The township of Orleans prides itself to be the city of their French heroine - Joan of Arc. It is ever evident that her ubiquitous bronze; stone or marble statues are placed all over the city抯 public squares; the townhall and parks. We stroll through the city from St. Cross Cathedral and 慞lace Martroi to Jules Vernes road, to have an idea of this lovely French town before we arrive in the late morning at the Loire Valley. The Loire, longest river in France, follows our path right to the heart of this castle district. This is an area that never fails to impress. According to our time schedule, there will be opportunity for stops at some of castles. Our choice is endless, but we will pick the best of the crops. From Amboise; Chambord; Chenonceaux; Villandry; Azay le Rideau; Chinon; Usse; to Chatellerault, each owns its own uniqueness, charm and elegance. This evening, we arrive at the city of Poitiers, not too far away is the Theme Park dedicated to the invention of two brothers from Lyon - Lumiere brothers, who gave the future - cinematography. The park exhibits just that and more. Rather impressive too are the shows. Opening hours varies and need to check out before visiting on own.

Pass through the townships of Saints and Cognac. Visit Cognac village, the centre of brandy trade, have your pick of Messrs; Martell; Otard; Hennessy or Remy Martin; to name but just a few, and their caves. A rare opportunity for visitors to Cognac抯 cellars, to discover how soil structures; grapes quality; cultivation process and finally the distillation yields high quality glorious golden liquid - cognac. You may purchase the excellent produce at fabulous value here. Our coach goes via Bordeaux, capital of the old province of Guyenne. This evening, we are already in Northern Spain, in the Basque region and its capital city Bilbao, famous for the new Guggenheim Museum.

Bid goodbye to Madrid this morning. As we journey through the mountainous region towards Barcelona, passing massive red rock formations, dramatic peaks and the occasional hawk hovering above towering cliffs. Sit back, relax and take stock of a fascinating holiday of a lifetime. In Zaragoza, the capital of Aragon Region. It is the culminant point in the valley of Ebro, Spain抯 most water-bearing river, in an impressive landscape. Founded some 2000 years ago, and Old-Iberians, Romans, Goths and Arabians equally left their heritage. We stop here for own lunch and time to wander in the largest Cathedral Squares in the region and to admire the Bas韑ica de Nuestra Se駉ra del Pilar, the town hall and it抯 shopping street, before we head towards yet another University township of Lerida.

There is never a dull moment in the second largest city of Spain. The city tour takes us into the Old and New Quarters, dissected by the famous La Ramblas pedestrian mall - the focal point. Visit the Tetuan Square, Arch of Triumph, the Magnificent Lau Seu Cathedral, and the Christopher Columbus monument by the seafront. Then we drive up to Montjuic, site of the 1992 Summer Olympics for a panoramic view of the city by the sea. It is at the Spanish Village where we end the day抯 tour with this highlight. All the best samples of Catalynia and Spanish architecture are being represented to you in a nutshell. Most of the " houses " are handi-crafts Centres for arts and crafts which will no doubt catch your interests. Later spent some free time at the Plaza Catalunia, Barcelona抯 main shopping district and Cort des Inglais department store. This evening, we arrive at our hotel on the seaside resort of Costa Brava, and why not after dinner, stroll with friends to enjoy the balmy night by the beach?.

Glorious day today as we skim all the way along the Mediterranean Sea, one of the largest inland seas in the world, measuring almost 3800 Km from East at Strait of Massena to the Turkey soil and 2400 KM from south of France to the North of Africa. Blessed by the dry and cool wind such as Mistral, it gives the air a clear blue colour almost all year round and sun drenched beaches to the countries around it. It is indeed the Blue Coast or Cote de Azur where the rich and famous will seek refuge and enjoy the high living here. From Arenys de Mars to Perpiganan, we return to France once again passing by the tall pine retreats; swaying palm resorts and rough rocky coves being taken over by people of leisure, indeed it is " hang-loose " atmosphere prevails and the urge about, tomorrow is another day attitude towards life, enjoy now, affects one. We pass by major city such as Marseilles; Cannes; St. Tropez before settling in to the Queen of the Riviera in Nice.

Nice, the city of lemon and orange festival, has a carnival mood to anyone who comes here. The shops and the pedestrian area of Place Massena, the Castle hill and the flower market in the morning should be on the agenda of all visitors who cares. Our tour takes on an exhilarating journey this morning on hair raising cliff hanging drive to the exotic - Monte Carlo. Princes Grace, the American actress who married to the King of this tiny principality once said " come to the country where there is no frontier but flowers everywhere ". Here in the capital, by the harbour, you may have a glimpse of the expensive yacht and sailing boats softly slapped by the blue waves. Visit the Monte Carlo casino, (entrance and passport required at the door) to try your luck, or better yet, visit the latest setup in hotel Loewe. Which ever you choose, do not forget to stroll by the quayside, dominated by the tiny peninsular some 250 feet about sea level, home of the Royal Family. We will then visit a perfume factory in Eze Village, where famous perfumes are manufactured. Learn the fine art of perfume blending and take home a sample of the sweet scent of Southern France. After a good touring day, tonight, why not flaunt it out, try the famous sea food restaurant " Boccacio " with the mountain high fresh catch from the Blue Coast?