Barcelona to Paris

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 13: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Tuesday June 14: Barcelona

¡Bienvenidos a España! Arrive in Barcelona, capital of Catalonia and Spain’s second largest city. Take time to stroll through the old town and acquaint yourself with this vibrant culture. (D)

Day 3, Wednesday June 15: Barcelona

Begin your day with a panoramic sightseeing tour. Our local expert will point out 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. Later discover the Gothic Quarter by foot including entrance to the Cathedral of Santa Eulàlia. (B,D)

Day 4, Thursday June 16: Provence

Depart this morning across the French border for the medieval walled city of Carcassonne. See the well-preserved fortified center before continuing to lovely Provence dinner and a night’s rest. (B,D)

Day 5, Friday June 17: Provence

Explore Avignon in the morning. View the imposing Papal Palace and Pont Saint-Bénézet (famous from the children's song). Then visit the nearby Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct preserved in almost perfect condition. A true wonder of Roman engineering, the 161-foot tall bridge is still standing nearly 2,000 years after its construction and your ticket includes access to the wealth of information available on the structure's history, architecture and more in the excellent on-site museum. (B,D)

Day 6, Saturday June 18: Paris

Begin your day by traveling on one of the fastest trains in Europe, the high-speed TGV, to Paris. After arriving in the City of Light, a guided sightseeing tour 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. This evening perhaps explore your hotel's quartier. (B,D)

Day 7, Sunday June 19: Paris

Breeze by the crowds with your timed entrance to the Louvre this morning 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 art theme continues in the afternoon 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. You may even dine with some real artists this evening at an authentic French dinner on the Place du Tertre at the heart of Montmartre. (B,D)

Day 8, Monday June 20: Paris

This morning enjoy an excursion to Giverny, the inspiration for Claude Monet's water lily paintings, where you will see Monet's house with its famous pink walls, green shutters, sunflower-yellow furniture and Japanese prints. Return to Paris for a free afternoon. (B,D)

Day 9, Tuesday June 21: Departure

Depart for the USA.



Optional Extensions and Extra Nights:

Enhance your European experience with a two-night extension to London via Eurostar, including a city sightseeing tour with an expert local guide, entrance to the Tower of London and an Oyster Card to help you get around. (B)