Trip Overview

Barcelona to the Côte d'Azur

June 21 - 30, 2021

HSPVA's Mediterranean Dream

  • HSPVA's Mediterranean Dream
  • Wyatt Bingham
  • 258655
  • HOU
  • 0 days

Announcements & Reminders

  • What a Mediterranean Dream!: We like to rotate our way around Europe so that if a traveler should join us for all four years of High School, they wouldn't experience the same place twice. Spain was up in the rotation, but we wanted to add a special twist. Barcelona is a "must see" for anyone who wants to understand the complexities of Europe. It's a cosmopolitan city, the people are warm and friendly, and the food is, well, just amazing. The tapas are to die for, little samples of deliciousness that are small enough for you to sample a wide variety of flavors in a single meal. You''ll find your favorite on the first day, that is, until the next day. And paella, the regional specialty, is my personal favorite. So we lined up a paella cooking lesson, and then we'll eat our own creation! So what to blend with Barcelona? Madrid? Cordoba? San Sebastian? So many choices. How can we make this unlike any other tour that includes Barcelona? The answer comes as you look at a map. Instead of turning west, what about hugging the Mediterranean to the east? The French Riviera and Provence! And our Mediterranean Dream was born. We've included lots of experiential activities, the scenery is breathtaking, the culture is rich while not taking itself too seriously - I'm looking at you Paris. We agree with ACIS, travel truly does change lives. This is the trip of a lifetime. I promise, it's an experience you will never forget. We are so happy you are considering the tour, and we hope you can join us. Wyatt Bingham Read More

Barcelona to the Côte d'Azur

June 21 - 30, 2021

Itinerary

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 21: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Tuesday June 22: Barcelona

Arrive in the coastal city of Barcelona, the capital of Cataluna. Take the afternoon to get acquainted with Spain's most cosmopolitan city. Then enjoy a Barcelona by bike tour through lovely Ciutadella Park, and the nearby Olympic Port. (D)

Day 3, Wednesday June 23: Barcelona

Begin your day with 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. Later at a Paella cooking lesson, learn to cook one of Spain's most iconic dishes. (B,D)

Day 4, Thursday June 24: Carcassonne

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. 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, Friday June 25: 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. (B,D)

Day 6, Saturday June 26: 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, Sunday June 27: 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! TThis afternoon, enjoy a scenic boat 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, Monday June 28: 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. End your day by practicing your sporting French vocabulary with local experts who teach you how to play the traditional French game pétanque. Similar to lawn bowling, the sport dates back to the early 1900s. (B,D)

Day 9, Tuesday June 29: 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. Enjoy sweeping vistas from the fragrant Jardin Exotique. Then learn about the local craft of perfume making at a Perfume Workshop at the Fragonard Factory. During your workshop you will bottle your own creation to take it home with you as the ultimate souvenir. Then return to Nice for a final evening abroad along the Mediterranean shore. (B,D)

Day 10, Wednesday June 30: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)

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