Discover two amazing countries on this adventure: Spain and France. Begin with a discovery of Spain’s most important cities—Madrid, the country’s lively historic capital, and Barcelona, home to Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia and the ever-bustling Ramblas. Also visit the spectacular wine-growing region, try some of the local wines, and marvel at the Montserrat abbey built atop a mountain. Crossing into France, stop in Carcassonne, a fine example of medieval architecture, before reaching Avignon, the city with the famous bridge and the Palace of the Popes. The Provence region is one of France’s most visited, and you will see its highlights, such as the Roman Amphitheater in Arles and Cours Maribeau in Aix-en-Provence. Back in Avignon, board the TGV train to Paris for two overnights and included sightseeing that shows off the Arc de Triomphe, Opéra, Eiffel Tower, and Champs-Elysées.
Highlights:
Scenic Highlights: Penedes area, Costa Dorada, Provence
Itinerary:
Day #1 Arrival in Madrid, Spain. 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 #2 Madrid. 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. Later, maybe join an optional excursion to El Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen. (B)
Day #3 Madrid–Saragossa–Barcelona. 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 #4 Barcelona. Sightseeing with a Local Guide includes a drive around Montjuïc 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 Battló and Mila and the Sagrada Familia (entrance fees not included). (B)
Day #5 Barcelona. 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 that hosts the Virgin of Montserrat Sanctuary, patron of Catalonia. The monastery was founded in 1025 and the current sanctuary dates from 592. 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 (Golden Coast) brings you back to Barcelona for an overnight. (B)
Day #6 Barcelona–Carcassonne, France–Avignon. 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. Later, overnight in Avignon. (B,D)
Day #7 Avignon. Excursion to Arles & Aix en Provence. 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. Also enjoy some wine tasting at a local cellar. Return to overnight in Avignon. (B)
Day #8 Avignon–Paris. 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 (audio-guide included). Later, free time to explore the center of Avignon and view its famous St. Bénézet Bridge. In the afternoon, board the TGV train Grande Vitesse for the journey to Paris. (B)
Day #9 Paris. Included sightseeing with a Local Guide starts with an inside visit to Notre Dame Cathedral, then on to many of the best-known 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 #10 Paris. Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Hotels:
MADRID Rafael Orense (F) or Holiday Inn Piramides (F) or Praga (F)
BARCELONA Catalonia 505 (F)
AVIGNON Ibis (ST)
PARIS Ibis (ST) at Issy