travel by train to Madrid
Take a walking tour of Madrid
With your Tour Director you will see:
- Puerta del Sol
- Plaza Mayor
- Mercado de San Miguel
Visit the Prado Museum
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Day 11: Madrid
Take a tour of Madrid with an expert local guide
Explore Madrid de los Austrias during a self-guided Immersive Scavenger Hunt designed exclusively for EF
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Day 12: Depart for home
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Day 1: Fly overnight to France
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Day 2: Paris
Meet your Tour Director at your destinationTake a walking tour of Paris
-
Day 3: Paris
Take a guided tour of Paris
With your expert local guide you will see:
- Place de la Concorde
- Champs-Élysées
- Arc de Triomphe
- Les Invalides
- Eiffel Tower
Catch a glimpse of Notre-Dame Cathedral
Visit the Louvre -
Day 4: Paris • Loire Valley • Bordeaux
Travel to Bordeaux via the Loire Valley
Visit the Château de Chenonceau
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Day 5: Bordeaux • Basque Coast
Travel to Biarritz via Arcachon
Take a tour of Dune du Pilat
Take a tour of Biarritz
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Day 6: Basque Coast • San Sebastián • Pamplona
Travel to Pamplona via San Sebastián
Self-Guided Walking Tour of San Sebastian
Take a walk up Monte Urgull for some beautiful views
Take a guided tour of Pamplona
With your expert local guide you will see:
- Plaza del Castillo
- Pamplona Cathedral
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Day 7: Pamplona • Zaragoza • Barcelona
Travel to Barcelona via Zaragoza
Visit Basílica del Pilar
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Day 8: Barcelona
Take a guided tour of Barcelona
With your expert local guide you will see:
- La Sagrada Família
- Park Güell
- La Pedrera or Casa Batlló
Visit Park Güell
Take a walking tour of Barcelona
Add this in-depth excursion:
Barcelona flamenco evening
Feel the pulse of Spain when you attend an unforgettable flamenco performance! Born of Indian, Moorish, Arabian, and gipsy influences, flamenco dance is a passionate display of dramatic poses and colourful costumes, accompanied by song and guitar. Marvel at the intricate rhythms created by a dancer’s steps, castanets, and clapping. Note: A beverage is included during the one-hour performance.
-
Day 9: Barcelona
Snap a panoramic photo of Barcelona atop Montjuïc
Add this in-depth excursion:
Montserrat
Journey northwest of Barcelona on a half-day excursion to Montserrat. Its mountain setting provides a dramatic backdrop for the 9th-century monastery whose basilica houses the Black Virgin Mary of Montserrat. Legend has it that Benedictine monks could not move the statue to construct their monastery, so instead they built around it. You may even hear the renowned boys choir during your visit.
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Day 10: Depart for home
Add 2 more days
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Day 10: Barcelona • Madrid
Travel by train to Madrid
Take a walking tour of Madrid
With your Tour Director you will see:
- Puerta del Sol
- Plaza Mayor
- Mercado de San Miguel
Visit the Prado Museum
-
Day 11: Madrid
Take a tour of Madrid with an expert local guide
Explore Madrid de los Austrias during a self-guided Immersive Scavenger Hunt designed exclusively for EF
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Day 12: Depart for home
See what an EF tour is really like
Reviews
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Everything you get
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Airfare & transportation
Your flights—covered. Buses, trains, cruise ships, ferries and subways—covered. We take care of getting you around so you can enjoy the ride.
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Hotels
Safe, comfortable hotels with private bathrooms will be waiting for you at your destination.
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Meals
Traditional breakfasts and dinners bring local flavours to life as part of your tour experience. Lunches are left for you to discover new favourite dishes of your own.
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Entrances
Louvre; Notre-Dame Cathedral; Chenonceau; Parque Guell; With extension: Madrid Royal Palace; Prado
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Full-time Tour Director
Your dedicated Tour Director is with your group 24/7, providing deep local insight while handling all on-tour logistics.
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Expert Local Guides
Your expert local guides add cultural insight and global perspective on your sightseeing tours.
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Continuous Support
Your dedicated EF team helps you every step of the way—from recruiting and enrolling travellers to planning and managing your tour.
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24-hour Emergency Service
Travellers and their families can count on EF’s dedicated emergency service team.
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Worldwide Presence
EF has over 500 schools and offices in more than 50 countries worldwide so wherever you go, we’re there too.
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Peace of Mind Program
Feel secure knowing your group can change their destination or travel dates due to unforeseen circumstances.
Pricing that makes travel possible
Payment options
We believe every student should have the opportunity to travel, which is why we let our travellers choose how they want to manage their payments. Enrol in our Automatic Payment Plan with just $199 to start, make fixed and low monthly payments through Uplift, receive invoices and make your payments in less frequent instalments, or pay up front in full.
Program price valid for today. Program price is based on EF’s free place ratio of 8:1 and includes all airline/travel provider surcharges, departure taxes and airport fees. Please call 1-800-387-1460 for more information.
