DAY 1-2
TRAVEL TO EUROPE.
Fly overnight to Paris. Begin exploring the capital of France.
DAY 3
PARIS.
A local guide brings you to the Arc de Triomphe, the majestic Eiffel Tower, the sweeping Champs-Elysées, and Les Invalides. Take in gorgeous views of Paris from the Eiffel Tower. Visit the inside of Notre Dame Cathedral, home to the fictional hunchback. Appreciate artwork in the Louvre Museum.
DAY 4
VERSAILLES.
Picture the flow of royalty through the Palace of Versailles. A tour brings you to the Hall of Mirrors, the royal apartments and the gardens. Join the mob and
Seize the Château!Seize the Château!
Board the TGV for a speedy ride to Provence.
DAY 5
NIMES-PONT DU GARD.
Marvel at the Roman buildings of Nimes: the Maison Carrée and the awesome Roman arena, the best preserved in France. This afternoon view the Pont du Gard, 52 arches on three levels that are part of a skillfully engineered Roman aqueduct. Test your skills in
En Garde!En Garde!
Which is mightier - the pen or the sword? You decide! Learn basic calligraphy and fencing moves to gain new insight into old-world traditions.
DAY 6
CARCASSONNE.
Visit the medieval walled city of Carcassonne. Continue to the Olympic city of Barcelona in Spain.
DAY 7
BARCELONA.
The dark Gothic corners and bright flower-lined streets of Barcelona are yours to explore with a local guide. Sightseeing includes the Sagrada Familia Cathedral, Casa Milà, the Olympic stadium and the historic Barri Gòtic.
DAY 8
MADRID.
Board the AVE for Madrid. Discover this vibrant capital with a local guide. See the Plaza Colón and the royal palace; study Spanish art, including Velazquez's
Las Meninas in the Prado.
DAY 9
EL ESCORIAL.
An optional excursion brings you to El Escorial, Philip II's imposing palace. Later, study Picasso's
Guernica in the Reina Sofia Museum. Tonight, become a Spanish chef in
Cocina EspañolaCocina Española
.
DAY 10
RETURN JOURNEY TO THE UNITED STATES,
or opt for extra days in Madrid.