U.S. citizens traveling to Europe must have a current passport that is valid for six months beyond the conclusion of their trip. You can find information on how to apply for a passport here, and how to renew a passport here. No visa is required for U.S. citizens entering Europe.

The currency in both France and Spain is the Euro (€). While it’s a good idea to bring some euros for when you first arrive in Europe, you’ll usually find a better exchange rate when you arrive in your destination.  The most convenient way to obtain cash is to use your ATM card at local banks. We recommend you also bring a valid credit card for purchases while you are traveling.  It is important that you inform your financial institutions of your travel plans before you leave home so they don’t flag your purchases as potentially fraudulent charges.

One of the most exciting parts of traveling is sampling the local cuisine.  During your trip, you’ll be immersed in the local gastronomy of France, and even enjoy a taste of Spanish cuisine on your visit to San Sebastian. French cuisine varies throughout the country’s regions, but you’re sure to find an endless selection of cheeses including camembert and brie, fresh-baked baguette, patés, seafood, beef, delicious roast chicken, and more. You’ll also find an irresistible array of desserts including favorites such as crème brûlée, chocolate mousse, eclairs, and macarons. 

For a simple and inexpensive lunch or snack, stop by a local bakery or food cart for a baguette au jambon (ham sandwich), crêpes, or a savory buckwheat galette filled with melted gruyère cheese and mushrooms. Many restaurants also offer a simple three course menu at a reasonable price. In addition to water, it’s not uncommon to enjoy wine with both lunch and dinner.

San Sebastián is the culinary capital of Spain’s Basque country, with an almost over-whelming number of great restaurants to choose from. Popular dishes include local beef ribs and seafood dishes such as the iconic bacalao pil pil (salt cod with garlic and olive oil).

The weather changes often in Europe, with temperatures varying from morning to night. We suggest bringing a variety of lightweight clothing items that can be layered to save space in your suitcase and give you more options for how to dress. Keep in mind that your shoulders and knees should be covered while visiting religious sites. For more helpful information please refer to our Packing Tips & Packing List.

Tipping in Europe is much less common than in the U.S. In France, a 15% service compris is included by law in the price of food and drink. It’s appropriate, although not required, to leave an extra euro or two for your server. Leave your tip in coins on the table rather than adding it to your credit card slip to ensure that your waiter receives it.

At the end of your guided vacation, it’s customary to offer your motor coach driver and Travel Director a gratuity. We recommend €3.00 per person/per day for your driver and €5.00 per person/per day for your Travel Director.  Recommended gratuity for a Local Host and Local Specialist is 1-2 euros per person, paid at the conclusion of each guided visit.  A convenient option is to prepay your tips before your departure.

Baggage on our trips is restricted to one large suitcase per person with dimensions not exceeding 30x19x10 inches and a maximum weight of 50 pounds. You are also permitted one piece of hand luggage, which should be small enough to fit under your coach seat or on the small overhead shelf compartment. Please note that luggage with an adjustable handle and wheels will not fit in the overhead compartment of the coach. Hotel porterage is included in your vacation.

You will need to be comfortable on your feet, walking and standing for up to three hours in various weather conditions.  All of our vacations involve walking, often on cobblestone and uneven surfaces in historic city centers.  In order to get the most out of your vacation you need to be able to comfortably walk 1-3 miles unassisted in one day, be in good condition and be able to keep pace with the group. 

If you need any medications, it is important that you bring enough to last you the whole trip and keep them in your carry-on bag while you travel.

We highly recommend our optional Travel Protection Plan, which allows you to cancel for any reason up to 48 hours before departure. The plan also includes trip interruption, baggage loss or delay, and medical and emergency assistance. Click here for a summary of coverage details, terms and conditions.