London to Barcelona Quest | Start Paris | Summer | 2026
London to Barcelona Quest | Start Paris | Summer | 2026
London to Barcelona Quest | Start Paris | Summer | 2026
8 Days Starting in Paris and ending in Barcelona
Visiting: London, Dover, Calais, Paris, Bordeaux, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, San Sebastián, Zaragoza, Barcelona
Tour operator:
Tour code:
CCWQME26
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
Think just over a week isn't enough to get a good look at Europe? The London to Barcelona Quest is here to prove you wrong. Â Experience the contrast of the bustling city of Barcelona to the wine region of Bordeaux & the seaside San Sebastian to the monuments & museums of Paris. When you uncover France & Spain, you've truly entered the world of Europe.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: London To Paris
Location: London, Dover, Calais, Paris
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 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: Paris, Bordeaux
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, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, San Sebastián
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 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: San Sebastián, Zaragoza, Barcelona
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 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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Meals
The tour includes 2 dinners and 7 breakfasts.
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided at Jo&Joe Gentilly (or similar) in Paris, Ibis Budget Bordeaux Centre Meriadeck (or similar) in Bordeaux, Koisi Hostel (or similar) in San Sebastián, and Generator Barcelona (or similar) in Barcelona.
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Transportation
Transportation from London to Paris, Paris to Bordeaux, Bordeaux to San Sebastian, and San Sebastian to Barcelona is included.
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Guided Tours
Guided tours are provided in Paris, Bordeaux, San Sebastian, and Barcelona.
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Sightseeing
Sightseeing includes the White Cliffs of Dover, World War I battlefields in the Valley of the Somme, Notre Dame Cathedral, Louvre, Miroir d'eau in Bordeaux, Isla de Santa Clara in San Sebastian, and Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.
What's Not Included
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Flights
Flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as dinner and a cabaret show in Paris are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees and other travel-related documentation costs are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel by ferry across the English Channel and by road through France and Spain, ensuring a scenic and comfortable journey from London to Barcelona.
Accommodation
Stay in comfortable and modern accommodations including Jo&Joe Gentilly in Paris, Ibis Budget Bordeaux Centre Meriadeck in Bordeaux, Koisi Hostel in San Sebastian, and Generator Barcelona in Barcelona.
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!
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of activities can I expect in Paris?
In Paris, you can expect to admire landmarks such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, juggle coffee and crêpes, and get artsy at the Louvre. You might also want to get involved with dinner and a cabaret show.
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What will we see in Bordeaux?
In Bordeaux, you will explore the chic metropolis, see the Palais de la Bourse and downtown Bordeaux, and enjoy a nice glass of red wine by the river. You will also visit the famous Miroir d'eau (water mirror).
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What can I do in San Sebastian?
In San Sebastian, you can explore Parte Vieja, Playa de la Concha, and Centro Romántico. You can also visit the aquarium and get a closer look at Isla de Santa Clara.
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What are the highlights of Barcelona on this tour?
In Barcelona, you will check out the Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s world-renowned masterpiece, and explore the Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas. You can also visit Parc Guell, enjoy the beach, and indulge in tapas and paella, washed down with sangria.
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What is the first major landmark we will see on the tour?
The first major landmark you will see on the tour is the White Cliffs of Dover, which are iconic chalk cliffs that edge the English coastline.
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Will there be any historical sites visited during the tour?
Yes, you will visit the World War I battlefields in the Valley of the Somme on the first day of the tour.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay in 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, or similar accommodations.
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What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 7 breakfasts and 2 dinners.
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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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Terms and Conditions