Insider's Paris and Madrid

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, Monday June 7: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Tuesday June 8: Paris

Arrive in Paris and meet your ACIS Tour Manager before you begin to explore the graceful City of Light. As you start to discover its interesting museums and galleries, perhaps practice your French as you order a pastry and a refreshing citron pressé at a charming sidewalk café. (D)

Day 3, Wednesday June 9: Paris

A guided 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 at 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. Visit eclectic Montmartre this evening where you will enjoy an authentic French dinner on the Place du Tertre. This square at the heart of Montmartre is known for its artists of all types and has been home to famous painters including Picasso. (B,D)

Day 4, Thursday June 10: Paris

Start today with some light-hearted competition as a local expert teaches you the classic French game of pétanque. In Paris, there may be no better place to view the city than the Eiffel Tower, and you’ll ascend to its top floor for breathtaking views. In the evening, see the City of Light from a totally different perspective on an illuminated river cruise on the Seine. You may opt to upgrade your Seine experience with a dinner cruise, reveling in traditional French cuisine and music as you glide past some of the city’s most notable landmarks. (B,D)

Day 5, Friday June 11: Madrid

This morning, travel to Versailles to visit the intricate gardens and stunning palaces of the Sun King, Louis the XIV. Your visit includes the Hall of Mirrors, where the Treaty of Versailles was signed, and the breathtaking surroundings. Don't worry if you don't have time to cover every room of his vast palace. The best stuff is all in the gardens and grounds: all 1,976-acre gardens, 200,000 trees, 50 fountains and 620 jets of water worth. 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. In the afternoon say au revoir to Paris as you board your flight to Madrid. (B,D)

Day 6, Saturday June 12: Madrid

Bienvenidos a España! 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. Your cultural immersion continues later today as a master teacher shows you how to channel your inner bailaor/bailaora with a lesson in the passionate art of flamenco dancing, an important tradition in Spanish culture. After the lesson, enjoy a dramatic and fiery professional flamenco show starring your own instructor. (B,D)

Day 7, Sunday June 13: Madrid

Depart for a full-day excursion to culturally diverse Toledo, known for its unique blend of Christian, Jewish and Muslim influences. As you listen to your guide's commentary, visit Toledo landmarks such as the Gothic Cathedral, the Medieval Synagogue and the Church of Santo Tomé, home to one of El Greco's best-known paintings, The Burial of Count Orgaz. Then visit a local restaurant for a Spanish cooking lesson led by professional chefs. Work in teams to create traditional dishes before dining on the tasty results with spectacular views of the Toledo skyline. Lunch is included today instead of dinner. Return to Madrid for the evening. (B,L)

Day 8, Monday June 14: Madrid

Learn about another important facet of Spanish culture, bullfighting, as you visit a working bull ranch. Learn how bulls are raised, then unearth your inner matador with a bullfighting lesson. Afterward, a professional matador demonstrates this art form with a baby bull (no animals are harmed throughout our lesson). The visit includes a hearty, rustic lunch. Back in Madrid, enjoy time to explore more of the city at your own pace. Then we'll cap off our exceptional tour of these two European capitals with a stroll down to lively Plaza Mayor to see the artists and street performers. (B,L,D)

Day 9, Tuesday June 15: Departure

Depart for the USA.(B)