Madrid and Paris

This itinerary is the starting point for your tour, but it’s not set in stone. If there are days you would like to change, or specific places you’d like to go, we can work with you to create a personalized program that fits the needs of you and your students.

Day 1: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2: Paris

Bienvenue à Paris! Meet your ACIS Tour Manager and get acquainted with this graceful city’s cobblestoned streets, charming cafés and vibrant neighborhoods. Paris is called the “City of Light” for its role as a center of education during the Age of Enlightenment (it was also one the first cities to adopt gas streetlights).

Day 3: Paris

A morning sightseeing tour shows you the city's most impressive monuments, from the magnificent Arc de Triomphe at the top of the Champs-Élysées to Napoleon's final resting place, Les Invalides, to the Gothic wonder of Notre Dame. Later, breeze by the crowds with your timed entrance to the Louvre and discover the many famous masterpieces that call it home. Insightful commentary from your local guide highlights the Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, Venus de Milo and more as you wander through the galleries. From its beginnings as a royal fortress to its current status as the world's most visited art museum, the Louvre has long been at the center of Parisian culture and home to a collection of 35,000 works of art from around the world. Later enjoy a scenic evening illuminated boat ride along the Seine. Tonight you may choose to enjoy an optional French dinner at the famous brasserie La Coupole. Classic French cuisine and gorgeous Art Deco style will whisk you back to its time as a cultural hub of Parisian high society in the Roaring 20s, a favorite haunt for Paris' most stylish authors, artists and socialites.

Day 4: Paris

Today, head to Louis XIV's palace at Versailles. Your visit includes the Hall of Mirrors, where the Treaty of Versailles was signed, and Marie Antoinette's Hameau and Petit Trianon. These “small” cottages are delightful for their scale and grounds. After wandering about the exquisite and intensely manicured gardens on two feet, hop on two wheels and experience Versailles by bike, exploring the palace's surroundings beyond the gardens. Back in Paris, get another perspective on the City of Light when you ascend to the top of the Eiffel Tower to cap off your evening with sweeping views over this magnificent city.

Day 5: Madrid

You'll have time this morning to stroll out for a café au lait and croissant in your favorite arrondisement. You may also wish to check out the booksellers along the Seine or take in the scene at the modern Centre Pompidou. This afternoon you'll say au revoir to Paris as you board a flight to Madrid.

Day 6: Madrid

Madrid's rich heritage comes alive on a guided morning walking tour that showcases classic Spanish boulevards, grand plazas and the diverse architecture of modern-day Madrid. Highlights include the Teatro Real Opera House, Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol and Neptune Fountain. You'll also go inside the magnificent Prado (skipping the lines with a timed reservation), one of the world's premier art museums. Here an expert will provide illuminating commentary about the artwork of Velázquez, Goya, Raphael, Rubens and Bosch. Even the 18th-century neo-classical building that houses the collection is stunning.

Day 7: Madrid

Experience medieval Spain with a full-day excursion to the old Visigothic capital of Toledo. With a local guide, explore the medieval synagogue, visit El Greco's great painting in the Church of Santo Tomé and have a complete tour of the treasures of the Gothic Cathedral. Take in stunning panoramic views over Toledo as you enjoy a special lunch, included today instead of dinner. Back in Madrid, we offer a sunset visit to the Egyptian Templo de Debod.

Day 8: Madrid

Explore more of Madrid at your own pace today. Perhaps roam through a bustling open market like the Mercado de Maravillas or sample churros y chocolate at Chocolateria San Gines. Then try your hand (and feet) at Spanish dancing during a flamenco lesson from an expert before watching them perform in a professional show. We’ll cap off our exceptional tour of these two European capitals with a stroll down to Plaza Mayor to see the artists and street performers.

Day 9: Departure

Depart for the USA.



Optional Extensions and Extra Nights:

Further immerse yourself in the culture and wonders of La Ville Lumière with an extra night in Paris, including the services of your ACIS Tour Manager, at the beginning of your tour.