Region Overviews: Europe Travel Guide: Overview
Encapsulating 50 nations and a dizzying amount of cultural and natural diversity, Europe is a traveler’s playground.
"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, lost-in-time villages and a delicious family 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 from enchanting Provence to seaside Spain. Slowly and not too fast.
THIS ITINERARY: 6 days, 5 nights
ACCOMMODATIONS: Casual & Casual Plus Hotels
Start Avignon / End Barcelona
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Bring the family and 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 | Vacation 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 | Hike through the wooded rolling hills and craggy cliffs of the Grand Luberon range | Discover the fascinating ruins of medieval Fort de Buoux | Play a friendly family game of pétanque.
You are sure to feel connected to nature at this lovely hotel nestled in the valley of the Luberon mountain range. (pool)
Follow hiking trails 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 a spectacular family photo-op | Experience the best local vintages during a private tasting | Discover the enchanting artists’ haven of St-Rémy-de-Provence.
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)
Explore St-Paul de Mausole, van Gogh's home for a year and the inspiration behind many of his most famous works | Journey with family to Spain’s dazzling Costa Brava by private coach | Walk the historic Camí de Ronda, a Spanish coastal 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.
Splendid views are yours to admire at this hotel, perched magnificently above the Mediterranean in the heart of Costa Brava.
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
SMALL GROUP? TRY RENDEZVOUS
An extra leader and van for even more flexibility | +$2,400 for Europe and +$2,900 for North America | Call us to book your Rendezvous
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy.
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.
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.
Encapsulating 50 nations and a dizzying amount of cultural and natural diversity, Europe is a traveler’s playground.
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