London to Barcelona Quest

Welcome to the first day of the best trip of your life - we're calling it early! After a few pleasantries in London we'll get the show on the road with Paris in our sights. A few hours in and your jaws are on the floor already. These chalk cliffs that edge the English coastline are known as the White Cliffs of Dover, the first of many natural beauties we'll see on our trip. After we ferry across the English Channel for France we'll arrive in Calais, where we will take in the history of World War I battlefields in the Valley of the Somme.  We'll kick off our trip as we arrive in the glittering city of love, Paris. It's straight down to business with a tour of the city lit up by those famous lights. Then, we'll bond with our Contiki fam with a delicious included dinner. The French are proud of their culinary culture for a reason. Finally, we'll catch a magnificent view of Paris from its tallest skyscraper. First nights are rarely this fascinating!

Accommodation: Ibis Paris Porte D'Orleans Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Dinner

Drool over haute couture you can't afford, admire the Notre Dame Cathedral whilst juggling coffee and crêpes, & get artsy at the Louvre. Just don't wear yourself out, you will probably want to get involved with dinner and a cabaret show. Smitten and it's only day two!

Accommodation: Ibis Paris Porte D'Orleans Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

Wipe away your tears sad travellers! Paris is not going anywhere, you can always come back and visit her again. You, on the other hand, are going somewhere, and it's somewhere pretty magnificent... Wise folk tell us that wine has been produced in Bordeaux since the 1st Century - that's a long time, which means they know what they're doing. And it's not just the vin that has dragged us here, it's a pretty place to boot featuring its famous Miroir d'eau (water mirror). You'll have the option to sip your way through local wines while soaking up the sights on a scenic stroll - because sightseeing’s better with a glass in hand.

Accommodation: Ibis Budget Bordeaux Centre Meriadeck (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

Breathe in your last breath of Bordeaux before we hit the road in search of the Spanish border. In just a few short hours we'll be exploring San Sebastian. Our stop will have you people watching in this cute little town on the French and Spanish border. With two nights in Spain's coastal town of San Sebastian, it will be hard to wipe the smiles off our faces. You're free to explore then you'll have the option to hit up our epic Pintxos tour. Your call, but trust us… the flavours are next level.

Accommodation: A conveniently located hotel
Meals: Breakfast

We'll be dropping lots of delicious sounding words today as we explore Parte Vieja, Playa de la Concha and Centro Romántico. Say it again: Romántico! Follow the cobblestone roads & soak up San Sebastian's coastline.

Accommodation: A conveniently located hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Having settled into life with afternoon siestas, today will only be a departure from San Sebastian, don't worry leaving Spain is not on the agenda. Sigh with relief.  This town comes complete with a baroque Basilica, a perfect combination of Islamic and Gothic architecture and truly a sight to behold. Hola Barcelona... the first dose of Mediterranean Sea! That's if you can drag yourself away from the intoxicating city & get to the beach. We'll kick things off with a stop at the epic Sagrada Familia and then you're free to check out the unique gothic architecture, round the clock parties & street life. Just don't tire yourself out - chances are you'll want to partake in the evening of Flamenco fun.

Accommodation: Sercotel Porta Barcelona Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

They say this sexy city sizzles and we couldn’t agree more. For a taste of what’s in store, here’s just the beginning of a never-ending list: hit up the colourful wonderland that is Parc Güell, soak up the sun at the beach, then lose yourself in the backstreets with non-stop tapas and paella. Washed down with sangria of course.

Accommodation: Generator Barcelona (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

That's it folks. The incredible ride has come to an end and you should all be left utterly inspired by what your time on the road has achieved. Now you have the pleasure of picking your next adventure. Greek Island Hopping, anyone?

Meals: Breakfast