Paris, Provence, and Barcelona

Explore Paris with a licensed local guide on a sightseeing tour of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Admire the Arc de Triomphe at the top of the Champs-Élysées, stroll the grand boulevard lined with shops and cafés, and see the ornate 19th-century Opera House. Look up at the Eiffel Tower, built for the 1889 World’s Fair, and visit Les Invalides, Napoleon’s military refuge, along with other historic sites.

The ultimate palace, Versailles was begun by Louis XIII and transformed by Louis XIV into the seat of royal power until the French Revolution. Inside, admire the 250-foot Hall of Mirrors, flanked by the salons of War and Peace, and the State Apartments where lavish ceremonies unfolded. Step into the magnificent Gardens of Versailles, a masterpiece of fountains, sculptures, and sweeping vistas. Be sure to visit Marie Antoinette’s rustic hamlet, where she escaped court life by tending sheep and playing at village life. Please note: Versailles is closed on Mondays.

See the city from the water on an hour-long cruise along the River Seine. The Seine cuts right through Paris, dividing the city in half. Spot the Eiffel tower rising up on the Left Bank, the walls of the Louvre on the Right Bank. A guide will point out other monuments and architectural marvels as you pass, many of which are illuminated by clear white light at night.

Ride the TGV, Europe’s famed high-speed train, as you travel to Avignon.

Explore the walled city of Avignon, once the seat of the papacy. Stroll through the lively town square, where a 1900s merry-go-round still spins beside bustling cafés. Visit the grand Palais des Papes, the largest Gothic palace in Europe, and see the famous Pont d’Avignon, the medieval bridge celebrated in song, before soaking in the charm of this Provençal gem.

Discover the beauty of Provence amid lavender fields, olive groves, and ochre-colored villages. Explore Roman legacies at the Pont du Gard aqueduct and the Nîmes amphitheater, still used for performances today. Then travel into the Alpilles mountains to see the medieval fortress ruins of Baux-de-Provence, once a stronghold for surrounding villages.

Make a compelling sales pitch for a masterpiece by Cézanne, Monet, or another artist whose work highlights Provençal landscapes. Emphasize how the region’s unique light and scenery profoundly influenced their artistic vision.

Imagine a jewel of a Mediterranean village, with bright boats bobbing on azure waters and pastel houses casting shade under the sun. You are in Collioure. Tucked between the Pyrenees and the sea, this laidback town blends French and Spanish resort culture and was once a favorite escape for artists like Matisse and Picasso.

Discover Barcelona with a licensed guide as you explore its mix of Gothic charm and modernist brilliance. Visit Plaza de España, then marvel at Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia, the soaring church that defines the city’s skyline. Wander through Park Güell with its colorful mosaics and sweeping views, and journey to Montjuïc Hill, home to historic fortresses and the 1992 Olympic grounds.

Take interactive learning to another level with a Tour Director-led scavenger hunt on Las Ramblas, Barcelona’s most famous pedestrian street. Complete exciting activities and solve fun clues, each designed to maximize experiential learning on tour.