Barcelona to the Côte d'Azur

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: Barcelona

Arrive in the coastal city of Barcelona, the capital of Cataluña. Take the afternoon to get acquainted with Spain’s most cosmopolitan city.

Day 3: Barcelona

Begin your day with a panoramic sightseeing tour. Your local guide will point out the major highlights of Barcelona, from the Gothic Quarter to the unique Gaudí designs along the Passeig de Gràcia, and will make a stop outside his masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia. Antoni Gaudí, one of Catalonia's most famous sons, was a Modernist architect whose distinctive style is revered to this day. Later, stroll through his whimsical Parc Güell for a sweeping view over the city, and also enjoy a visit inside one of the city's unique Gaudí-designed houses, either Casa Batlló or La Pedrera. Then switch your mode of transport for a Barcelona by bike tour through lovely Ciutadella Park, and the nearby Olympic Port.

Day 4: Carcassonne

Today visit one of the most visited museums in Spain, the Dalí Museum, in Figueres. Housed in a reconstructed theater, the museum displays an extensive collection of Salvador Dalí’s most celebrated works. Then continue to Carcassonne to explore the country's most famous walled city. View the Château Comtal and learn the story of how the city got its name.

Day 5: Provence

Begin your day with a visit to Nîmes, a city full of Roman history and known for textiles. In fact, denim, the fabric of blue jeans, derives its name from Nîmes. Get to know the city and its Roman Arena with an audio-guided tour. Then it's on to the awe-inspiring Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct preserved in almost perfect condition. A true wonder of Roman engineering, the 161-foot tall bridge is still standing nearly 2,000 years after its construction and your ticket includes access to the wealth of information available on the structure's history, architecture and more in the excellent on-site museum.

Day 6: Marseille

Today visit charming Avignon, whose stunning walls and architecture stem in part from its temporary service as the Papacy seat during the 1300s. Then journey through the Provençal countryside to Aix-en-Provence and take in the beauty that inspired Cézanne. Continue to the port city of Marseille where you'll spend your night.

Day 7: Marseille

The recently revitalized 2600-year-old city of Marseille welcomes you today. See the vieux port, Notre Dame de la Garde and Longchamp Palace on your guided sightseeing tour. Be sure to try the city's famous bouillabaisse for lunch! This afternoon, enjoy a scenic boat cruise along the coast to view the stunning Calanques, high gorge-like rock formations that reach deep down into the blue sea.

Day 8: Cote d'Azur

Today travel up the eastern coast to the Côte d'Azur's cosmopolitan capital, Nice. There, we'll introduce you to the romantic sights of Vieux Nice. Enjoy time this afternoon to explore and soak up the Mediterranean culture of the Côte d'Azur. Tonight's highlight is a socca tasting. This type of chickpea crêpe is a popular local street food in Nice and makes for a delicious dinner.

Day 9: Cote d'Azur

Take a scenic drive to Monaco, the glamorous residence of the rich and famous and home of the Grimaldi royal family. Then continue along the corniche to the village of Eze with its castle ruins and steep streets. Visit the Jardin Exotique, an amazing cliffside botanical garden, and tour the Fragonard Perfume Factory to learn about the town’s fragrant history before heading back to the Côte d'Azur for your final evening in France.

Day 10: Departure

Depart for the USA.



Optional Extensions and Extra Nights:

Enhance your European experience with a two-night extension from Nice to historic Paris via a flight—discover the city's past and present with included sightseeing.