With Wayne Good.
Southern Europe!
After a really fantastic trip in 2023, I am very excited to be able to show you this wonderful part of the world in 2024.
The vibrancy of Barcelona, the history and beauty of Toledo, the architecture of Lisbon and of course Bordeaux in France. And then the wine and food!!
So much to see, so many contrasts.
I have created an itinerary that will give you a great insight into this magical part of Europe, with plenty of sightseeing, but also opportunities to do your own thing if you choose.
We will visit Barcelona, Valencia, Toledo, Lisbon, Porto, San Sebastian, Bilbao, Bordeaux and Andorra.
Saturday 31st August:
Barcelona!! What a wonderful city, with so much to see. Today we arrive and will travel to our hotel, located very close to Sagrada Familia. You will have the rest of the day free to explore or relax after the long journey.
Our hotel for the next 3 nights is very centrally located.
Gaudi’s House, Barcelona.
Sunday 1st September:
First off, this morning we take the Metro to the Gothic Quarter and do a guided tour of the Medieval City Hall. This spectacular building is so worth a visit and for me was one of the absolute highlights of Barcelona.
The Gothic Quarter is a labyrinth of tiny lanes, cafes and wee shops. Such a beautiful part of Barcelona.
After lunch we will make a visit to the Museum of Picasso. Containing over 4000 works, the collection reveals the talents of the artist in his formative years. Perhaps dinner tonight could be in a cool Tapas Bar??
Monday 2nd September:
This morning you will have an escorted tour of the wonderful Sagrada Familia, or Gaudi’s Cathedral. This spectacular Cathedral is like no other. Modern, fantastical architecture with the most beautiful modern stained-glass windows. A highlight of any visit to Barcelona.
From here your tour will continue onto Parc Guell, or Gaudi’s Surreallist Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site includes 12 acres of landscaped gardens,
featuring Surrealist architectural elements, created by Gaudi.
If time allows, we will take the cable car and gondola up to the fort on Mont Juic, to Castell de Montjuic, with the most spectacular views of Barcelona.
Tuesday 3rd September:
Today we say goodbye to Barcelona and make the very scenic drive down to coastal city of Valencia.
Valencia is SUCH a gorgeous city; I know you will enjoy it.
After checking into our hotel, the rest of the day will be at your leisure. Perhaps walk on the beach, have a swim (Brrr) or explore the city.
Wednesday 4th September:
This morning we will go on a 1 ½ hour walking tour of Valencia with a local guide, where you will see city highlights, and what’s hot in Valencia.
In the afternoon we will take another walking tour, again with a local guide, looking at the fantastic food and drink scene of Valencia. There will be 10 different tastings of local delicacies and drinks. This is an absolute highlight.
Thursday 5th September:
Today we make the drive to Toledo. I have to be honest, rural Spain is not the most scenic part of the world, however once you arrive in Toledo, you really appreciate that it was worth the drive. Toledo was one of the main highlights for me, made even more special because it was one of late Mother’s favourite places in Spain.
A wonderful walled city on top of a hill, with fantastic views over the countryside.
Toledo
Friday 6th September:
This morning you join a local guide for a walking tour through the heart of the Imperial City of Toledo. So many fascinating buildings – Catedral Santa Maria de Toledo (one of the most impressive temples in Europe), Jewish Quarter, Iglesia de Santo Tomo to name a few.
The afternoon is free for you to enjoy this stunning place.
Saturday 7th September:
Today we goodbye to Spain for now, and hello to Portugal!!
Our drive this morning will take us west to Lisbon, the capital of Portugal.
What a pretty city, with buildings covered in pretty tiles, soft colours, cobbled streets and old tramcars.
Our hotel for the next 4 nights is centrally located. Upon checking into our hotel, the rest of the day is free.
Lisbon.
Sunday 8th September:
This morning you will be going on a half day tour of Lisbon in an electric Tuk Tuk. You will admire the city while the driver navigates the narrow streets and hills, seeing Praca do Comercio, Belem Tower and Carmo Square. You will pass through the districts of Bairro Alto and Alfama.
The afternoon is free to enjoy this beautiful city.
This evening we will go to a local Food Market for dinner.
This was a real highlight for me. Lots of food stalls and drinks outlets, all of a very high standard. Bustling with people it is LOADS of fun.
Monday 9th September:
This morning we will walk to the famous Calouste Gulbenkian Museum.
This is one of the most interesting Museums I think you will ever see. Calouste Gulbenkian made his money in oil, and at one stage was one of the wealthiest men in the world. He amassed a collection of everything beautiful, from Monet paintings, to silver, porcelain, furniture, glass, from many many cultures around the world. All housed in an ultra-modern structure, it has to be seen to be believed. A real highlight in Lisbon.
In the afternoon, we will take a boat trip on the Tagus River, which is a great way to see Lisbon from another perspective.
Tuesday 10th September:
This morning you have options!
You can head off on a full day guided tour of Sintra, Cascais and Peña Palace. This tour takes you through the top attractions, mountains and coastal villages of the region.
Depart from Lisbon to the Sintra Mountains and stop at the Peña Palace, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to Cabo da Roca and Cascais for an in-depth experience of its natural beauty and traditions.
OR
You can join me on the Market Tour and Cooking Class. Visit one of the best food markets in Lisbon, then join a local chef and learn a Fish Dish, Meat Dish and Dessert, in traditional Portuguese style.
Wednesday 11th September:
Today we say farewell to Lisbon and head north to the city of Porto for 2 nights.
Famous of course for the making of Port, it also has many shoe shops, more than I have ever seen anywhere else, at incredibly good prices!
Upon arriving, the rest of the afternoon is free to explore.
Porto
Thursday 12th September:
This morning you will be embarking on a full day guided walking tour of Porto, including a boat trip on the Douro Rive, where you will learn about the city, walk past top attractions and taste the local Port and Wine, at a local Port Wine Cellar. To curb any hunger, snacks are also included!
Friday 13th September:
Today we leave Portugal and head towards the Basque area of Spain.
We will break our journey in the city of Valladolid for 1 night.
This was a per chance stop for us on our very first tour and we were delighted we did.
A very attractive city with a gorgeous square, great shopping and very very pretty public gardens, filled with birds and very tame Squerrils.
Saturday 14th September:
This morning we head to the Basque city of San Sebastián. Set in the Bay of Biscay, with many beautiful beaches and a wonderful historic centre.
Once we check into our hotel, we will walk to the historic centre, enjoying the atmosphere and many sites. We will also visit the historic and very beautiful Santa Maria Church.
Sunday 15th September:
This morning we will drive to the pretty city of Bilbao for you to have a chance to visit the incredible Guggenheim Museum. What an incredible building and it was a very popular attraction with my travellers this year.
After a spot of lunch in Bilbao we will return to San Sebastien where you will have the rest of the day free. Perhaps a swim at the beautiful beach near our hotel.
Monday 16th September:
This morning we bid farewell to Spain and head back into France.
We make our way to the beautiful city of Bordeaux, one of the centres of good French Wine. This city will be our home for the next 3 nights.
Tuesday 17th September:
Today you will start your day with a Walking Tour with a local guide. Bordeaux is a very pretty walled city with wonderful historic buildings, and, it is completely pedestrianised, so no cars in the centre.
In the afternoon you will be taken to a wine and cheese tasting. Bordeaux is very famous for good wine and cheeses. You will be told about the local wines, shown how to “properly” taste wine, and some of the history of the wine industry there.
The rest of the day is free.
Wednesday 18th September:
This morning we drive to the town of Sainte Emelion. Sainte Emelion is a very pretty medieval town in the heart of one of the finest wine growing areas in France. You will have free time to wander the quant streets, enjoy lunch in one of the many cafes, and we will visit one of the most beautiful wine Chateau in the area for a tasting.
Thursday 19th September:
Today we leave Bordeaux and head south, over the Pyrenees to the city of Andorra.
This is quite a spectacular drive, over mountain passes, with spectacular scenery.
Once we arrive in Andorra, you will have some time to shop in one of the many duty-free stores there.
Friday 20th September:
This morning we make our way back to Barcelona where our tour will end at Barcelona Airport, ready to head back to New Zealand.
Own arrangements or return to New Zealand.
COST PER PERSON BASED ON 8 PEOPLE TRAVELLING TOGETHER:
$12500.00 SHARE TWIN PER PERSON EXCLUDING AIRFARES AND INSURANCE.
This includes:
- The services of Wayne and as your driver and escorts.
- All transportation including Diesel and Road Tolls.
- All accommodation in centrally located 4- and 5-star hotels (unless unavailable in small towns), including daily breakfasts.
- Barcelona City Hall Tour, Barcelona/Sagrada Familia Tour, Valencia Walking Tour, Valencia Food Tour, Toledo Walking Tour, Lisbon Tuk Tuk Tour, Tagus River Boat Trip, Sintra Day Tour or Lisbon Market/Cooking Class, Porto Tour including Port Tasting, Bordeaux Walking Tour, Bordeaux Wine and Cheese Tasting, St Emelion Vineyard Visit.
- Entrance fees to Picasso Museum, Calouste Gulbenkian Museum and Guggenheim Museum.
Not included:
- Airfare
- Any Taxi Fares
- Lunches/Dinners
- Drinks (excluding Tastings)
- Personal expenses.
IMPORTANT GENERAL INFORMATION AND CONDITIONS OF TRAVEL:
Due to the limited numbers, an initial deposit of $1000.00 per head will be required to secure your place on the tour. Once viable numbers are reached, a further deposit of $5000.00 will be required. Please note that it is advisable to arrange your travel insurance at this time as unless a place can be filled for whatever reason you have to cancel, there are no refunds once a booking has been made.
The balance will be due 90 days prior to departure.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documentation and travel insurance.
The cost of the tour is based on 7 people travelling plus your driver/guide and navigator.
We will endeavour to ensure that your experience with us will be beyond your expectations and will be memorable, however we take no responsibility for any last-minute changes that are beyond our control.
IF YOU ARE WANTING HELP WITH BOOKING YOUR FLIGHTS AND/OR OTHER OPTIONS WHILE YOU ARE IN EUROPE, I RECOMMEND THAT YOU CONTACT
SUE WRIGLEY TRAVEL BROKER ON 021 507 571.
I FLY WITH EMIRATES WHO ARE MY AIRLINE OF CHOICE. I WILL BE DEPARTING AUCKLAND ON AUGUST 30TH, AND YOU ARE VERY WELCOME TO FLY WITH ME