Day 1:
Ferry to Calais and overnight stay in France on a bed and breakfast basis.
Day 2: Bourges
Travel onwards to our overnight hotel in pretty Clermont-Ferrand, stopping en route in Bourges. This medieval French town boasts a UNESCO-listed cathedral, a spectacular palace, lovely gardens and an atmospheric Old Town of half-timbered houses, Renaissance mansions, interesting museums and famous landmarks, including the house in which the powerful merchant, Jacques Cœur, was born in 1395.
Day 3: Étang de Thau
We continue onwards to our hotel in Andorra la Vella, visiting Étang de Thau along the way. The largest of the lagoons located along the French coast, this tranquil expanse of water is renowned for its unique ecosystem, which supports a rich variety of marine life and attracts many different migratory birds. There are several traditional fishing villages and charming towns dotting the lagoon's perimeter, including Sète, with its bustling harbour, fresh seafood and stretches of sandy beaches. Known as the Venice of Southern France, it's the perfect spot for some lunch at your leisure.
Day 4: Scenic Andorra
We explore Andorra’s scenic side, which is the perfect chance to immerse yourself in the beauty of La Seu d'Urgell's historic cathedral and Old Town before we discover Puigcerdà's pretty streets, dotted with lovely shops and cafés. Afterwards, we head to the charming Andorran village of Soldeu before arriving at Engolasters for a photo stop in this tranquil lakeside setting.
Day 5: At Leisure
Spend the day at leisure at our hotel or take the chance to explore more of the local area. Andorra la Vella is both the capital and sole town of this principality, with many historical buildings to see, such as the Casa de la Vall, which has served as a parliament building since 1702. Or why not visit the church of Santa Coloma with its decorative architectural style or the Placa del Poble? Translated as the ‘People’s Square’, it's a popular spot with a wonderful atmosphere!
Day 6: Scenic Pyrenees
Our scenic tour through the Pyrenees is the ideal way to experience the very best highlights this remote mountain range has to offer. Weaving its way along the border between France and Spain, this landscape is truly unforgettable. From the Sanctuary of Meritxell Basilica (one of the must-see religious temples in Andorra) to the pretty village of Os de Civis, there is so much to uncover.
Day 7: Montserrat
We head to Montserrat, which means ‘serrated mountain’. This rocky range offers magnificent views of some of the most unusual geological formations in the whole of Catalonia. Nestled between the peaks is the well-known site of the Benedictine Abbey, Santa Maria de Montserrat, which hosts the Virgin of Montserrat sanctuary, has links to the Holy Grail and is the centre of the Catalan faith. It contains the Black Virgin of Montserrat, an incredible feat of 12th-century carving and believed to have been requested by Jesus in Jerusalem.
Day 8: Rocamadour
We check out of our hotel and arrive in Rocamadour in the mid-afternoon. This enchanting medieval village, perched on a cliff, never fails to awe visitors with its picturesque charm. See the ancient pilgrimage site, visit the breathtaking Chapelle Notre-Dame and meander through cobblestone streets before we continue to our overnight hotel in the Limoges area, with dinner included.
Day 9: Overnight stay in France
Travel to our overnight hotel in France in time for dinner, stopping en route in Paris in the mid-afternoon to see the iconic sights. You may also like to wander through the quaint streets of the Latin Quarter or along the banks of the Seine, spanned with ornate bridges, and soak up the café culture here.
Day 9: Journey home
Continue to Calais for our return ferry home.