From Avignon, we’ll make our way to Gordes, one of the setting of the book “A Year in Provence” by Peter Mayle. Built on the foothills of the Monts of Vaucluse, Gordes is one of the most well-beautiful hilltop villages in France. Then visit another scenic spot in the book, Abbey de Sénanque, this 12th century Cistercian monastery is still an active monastery. With fields of rows of lavender in an isolated valley leading to a beautifully solumn sanctuary, makes it an iconic scene of Provence. In the afternoon, discover Arles, a beautiful city famous for being home to and a source of inspiration for painter Vincent Van Gogh. Arles used to be an old Roman town, you can spot numerous Roman remains everywhere. A stroll through Arles feels a bit like a walk through history. Van Gogh lived in Arles for more than a year. He produced over 200 paintings and drawings during his stay including “Café Terrace at Night”, “Bedroom in Arles”, “The Langlois Bridge at Arles”. Following Van Gogh’s footsteps, wandering around the Langlois Bridge, and the cafe at Place du Forum, from one of his nocturnal paintings, you will feel like his art is coming to life. After the visit, we will drive towards Spain, stay overnight in Perpignan, or city nearby.

(Please note: Lavender season in Provence isn‘t a year-round affair. It’s usually from mid June to mid August. And the best time to see the lavender also varies in different areas, depends on the altitude of the terrain and weather conditions during the previous months. This means we may adjust the itinerary to show you the best possible blooming. When it’s not the season, there will be no lavender field in bloom. We would visit the Lavender Museum instead. Your understanding is greatly appreciated.)

Breakfast Included.

This morning we’ll cross the border to Spain, and head straight to Barcelona. Explore Columbus Monument and La Rambla. Continue to visit the highlight of the day, Sagrada Família, the symbol of Barcelona, see the masterwork of Spanish Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. Next we move on to Camp Nou, take some photos outside the home stadium of FC Barcelona, enjoy souvenir shopping. Follow by a visit to Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. The Montjuïc Olympic Stadium is Barcelona‘s main facility for 1992 Olympics. Located on Montjuïc, it’s a perfect spot to overlook the city; Then arrive at Plaça de Catalunya, enjoy shopping and free time while soaking up the city‘s character in this lively square at the heart of Barcelona.
(Note on visiting Sagrada Família: We strongly recommend to book entry ticket in advance via http://www.sagradafamilia.org to avoid the long queue during peak season; Please select the time slot between 1-1:30 pm.)

Breakfast Included.

This morning we’ll cross the border to Andorra. A tiny country in the heart of Pyrenees, sharing borders with France & Spain, with an area of 468 km2 only. Its capital, Andorra la Vella, is the highest capital city in Europe; Its mountainous location makes it a popular ski destination for Europeans but less well known among non-European travellers. We’ll stroll through Plaça del Poble, see the great view of the surrounding scenery. Andorra is a duty-free shopping paradise and attracts shoppers from nearby countries (also global travellers). Then make our way to Lourdes, France in the afternoon. 
Overnight in Lourdes / nearby city

Breakfast Included.

We’ll visit Lourdes. After the Virgin Mary‘s apparitions in 1858, millions of travellers & pilgrims visit every year in search of miraculous healings. Lourdes’ exquisite mountainous view is also a magnet for tourists. Next we’ll discover Bordeaux, the world capital of wine, visit the UNESCO site Cathédrale Saint-André (Bordeaux Cathedral) & The Quinconces Square. It’s the second largest square in Europe & the name comes from the way the trees are planted. Visiting a winery in Bordeaux is an agenda not to be missed! See the spectacular vineyards, learn how famous Bordeaux wines are made, and taste them. You can also buy some directly from the winery.
Overnight in Bordeaux / nearby city
(Note: Most of the wineries in Bordeaux are closed for visitors in August or during holidays. Winery visit would be cancelled during these periods. Your understanding is appreciated.)

Breakfast Included.

This morning we’ll depart for Loire Valley, the longest river in France that extends over 1020km, known as the Garden of France. It enchants visitors with world-famous Châteaux de la Loire, a collection of castles along the two banks of the River Loire. We’ll visit Château de Chambord, the largest castle in Loire Valley built as a hunting lodge for King Francois I in 1519, its distinctive French Renaissance architecture is attributed by various architects from Italy, including Leonardo da Vinci, makes it a UNESCO site since 1981. Then we’ll head back to Paris, arriving at around 7pm. 
Overnight in Paris / nearby city

Breakfast Included.

  The order of itinerary may change without any notice depending on weather situations or for some other unforeseen circumstances.

  The order of activities held during the tour is planned by the tour guide. So, it may be different from what is mentioned on the tour page. On fewer occasions, Tour Guide has to skip an attraction or few during the tour depending on weather, traffic, group interest or some other reason.

  Some attractions are seasonal. So, when they are closed they will be replaced with some other attraction.

  You can skip some optional activities during the tour and plan something on your own. Make sure that you coordinate with Tour guide and stay with the group with next activity. Please note you cannot stay on the bus if you skip some optional activity.

  Probable hotel names are mentioned in the itinerary. It can be similar or a different hotel of the similar rating. Exact Hotel details can only be provided one day before the departure.

  Maximum 4 people of any age can stay in 1 Room in the hotel.

  These tours are conducted in a group. A group can have people of several cultures. We expect each person to coordinate with Tour guide to make sure things are on track.

  Though attractions are optional but you have to at least take 2 attractions.

  All the prices are listed in USD.

  Any Amount paid in cash to the Tour Guide is not refundable.

  Tour display price is based on double occupancy. It is the price each person will pay if a group of two is traveling.

  Prices may change without any notice.

  Prices include hotel accommodation, transportation and taxes.

  Admission Tickets to different places and meals are NOT included in the tour price.

  Mandatory Tip for tour guide and driver are NOT included.

  Only the tour guide can purchase entrance tickets for you. Pre-purchased tickets are NOT acceptable.

  There must be at least one passenger of 18 years for every booking made with GoldenBusTours. For Children between the age group of 2 to 14 years, a different price will be charged. Please refer to Child price on our pricing calendar. Child Age may vary between different bus operators. Maximum 4 people of any age can stay in 1 Room in the hotel. If the 5th person is infant you will be charged normally then with the second room as an expense.

  Activities are optional though, but each customer has to participate in 2 activities at least. No city pass allowed. Some attractions are mandatory. Each customer has to take part in them and have to pay for them in cash.