A Chateau-Infused European Sojourn

A 23-day odyssey through Europe's most captivating destinations, beginning in the vibrant streets of London and venturing deep into the heart of France. From the fairytale castles of the Loire Valley to the rugged landscapes of the Dordogne region, to the beaches of Biarritz, and the historic charm of Pau and Lourdes. Explore the rich history, culture, and natural wonders of these enchanting destinations.

Our expedition commenced amidst the hustle and bustle of London, a city steeped in history and modernity. From its iconic landmarks to its thriving arts scene, London set the stage for our European escapade.

The heart of our adventure lay in the enchanting Loire Valley, a region renowned for its magnificent chateaus and lush vineyards. As we wandered through the opulent corridors and manicured gardens of these architectural wonders, we couldn't help but feel transported to a world of fairy tales.

Continuing our journey southward, we found ourselves immersed in the medieval charm of the Dordogne region, where ancient towns, prehistoric caves, and meandering rivers beckoned us to explore. The Dordogne revealed secrets of a bygone era, where history whispered through cobblestone streets and ancient cave paintings.

Our pilgrimage then led us to the hallowed path of the Camino Frances (a historic pilgrimage route leading to the shrine of St. James in Santiago de Compostela, Spain), where we followed in the footsteps of countless seekers. Although we didn’t traverse the trail on foot, we saw pilgrims starting their journey in the historic St. Jean-Pied-du-Port, and we traversed the Pyrenees mountains on our way to Logrono; another stop on the historic Camino Frances trail.

Venturing into Basque Country, our senses were enraptured by the rugged beauty of Biarritz's coastline, the artistic vibrancy of Bilbao, and the spiritual aura of Lourdes in France. Basque Country, with its unique blend of traditions and landscapes, provided the perfect crescendo to our European symphony.

Join us as we embark on a narrative through London's modernity, the regal chateaus of France, and the enchanting spirit of Basque Country.

• Get your documents in order: If you don’t have a passport already, it will take at least four to six weeks from the time of application for you to receive one. Expedited services—either through the State Department or an expeditor such as Travel Visa Pro can trim the process down to a week or so, but it will cost you an additional fee, so it’s best to take care of this well before your trip.
• Already have a passport? Check its expiration date. The last thing you need is to find out your passport has expired while you’re in line at airport check-in. Keep in mind that some countries require your passport to be valid for six months beyond your trip dates.

Your passport, the key that unlocks a world of travel experiences, deserves protection. While some may consider a passport cover a mere accessory, its benefits extend far beyond aesthetics. Here's why investing in a good passport cover is a wise decision for any globetrotter:

Constant handling, travel wear and tear, and potential spills can damage your passport. A sturdy passport cover acts as a barrier, protecting the delicate pages and crucial information from scratches, bends, and liquids.

Our Passport covers also offer features like RFID blocking technology, which shields your personal information stored in the embedded chip from unauthorized scans. This added layer of security provides peace of mind while navigating crowded airports or unfamiliar environments. It also provides inner pockets for storing cards, boarding passes or cash.

If you would like to purchase one of these Passport Covers, please click here to go to our store where you can view our Passport covers options, colors, etc.

The first column below ("All Trip Destinations") lists all of our major trip destinations (for this trip) and the next four columns list each of our trip "basecamps" and then a list of what we explored from that basecamp. Each destination name is linked to it's page - so all you need to do is click that name.

NOTE: The Trip Itinerary & Overview Page is where you should start your viewing.

The following list contains links to all of our other French Destinations & Information Pages, click any link to go to that page.