London to Barcelona Quest | Start London | Winter | 2024/2025
London to Barcelona Quest | Start London | Winter | 2024/2025
London to Barcelona Quest | Start London | Winter | 2024/2025
8 Days Starting in London, England and ending in Barcelona, Spain
Visiting: Paris, Bordeaux, San Sebastián, Barcelona
Tour operator:
Tour code:
WWQMA19
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable winter journey from London to Barcelona, exploring the vibrant cultures and iconic landmarks of England, France, and Spain. Begin your adventure with the stunning White Cliffs of Dover before crossing the English Channel to the romantic city of Paris, where you can marvel at the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. Continue to Bordeaux, renowned for its exquisite wines and charming architecture. Cross into Spain to discover the coastal beauty of San Sebastian, and finally, immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Barcelona. Here, Gaudi's Sagrada Familia and the bustling Gothic Quarter await your exploration. With a mix of guided tours and free time, this quest offers a perfect blend of sightseeing and relaxation, complete with delicious breakfasts and dinners to fuel your journey.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: London To Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation: Jo&Joe (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Jo&Joe Gentilly (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to the first day of the best holiday 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 this 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. Kicking off night one, we arrive in none other than the lust-worthy Paris! It's straight down to business with a tour of the city lit up by the lights of night.
Day 2: Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation: Jo&Joe (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Jo&Joe Gentilly (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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!
Day 3: Paris To Bordeaux
Location: Bordeaux
Accommodation: Ibis Budget Bordeaux Centre Meriadeck (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Ibis Budget Bordeaux Centre Meriadeck (or similar)
Meals Included: 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).
Day 4: Bordeaux To San Sebastian
Location: San Sebastián
Accommodation: Koisi Hostel (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Koisi Hostel (or similar)
Meals Included: 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. Take a walk to the aquarium where you can get a closer look at Isla de Santa Clara. The night is yours.
Day 5: San Sebastian
Location: San Sebastián
Accommodation: Koisi Hostel (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Koisi Hostel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 6: San Sebastian To Barcelona
Location: Barcelona
Accommodation: Generator Barcelona (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Generator Barcelona (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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. Unique gothic architecture, round the clock parties & plenty of street life will leave you spellbound by Barcelona.
Day 7: Barcelona
Location: Barcelona
Accommodation: Generator Barcelona (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Generator Barcelona (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
They say this sexy city sizzles and we couldn't agree more. For a taste of what you can do, here's just a start of the never-ending list. Channel Gaudi at Sagrada Familia, his greatest masterpiece, started in 1882. This labour of love is still not compete, but is one for the Instagram upload for sure. Parc Guell could be next on the list, followed by the beach, and of course taking to the backstreets for some endless tapas and paella. Washed down with sangria of course.
Day 8: End Barcelona
Location: Barcelona
Meals Included: 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?
What's Included
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Dining
The tour includes 2 dinners and 7 breakfasts.
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Dover Experience
See the iconic chalk-white coastline of Dover.
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Paris Tour
Take a dreamy jaunt around Paris, visiting landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre, Champs-Élysées, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.
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Bordeaux Exploration
Stroll around Bordeaux to see the Palais de la Bourse and downtown Bordeaux, with time for a glass of red by the river.
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Barcelona Sightseeing
Check out the Sagrada Familia and explore Barcelona's Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas.
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities and excursions are not included in the tour price.
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Flights
International and domestic flights to and from the starting and ending points of the tour are not included.
Dining Summary
- 2 Dinner (D)
- 7 Breakfast (B)
Included Experience
- Dover: See the iconic chalk-white coastline. So special that it’s had songs dedicated to it.
- Paris: Take a dreamy jaunt around the city of romance. Fall in love with landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre, Champs-Élysées and Notre-Dame Cathedral.
- Bordeaux: Stroll around this chic metropolis to see the Palais de la Bourse and downtown Bordeaux. Then make time for a nice glass of red by the river.
- Barcelona: We’ll check out the Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s world-renowned masterpiece. Work began on the church in the 1880s and while it was technically never finished, it’s still a wonder to behold.
- Barcelona: Combat boots at the ready, folks! Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas are so cool, you won’t know what to photograph first!
Mode of Transport
Travel from London to Barcelona with ease, starting with a ferry across the English Channel to France, and then journeying through picturesque landscapes by road, exploring iconic cities and charming towns along the way.
Accommodation
Stay in comfortable and stylish accommodations such as Jo&Joe Gentilly in Paris, Ibis Budget Bordeaux Centre Meriadeck in Bordeaux, Koisi Hostel in San Sebastián, and Generator Barcelona in Barcelona, ensuring a cozy and convenient base throughout your journey.
FAQs
- London: Travelling to (and through) the UK & Northern Ireland? You’ll need Essential Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)From January 8, 2025, UK law means that if you’re entering/transiting through the United Kingdom (UK) and Northern Ireland you’ll need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before you travel. Confused? Don’t be – just read on here.
Check out our Q&As
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What can I expect to see in Paris during the tour?
In Paris, you will have the opportunity to admire iconic landmarks such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Louvre. You can also enjoy the city's vibrant atmosphere with options like dinner and a cabaret show.
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What activities are planned in Bordeaux?
In Bordeaux, you will explore the chic metropolis, see the Palais de la Bourse, and enjoy the downtown area. There will also be time to savor a nice glass of red wine by the river.
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What will we do in San Sebastian?
In San Sebastian, you will explore the charming town, visit the aquarium, and enjoy the coastal views. You will also have time to wander through Parte Vieja, Playa de la Concha, and Centro Romántico.
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What highlights are included in the Barcelona visit?
In Barcelona, you will visit the Sagrada Familia, explore the Gothic Quarter, and stroll along Las Ramblas. You can also enjoy the Mediterranean Sea, unique gothic architecture, and vibrant street life.
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What is the significance of the White Cliffs of Dover on this tour?
The White Cliffs of Dover are a significant natural beauty you will see on the first day of the tour as you travel from London to Paris. They are iconic chalk cliffs that have inspired songs and are a memorable part of the journey.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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