The Backpacker Co.

Highlights

18th of July ( early morning ) : we depart from Mumbai airport for Nice and are all set for the our backpacking adventure.

19th of July Nice (optional day trip to Monte Carlo)
Naughty Nice is one of the highlights of the French Riviera. Sun seekers sip cocktails on parasoled lounges lining its pebbled shores, kids splash in the azure seas and rollerbladers cruise the promenade des Anglais. The city is a great base from which to explore the rest of the Côte d’Azur

20th of July: Nice (option of a day trip to Cannes)

Seeing Nice the ‘local’ way:-
# Get away from the tourist crowds at Nice’s pebble beach, and head where the locals do – Villefranche Sur Mer. Just a 10min (2 stops) train ride from Nice, walk off the platform and straight onto the beach! The Med here is cleaner, the sun-bathers more chilled, making your day more relaxing! While splashing about see if you can spot Tina Turner’s mansion – it’s at the top of the corniche overlooking Villefranche!

# Strolling/roller-blading/cycling/jogging/people-watching on the Promenade des Anglais is a definite must when in Nice. Admire the plush Palais Mediterranean and the belle époque Negresco hotel. You haven’t been to Nice until you’ve posed on the promenade!

# Check out the Riviera’s most unique medieval village, and head to Eze. Now be warned – there is Eze sur Mer (Eze by the sea), and Village Eze (429m above). Village Eze is where you want to start out – take a bus from Nice and enjoy gorgeous coastal views en-route. The village is nestled on a rocky outcrop offering amazing views of nearby Cap Ferrat and Beaulieu Sur Mer. Wander around the village, and photograph the impossibly pretty Notre Dame church (the yellow one). It’s no wonder U2’s the Edge chose to get married here in 2002! Take the walk down to Eze Sur Mer for stunning views – 30-45mins (twice as long if done in reverse!). You’ll be able to spot Bono’s summer villa (Villa Eze les Roses) on the way down! From here you can take the train back to Nice.

21st of July : Nice to Barcelona via Avignon

What you can do in Barcelona:-

* La Sagrada Familia. Explore the buildings of Spain’s most famous architect - Gaudi. Classed as his greatest work, La Sagrada Familia is yet to be completed.

* Parc Guell. Gaudi originally designed this unique modernist to be a complete community. Located north of the centre. Take the metro or jump on a bus from Placa Universitat.

* Port Vell. Modern shopping & restaurant complex, largest aquarium (€14) in Europe.

* Golondrinas. These ‘harbour pleasure boats’ will take you around Barcelona harbour from Colom to l’Escullera.

* Christopher Colombus Monument. Located at the foot of Las Ramblas. 60m cast iron monument - marks the spot CC stepped ashore in 1493 after discovering America.

* Carrer de Montcada. Authentic medieval street. Wander through the narrow lanes and check out the gargoyles & protruding roofs.

* Picasso Museum. 3000 piece collection. Opened 1963, works were originally donated by Picasso’s friend, Sabartes. Later Picasso & his wife donated further works.

* Montjuic. Barcelona’s biggest recreation area. You’ll find galleries, gardens, nightclubs, museums, dancing fountain, and international sports facilities.

* Nightlife. Barcelona is all about the nightlife and there are numerous venues to check-out. Try Las Ramblas/ old town area, there are lots of bars around here. Try the Fairy bar (El Bosque de la Fades) at the bottom of Las Ramblas; the Black Sheep (L'Ovella Negra) at the top of Las Ramblas just off Elisabets; the Champagne Caves (Can Paixano) in Barceloneta at Calle.Reina Cristina –a bottle of cava & a small sandwich tap €4-€5.

22nd of July: Barcelona ( day free to explore on your own )

23rd of July: Barcelona ( day free to explore on your own )

24th of July: Barcelona to Madrid via Valencia

25th of July: Madrid ( day free to explore on your own )

What you can do in Madrid

* There are three big museums in Madrid that you absolutely must, do-not-pass-go, do-not-collect $200 go see if you've got a few days in Madrid. The first of these is the Museo del Prado, which contains 15th-19th century artworks, including almost a whole wing of Goya's works. Also in the museum is Velazquez's Las Meninas. Sounds expensive right - wrong! Entry to the Prado will set you back the small matter of 6 Euros. Really is no excuse...

* Second on the list is the more modern of the three - the Reina Sofia. Containing some of the best modern art you'd care to poke a stick at, you can easily spend a few hours in here, either in awe of the work or wondering just what constitutes art! Pick of the paintings is Picasso's "Guernica", painted after the Nazis bombed the Basque town during the Spanish Civil War. You literally can't miss it! Entry is just 3 Euros.

* Finally there's the Thyssen-Bornemisza. Formerly a private collection that was bought by the Spanish Government for around US$300 million, it covers art from medieval times through to today. If you've ever wanted to see the evolution of art over the years, this is the place to do it. Entry is 4.80 Euros.

* Enough of the art you say? Madrid is the place you're most likely to catch a bullfight. Head out to Ventrass, where you can normally catch a fight on a Sunday night (but tickets beforehand). Be warned though - it gets very gory and may not be for everyone.

* Also on the sporty theme is the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu - home to none other than Real Madrid, voted by FIFA as the world's most successful football club during the 20th century. Home of Beckham, Ronaldo et al, you can look out over the ground from the nosebleed seats before heading into the visitor's changing rooms and bench, walk along the outside of the field itself before heading into the impressive trophy room (29 La Liga titles).

* Need some fuel after all the walking around? Madrid has some super restaurants on the cheap - none better than the La Gloria de Montera. Drool uncontrollably over the roast lamb (on a shank but so tender you could cut it with a spoon), before diving into the very decadent "Chocotissimo" desert. All this, plus drinks - under 20 Euros. Bargain.

* Now that you're filled up, why not go out and work that desert off on the dance floor? They reckon Madrid started partying about the time General Franco shuffled off, and they haven't stopped yet! Be warned - most places only get going after midnight, and it's not uncommon to get home after the sun comes up...

* Eating, dancing... what's left? Shopping - and lots of it. All along the Gran Via you'll find plenty of cheap stores. I hate shopping but will happily do so in Madrid, which should tell you something...

* Toledo isn't just something that Speedy Gonzales says every time that "el crazy pussy-catto" comes near - it's the old capital of Spain and an easy day trip away. A World Heritage site that's well worth going to if you're not going on the Spanish Explorer.

* If you're at the end of your holiday and completely exhausted, why not chill out at the Parque del Retiro. Grab a loved one if they're available and go for a chilled out stroll through the park - or if you're a little more mischevious try out some of the play equipment that looks like it was inspired by Gaudi!

26th of July: Madrid – San Sebastian

Stuff to do around San Sebastian
1. Plaza Constitution. Formerly an old bull ring it's now the centre of the old town. Grab yourself a café, soak up the ambience and watch the world go by.

2. Mount Urgell. Great walk and on the summit you will discover a statue of Jesus looking out over the city. Fabulous views of the coast and Isle St. Clara - keep your eye out for dolphins.

3. Mount Igeldo. Old fashioned amusements parks your thing? Mount Igeldo is famous for its funfair, take the bus or the funicular up from the beach.

4. The beach. There are several beautiful beaches here to choose from. La Concha is the most famous and the most central, but also the most crowded. If it's busy in summer, your best bet for swimming is Ondaretta, but if it's surfing you're after, head to Playa de Zurriola. Don't have a board? Don't worry you can hire them!

5. Cider Restaurant. The traditional "sidra" houses are amazing. Cider has been produced in these parts for centuries and a visit to a cider house is not to be missed. The food is amazing and best of all you can refill your glass with cider as many times as you like for no extra cost.

* La Mejilloneria. Tucked away in a little street called Puerto in the old town is an eating institution called La Mejilloneria. Think fresh succulent calamari and mussels, the best patatas bravas in Spain. The prices are so cheap it's almost a crime to not go there!

* Shopping in the old town. Funkiest clothes, hats, shoes, bags and jewellery in Spain. Score yourself something that NO-ONE else at home will have. Everything unique and lots of retro one-offs! Bargains galore.

* Tapas Tour. San Sebastian is the culinary capital of northern Spain. Tapas here are known as pintxos, more bars here selling cheap culinary delights than you can poke a stick at.

* Kalimotxos. A northern Spain specialty. Picture this. A pint glass, red wine, add some ice and then top it up with..... coca cola. Sounds wrong but it is the nectar of the gods. Head to Zibbibo's - the bar where you get two for one drinks and dance the night away.

27th July: San Sebastian ( day free to explore on your own )

28th July: San Sebastian – Bordeaux

* The big thing to do in Bordeaux is to get out of town - head out to a winery or two. The Tourist Information office on the Cours du 30 Juliet can set you up with a number of different tours - including half day (around 30 Euros) and full day (around 80-90 Euros). They can also point you towards some wineries if you have your own transport to get there and back.

* Now you've got all the info about how wine's made, why not buy a bottle or six for friends and family? There's an excellent wine shop near the Tourist Information office, at the corner of the Cours du 30 Juliet and Allees de Tourny. The wines you're looking for there are near the entrance; wines up the stairs aren't so much something you drink as something you invest in. Otherwise, you can buy some good quality reds (rouge) at most supermarkets.

* Got the wine and feeling a little peckish? Just behind the Hotel Studio is a wonderful little place known as "Kebab Alley", where you can get any number of different kebabs. Personal favourite is a "kebab avec frites" (kebab with chips) - one of these each day is pretty much all you need for the whole day!

* Ok, so you don't want a kebab? The Old Town has plenty of good meals - grab two or three courses plus some wine for around 20 Euros.

* All refreshed after the drinks and meal? South of the Old Town is the St Michel cathedral, a beautiful old church with the second highest bell tower in France. There are also some good markets around there to check out.

* The Bordeaux Wine Festival. Held at the end of June/start of July (dates unavailable at this time), it's a great chance to try some top quality wines in a festival atmosphere.

* Haven't had your fill of sand and surf after San Sebastian? Head on out to Arcachon, home of Europe's longest sand dune at nearly 3km long.

* A boat trip up and down the Garonne may be in order for something a little bit different. Why not grab some wine for the trip - but don't drink and drive!

* Believe it or not, Bordeaux actually has a pretty lively nightlife. Head on down towards the university area; otherwise check out Tourist Info for any concerts in the city.

* One of the most horrendous atrocities during WWII happened in the nearby (200km!) village of Oradour-sur-Glane. 642 men, women and children were killed by the Nazis in retaliation for the kidnapping of a high-ranking official. The village has been left as it was when the atrocity happened. Very moving, but will need to hire a car to get out there.

29th July: Bordeaux ( day free to explore on your own )

30th July: Bordeaux – Paris

31st July: Paris ( day free to explore on your own )

1st August: Paris ( day free to explore on your own )

Stuff you can do in Paris

* The Eiffel Tower — Of course you have to see the symbol of Paris…all 370 meters of it! Great views from the top (and even midway up). I would definitely recommend going to the supermarket to buy some wine, cheese and a baguette and have a picnic in front of the tower (Champs de Mars).

Tip: Entry fees vary depending if you take lift and/or stairs. You can save some money if you take the steps to the 1st or 2nd level of the tower, then pay to take the lift from there. There are also shorter queues.
Metro: Bir Hakeim, Line 6.

* Sacre Coeur — This is a stunning church perched on top of hill and is in walking distance from our accommodations. You will find beautiful views of Paris from the top and it's a great place to sit on the steps and enjoy a bottle of wine with friends. The best part is that its FREE. But don't just stay at the church, wander the small cobblestones street to the left of the chuch. You will find small cafes, artists, souvenier shops and crepe stands...Dont forget to eat a delicious crepe whilst in Paris and, if you're brave, try some escargo!

Tip: You can take a funicular up instead of the stairs for €1.40. Beware of men that may try to approach you to make you a bracelet…they will then ask for money.

* The Louvre (and Tuileries Garden) – Paris’ most famous museum housed in a magnificent palace where Louis IV used to live. See the Mona Lisa by DaVinci, Venus de Milo, Wings of Victory and so much more! They say, if you were to view each piece of art for 1 minute in the Louvre, you will be there for over 6 months! And again, another great place to just stroll and have a picnic.
Metro: Louvre.

Tip: Consider buying the Museum card if you expect to go to many museums. It offers discounts and, sometimes, priority admission.

* Arc de Triomphe and walk along the Champs-Elysees — The World’s most famous triumphant arch built by Napoleon as a monument for the French army. Names of battles and soldiers engraved in walls. Great Views from the top. Then walk from the Arc down the famous Avenue des Champs-Elysees…Paris’ most famous tree-lined avenue with high-end shops and cafés.
Metro: Line 2 to Charles de Gaulle.

* Notre Dame Cathedral — Your jaw will drip when you see this famous 12th Century Gothic Cathedral where Napoleon and Henry VI were coronated.
Metro: Cite’ on St. Michel.
* Hotel des Invalides — HOUSES NAPOLEON’S TOMB...need I say more? The Invalides was created under Louis XIV to come to the aid of old soldiers and became home to a number of wounded soldiers.
Metro: Latour Maubourg ou Varenne.

* Musee D’Orsay — If you like Impressionist art, you will love this museum that houses Monet, Renoir and many other famous impressionists.
Metro: Musee D’Orsay.

* Place de la Concorde — One of Europe’s most magnificent and historic squares, covering over 20 acres with a large obelisk in the center. The guillotine used to be in this square where over 1300 beheadings took place (including the beheading of Louis XVI).
Metro: Concorde.

* Musee de Rodin — Here you will find the famous statue of The Thinker and one of my favourite art pieces, The Kiss by Gustav Klimt.
Metro: Varenne.

* Fat Tire Night Bike Tour — You can't leave Paris without doing this tour! It's a 4½ hour tour that gives you a chance to see the highlights of Paris. You will bike around the city and see the Notre Dame, the Latin Quarter, The Louvre, the Ile de la Cite, you will enjoy ice cream at the Berthillon (the most famous ice cream shop in Paris), and you will go on a boat cruise along the Seine River...with free wine!

*Also don’t forget to make a daytrip out to the Versailles Chateau and Monet’s House and Gardens. There is so much to do and see in Paris that it's difficult to choose a Top 10 so give yourself enough time here.

2nd August: Paris - Mumbai