Insider's Spain and France

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 June 2: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Friday June 3: Paris

Bienvenue! Meet your tour manager and acquaint yourself with this beautiful city. Then ascend to the top floor of the Eiffel Tower for views over this magnificent city. (D)

Day 3, Saturday June 4: Paris

This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour with a local expert guide shows you the monumental Arc de Triomphe, points out the massive Les Invalides (where Napoleon is buried) and helps decode the Gothic façade of Notre Dame. In the afternoon you visit Sainte Chapelle. This afternoon explore the Orsay and discover the many famous masterpieces that call it home. Housed in a former train station see important works by Van Gogh, Renoir and many more Your final evening in Paris is highlighted by a scenic illuminated boat ride along the Seine. (B,D)

Day 4, Sunday June 5: Provence

This morning enjoy a mass service in Paris. In the afternoon board the TGV for Avignon. (B,D)

Day 5, Monday June 6: Provence

This morning, head to the city of Arles, a pastoral town where Vincent Van Gogh found artistic inspiration during his stay here from 1888 to 1889. Visit the city’s impressive Roman arena (now used for bullfights) and theater. Then journey to the quaint seaside town of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer for lunch. In the afternoon, soak in the beauty of your surroundings during this morning’s horseback ride through the Camargue, the picturesque marshy delta region at the mouth of the River Rhône. (B,D)

Day 6, Tuesday June 7: Barcelona

Visit the Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct preserved in almost perfect condition. A true marvel of Roman engineering, the 161-foot tall bridge aqueduct is still standing nearly 2,000 years after its construction. After your visit depart France and travel to Barcelona for dinner and the overnight. (B,D)

Day 7, Wednesday June 8: Barcelona

Founded by the Romans in the 3rd century BC, it’s known for its artistic treasures and fine architecture, from Gothic to Modernist. Let the city introduce itself during a guided panoramic sightseeing tour. Our local expert will point out, via commentary over personal headsets, all the major sights of Barcelona, including the unique Gaudí-designed houses. Antoni Gaudí, one of Catalonia’s most notable sons, was a Modernist architect whose distinctive style is revered to this day. After, you’ll be able to study the intricate designs inside and out of his still-unfinished Sagrada Familia and stroll whimsical Parc Güell. Tonight, we’ll have a tapas dinner in true Spanish style: you try different local specialties as you sidle up next to the locals for whom this is a culturally important and typical way to spend an evening. Classic tapas dishes include items such as tortilla española, patatas bravas, bacalao, cheeses, olives or jamón. (B,D)

Day 8, Thursday June 9: Madrid

The narrow cobbled streets, peaceful squares and towering old buildings of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter are perfect for exploring this morning. Then switch your mode of transport for a Barcelona by bike tour through lovely Ciutadella Park, and the nearby Olympic Port. Then board the high-speed AVE to Madrid this afternoon. (B,D)

Day 9, Friday June 10: Madrid

Madrid’s rich heritage comes alive this morning 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 breeze past the crowds with your timed entrance to visit the magnificent Prado, one of the world’s premier art museums. Here, an expert provides illuminating commentary via personal headsets on the artwork of Velázquez, Goya, Raphael, Rubens, and Bosch. Even the 18th-century Neo-Classical building that houses the collection is stunning. This evening take cues from a professional dancer, learning the steps during a flamenco lesson. (B,D)

Day 10, Saturday June 11: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)