Day 1 – Arrival in Madrid
Your driver-guide meets you on arrival at Madrid Airport, and the journey into the city begins. The drive passes wide boulevards and historic buildings before reaching the center of Spain’s capital. After checking into your hotel, the afternoon offers an active introduction to Madrid with a bike ride through one of the city’s most famous parks.
Retiro Park Bike Tour
Your first experience in Madrid takes place in El Retiro Park, one of the city’s most beautiful green spaces. Cycling along the park’s wide paths allows you to explore its gardens, monuments, and lakes at a relaxed pace. During the ride, you pass the Crystal Palace, tree-lined avenues, and the large boating lake where locals gather beside the water. The park offers an enjoyable way to see a different side of Madrid while getting a gentle introduction to the city.
Overnight in Madrid
Day 2 – Madrid Highlights
Today focuses on some of Madrid’s most famous landmarks while also introducing the city’s lively food culture.
Royal Palace of Madrid
Your morning begins at the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Spanish royal family for ceremonial events. Inside the palace, you walk through grand halls decorated with chandeliers, historic paintings, and richly furnished rooms used for state occasions. The enormous building contains hundreds of rooms and offers a fascinating look into Spain’s royal history and architecture.
Historic Madrid Walking Tour
Leaving the palace area, you explore several of Madrid’s historic squares and streets on foot. The route passes Almudena Cathedral and Plaza de Oriente before continuing toward Plaza de Ópera and Calle Arenal. Walking through these streets reveals lively cafés, historic buildings, and busy plazas before eventually arriving at the famous Puerta del Sol, the symbolic center of Madrid.
Tapas & Local Food Experience
Along the walking route, your guide introduces you to several traditional taverns and restaurants where locals gather for tapas. Stopping at a few different venues allows you to sample classic Spanish dishes and regional specialties while experiencing Madrid’s social dining culture. The relaxed pace makes it easy to enjoy the city’s flavors while learning about local food traditions.
Flamenco Evening Performance
In the evening, you attend a traditional flamenco performance, one of Spain’s most expressive cultural traditions. Musicians, singers, and dancers perform together in an intimate setting where the powerful rhythms and emotional storytelling of flamenco come to life. The experience provides a memorable introduction to Spanish music and dance.
Overnight in Madrid
Day 3 – Segovia Day Trip
Travel north of Madrid to the historic town of Segovia, known for its Roman aqueduct and well-preserved medieval streets.
Segovia Historic Walking Tour
Arriving in Segovia, you begin exploring the town on foot through its historic center. The walk passes several historic buildings, including Casa de los Picos, the Alhóndiga, and the Torreón de Lozoya, before continuing through lively streets and squares. Along the way, you see the Church of San Martín and other historic landmarks that reveal the town’s rich medieval heritage.
Segovia Cathedral
Standing in the main square, Segovia Cathedral is one of the most impressive buildings in the city. The Gothic structure rises above the surrounding rooftops and dominates the skyline of the historic center. Walking inside the cathedral allows you to admire its soaring ceilings, ornate chapels, and historic artwork that reflect centuries of religious history.
Alcázar of Segovia
Your visit continues at the Alcázar of Segovia, a castle that stands dramatically on a rocky hill above the town. Walking through the rooms reveals royal chambers, grand halls, and historic displays connected to Spain’s past rulers. From the castle terraces, you can also enjoy sweeping views across the surrounding countryside.
Overnight in Madrid
Day 4 – Toledo Day Tour
Today’s journey travels south of Madrid into the region of Castilla-La Mancha, passing historic towns and countryside landscapes.
Consuegra Windmills
Your first stop is Consuegra, a hilltop location famous for its traditional windmills overlooking the surrounding plains. Walking along the ridge allows you to see several of the white windmills that inspired the story of Don Quixote. The viewpoint also offers wide views across the countryside, making it one of the most scenic stops of the day.
Toledo Historic Center
Continuing to Toledo, you arrive in one of Spain’s most historic cities. Walking through the old town reveals narrow streets, stone buildings, and historic churches that reflect centuries of cultural influence. The city’s dramatic hilltop setting above the Tagus River makes it one of the most striking historic towns in Spain.
Toledo Cathedral
One of the highlights of Toledo is its magnificent cathedral, considered one of the greatest Gothic buildings in Spain. Walking through the interior reveals grand chapels, detailed artwork, and centuries of religious history. The cathedral’s impressive architecture makes it a central landmark of the city.
Overnight in Madrid
Day 5 – Madrid to Nice
Today, the journey continues from Spain to the French Riviera.
Flight from Madrid to Nice
After traveling to the airport, you board a flight from Madrid to Nice on the Mediterranean coast. The journey takes you across southern Europe before the coastline of the French Riviera appears below as the plane approaches Nice.
Nice Bike Tour
After arriving in Nice, you explore the city on a guided bike tour along the famous Promenade des Anglais and surrounding streets. Cycling through the city reveals seaside views, historic buildings, and lively squares while offering a relaxed way to experience the Riviera’s atmosphere.
Overnight in Nice
Day 6 – Cannes & Lérins Islands
On day 6, explore one of the Riviera’s most famous coastal towns and the peaceful islands located just offshore.
Cannes Waterfront
Arriving in Cannes, you walk along the famous Croisette Boulevard where luxury hotels and palm-lined promenades overlook the sea. The harbor is filled with yachts while the historic old town rises above the waterfront. Walking through the narrow streets reveals small restaurants and scenic viewpoints across the bay.
Lérins Islands
A short boat journey brings you to the Lérins Islands, a group of peaceful islands located just off the coast of Cannes. Walking through pine forests and along coastal paths reveals quiet beaches and historic monasteries. The calm setting offers a pleasant contrast to the lively towns of the Riviera.
Overnight in Nice
Day 7 – Monaco & Menton
Today’s journey follows the Riviera coastline toward Monaco and the Italian border.
Monaco
Arriving in Monaco, you explore the principality known for its harbor, historic palace, and Formula One circuit. Walking through the old town reveals narrow streets and viewpoints overlooking the Mediterranean, while the harbor below is filled with impressive yachts.
Menton
Continuing east along the coast brings you to Menton, a colorful town known for its gardens and Mediterranean atmosphere. Walking through the town center reveals pastel buildings, seaside promenades, and lively squares that reflect its unique location between France and Italy.
Lemon Plantation Visit
Just outside Menton, you visit a local lemon plantation where the region’s famous citrus fruits are grown. Walking through the orchard reveals how the lemons are cultivated while offering a chance to learn about the traditions that have shaped Menton’s local agriculture.
Overnight in Nice
Day 8 – Provence Countryside
Vintage Car Experience in Provence
Exploring Provence in a vintage vehicle adds a memorable touch to the day. Driving through quiet country roads reveals rolling hills, vineyards, and fields of lavender that stretch across the landscape. The slower pace of the drive allows you to enjoy the scenery while experiencing the countryside in a unique way.
Gordes
One of the highlights of the region is the hilltop village of Gordes. Built from pale stone and rising above the surrounding valley, the village appears almost like a fortress on the hillside. Walking through its narrow streets reveals stone houses, small squares, and panoramic views across the Provençal countryside.
Roussillon
Nearby lies the village of Roussillon, known for its dramatic red ochre cliffs and colorful houses. Walking through the village streets reveals buildings painted in shades of orange, red, and yellow created by the natural pigments found in the surrounding landscape. The unique colors make Roussillon one of the most distinctive villages in Provence.
Lavender Fields
During the journey, you also visit lavender fields that stretch across parts of the Provençal countryside during the summer months. Walking along the edges of the fields allows you to see the rows of purple flowers while enjoying the calm rural landscape that defines this region of southern France.
Overnight in Nice
Day 9 – Marseille
Your final day explores one of the largest and most historic cities in southern France.
Panoramic Tour of Marseille
On arrival in Marseille, your guide begins with a panoramic drive through the city. The route passes the Old Port before climbing to the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde, the city’s most recognizable landmark. From this hilltop church, you can enjoy sweeping views across Marseille and the Mediterranean coastline.
Old Port of Marseille
Returning to the harbor area, you walk along the Old Port, which remains the historic heart of the city. Fishing boats and yachts fill the marina while cafés and restaurants line the waterfront. In the morning, the lively fish market adds to the atmosphere as locals gather along the harbor.
Le Panier District
Your visit continues in Le Panier, the oldest neighborhood in Marseille. Walking through its narrow streets reveals colorful buildings, small art galleries, and lively cafés. The district’s steep lanes and historic architecture create a distinctive atmosphere that reflects the city’s long Mediterranean history.
End of Tour
After exploring Le Panier, your private tour comes to an end. Your guide is on hand to drop you off wherever is convenient for you, whether that’s staying in Marseille, Nice, or anywhere else!