Capitals of France and Spain

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 12: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Friday March 13: Paris

Bienvenue! Paris, known as the “City of Light” for its role as a center of education and culture during the Enlightenment, greets you today. Meet your ACIS Tour Manager and head out to discover the city and try your first Parisian citron pressé. (D)

Day 3, Saturday March 14: Paris

Start the day with an expert lesson in pétanque, a favorite French pastime played with hollow metal balls. Then your ACIS Tour Manager takes you on a walking tour to view noteworthy sites such as Paris' Pantheon, the Sorbonne and the Latin Quarter, where you will have time to explore and enjoy lunch. Your walk continues across the Seine for a view of the world-famous Notre Dame. (B,D)

Day 4, Sunday March 15: Paris

Drive to Versailles this morning. Your visit of Louis XIV's ornate palace 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 this 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. In the afternoon return to Paris, 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. Be dazzled by the shops and energy of the world famous Champs-Élysées on an evening stroll. (B,D)

Day 5, Monday March 16: Paris

The art theme continues this morning with a Paint Paris painting lesson and walking tour of Montmartre. As you explore this artistic haven—once the haunt of luminaries like Ernest Hemingway, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí and Claude Monet—a local artist explains the area's history and instructs you in painting techniques important to French art history for capturing its streets and buildings. The afternoon is yours to discover more of Paris at your own pace. Then gain a completely different viewpoint of the city as you enjoy a serene illuminated evening boat cruise on the Seine. (B,D)

Day 6, Tuesday March 17: Paris

This morning enjoy a timed entrance (skipping past the lines) to see the soaring stained-glass windows of Sainte-Chapelle. The rest of the day is free to explore Paris on your own. (B,D)

Day 7, Wednesday March 18: Madrid

Board a morning flight to Madrid, one of Spain's urban jewels. Once in Madrid, your ACIS Tour Manager leads you on a walking tour through two of the city's most famous squares—Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor. Then enjoy time to explore more of Madrid's wonderful corners at your leisure. Come back hungry—tonight's feast is a traditional Spanish paella, an aromatic tango of rice, seafood and vegetables considered by many as Spain's national dish. (B,D)

Day 8, Thursday March 19: Madrid

Begin the day's activities with an audio-guided tour of the Prado, Spain's renowned national art museum (skipping the lines with your timed reservation). Discover the artwork of Velázquez, Goya, Raphael, Rubens, and Bosch. Even the 18th-century Neo-Classical building that houses the collection is stunning. Afterward, perhaps visit the Egyptian Templo de Debod or continue with the art theme by browsing the Reina Sofia National Museum, home to works by Spanish greats such as Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró and Salvador Dalí. Tonight we'll dine like the madrileños do during an authentic tapas evening. Classic tapas dishes include items such as tortilla española, patatas bravas, bacalao, cheeses, olives or jamón. (B,D)

Day 9, Friday March 20: Madrid

On your last day, you're free to soak up Madrid at your own pace. Perhaps explore Madrid's Royal Palace or rent a rowboat on the lake in Retiro Park. This evening take cues from a professional dancer, learning the steps during a flamenco lesson before watching your instructor and others take the stage to perform a traditional flamenco show. (B,D)

Day 10, Saturday March 21: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)