June 12 - July 05, 2019
24 Days
Tour Status - Available
A France farm tour along the Mediterranean.
This tour is operated by one of our Travel Partners. [VAGA]
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Tour Highlights
DAY 1: Wed 12 Jun 2019 - DEPART NORTH AMERICA (IFM)
Depart North America on an overnight flight into Madrid, Spain. Spain’s central capital is renowned for its enchanting nightlife, fine arts & dining.
DAY 2: Thu 13 Jun 2019 - ARRIVE MADRID (D)
Upon arrival into Madrid, be met and transferred to the hotel and rest until dinner, or alternatively explore the surroundings of this lively city to admire the impressive architecture or simply relax and soak up the atmosphere. Afterwards transfer to a local restaurant for dinner. Overnight: Madrid
DAY 3: Fri 14 Jun 2019 - MADRID SIGHTSEEING (B)
A local guide joins the group this morning to view the main sights of the city and see where the old meets the new and buildings merge together in a very effective way. Stop at Madrid Square and the Plaza de Oriente where the Royal Palace is located. Afterwards the remainder of the day and evening is at leisure for private sightseeing, shopping or to rest. Perhaps head to a local bar and sample some authentic Spanish tapas. Overnight: As Above
DAY 4: Sat 15 Jun 2019 - TOLEDO FARM VISIT & SIGHTSEEING (B/D)
After breakfast journey south to Toledo and visit a local cattle farmer who will show us around the property. Afterwards visit the fascinating town of Toledo for a guided tour of this impressive ancient walled city with its magnificent stone buildings and cobblestone streets, the entire city has been declared a National Monument. Return to the Madrid hotel in time for dinner. Overnight: As Above
DAY 5: Sun 16 Jun 2019 - MADRID – GRANADA (B/D)
An early departure this morning and travel south to Granada, located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Andalucia. Enjoy a guided tour with the highlight being a visit to the spectacular Alhambra (subject to availability) – a sprawling 13th century palace and fortress complex and the associated Generalife garden area adjacent to the palace. Return to the hotel for dinner. Overnight: Granada
DAY 6: Mon 17 Jun 2019 - GRANADA – SEVILLE (B/L/D)
This morning visit a typical ham drying house for a tour of the processes involved and enjoy a Spanish tapas lunch in a local restaurant. Afterwards visit one of Europe’s largest fruit and vegetable co-operatives which boasts thousands of members to hear about their successful production and export of fruit, vegetables and citrus. Afterwards continue to Seville on the plains of the Guadalquivir River. Overnight: Seville
DAY 7: Tue 18 Jun 2019 - SEVILLE – JEREZ – SEVILLE (B/D)
Take the 90km journey south to the township of Jerez and visit the remarkable Andalusian School of Equestrian to see “how the Andalusian Horses Dance” in their world renowned show. This unique exhibition of exceptional horsemanship using the Spanish breed of horses pays homage to their vision of preserving Classical and Country dressage. On the return journey stop in to visit a local fruit farm. Overnight: As Above
DAY 8: Wed 19 Jun 2019 - SEVILLE SIGHTSEEING (B)
This morning enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Seville including the World Heritage listed Alcazar Castle with time to explore this breathtakingly beautiful and intricately ornate structure, a remnant of the Moorish Era. Also see the site of the 1992 Expo, Bell Tower of Giralda and visit the serene gardens and pavilions of Maria Luisa Park on the banks of the Guadalquivir River. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Overnight: As Above
DAY 9: Thu 20 Jun 2019 - SEVILLE – FARO – LISBON (B/D)
Travel west crossing the border into Portugal and our first stop will be to view the century old salt pans in Tavira that are still operational in producing salt today. Continue to the south of Portugal and visit a cork factory to see the items being produced before travelling north to Portugal’s coastal and hilly capital city, Lisbon, renowned for its bleached white limestone buildings. This evening enjoy dinner at a local restaurant with a traditional soulful fado performance. Overnight: Lisbon
DAY 10: Fri 21 Jun 2019 - LISBON – EVORA (B/D)
After breakfast is a guided tour of Lisbon to see the main sights of the city including the main shopping avenue of Liberty Avenue, Rossio Square along with the public square of Restauradores and stop at St Jorge’s Castle for a spectacular view over Lisbon and the Tagus River. Afterwards journey inland to Evora, located in the south-central Alentejo region and is one of Portugal’s most beautifully preserved 14th century walled medieval towns. See the ancient Roman Temple and ruins along with the historic city centre on a walking tour with your tour manager. Overnight: Evora
DAY 11: Sat 22 Jun 2019 - EVORA – MERIDA – SALAMANCA (B/L)
Head further inland this morning and cross the border once again into Spain. Stop enroute to visit a unique Dehesa de Extremadura and learn the production process of a particular Spanish delicacy. These plots are a series of agricultural areas owned by municipalities rather than individuals and are home to the Spanish Iberian pig. Here they roam freely and feed naturally until ready for ham production, in some instances reaching 150kg. Continue to Merida and view the impressive Roman ruin complex originating in 25BC before arriving at Salamanca where dinner is at own expense this evening. Overnight: Salamanca
DAY 12: Sun 23 Jun 2019 - SALAMANCA SIGHTS & FARM VISITS (B/D)
View the main city sights this morning, including the highly reputable University which houses thousands of international students and is thought to be the third oldest in European history. Visit the Salamanca Central Market and marvel at the variety of fresh fruit, vegetables, seafood and meat which is all sourced locally. Visit a ham producer to taste some local ham and chorizo over a glass of wine. This afternoon visit a bull farmer rearing the renowned Toro Bravo, a native breed used predominantly in the bullfighting ring. Known for their exceptional beauty and bravery they are reared for 4-6 years before heading into the ring, at a weight of between 450-650kg and valued anywhere up to 12,000 euro per beast. Overnight: As Above
DAY 13: Mon 24 Jun 2019 - SALAMANCA – OLMEDO – BURGOS (B/D)
Travel northwest today and stop near Olmedo to visit a sheep farm before continuing to our overnight stop at Burgos, located on the confluence of the Arlanzon River tributaries and home to the UNESCO listed gothic style cathedral. Visit a local cherry farmer before settling into your accommodation with dinner at the hotel this evening. Overnight: Burgos
DAY 14: Tue 25 Jun 2019 - BURGOS – HARO – ZARAGOZA (B/D)
Stop to visit a beef producer enroute this morning before travelling to the La Rioja region of Haro, renowned for its fine red wine production which is the driving force of the regional economy and the town celebrates with an annual wine festival drawing many visitors. See the pretty landscape filled with vineyards and stop at a winery for a guided tour including tasting. Afterwards travel the 215km to our overnight stop. Overnight: Zaragoza
DAY 15: Wed 26 Jun 2019 - ZARAGOZA – BARCELONA (B/D)
Sprawled on the banks of the Ebro River, enjoy a guided Zaragoza city tour to note the gothic architecture and view the Cathedral of the Saviour of Zaragoza and the beautiful multi-domed Cathedral of Our Lady of the Pillar – a shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Also visit a local dairy farm in the area before travelling the two hours east to Barcelona and enjoy dinner in a local restaurant this evening. Overnight: Barcelona
DAY 16: Thu 27 Jun 2019 - BARCELONA (B)
This is a city steeped in history and artists including Pablo Picasso took inspiration from the area. Enjoy a guided tour on foot around the Olympic Village and Port. Travel to Montjuic Hill located near the centre over the city for magnificent panoramic views of the city and step back in time to visit the Gothic Quarter, in particular noting the distinctive architecture of Antoni Gaudi when visiting the Sagrada Familia. Visit one of Europe’s most famous food markets with both locals and restauranteurs alike, the Boqueria Market, and see the wide array of fresh food on display. The afternoon is at your leisure to explore further, perhaps head to the sun drenched beaches bordered by the blue Mediterranean Sea and enjoy a sundowner and tapas. Overnight: As Above
DAY 17: Fri 28 Jun 2019 - BARCELONA – GIRONA – NARBONNE (B)
After breakfast travel to Girona for a guided tour of the Jewish Quarter with time to walk around admiring the architecture. Continue north crossing the border into France and travel to the township of Carcassonne to walk through this medieval city which looks like it has come straight out of a children’s story book, complete with turrets and perched on top of a hill – it will truly delight! Afterwards arrive at our overnight stop where the evening is free to dine out (own expense). Overnight: Narbonne
DAY 18: Sat 29 Jun 2019 - NARBONNE – MARSEILLAN – AVIGNON (B/L)
A leisurely morning to travel the short distance to Marseillan to visit La Ferme Marine, an oyster farm where you will be given an introductory talk explaining the process and enjoy a seafood lunch. Continue to Villeveyrac in south-central France and stop at the impressive Abbaye de Valmagne, a former Benedectine Monastery established in 1138 which today is a “wine cave” maturing huge vats of wine. Enjoy a tasting whilst admiring the surrounding buildings and gardens which are a testament to the monks which once graced these halls. Then drive the 1½ hours to Avignon, located on the iconic Rhone River. Overnight: Avignon
DAY 19: Sun 30 Jun 2019 - AVIGNON – GORGES OF ARDECHE (B)
This morning visit the renowned Palais des Papes which was the papal residence for 70 years in the 14th century with time to explore this impressive gothic style building. Then continue on to see the Pont d’Avignon, a medieval bridge which stops suddenly halfway across the river and learn the history behind the bridge. The highlight today will be a drive along the utterly spectacular Gorges of Ardeche. Several million years ago the spirited river Ardeche cut tirelessly through the limestone, opening an immense gorge. The entrance to this 35km road is the dramatic natural arch of the Pont d’Arc, standing 66 metres high. The road then plunges, loops, sinks and slices its way around the Ardeche River, finishing at St Martin-d’ Ardeche. There are many viewpoints along the route and there will be plenty of photo opportunities to capture the breathtaking beauty of this place and you may even be fortunate to see some wildlife such as beavers. Overnight: As Above
DAY 20: Mon 01 Jul 2019 - AVIGNON – NICE (B/D)
Travel this morning to the “town of water, town of art”; Aix en Provence. Enjoy an orientation tour of this well preserved town and visit the markets. Continue to Saint Cezaire sur Siagne and visit a goats cheese producer who will show you through their boutique operation of cheesemaking. End the day in the stunning seaside city of Nice, capital of the French Riviera, and see the unique beach comprising entirely of pebbles. Overnight: Nice
DAY 21: Tue 02 Jul 2019 - NICE – MENTON – VERONA (B)
An early departure this morning, and if time permits stop in Monaco briefly to view the famous racetrack, casino and Royal residence once home to Princess Grace. Continue to the Italian border and visit a lemon grower before making our way to Verona situated near Lake Garda – the largest of 3 freshwater lakes making up the spectacular holiday destination of the Italian Lakes District. Stop in Sirmione for breathtaking views over the lake. Arrive in Verona which is renowned as being the setting for Shakespeare’s Rome & Juliet. Overnight: Verona
DAY 22: Wed 03 Jul 2019 - VERONA – FACTORY VISITS – VENICE (B)
After breakfast enjoy a short orientation tour of the city by coach then continue to our first stop being a factory tour of the Agco-Laverda harvester plant in Breganze. Agco manufacture combine harvesters and hay equipment with the entire European production done at this site. Then continue to the Maschio Factory located in Campodarsego for a guided tour to see their production of tillage, sowing, seeding and crop-care equipment. Drive the short distance to Venice and board your private boat transfer from the Tronchetto to the hotel, where the remainder of the evening is at leisure to explore and soak up the atmosphere of this beautiful island. Overnight: Venice
DAY 23: Thu 04 Jul 2019 - VENICE – HALF DAY SIGHTSEEING TOUR (B)
This morning enjoy a guided walking tour of the main city sights including Piazza San Marco and Saint Mark’s Basilica then see a traditional glass blowing demonstration. The remainder of the afternoon is free at leisure to perhaps experience an authentic gondola ride (own expense) before meeting up to enjoy our final farewell dinner (own expense) to reminisce about the events and happenings of the past 23 days. Overnight: As Above
DAY 24: Fri 05 Jul 2019 - VENICE – END OF TOUR (B)
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning before transferring via private boat back to Venice and your connecting flight back to North America. *Depending on flight times, an additional overnight may be required in Venice for an additional cost.
