Region Overviews: Europe Travel Guide: Overview
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Walking & Hiking
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Southern France & Spain Family Walking & Hiking Tour - Older Teens & 20s
From Provence to Costa Brava & Barcelona
"Slowly in the morning and not too fast in the afternoon" is a saying in the south of France and a way of life on Spain's Costa Brava. When you're never far from sublime scenery, an exquisite wine and a delicious meal, they're easy words to live by. So feel free to stop, sample and savor. And enjoy the magic of two sun-soaked lands. Slowly and not too fast.
THIS ITINERARY: 6 days, 5 nights
ACCOMMODATIONS: Casual & Casual Plus Hotels
FROM:
$3,799 pp dbl occ
($300 for sgl occ)
France & Spain
Start Avignon / End Barcelona
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Highlights
- Journey into the wild and beautiful Luberon Valley, a region renowned for its perched villages
- Sip un café like the French do in Gordes, Roussillon, Bonnieux and St-Rémy-de-Provence
- Wander rows of vendors peddling produce and handicrafts on market day—a classic Provençal experience
- Hike on the Spanish Costa Brava's ancient Camí de Ronda, leading from one secluded cove to another
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Itinerary
Accommodations may vary based on departure date.
6 Days Casual & Casual Plus Hotels
Accommodations may vary based on departure.
Days 1-2
Hike through a land of honey and cherries | Starting in Lacoste, take in iconic Provençal scenery with views of Mont Ventoux | The gorgeous landscape makes it easy to understand the region’s deep connection to the art world | Unwind at a peaceful retreat in the hilltop village of Ménerbes, a Most Beautiful Villages of France member | With a local guide, explore the picturesque hilltop village of Bonnieux | Follow hiking trails through the wooded rolling hills and craggy cliffs of the Grand Luberon range | Discover the fascinating ruins of medieval Fort de Buoux | Do as the locals do and sip a glass of Pastis as you play a friendly game of pétanque.
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
Walk through a panorama of vineyards, limestone hills and olive orchards | A Roman-built bridge leads to ocher-hued Roussillon | Climb to the village perché (perched village) of Gordes for spectacular views | Experience the best local vintages during a private tasting | Discover the enchanting artists’ haven of St-Rémy-de-Provence.
Hôtel Gounod
St-Rémy-de-Provence
| Casual Hotel This cheery hotel set in the heart of town has hosted artists such as van Gogh, Frédéric Mistral and Charles Gounod, who composed the opera Mireille during his stay. (pool)
Days 4-6
Immerse yourself in St-Paul de Mausole, van Gogh's home for a year and the inspiration behind many of his most famous works | Journey to Spain’s dazzling Costa Brava by private coach | Walk the historic Camí de Ronda, a Spanish trail connecting the Costa Brava’s hidden coves | Marvel at plunging cliffs, white-sand beaches and charming villages | Hike up to a promontory offering jaw-dropping views of the sea | Vibrant exotic flora is on display at the Cap Roig Botanical Garden.
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.
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Activity Level: 2-4
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next—and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do. LEARN MORE.
Note: 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
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