Madrid, Paris and the Coast

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 May 25: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Tuesday May 26: Madrid

Your ACIS Tour Manager offers you a warm bienvenidos to Madrid. Settle in before starting to explore the wide avenues and open plazas of Spain’s capital city. Enjoy your first taste of Spanish cuisine tonight. (D)

Day 3, Wednesday May 27: Madrid

Madrid's rich heritage comes alive on a guided morning walking tour that showcases classic Spanish boulevards, grand plazas and the diverse architecture of modern-day Madrid. Highlights include the Teatro Real Opera House, Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol and Neptune Fountain. Then enjoy a guided tour of the Prado. Tonight, you'll feast on a traditional Spanish paella—a spicy tango of rice, seafood and vegetables considered by many as Spain's national dish before enjoying a traditional flamenco show. (B,D)

Day 4, Thursday May 28: Madrid

Today features a full-day excursion to Toledo. Sightseeing with a local guide includes the stunning Gothic Cathedral, historic Medieval Synagogue and El Greco's great painting in the Church of Santo Tomé. Then visit a local restaurant for a Spanish cooking lesson led by professional chefs. Work in teams to create traditional dishes before sampling the tasty results. Lunch is included today in Toledo instead of dinner. Arrive back in Madrid for the evening. (B,L)

Day 5, Friday May 29: San Sebastian

Journey to Bilbao to visit the renowned Guggenheim Museum with personal audio guides. In the afternoon, travel along the Atlantic coast and explore San Sebastián, the Spanish resort town of luxurious villas, gardens, and tiny streets. (B,D)

Day 6, Saturday May 30: Biarritz

This morning you’ll discover more of San Sebastián on a guided walking tour. Later you’ll continue across the border to the French resort town of Biarritz, famed for its Basque heritage, magnificent ocean promenade and foaming breakers. (B,D)

Day 7, Sunday May 31: Paris

Take in a breathtaking panorama of French provinces as the high-speed TGV train whisks you north to Paris. Begin your stay by ascending to the top floor of the Eiffel Tower for magnificent views over the City of Light. This evening's highlight is a scenic boat ride along the Seine. (B,D)

Day 8, Monday June 1: Paris

A sightseeing tour with an expert local guide gives you a taste of French history, from the monumental Arc de Triomphe to Napoleon's final resting place at Les Invalides to the gargoyles of Notre Dame. Then enjoy a guided visit of the Opera Garnier. (B,D)

Day 9, Tuesday June 2: Paris

This morning we visit Louis XIV's estate at Versailles. Your tour 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. You also get to visit Marie Antoinette's Hameau and Petit Trianon. These “small” cottages are delightful for their scale and grounds. After wandering about the exquisite and intensely manicured gardens on two feet, hop on two wheels and experience Versailles by bike, exploring the palace's surroundings beyond the gardens. Return to Paris explore more of Paris’s charming arrondisements at your own pace. You may choose to visit the bohemian neighborhood of Montmartre. (B,D)

Day 10, Wednesday June 3: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)