Highlights of France & Barcelona
11 Days from $2,850 per person
From Van Gogh to Gaudi, Renaissance to Gothic – visit the cities, valleys and coastlines of France and Spain that inspired great artists to create masterpieces as remarkable as the destinations you will visit, from the Champs Élysées in Paris to Barcelona's Las Ramblas, weaving through the alluring Loire Valley, French Riviera and medieval Citadel of Carcassonne.
Overview
From Van Gogh to Gaudi, Renaissance to Gothic – visit the cities, valleys and coastlines of France and Spain that inspired great artists to create masterpieces as remarkable as the destinations you will visit, from the Champs Élysées in Paris to Barcelona's Las Ramblas, weaving through the alluring Loire Valley, French Riviera and medieval Citadel of Carcassonne.
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Day 1: USA - Europe
Board your overnight flight to Europe (not included). -
Day 2: Arrive Paris (2 Nights)
Bienvenue à Paris, your launchpad for an epic adventure through the highlights of France and magnificent Barcelona. On arrival to Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport transfers will operate at 8 am, 11 am and 2 pm. Guests arriving later should make their own way to the hotel. Spend your first day in the City of Light at leisure exploring the art, architecture and culture of this romantic city. This evening, join your fellow travelers and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception and orientation drive past some of the city's most impressive sights, including the grand Champs Elysées and Arc de Triomphe.
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Day 3: Paris Sightseeing
Join a Local Specialist this morning to amble through the hidden squares and secret lanes of Paris, revealing how real Parisians live and shop. Later we ascend to the second level of the Eiffel Tower before enjoying the rest of the day at leisure. This evening, consider soaking up the pageantry of Paris with an Optional Experience to a popular Parisian cabaret. -
Day 4: Paris – Chartres – Chenonceau – Loire Valley
Visit Chartres, an important place of pilgrimage on The Way of Saint James and journey through the picturesque rolling landscape of the Loire Valley, past beautiful villages and fairy-tale castles. View the impressive Château de Chambord and visit picturesque Château de Chenonceau, which straddles the River Cher. Later join the de Montferrier family on their farm near the famous Château de Villandry for a Be My Guest Tourangelle dinner accompanied by local wines. -
Day 5: Loire Valley – Lyon
Traveling through the heart of France, we arrive in the gastronomic capital of Lyon where we'll join a Local Specialist for a tour of the old city revealing its rich cultural heritage. Wander through the quaint traboules of France's largest Renaissance city and marvel at the inspiring cityscape from Fourvière hill. We dine at our hotel this evening. -
Day 6: Lyon – Avignon – Nice (2 Nights)
From Lyon, we drive to Avignon, a Papal Seat in the 14th century and today a place of pilgrimage. See the Papal Palace and the famous bridge immortalized in the French song – sur le pont d'Avignon. Enjoy a Cultural Insight into local wine production and indulge in a glass of the local vintage. This afternoon we arrive in the seaside retreat of Nice where an orientation tour will introduce us to this coastal city which has been a favorite among aristocrats for centuries. -
Day 7: Nice – Excursion To Monaco
Relax on the sun-kissed shores of the Côte d'Azur. Retreat to the beach with your fellow sun-worshippers, relax at a café overlooking the Bay of Angels or take a stroll along the Promenade. Why not consider an excursion to the medieval hill-top village of St Paul de Vence? Enjoy an excursion through splendid seaside scenery to visit Monaco and Monte Carlo to see the exquisite casino built by Charles Garnier in the 19th century.
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Day 8: Nice – Arles – Carcassonne
We travel west to Arles with its colorful façades and Roman ruins before continuing through the beautiful Provence landscapes, immortalized in the works of Cezanne and Van Gogh. Arriving in the exquisite fortified city of Carcassonne, we join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour.
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Day 9: Carcassonne – Figueres – Barcelona Sightseeing (2 Nights)
Driving past the foothills of the Pyrénées, we stop in Figueres to visit the Dali Theater and Museum where we will gain a Cultural Insight into the fascinating world of Salvador Dali. We arrive in beguiling Barcelona this afternoon and enjoy an included sightseeing tour where we will see the Columbus Monument and Antoni Gaudi's unfinished Sagrada Familia with a Local Specialist. This evening, consider an Optional Experience to enjoy traditional Spanish cuisine and entertainment. -
Day 10: Barcelona
Spend the day soaking up the vibrant spirit of Barcelona. Consider an Optional Experience to Montserrat to visit its Benedictine monastery and see the mysterious Black Madonna. This evening, join your Travel Director and travel companions for a memorable Farewell Dinner with wine at a traditional Spanish restaurant. -
Day 11: Depart Barcelona
Say adios to the bustling streets of Barcelona and your travel companions. A return transfer on the last travel day will arrive at Barcelona Airport at 8 am. Conditions apply. Enhance your whole experience by taking the optional Madrid extension featured on this page.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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Definite Departure
| Depart Date | Return Date | Price | Discount | Availability | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 Jul 18 | 5 Aug 18 |
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$2,895pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 16 Aug 18 | 26 Aug 18 |
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$2,895pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 30 Aug 18 | 9 Sep 18 |
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$2,925pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 6 Sep 18 | 16 Sep 18 |
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$2,925pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 13 Sep 18 | 23 Sep 18 |
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$2,925pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 20 Sep 18 | 30 Sep 18 |
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$2,925pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 4 Oct 18 | 14 Oct 18 |
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$2,850pp | Request Quote Book Now |
Price is per person and is based on two people sharing a twin bedded room. Single rooms are available at a supplement.
Single Room Supplement: $770 p.p.
Triple Room Discount: $60 p.p.
Gratuities: Option to pre-pay gratuities for Travel Director and Driver $97 per person.
Airport transfers: Transfers on arrival from Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport will operate at 8:00 am, 11:00 am and 2:00 pm. Guests arriving later should make their own way to the hotel. A return transfer on the last travel day will arrive at Barcelona Airport at 8:00 am.
Cruise Connection: This trip starts or ends in a popular cruise port, so you can combine a cruise with a more in-depth guided vacation in Europe.
AARP Members are entitled to an exclusive Member Benefit Discount on all Grand European Travel vacations. Plus receive a free travel gift! Call Toll Free: 1-866-847-3858 for details.
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Personal Flight Options
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Professional Travel Director
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Sightseeing with Local Experts
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VIP Access
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WIFI on Coach and in Hotels
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Expertly Selected Hotels
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Cultural Enrichment
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Hotel Tips
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Most Meals
Meal Summary
14 meals: 9 buffet breakfasts, 5 dinners, all with tea and coffee.
Included Highlights
Be My Guest
- Return to 17th century France and join the de Montferrier family on their farm near the famous Château de Villandry for a traditional three-course Tourangelle dinner accompanied by local wines
Local Specialist
- For included sightseeing in Paris, Lyon, Carcassonne and Barcelona
Cultural Insight
- People-watch over a glass of delicious local wine at the bustling Place de l'Horloge in the heart of Avignon. Visit the Dali Theatre-Museum, considered Salvador Dali's last great work offering visitors real insight into his captivating world
Hidden Treasure
- Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure
Sightseeing Highlights
- Insider walking tour in Paris
- City tour in Lyon, Carcassonne, Barcelona
- Orientation of Paris, Avignon, Nice, Monaco, Arles
- Visit the Eiffel Tower, Château de Chenonceau in the Loire Valley, the Dali Museum in Figueres
- View Château de Chambord, the Papal Palace of Avignon, the Promenade des Anglais and Place Masséna in Nice, Monaco's Royal Palace and Cathedral, the Roman Amphitheater of Arles, Sagrada Familia and Colombus Monument in Barcelona
- Scenic drive through the Loire Valley
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
Reviews
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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Passports and Visas
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Currency
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.
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Cuisine
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).
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Packing
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.
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Tipping
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.
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Baggage
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.
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Health and Fitness
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.
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Insurance
We highly recommend our optional Travel Protection Plan, which allows you to cancel for any reason up to 24 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.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.
Paris
Moulin Rouge Cabaret And Dinner
Adult Price: €162.00
Enjoy dinner and cabaret, including wine and champagne, at the world-famous Moulin Rouge – the original Paris cabaret. Immortalized by the award-winning film of the same name, this Parisian institution features 60 dancers and entertainers and over 1000 costumes!
Notre Dame And Latin Quarter
Adult Price: €33.00
A guided drive through Paris' bohemian Left Bank with our Local Specialist brings us to amazing Notre Dame to discover one of the world's most famous Cathedrals and the epitome of Gothic architecture. Afterwards, take a stroll through the delightful Latin Quarter, a medieval maze of winding cobblestone alleyways where you'll have free time to enjoy the sidewalk bistros, boutiques and hidden squares.
Nouvelle Eve Cabaret And Dinner
Adult Price: €139.00
One of the oldest and most elegant revue theaters in Paris, Nouvelle Eve is a hidden gem, where you’ll meet the Director and two of the cast members before enjoying a four-course dinner with wine. You will then experience unparalleled Parisian entertainment – including the world-famous Can-Can.
Nice
St Paul, Corniche Drive, Perfumery and Meal
Adult Price: €83.00
First we'll travel to the medieval hill top town of St. Paul to visit this artists' paradise. We'll continue along the Riviera, travelling on the Basse, Moyenne and Grande corniche roads with their spectacular views, to a local restaurant for a delicious meal including drinks.
Arles
On the trail of Vincent Van Gogh
Adult Price: €23.00
Discover the secret stories and life of Vincent Van Gogh, as you stroll through the ancient streets and squares of this enchanting provincial town with our resident Local Specialist.
Barcelona
Catalonian Dinner And The Dancing Fountains
Adult Price: €59.00
Join us for drinks and a Catalonian feast in the bustling city of Barcelona. After dinner, we’ll take you to see the spectacle of the famous Dancing Fountains, which were built for the 1929 World’s Fair and are one of the wonders of the modern world.
Flamenco Spectacular With Dinner
Adult Price: €86.00
Come and experience the passion and spirit of Spain at a spectacular flamenco evening. This modern interpretation of Spain's most famous entertainment is one of the best shows in town, and we’ve even included dinner and drinks.
Barcelona, Past and Present
Adult Price: €29.00
Step back in time to uncover the history of the Barcelona from its Roman beginnings to the modern day. With your Local Specialist, stroll the maze of narrow streets and courtyards, home to gothic churches, the Kings Square, and the Jewish Quarter. Spain’s Golden Era will come alive as we visit sites from Columbus’ return from the Americas, the Spanish Inquisition, and the Spanish Civil War. We’ll finish at a local food market to shop like the locals and perhaps try traditional tapas.
Mystical Montserrat
Adult Price: €40.00
Join an Optional Experience to the enchanting and mystical mountain of Montserrat, with its breathtaking views and spectacular scenery. There we will visit the Benedictine monastery where the Black Madonna can be seen.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
