Paris to the Pyrenees

10 or 12 days

Paris, Dordogne, Biarritz, Pamplona, Barcelona, with extension to Madrid | PPY

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.

Image displaying map describing the itinerary of the Paris to the Pyrenees tour

Day 1: Fly overnight to France

Day 2: Paris

Meet your Tour Director at your destination

Take 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

Day 5: Bordeaux • Basque Coast

Travel to Biarritz via Arcachon

Take a tour of Dune du Pilat

Take a tour of Biarritz

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

Day 7: Pamplona • Zaragoza • Barcelona

Travel to Barcelona via Zaragoza

Visit Basílica del Pilar

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.

Day 10: Depart for home

Add 2 more days

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

Day 12: Depart for home

See what an EF tour is really like

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Your experience includes

This all-inclusive global experience gives students the chance to explore the world–all at an unbeatable value.

Airfare & transportation

Hotels

Meals

Entrances

Full-time Tour Director

Expert Local Guides

Personalized Learning Support

Continuous Support

24-hour Emergency Service

Worldwide Presence

Pricing that makes travel possible

Includes airfare, hotels, meals, full-time Tour Director, and more.

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 FlexPay, receive invoices and make your payments in less frequent instalments, or pay upfront in full.

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