Paris to the Pyrenees
Group Leader: Paul Sonsteby
Requested Return Date: 4/11/2026
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For over 55 years, we’ve dedicated ourselves to one global mission: Opening the World Through Education. Our programs help students expand their knowledge of the world around them, discover more about themselves, grow more confident and independent, and understand new people, places, and cultures.
Our Bestseller collection features exclusive educational programming and immersive experiences that you can only get through EF–they are rated exceptionally high by educators who travel with us.
Between two former empires lie the majestic Pyrenees—a vast mountain range older than The Alps by over 200 million years—whose mere existence has shaped the borders of nations since the dawn of civilization. As you travel south toward them, you'll traverse the scenic Loire Valley, and witness the architectural splendour of the Château de Chenonceau, a Renaissance marvel that overlooks the River Cher. On the Basque Coast, you will climb the imposing Dune du Pilat to earn a breathtaking panorama of Europe’s largest sand dunes. Next, the vibrant cities of Biarritz and San Sebastián reveal an interesting blend of French and Spanish influences, expressed across their peculiar art, food, social customs, and more. Ascend Monte Urgull in San Sebastián, where each step through its cobbled paths, and remnants of military fortifications like the La Mota Castle, is a step back in time. Conclude this inspiring tour with a stroll through Barcelona’s Park Güell, a testament to the genius of Antoni Gaudí, and a final touch of wonder in this educational odyssey. This tour promises to be an enlightening expedition, rich in historical insights, natural splendour, and cultural curiosities.
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Day 1: Fly overnight to France
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Day 2: Paris
Meet your Tour Director at the airport
Participate in Group Leader-planned activities or explore the city
(Note: Transportation is not included for this portion of your tour) -
Day 3: Paris
Take a walking tour of Paris
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Day 4: Paris
Take a guided tour of Paris
With your expert local guide you will see:
- Place de la Concorde
- Champs-Élysées
- Arc de Triomphe
- Les Invalides
- Eiffel Tower
Catch a glimpse of Notre-Dame Cathedral
Visit the Louvre -
Day 5: Paris • Loire Valley • Bordeaux
Travel to Bordeaux via the Loire Valley
Visit the Château de Chenonceau
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Day 6: Bordeaux • Basque Coast
Travel to Biarritz via Arcachon
Take a tour of Dune du Pilat
Take a tour of Biarritz
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Day 7: Basque Coast • San Sebastián • Pamplona
Travel to Pamplona via San Sebastián
Self-Guided Walking Tour of San Sebastian
Take a walk up Monte Urgull for some beautiful views
Take a guided tour of Pamplona
With your expert local guide you will see:
- Plaza del Castillo
- Pamplona Cathedral
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Day 8: Pamplona • Zaragoza • Barcelona
Travel to Barcelona via Zaragoza
Visit Basílica del Pilar
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Day 9: Barcelona
Take a guided tour of Barcelona
With your expert local guide you will see:
- La Sagrada Família
- Park Güell
- La Pedrera or Casa Batlló
Visit Park Güell
Take a walking tour of Barcelona
Enjoy time to explore on your own -
Day 10: Barcelona
Snap a panoramic photo of Barcelona atop Montjuïc
Add this in-depth excursionMontserrat
Journey northwest of Barcelona on a half-day excursion to Montserrat. Its mountain setting provides a dramatic backdrop for the 9th-century monastery whose basilica houses the Black Virgin Mary of Montserrat. Legend has it that Benedictine monks could not move the statue to construct their monastery, so instead they built around it. You may even hear the renowned boys choir during your visit.
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Day 11: Depart for home
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Day 1: Fly overnight to France
-
Day 2: Paris
Meet your Tour Director at the airport
Participate in Group Leader-planned activities or explore the city
(Note: Transportation is not included for this portion of your tour) -
Day 3: Paris
Take a walking tour of Paris
-
Day 4: Paris
Take a guided tour of Paris
With your expert local guide you will see:
- Place de la Concorde
- Champs-Élysées
- Arc de Triomphe
- Les Invalides
- Eiffel Tower
Catch a glimpse of Notre-Dame Cathedral
Visit the Louvre -
Day 5: Paris • Loire Valley • Bordeaux
Travel to Bordeaux via the Loire Valley
Visit the Château de Chenonceau
-
Day 6: Bordeaux • Basque Coast
Travel to Biarritz via Arcachon
Take a tour of Dune du Pilat
Take a tour of Biarritz
-
Day 7: Basque Coast • San Sebastián • Pamplona
Travel to Pamplona via San Sebastián
Self-Guided Walking Tour of San Sebastian
Take a walk up Monte Urgull for some beautiful views
Take a guided tour of Pamplona
With your expert local guide you will see:
- Plaza del Castillo
- Pamplona Cathedral
-
Day 8: Pamplona • Zaragoza • Barcelona
Travel to Barcelona via Zaragoza
Visit Basílica del Pilar
-
Day 9: Barcelona
Take a guided tour of Barcelona
With your expert local guide you will see:
- La Sagrada Família
- Park Güell
- La Pedrera or Casa Batlló
Visit Park Güell
Take a walking tour of Barcelona
Enjoy time to explore on your own -
Day 10: Barcelona
Snap a panoramic photo of Barcelona atop Montjuïc
Add this in-depth excursionMontserrat
Journey northwest of Barcelona on a half-day excursion to Montserrat. Its mountain setting provides a dramatic backdrop for the 9th-century monastery whose basilica houses the Black Virgin Mary of Montserrat. Legend has it that Benedictine monks could not move the statue to construct their monastery, so instead they built around it. You may even hear the renowned boys choir during your visit.
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Day 11: Depart for home
Feel confident helping your child see the world
Parents, we know you have tons of questions—and we’re here to answer each and every one. (Seriously, call us anytime.) Visit our parents’ page for everything from payment plans and scholarship opportunities to safety protocols and the chance to hear from fellow moms and dads like you.
Are you the “print it, scribble notes on it, stick it to the fridge” type? You can download a printable version of our Parent Guide, too.
Hear a fellow parent's experience with student travel
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Health standards
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Have questions about this tour? Give us a call at 1-800-263-2806.
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See your tour come to life
Everything you get
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Airfare & transportation
Your flights—covered. Buses, trains, cruise ships, ferries and subways—covered. We take care of getting you around so you can enjoy the ride.
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Hotels
Safe, comfortable hotels with private bathrooms will be waiting for you at your destination.
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Meals
Traditional breakfasts and dinners bring local flavours to life as part of your tour experience. Lunches are left for you to discover new favourite dishes of your own.
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Entrances
Louvre; Notre-Dame Cathedral; Chenonceau; Parque Guell; With extension: Madrid Royal Palace; Prado
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Full-time Tour Director
Your dedicated Tour Director is with your group 24/7, providing deep local insight while handling all on-tour logistics.
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Expert Local Guides
Your expert local guides add cultural insight and global perspective on your sightseeing tours.
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Continuous Support
Your dedicated EF team helps you every step of the way—from recruiting and enrolling travellers to planning and managing your tour.
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24-hour Emergency Service
Travellers and their families can count on EF’s dedicated emergency service team.
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Worldwide Presence
EF has over 500 schools and offices in more than 50 countries worldwide so wherever you go, we’re there too.
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Peace of Mind Program
Feel secure knowing your group can change their destination or travel dates due to unforeseen circumstances.
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On our easy-to-navigate Help Center, you’ll find information on everything from our Automatic Payment Plan to passports to our experienced, culturally knowledgeable Tour Directors.