La France y España

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 March 28: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Friday March 29: Paris

Arrive in Paris and meet your ACIS Tour Manager before beginning to explore one of the world's great cultural centers, brimming with museums, art galleries and historic sights. 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 streetlights). Perhaps stroll through Montmartre to the white-domed Sacré Cœur or seek out a lesser known but equally interesting attraction such as the Musée Marmottan-Monet, housing the artist's Impression, Sunrise—the painting for which the Impressionist movement was named. (D)

Day 3, Saturday March 30: Paris

After a free morning, depart Paris for Versailles. 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. Return to explore Paris at your leisure. Don't forget to stop at a pâtisserie and pick up some of the pastries that make France so famous! (B,D)

Day 4, Sunday March 31: Paris

Your day begins with a guided sightseeing tour that takes you past some of the most famous attractions in Paris. Your expert local guide will show you the magnificent Arc de Triomphe at the top of the Champs-Élysées, Napoleon's final resting place at Les Invalides and the Gothic wonder of Notre Dame. The afternoon is yours to soak up the famous Parisian joie de vivre at a local café or take a stroll through the vibrant Marais neighborhood. This evening perhaps explore your hotel's quartier or stroll the banks of the Seine. (B,D)

Day 5, Monday April 1: Paris

This morning, 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. The afternoon is yours to experience more of this wonderous city at your leisure. In the evening a tasty cultural exchange awaits—separate into small groups and be welcomed into the homes of local Parisians to enjoy an authentic dinner and lively conversation. (B,D)

Day 6, Tuesday April 2: Barcelona

This morning board a flight to Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia and Spain's second largest city. Founded by the Romans in the 3rd century BC, it's known for its artistic treasures and fine architecture, from Gothic to Modernist. Take time to wander the old town and acquaint yourself with this vibrant culture, including a walk through the narrow cobbled streets, peaceful squares and towering old buildings that characterize Barri Gòtic (the city's Gothic Quarter), which was at times home to both Picasso and Joan Miró. In the evening, marvel at the illuminated façades of the city's famed Gaudí-designed houses along the Passeig de Gràcia. Antoni Gaudí, one of Catalonia's most famous sons, was a Modernist architect whose distinctive style is revered to this day. (B,D)

Day 7, Wednesday April 3: Barcelona

Begin your day with a panoramic sightseeing tour during which our local expert will provide commentary on all the major highlights of Barcelona. You'll be able to study the intricate design inside and out of Gaudí's still-unfinished Sagrada Familia and stroll whimsical Parc Güell. Then spend the afternoon discovering more of Barcelona, perhaps practicing your Spanish while mingling with locals in Plaça Reial, a popular city square, or engaging all your senses at the world famous La Boqueria food market. (B,D)

Day 8, Thursday April 4: Madrid

Say adios to Barcelona and head for Madrid on the high-speed AVE train. Madrid's rich heritage comes alive during your guided sightseeing tour of the classic Spanish boulevards, grand plazas, and diverse architecture that characterizes modern-day Madrid. Highlights include the Plaza de España with its statue of Don Quixote, the majestic Alcalá Gate and the famous bullring Las Ventas. Then visit the magnificent Prado (skipping the lines with your timed reservation), one of the world's premier art museums. Here, an expert provides illuminating commentary on the artwork of Velázquez, Goya, Raphael, Rubens, and Bosch. Even the 18th-century Neo-Classical building that houses the collection is stunning. (D)

Day 9, Friday April 5: Madrid

Today enjoy a full-day excursion to nearby Toledo, the city where the world-famous artist El Greco made his home and created his most famous works. Toledo offers a rich mix of cultures, thanks to a unique blend of Christian, Jewish and Muslim heritages. The excursion includes lunch with at a breathtaking spot with a panoramic view over the city. We'll cap off our exceptional tour tonight with a stroll down to Plaza Mayor to see the artists and street performers. (B,L,D)

Day 10, Saturday April 6: Departure

Depart for the USA.



Optional Extensions and Extra Nights:

Enhance your European experience with a two-night extension to Lisbon via flight from Madrid, including sightseeing. (B)