Region Overviews: Europe Travel Guide: Overview
Encapsulating 50 nations and a dizzying amount of cultural and natural diversity, Europe is a traveler’s playground.
Walking & Hiking
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Provence to Costa Brava Walking & Hiking Tour
Village to Village from the South of France to Coastal Spain & Barcelona
Couples, Friends & Solos
6 days 5 nights
Activity Level: 2-4
Casual & Casual Plus Hotels
From: $3,999 - $4,199 pp dbl occ
($600 - $650 for sgl occ)
Two distinct countries. Two unique cultures. Connected by the steps you take. The lush green of Provence to the crystalline Mediterranean waters of Costa Brava. The enchanting cobblestones of villages perchés to the white-walled fishing towns on Costa Brava’s seaside cliffs. When you're never far from sublime scenery, an exquisite wine and a delicious meal, life's troubles may just slip away. Enjoy the magic of two sun-soaked lands as you put one foot in front of the other.
France Provence to Costa Brava Walking & Hiking Tour map
France & Spain
Start Avignon / End Barcelona
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Highlights
- Venture into the beautiful Luberon Valley through breathtaking landscapes and purple-and-green hills blanketed by lavender fields, olive groves and vineyards
- Sip wine or un café with the locals in Gordes, Roussillon, Bonnieux and other villages rising out of the French mountains
- Hike the weathered trails of Costa Brava's ancient Camí de Ronda from one secluded cove to another
- Stroll through charming Palamos and Calella de Palafrugell, filled with narrow streets, colorful houses and wooden sailboats bobbing gently on top of the water
Itinerary
Accommodations may vary based on departure date.
6 Days Casual & Casual Plus Hotels
Accommodations may vary based on departure.
Days 1-2
Description
From Lacoste, walk through a land of honey and cherries | Take in iconic Provençal scenery with views of Mont Ventoux | Looking at the gorgeous landscape, it doesn’t take long to understand the region’s deep connection to the art world | Relax at a tranquil oasis in the hamlet of Ménerbes, a member of the designated Most Beautiful Villages of France | Explore the picturesque hilltop village of Bonnieux with a local guide | Hike the wooded rolling hills and craggy cliffs of the Grand Luberon range | The fascinating ruins of medieval Fort de Buoux invite discovery | Play a friendly game of pétanque with a glass of pastis in hand.
Accommodations
Le Roy Soleil
Ménerbes
| Casual Hotel You are sure to feel connected to nature at this lovely hotel nestled in the valley of the Luberon mountain range. (pool)
Day 3
Description
Wander through a panorama of limestone hills, olive orchards and vineyards | Cross a Roman-built bridge to ocher-hued Roussillon | A hearty climb to the village perché (perched village) of Gordes reveals spectacular views | Join a private tasting of the best local vintages | Discover the enchanting artists’ haven of St-Rémy-de-Provence.
Accommodations
Hotel de L'Image
St-Rémy-de-Provence
| Casual Plus Hotel Surrounded by beautiful gardens, this one-time cinema is now an elegant hotel with a world-class photography exhibit. (pool, spa)
Days 4-6
Description
Art comes to life in St-Paul-de-Mausole, van Gogh's home for a year and the inspiration behind many of his most famous works | Travel to Spain's dazzling Costa Brava by private coach | Walk Spain's ancient Camí de Ronda, which connects the Costa Brava's hidden coves | Behold plunging cliffs, white-sand beaches and charming white-walled fishing villages | Ascend to a promontory offering glorious views of the sea | Admire exotic flora at the Cap Roig Botanical Garden.
Accommodations
Hotel Sant Roc
Calella de Palafrugell
| Casual Plus Hotel Splendid views are yours to admire at this hotel, perched magnificently above the Mediterranean in the heart of Costa Brava.
Dates & Prices
The earlier you book, the more choice you'll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won't be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. View cancellation policy.
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
October 2023
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Our Private Trips are best for groups of 6 or more. We suggest joining a scheduled trip.
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From our Guests
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#MyBackroadsTrip
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Activity Level:
2-4
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. Several routes and a range of levels are offered each day so you can choose how much or how little activity you want to do. Learn more about how we determine activity levels.
Route notes
The terrain on this trip includes a mix of level to rolling rocky mountain trails, village walkways, paved country roads and seaside paths with short sections of stone steps and sand, and some steep climbs and descents.
Daily Route Options
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. Several routes and a range of levels are offered each day so you can choose how much or how little activity you want to do. Learn more about how we determine activity levels.
Route notes
The terrain on this trip includes a mix of level to rolling rocky mountain trails, village walkways, paved country roads and seaside paths with short sections of stone steps and sand, and some steep climbs and descents.
What's Included
- All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
- On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
- Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
- Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
- Park and other entry fees
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
- Select coach transfers
- Baggage transfers and porterage
- All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
- On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
- Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
- Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
- Park and other entry fees
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
- Select coach transfers
- Baggage transfers and porterage
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