Paris, Barcelona & Madrid

Day 1– Depart USA

Depart for France.

Day 2 – Paris

Bienvenue á Paris! Your private bus and guide will escort you on a Paris City Tour. See the majestic Eiffel Tower, the historic Latin Quarter, the world-famous Champs-Elysées, the Arc de Triomphe, and visit the Gothic Cathedral of Notre Dame. Explore the Louvre on a guided tour. From I. M. Pei’s modern pyramid to the ancient Egyptian sarcophaguses, the Louvre is the largest museum on Earth! After the French Revolution, the Louvre was opened as a museum and its fabulous collection was rightfully made accessible to the public. While there, be sure to see da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, the exquisite Vénus de Milo and the Winged Victory of Samothrace.

Day 3 – Paris

Take a guided tour of the Palace of Versailles, home of Louis XIV, the Sun King. See the magnificent Hall of Mirrors where the Treaty of Versailles was signed, ending World War I. Stroll through the intricate formal grounds and sculpture gardens of Louis XIV’s extravaganza, and marvel at the splendor in which French royalty once lived.

Day 4 – Paris – Barcelona

Today is free for explorations with your advisors. Option: Tour the beautiful cathedral of Chartres with its 13th century stained glass windows. Transfer to the airport for your one-way flight to Spain’s second largest city, the Mediterranean capital of Catalonia.

Day 5 – Barcelona

Explore Barcelona on a City Tour with a licensed guide. You will see the Parque de la Ciudadela, Barceloneta and its beaches, Barrio Gotico, Plaza de España, Palacio Nacional and Fuentes, and visit Gaudí’s unusual Church of the Sagrada Familia. Also visit Pueblo Español, representing architecture and artisans from all regions of Spain.

Day 6 – Barcelona

Today is free for more explorations with your advisor. You may want to walk the tree-lined Ramblas or do some shopping in the boutiques. Option: Travel to Montserrat, one of Spain’s major tourist attractions by virtue both of it scenic magnificence and its famous monastery. Ride through mountain landscapes of fantastically eroded crags and terraces before arriving at the principal religious and cultural center of Catalonia. Tour the monastery and stroll around the area for panoramic views of the surrounding steep rock faces.

Day 7 – Madrid

Transfer by coach to the vibrant capital of Spain, with a stop in Zaragoza, once the residence of the kings of Aragon.

Day 8 – Madrid

Your full day of activities begins with a Madrid City Tour. See the Plaza de España, the statue of Cervantes, the Royal Palace, and Plaza Mayor. Later enjoy a guided tour of the world-renowned Prado Museum. Then travel to historical Toledo, a picturesque town with a ring of Gothic and Moorish walls. See the masterpieces by El Greco in the Toledo Cathedral, the Old Synagogue, the Royal Palace, the Church of Santo Tome and visit a local sword workshop. Option: Thrill to the stamping heels, soulful songs and clicking castanets of a fiery, colorful Flamenco performance tonight.

Day 9 – Depart

Bid farewell to Spain and board your flight home with memories of three of Europe’s most fabulous cities.