Barcelona to the Côte d'Azur

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Thursday April 16: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Friday April 17: Barcelona

Arrive in the coastal city of Barcelona, the capital of Cataluna. Take the afternoon to get acquainted with Spain's most cosmopolitan city. (D)

Day 3, Saturday April 18: Barcelona

Begin your day with a panoramic sightseeing tour. Our local expert will point out, via personal headsets, all the major highlights of Barcelona, including the unique Gaudí-designed houses. Antoni Gaudí, one of Catalonia’s most famous sons, was a Modernist architect whose distinctive style is revered to this day. After, you’ll be able to study the intricate design inside and out of his still-unfinished Sagrada Familia and stroll whimsical Parc Güell.

Day 4, Sunday April 19: 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. (B,D)

Day 5, Monday April 20: 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 161-foot-tall aqueduct still standing almost 2,000 years after it was built—a testament to the Romans’ expert engineering skills. Our tour gives you access to the exclusive third level, where you can look out across the French countryside. (B,D)

Day 6, Tuesday April 21: 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. (B,D)

Day 7, Wednesday April 22: 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, journey along the coast to view the stunning Calanques, high gorge-like rock formations that reach deep down into the blue sea. (B,D)

Day 8, Thursday April 23: 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. (B,D)

Day 9, Friday April 24: 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. (B,D)

Day 10, Saturday April 25: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)