Southern France & Spain
Active pace with longer touring days. Expect intermittent walking at a moderate pace for 2–3 hours over a variety of terrain, including cobblestones, hills and uneven pavements. Must be able to negotiate stairs of varying heights, sometimes without handrails. Can tolerate periods of standing during guided tours and be able to climb in/out of various modes of transportation. Some days may include 5–7 km of walking over the course of the day.
We fly to Toulouse via Montréal.
On arrival, enjoy a gentle stroll near our hotel through colourful streets, bistros, and the lively Victor Hugo Market, where you can sample local tapas, cheeses, and charcuterie. Later, we gather for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Our walking tour reveals Toulouse’s landmarks and pastel-toned architecture—the Place du Capitole, Saint-Sernin Basilica, the Jacobins Convent, and grand Renaissance mansions built by wealthy pastel merchants. Stroll along the Garonne River for one of the city’s best views. The afternoon is at leisure to visit a top rated aeronautical museum, explore the Hall of Machines, or simply wander through Toulouse quaint neighborhoods and enjoy local delicacies.
Today’s full day excursion begins in Albi, the episcopal city on the Tarn River. We visit the imposing Sainte-Cécile Cathedral and the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum in the Palais de la Berbie and the old quarters. Continue to the hilltop village of Cordes-sur-Ciel to stroll its cobbled lanes, artisan shops, and galleries before returning to Toulouse.
Explore Carcassonne, one of Europe’s best-preserved fortified cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Château Comtal and ramparts, then enjoy time to explore on your own. Later, cruise along the historic Canal du Midi, a 17th-century engineering marvel by Pierre-Paul Riquet.
We travel south toward the Mediterranean, stopping in Perpignan, once the capital of the Kingdom of Majorca. Our walking tour highlights the Castillet, City Hall, and Place de la Loge amid colourful Art Nouveau façades. Continue to Argelès-sur-Mer and check into our beachfront hotel.
Discover the picturesque port of Collioure, whose light and colours inspired Matisse and Derain. Visit the Château Royal and enjoy leisure time in its charming streets. Travel along the scenic Vermillion Coast to Banyuls-sur-Mer to admire the works of sculptor Aristide Maillol displayed through the town and visit a winery for a tasting of the region’s famous Roussillon wines.
Relax by the Mediterranean, stroll the promenade, or explore Argelès old town and market. Active travellers may enjoy cycling or hiking along the coast or into the nearby hills.
Cross into Spain to explore Cadaqués, a whitewashed gem on the Costa Brava where Salvador Dalí lived and painted. Later, visit the Dalí Theater-Museum in Figueres, designed by the artist himself and home to many of his major works.
We say farewell to France and travel to Barcelona, stopping in Girona, a medieval treasure of narrow streets and colourful riverfront houses. Enjoy a walking tour and time at leisure before continuing to Barcelona, where we visit Montjuïc Hill for panoramic views before checking into our hotel.
Our full-day city tour highlights Gaudí’s masterpieces—Casa Milà, Casa Batlló, and include a visit of the whimsical Park Güell, all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We then explore the Gothic Quarter’s narrow lanes, churches, and lively squares before visiting the world-famous Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s extraordinary unfinished basilica.
Drive through stunning landscapes to Montserrat, a mountain sanctuary rising over 1,200 metres. Visit the Basilica, home to the revered Black Madonna, and learn about this spiritual symbol of Catalonia. This evening, enjoy an authentic Flamenco show.
A free day to further explore Barcelona—stroll Las Ramblas, visit a museum, or relax at a café. This evening, we gather for a special Farewell Dinner.
We bid a warm farewell to Barcelona and fly home to Toronto, filled with wonderful memories of Southern France and Spain.
You may cancel your tour up to 60 days prior to departure (120 days prior for tours requiring a visa, cruises or rail journeys) for any reason, and receive a full refund of your deposit / payment (less the $75 administration fee).
Cancellation & trip interruption insurance included!
Included in the cost of your tour is our Cancellation Insurance Policy, which provides coverage in case of emergency injury or illness (including Covid), right up to your date of departure (terms and conditions apply).
Our Manulife Out-of-Country Health Insurance Plan covers expenses related to Trip Interruption in case of emergency injury or illness. For tours within Canada, Senior Discovery Tours will cover such expenses (terms and conditions apply to all policies).
