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, Friday March 13: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Saturday March 14: Barcelona

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

Day 3, Sunday March 15: Barcelona

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. Return to Barcelona for 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. (B,D)

Day 4, Monday March 16: Carcassonne

This morning enjoy a Barcelona by bike Barcelona by Bike Lace up your sneakers and hop aboard a bike for a panoramic tour of Barcelona on two wheels. Sightseeing by bicycle is a fun way to get close to the city's most famous cultural attractions—whether that means locals conversing near the lovely lake and Gaudí-designed fountains of beautiful Ciutadella Park, or the Olympic Port area and beachfront with fabulous views out over the Mediterranean.
Bicycle helmets are available and encouraged for use by all participants.

Close tour through lovely Ciutadella Park, and the nearby Olympic Port. 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, Tuesday March 17: 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, Wednesday March 18: 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, Thursday March 19: 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, cruise 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, Friday March 20: 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 Socca Tasting in Nice Learn about and enjoy samples of this type of chickpea crêpe that's a popular local street food in Nice.

Close . This type of chickpea crêpe is a popular local street food in Nice and makes for a delicious dinner. (B,D)

Day 9, Saturday March 21: 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, Sunday March 22: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)