Get Acquainted with the Highlights Of Spain & France

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Detailed Trip Description

Begin this memorable vacation in Madrid, the spectacular capital of Spain. Get acquainted with its main sights on the included sightseeing tour, then on to Saragossa before reaching Catalonia and lively Barcelona where you will spend three nights. Dedicate one day to this beautiful city, home to eccentric architect Gaudi, and the next day to the included visit to Montserrat, the rural countryside and vineyards, and a local wine tasting. Continue to France and experience the medieval citadel of Carcassonne, then proceed for Avignon, home to Popes throughout most of the 14th century. Enjoy an included excursion to the Roman amphitheater of Arles and spend some time in Aix-en-Provence to enjoy the scenic landscapes of southern France. From Avignon, board the TGV Train bound for Paris. Spend two overnights in the “City of Light" as well as a guided sightseeing tour of this romantic European capital.

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Trip Itinerary

Day 1 - On the Plane

 
Flight to Madrid, Spain.
Commercial Flights

Board Your Overnight Transatlantic Flight.


Day 2 - Madrid, Spain

 
Arrival In Madrid, Spain.
Hotels

Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to start exploring lively Madrid. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers. (D)


Day 3 - Madrid, Spain

 
Sightseeing

Not only is Madrid the capital of Spain, but because it is situated 2,180 feet above sea level, the Spanish rightly say it is the nearest thing to heaven. This morning, enjoy the main highlights on the included guided sightseeing excursion.

Optional Excursion
Sightseeing

Later, maybe join an optional excursion to El Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen. (B)


Day 4 - Barcelona, Spain

 
Madrid-Saragossa-Barcelona.
Sightseeing

This morning, enjoy vistas of the Spanish countryside as you drive northeast to Saragossa, situated on the banks of the River Ebro, for a short visit. Later, head towards Catalonia’s lively and beautiful capital, Barcelona. (B,D)


Day 5 - Barcelona, Spain

 
Sightseeing

Sightseeing with a Local Guide includes a drive around Montjuich to see the Olympic Stadium and a great panoramic view of the port and city. The drive continues to the city center to Plaza Catalunya and Paseo de Gracia to admire the greatness and eccentricity of Gaudi’s architectural masterpieces in the Houses Battlo and Mila and the Sagrada Familia (entrance fees not included). (B


Day 6 - Barcelona, Spain

 
Sightseeing

Today, enjoy the included visit to Montserrat, situated 4,055 feet above sea level in a mountain range composed of strikingly pink conglomerate, a form of sedimentary rock and site of a Benedictine abbey which hosts the Virgin of Montserrat Sanctuary, patron of Catalonia. The monastery was founded in 1025 and the current sanctuary dates from 592.

Wine

Time to stroll around the picturesque squares and streets before your visit to a local wine cellar to enjoy some wine tasting. A scenic drive along the Costa Dorada brings you back to Barcelona for an overnight. (B)


Day 7 - Avignon, France

 
Barcelona-Avignon, France.
Sightseeing

Leave Spain this morning and head for the Spanish-French border. En-route, visit Carcassonne, the most medieval-looking city in the whole of France. Fortifications, ramparts, castle walls, drawbridges, and much else from the Middle Ages are still well preserved and certainly worth seeing.

Hotels

Later, overnight in Avignon. (B,D)


Day 8 - Avignon, France

 
Exursion To Aix-En-Provence.
Sightseeing

This morning, visit the Roman amphitheater in Arles, the most famous of all the Provence towns, known the world over by the paintings of Van Gogh. This afternoon is dedicated to Aix-en-Provence, one of France’s most elegant cities. Explore its center on foot, stroll along shaded Cours Mirabeau, admire its famous cafés and fountains, discover colorful squares, or barter with the locals at the quaint flea market on Place de Verdun.

Wine

Also enjoy some wine tasting at a local cellar.

Hotels

Return to overnight in Avignon. (B)


Day 9 - Paris, France

 
Avignon-Paris.
Sightseeing

Start the day with an included visit of the Palace of the Popes, seat of the papacy from 1309 to 1377 instead of Eternal Rome. Later, free time to explore the center of Avignon and view its famous St. Bénézet Bridge.

Trains

In the afternoon, board the TGV train grande vitesse for the journey to Paris. (B)


Day 10 - Paris, France

 
Sightseeing

Included sightseeing with a Local Guide starts with an inside visit to Notre Dame Cathedral, then on to many of the bestknown Parisan sights: La Sorbonne, Arc de Triomphe, Opéra, Madeleine, the Eiffel Tower, the Pyramid near the Louvre, the Invalides, and Champs Elysées. Optional excursions are also available to see the most famous Parisian sights.

To celebrate the success of your tour, a French farewell dinner might be just the ticket. (B)


Day 11 - Paris, France

 
Departure flight.
Airport Transfers

Your Homebound Flight Arrives The Same Day. (B)


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