London to Barcelona Quest | Start London | Summer | 2025

London to Barcelona Quest | Start London | Summer | 2025

24 Views

London to Barcelona Quest | Start London | Summer | 2025

8 Days Starting in London, England and ending in Barcelona, Spain

Visiting: Paris, Bordeaux, San Sebastián, Barcelona

Tour operator:

Contiki

Tour code:

CCWQMP20

Specialist Group:

18-30 Somethings

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

18-35

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English , French , Spanish

Interests:

Cultural, History

Activities:

Sightseeing, Wine Tasting

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey from London to Barcelona in the summer of 2025, 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 the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral await. Savor the elegance of Bordeaux with its renowned wines and picturesque scenery. Cross into Spain to discover the charming coastal town of San Sebastian, and finally, immerse yourself in the architectural wonders and lively atmosphere of Barcelona, including Gaudi's Sagrada Familia and the bustling Gothic Quarter. With 7 breakfasts and 2 dinners included, this tour promises a delightful blend of sightseeing, culture, and culinary experiences.

Highlights

  • See the iconic chalk-white cliffs of Dover.

  • Explore Paris and its famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.

  • Stroll through Bordeaux and enjoy a glass of red wine by the river.

  • Visit the Sagrada Familia, Gaudi's masterpiece in Barcelona.

  • Discover Barcelona's Gothic Quarter and the vibrant Las Ramblas.

  • Experience the charming coastal town of San Sebastian.

  • Wander through the picturesque streets of San Sebastian's Parte Vieja and Playa de la Concha.

Itinerary

Expand All

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: Bordeaux

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

  • Meals

    The tour includes 2 dinners and 7 breakfasts.

  • Dover Experience

    See the iconic chalk-white coastline of Dover.

  • Paris Tour

    Take a dreamy jaunt around Paris, visiting landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre, Champs-Élysées, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.

  • Bordeaux Exploration

    Stroll around Bordeaux to see the Palais de la Bourse and downtown Bordeaux.

  • Barcelona Sightseeing

    Check out the Sagrada Familia and explore Barcelona's Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation is provided at Jo&Joe Gentilly, Ibis Budget Bordeaux Centre Meriadeck, Koisi Hostel, and Generator Barcelona or similar.

What's Not Included

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities and excursions are not included in the tour price.

  • Flights

    International and domestic flights are not included in the tour package.

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 continuing by road through iconic cities like Paris, Bordeaux, and San Sebastian, before reaching the vibrant city of Barcelona.

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 Sebastian, and Generator Barcelona in Barcelona, ensuring a cozy and convenient rest after each day's adventures.

Check out our Q&As

  • 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 activities like dining and possibly attending a cabaret show.

  • What activities are planned in Bordeaux?

    In Bordeaux, you will explore the chic metropolis, including the Palais de la Bourse and downtown Bordeaux. You can also enjoy a glass of red wine by the river and visit the famous Miroir d'eau.

  • What will we do in San Sebastian?

    In San Sebastian, you will have the chance to explore the charming town, visit the aquarium, and enjoy the beautiful coastline. You will also explore areas like Parte Vieja, Playa de la Concha, and Centro Romántico.

  • What are the highlights of the Barcelona visit?

    In Barcelona, you will visit Gaudi's masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia, and explore the Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas. You can also enjoy the Mediterranean Sea, unique architecture, and vibrant street life.

  • 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 as you travel from London to Paris. They are iconic chalk cliffs that have inspired songs and are a memorable part of the journey.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • 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.

  • 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.

Reviews of this operator

Trusted Customer  

Northern Choice plus Kaikoura

16-Jan-2023

The trip ran so smoothly and was well organised! The extra add ons were amazing and all the services were spot on. Food places were reasonable. I'm definitely booking my next contiki trip again soon!

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Sophie  

Exceptional customer service

14-Jan-2023

Contiki were exceptional in providing customer service. They provided me with lots of information and were quick in responding to all my questions. I found that they were super helpful.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

First time traveling with Contiki. Highly recommend! You’ll have a blast

17-Jan-2023

First time traveling internationally since Covid and glad I spent the trip with Contiki. The travel, lodging, meals, activities everything was planned effortlessly. Going to Greece in may with contiki. Highly recommend

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Amazing trip. Made great friends and memories. Can’t wait for my next trip

15-Jan-2023

I had 24 people on my contiki and I think it was the perfect number, we all got to know each other well and got along great. Our tour guide was fun and knowledgeable, the hotels were nice and in great locations.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Tanner Stokes  

My amazing trip to Africa

13-Jan-2023

Sherif was an excellent tour guide. He was extremely knowledgeable about every single small detail at each site that we visited. In addition to his great service, he has a glowing spirit that made me feel like I had family with me the entire trip. Anything that I was concerned about, he always had an answer and was there to help. I truly enjoyed my experience and will purchase a tour with him in the future

Feefo Trusted Reviews

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.