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12-day France & Spain Experience
Itinerary
DAY 1 DEPART
Departure from the US.
DAY 2 PARIS
The journey starts here! Your introduction to Paris begins with some free time to settle in and enjoy some Berthillon ice cream, guaranteed to fortify you for the day ahead.
DAY 3 PARIS
After a morning of sightseeing, enjoy lunch at a great restaurant with undeniably the best views in town – Restaurant Altitude 95 in the Eiffel Tower. After some free time and more exploring, climb the steps to Sacré Coeur and amble through the artists’ quarter of Montmartre. Pick up a tasty crêpe or put yourself in the hands of a skilled portrait painter for a great souvenir. Evening ECI Experience Extra of your choice (recommended: Cooking class).
DAY 4 PARIS
Hop on the double-decker bus en route to Notre Dame with all its Gothic splendor. Then continue the double-decker bus tour to Place du Trocadéro, with great views of the Eiffel Tower. Opt for a visit to the Palace of Versailles. Don’t miss the magnificent Hall of Mirrors and opulent state apartments haunted by the ghosts of Marie-Antoinette and Louis XVI. During dinner, look forward to your magical boat ride down the Seine, taking you past marvellous monuments magnificently illuminated in the Paris night. Bonne soirée!
DAY 5 PARIS
Not to be missed is Europe’s premier art museum – the Louvre. Don’t leave Paris without at least a glimpse of Mona Lisa’s smile. You can enjoy free time to wander down the Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe. After an early dinner, head south on the high-speed TGV to the heart of Provence.
DAY 6 AIX-EN-PROVENCE
The lively and youthful university city of Aix-en-Provence awaits you. Discover its charms as you’re guided past its many fountains and along its cobblestone streets. Armed with paintbrush, easel, and artistic inspiration, experience an art class in Cézanne’s workshop. Evening ECI Experience Extra of your choice.
DAY 7 CARCASSONNE
Follow in the footsteps of the Romans as you head off to Arles, a city filled with remnants from its Roman and medieval past. You’ll have an orientation tour with our local guide to see some of the main highlights, with lots of free time to have lunch and explore the city in the afternoon. You’ll travel through the vineyards of Languedoc on your way to the walled city of Carcassonne. This great fortress city is magic at night when floodlights bathe the ancient monuments.
DAY 8 BARCELONA
Wander the cobblestone streets of Carcassone before departing on your scenic journey across the Pyrenées into Spain and on to Barcelona. Au revoir la France, hola España! Get into the Spanish groove with a visit to the Barrio Gótico and a stroll down Las Ramblas, the liveliest streets of Barcelona. Later, step into the magic of Gaudí’s world as you pass by two of his architectural masterpieces in full night-time illumination. Be sure to try the wonderful night-time Spanish tradition of eating delicious chocolate con churros.
DAY 9 BARCELONA
Check out the Barcelona hot spots from the top of your double-decker bus. Marvel at both the inside and outside of Gaudí’s spectacular, yet unfinished, cathedral,
La Sagrada Familia. You’ll enjoy free time at Parque Güell, another Gaudí must-see experience. More free time in the afternoon and/or an optional visit to the Picasso Museum. Evening ECI Experience Extra of your choice. Disco option at night.
DAY 10 MADRID
Final destination – Madrid. Stop off on the way in Zaragoza, home town of the great Goya. Wander through the Roman ruins in the shadow of the imposing cathedral before departing for the capital. Treat yourself to a tapas feast, rounded off with an evening walking tour of the historic center.
DAY 11 MADRID
Take your seat on the hop-on/hop-off bus. Don’t forget your sunglasses as you sit back, relax, and enjoy the sights of Madrid from above the crowds. Spend the afternoon immersed in Spanish culture and art with visits to both the Palacio Real and the world-famous Prado art museum. Feast on a fantastic farewell dinner followed by an optional exciting flamenco dance show – the final touch to the trip of a lifetime.
DAY 12 HOME
Depart for the US.