16-day tour around France and the German Blak Forest from Paris

Upon your arrival in the romantic city of Paris, you will be greeted with a seamless transfer to your hotel in one of our vehicles, where your professional driver will ensure your comfort and convenience throughout the journey.

You will have the rest of the day free to explore the city of Light.

Paris holds a significant place in the history of France and all of Europe. With over two million inhabitants, the capital is one of the most populous cities on the old continent and among the most visited destinations globally, thanks to its countless attractions.

One of them is the great architectural development of the 19th century, which left jewels such as the Madeleine Market, the Grandes Halles, and the Eiffel Tower, the city's icon par excellence.

Paris is also known by many names, one of them being La Ville Lumière (The City of Light) due not only to its fame as a flagship city of arts and sciences, but also for the early illumination of its streets.

Although the VII arrondissement, where the Eiffel Tower and the Champs-Elysées are located, is the most frequented area, full of luxury venues, monuments such as the Bourbon Palace, or museums such as the Orsay, there is much more to discover. The history, culture, and gastronomy of Paris are prevalent throughout the city.

Greca Tip: The city has a building code that prohibits buildings taller than the Eiffel Tower. This aims to preserve the iconic appearance of the Paris skyline, maintaining the tower as one of the tallest and most recognizable structures.

After having breakfast you will have an early departure from Paris, traveling towards Normandy, making a stop in Giverny. In this village, you will visit Monet’s House and its impressive gardens.

The journey continues to Rouen, the capital of Normandy with its medieval streets and cathedral. Here you have time for a stroll and to have lunch.

You will continue to Arromanches, it is a picturesque coastal town located in Normandy, France. It has historical importance for its role in the landing of Allied forces during World War II, specifically on the famous D-Day. At Arromanches, an artificial port, known as Mulberry Harbor, was built, which played a crucial role in the supply of troops and equipment during the invasion of Normandy in 1944.

The last stop of the day will be Caen where you will stay.

Greca Tip: Rouen is known for its connection with Joan of Arc, the French heroine. It was in Rouen that Joan of Arc was tried and executed in 1431.

You will travel first thing in the morning, after breakfast, to Mont Saint Michel “the wonder”, where you will have time to get to know the city surrounded by the sea and the abbey. Something courious is that at low tide, the island is accessible from the coast by road. However, during high tide, it is isolated like a real island. This tidal phenomenon is one of the most notable aspects of Mont Saint-Michel. This place is also known for its impressive medieval abbey, which stands majestically above the island.

Later you will travel to the Brittany region where you will visit Saint Malo. This city is known for its impressive walled city and rich maritime history. Here you will have time for lunch.

In the afternoon, you will take a walk through Dinan. This charming medieval town is known for its well-preserved architecture, cobblestone streets, and medieval atmosphere. We will enjoy a crepe and a drink.

You will continue towards Rennes, the capital of Brittany. It is a historically and culturally rich city with a significant population and a history dating back to Roman times.

Greca Tip: Rennes is also a city with a vibrant student life, as it is home to several educational institutions, including the University of Rennes.

After breakfast, you will leave for Angers, where those who wish can visit the castle that houses the largest medieval tapestry on the Apocalypse.

You will then continue towards the Loire Valley. Here you will visit Tours, the regional capital on the banks of the Loire, where you will have free time to walk and have lunch.

In the afternoon you will visit the Villandry Palace, famous for its gardens and flowers, we include entrance to the gardens. They are famous for their geometric design and beauty. The gardens are divided into several levels and feature flower areas, box hedges, fountains, and ponds. There are several themed gardens, such as the Garden of Love, the Garden of Water, the Garden of the Sun, and others.

Later you will continue to Amboise, which is a city with an interesting medieval neighborhood on the banks of the Loire. Dinner included and accommodation.

Greca Tip: Amboise is located on the banks of the Loire River, and walking along the river is a pleasant activity. The riverside scenery is beautiful, and you can enjoy panoramic views of the castle from the opposite bank.

After breakfast you are going to visit the Loire region.

You will take a walk through Amboise first thing in the morning to the Clos Lucé mansion where Leonardo da Vinci spent the last 3 years of his life until his death. You will also visit the Chenonceaux Castle.

The castle is a magnificent example of French Renaissance architecture. It has an elegant design and is built over the river, giving it a unique and picturesque appearance. The castle presents a mix of architectural styles, including Gothic and Renaissance, and has beautiful galleries that extend over the river.

Later you will visit Chambord, the largest of the Loire castles (entrance to the park included). Later you will travel to central France.

You will arrive in Limoges, the city famous for its porcelain factories, which have been producing fine ceramics for centuries. The rest of the afternoon is free and we suggest walking through the historic center where St. Stephen's Cathedral stands out.

Greca Tip: The Limoges region is known for its regional cuisine, which includes dishes such as Limousin lamb, beef, and dairy products. It is also famous for its cheeses, such as Limousin cheese and Rocamadour goat cheese.

You will leave Limoges after breakfast towards the Dordogne, another of the great historical rivers in central France. Few regions contain so many towns full of charm and unforgettable landscapes.

Continuing along the route you are going to arrive at Lascaux, where you will visit the museum and the replica of the caves, you will learn about prehistory with the magnificent cave paintings.

After that, you will visit Sarlat, a world heritage city that preserves an incredibly well-preserved Renaissance historic center. Here you will have time to walk and have lunch.

Later you will go to Beynac where you will visit a medieval castle overlooking the river (entrance included). This feudal castle stands atop a rocky cliff and offers panoramic views of the Dordogne River Valley. It is one of the best-preserved and most impressive castles in the region.

During the Middle Ages, the castle played an important role in the history of the region and was the subject of disputes between several noble families.

Finally, you will visit Rocamadour, a beautiful medieval town with an important sanctuary “hanging” in a ravine. Accommodation and dinner are included.

Greca Tip: We suggest that in Rocamadur you walk down the Via Crucis and go up with the elevator.

After breakfast, you will leave the hotel towards the impressive Padirac Caves. They were formed over millions of years due to water erosion of limestone. Erosion created a series of underground passages, galleries, and rooms that extend for several kilometers. Here you will take a boat ride 75 meters deep (entrance included with a boat ride on the underground river).

The next stop will be at Collonges la Rouge, which is known for its distinctive red stone architecture, which gives it its name, "la rouge" which means "the red one" in French. This charming village is one of the "Les Plus Beaux Villages de France" (The Most Beautiful Villages in France). Time for lunch.

After lunch, you will travel to Saint Emilion, in the center of the Bordeaux wine-producing region. The village itself is a charming example of medieval architecture, with cobbled streets, stone houses, and a monolithic church carved into the rock, the "Église Monolithe de Saint-Émilion", which is a must-see.

We will have free time to walk around before making our way to Bordeaux, where we will arrive in the evening.

Greca Tip: Saint-Émilion has a labyrinth of underground caves where wines are stored and aged. Many of these caves are accessible for tourist visits, and we would highly recommend visiting one, even if you are not a wine enthusiast.

After breakfast, you will visit the center of Bordeaux. It is known for its impressive architecture, ranging from historic buildings to modern structures. The historic center of Bordeaux is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features cobbled streets, charming squares, and magnificent buildings such as the Place de la Bourse and the Stone Bridge.

Here you will be surprised by the “water mirror” and we will walk through the old town with its pedestrian streets and its 11th-century cathedral.

You will have time to visit on your own La Cité Du Vin, which is an impressive interactive museum that allows you to learn about the history of wine and its production.

You will have free time later to walk and have lunch on the banks of the Garonne River, an area full of small restaurants.

After lunch time you will continue our route towards the Pyrenees.

We will arrive in Lourdes in the middle of the afternoon where we will have time to visit the sanctuary.

It is known worldwide for the apparitions of the Virgin Mary which are said to have occurred in 1858, when a young woman named Bernadette Soubirous claimed to have had visions of the Virgin in a grotto near the city.

Accommodation and dinner at the hotel.

Greca Tip: The water of Lourdes is considered by many believers to be miraculous and is believed to have healing properties.

After breakfast, you will travel through the south of France and stop in Carcassonne, which is known for its impressive fortified citadel, which is one of the most outstanding examples of medieval architecture in Europe and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Free time to walk.

After lunch, you will continue to Narbonne. It has a history dating back to ancient Rome. It was founded as a Roman colony in 118 BC and became an important city in the region of Roman Gaul.

As a result, the city has a significant historical legacy, with Roman archaeological remains such as the ancient bridge over the River Aude and the Museum of Archaeology. Here you will have free time to get to know this historic Occitan city with its picturesque historic center.

At the end of the afternoon, you are going to arrive in Marseille, the second city in France. It is a cosmopolitan city with great cultural diversity. It has been an entry point for immigrants from various parts of the world, which has enriched its culture and gastronomy. The city is home to several ethnic neighborhoods, such as the Arab Quarter and the Greek Quarter. Accommodation in Marseille.

Greca Tip: We recommend a walk in Marseille through its vibrant “Vieux Port”, full of life and small restaurants.

Today, after breakfast, you will visit some of the most beautiful places in Provence.

The first stop will be Arles, a World Heritage city, which shows us its legacy from Roman and medieval times and reminds us of Van Gogh.

Then you will visit Les Beaux, where you will have the opportunity to get to know this small medieval town we will include the entrance to Carrieres de Lumiere, which is an impressive spectacle of art, image, and sound underground, in some old quarries.

Later there will be time for lunch and a walk in Avignon. This town is famous for being the seat of the papacy during the period known as the "Avignon Captivity" or "Avignon Babylon" (1309-1377). During that time, several popes resided in the city instead of Rome. The Palace of the Popes (Palais des Papes) is a reminder of this period and is an important historical site.

You will continue to Lyon, where you can walk through the old quarter declared a World Heritage Site and you will include the funicular to go up to Notre Dame de Fourviere, an immense basilica from where we have a great view of the city.

Greca Tip:  The “Pont Saint-Bénézet,” also known as the Avignon Bridge, is another iconic symbol of the city. It was built in the 12th century and although only a few sections of the bridge remain today, it remains an iconic landmark and tourist attraction.

In the morning, after breakfast, you will leave Lyon towards the Burgundy region.

First, you will stop in Tournus, which is a pleasant small town with its immense stone gate and its large abbey.

After that, you will travel to Beaune. It is widely known for its central role in the production of high-quality wine, particularly Burgundy red wines, and for its beautiful historic center. Time for a walk and lunch in the capital of Burgundy wines.

You will later visit the Savigny Castle in the center of this wine region, built in the 15th century, housing some extraordinary museums (museum of motorcycles, racing cars, airplanes and helicopters!).

Later you will continue to Dijon, the capital of Burgundy, with its lively streets, and the magnificent urban complex with its numerous medieval and Renaissance buildings, highlighting the palace of the dukes.

Greca Tip: Dijon is famous for its mustard, which is named after the city. Visitors can explore the history of mustard and taste different varieties at Maison Maille, a historic mustard shop.

We will enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel before continuing our journey. Still in the charming region of Burgundy, we will head to Besançon, a city of Roman origin known for its remarkable historic center and its impressive 17th-century citadel overlooking the town. From there, we will make our way to Alsace, a culturally rich region of France that has changed hands between France and Germany over the centuries. Alsace retains its own Germanic dialect—Alsatian—as well as architecture and traditions deeply rooted in German heritage.

Our first stop in Alsace will be Colmar, a city famous for its distinctive architecture, colorful half-timbered houses, and picturesque canals. Colmar is also celebrated for its excellent white wines and fine gastronomy. You will have free time to enjoy lunch and take a leisurely stroll through its charming streets.

In the afternoon, we will visit Riquewihr, one of the most beautiful medieval villages in Alsace. With its cobblestone streets and vibrant houses, Riquewihr looks like it came straight out of a fairy tale—it even inspired scenes from Beauty and the Beast. Here, we’ll visit a traditional winery for a tasting of local wine accompanied by a regional sweet.

We will arrive in Strasbourg in the evening. We recommend taking a walk around the majestic cathedral and the Petite France district, both filled with enchanting spots and cozy restaurants.

Greca Tip: While in Strasbourg, don’t miss the chance to try tarte flambée (flammekueche), a classic Alsatian specialty resembling a thin-crust pizza, topped with cream, onions, and bacon—an ideal way to end the day with an authentic local flavor.

We will begin our day by enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel before setting out to explore Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace and the seat of the European Parliament. This city’s historic center is a true treasure, with its medieval streets, an awe-inspiring Gothic cathedral, and flower-lined canals that exude charm at every turn. To truly experience the beauty of the area, we will include a scenic boat ride through the canals of Petite France.

Afterward, we will cross the border into Germany, journeying through the enchanting mountain landscapes of the Black Forest. Our first stop will be Freiburg, a lively university town known for its well-preserved medieval center and its striking cathedral. Here, you’ll have time to enjoy lunch and stroll through its vibrant streets.

We’ll then continue deeper into the Black Forest to visit Triberg, one of the most picturesque towns in the region and world-famous for its cuckoo clocks. We will include admission to the Triberg Waterfalls, Germany’s tallest, which we’ll reach by way of a charming walking trail through the forest.

Before reaching our final destination, we’ll stop briefly in Gengenbach to take photos of its lovely central square and half-timbered houses. We’ll then arrive in Baden-Baden, a spa town that once served as a luxurious retreat for European aristocracy and the upper bourgeoisie. With its grand architecture, elegant parks, and historic casino, Baden-Baden still radiates sophistication and charm.

Greca Tip: In Baden-Baden, treat yourself to a traditional Black Forest cake (Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte)—a decadent combination of chocolate, cherries, and whipped cream that's a regional favorite.

We will start our day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel, followed by some free time in Baden-Baden to enjoy a peaceful walk through its elegant parks and gardens. Shortly after, we will depart for Rhineland-Palatinate, beginning with a visit to Speyer, a historic city situated along the banks of the Rhine River.

In Speyer, you will have the opportunity to explore the magnificent Romanesque cathedral—designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and stroll through the old quarter, where the Alte Münze (Old Mint) is a standout landmark.

Our journey continues to the picturesque city of Heidelberg, where a cable car will take us up to the impressive hilltop castle. From here, you can admire spectacular views over the city and the Neckar River. Your ticket includes access to the castle’s terraced gardens, the old wine barrel cellar, and the apothecary museum.

Afterwards, you’ll have free time for lunch and to enjoy a relaxed walk through the old town, with its charming squares, including the lively Marktplatz.

In the afternoon, we will arrive in Frankfurt, one of Germany’s most dynamic cities. Known for its striking blend of historic charm and futuristic skyline, Frankfurt offers everything from traditional timber-framed buildings in the old town to modern skyscrapers lining the Rhine River.

To wrap up the day, we’ll head to a traditional beer garden in the historic Römerberg Square, where we will enjoy a tasting of a classic local specialty: German beer served with Frankfurt sausage and sauerkraut.

Greca Tip: In Frankfurt, try a glass of Apfelwein (apple wine), the city’s beloved tart cider, often served in a traditional ribbed glass called a Geripptes. It’s the perfect way to toast to your journey through Germany.

We will begin our day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel before setting off on our journey to France, with a fascinating stop in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg along the way. This small yet culturally rich country is unique in that both German (in the Luxembourgish dialect) and French are widely spoken.

Upon arrival in its capital, Luxembourg City, we will discover a cosmopolitan destination that blends centuries of history with the modern character of a European financial and institutional center. Key highlights include the historic old town—designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site—the city's fortified walls, the elegant Grand Ducal Palace, and the impressive Notre-Dame Cathedral.

After some free time for lunch, we will continue our route into the heart of France’s Champagne region. There, we’ll stop in Reims, a city of great historical significance. You’ll have the chance to admire its magnificent Gothic cathedral, the site where numerous French kings were crowned.

We’ll arrive in Paris by the end of the day, ready to enjoy the splendor and romance of the French capital.

Greca Tip: While in Reims, if time permits, try a glass of authentic Champagne straight from the source—many local cellars offer quick tastings that pair perfectly with delicate French pastries.

After a wonderful breakfast, our transfer will take you to the airport to board your next destination.

Without a doubt, and after spending some fantastic days with Greca, we hope to see him soon to forge new and emotional moments that will never leave his memory.

Nice trip! Or, as you will say, "Bon Voyage!".

Greca Tip: If you feel that your time in Paris was too brief, you can easily add extra nights to your booking. Simply let us know your preferences, and we'll be happy to assist you.