Paris to Barcelona

What’s that huge white arch at the end of the Champs-Élysées? It’s the Arc de Triomphe, commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 after his victory at Austerlitz. Your licensed local guide will elaborate on this and other Parisian landmarks. See some of the city’s most famous sites, including the ornate 19th-century Opera, the presidential residence, and the Place de la Concorde—where, at the center, you’ll find the Obelisk of Luxor, a gift from Egypt in 1836. Spot chic locals (and plenty of tourists) strolling the Champs-Élysées. Look up at the iron girders of the Eiffel Tower, built for the 1889 World's Fair to commemorate the centenary of the French Revolution. Visit Les Invalides (a refuge for war-wounded soldiers) and the École Militaire (Napoleon’s alma mater).

The world's largest art museum, the Louvre, is housed in a medieval fortress-turned-castle so grand it's worth a tour itself. You walk through the 71-foot glass pyramid designed by I.M. Pei and added in 1989, and step into another world--one with carved ceilings, deep-set windows, and so many architectural details you could spend a week just admiring the rooms. The Mona Lisa is here, as well as the Venus de Milo and Winged Victory (the headless statue, circa 200 BC, discovered at Samothrace). The Louvre has seven different departments of paintings, prints, drawings, sculptures and antiquities. Don't miss the Egyptian collection, complete with creepy sarcophagi, or the collection of Greek ceramics, one of the largest in the world. Please note: The Louvre is closed on Tuesdays.

Line up to climb to the top floor of this iconic landmark for a spectacular birds-eye view of the glittering City of Light.

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.

A lively role-play puts you in the shoes of the monarchy, clergy, nobility, bourgeoisie, or peasantry to explore the issues underlying the French Revolution.

Built on an ancient holy site to house a relic of the Virgin Mary’s veil (still on display), this 13th-century Gothic cathedral is best known for its stained glass. With more than 20,000 square feet of windows, stepping inside feels like entering a jewel box. On the floor lies the only surviving medieval labyrinth, a 300-yard path once followed on pilgrims’ knees toward the image of paradise at the center.

Explore the lavish rooms of this beloved 16th-century castle known for hosting influential women like Catherine de' Medici. Overlooking the river, the castle grounds include a maze and spectacular gardens with scenic views.

Get an up-close view of this opulent castle that was once a residence for French kings during the Renaissance. Also the home for Leonardo da Vinci’s tomb, this palace has a fascinating, rich history to share with all visitors.

Cooking class and dinner

Though one of Spain’s most popular resorts, San Sebastián is not just beaches. With your Tour Director you’ll visit the old quarter, centered around Plaza de la Constitución (known to locals as “La Consti”). Look for the numbers on the balconies around the square – the plaza was once used for bullfighting, and those balconies were rented as private boxes for spectators. The nearby Saint Vincent church, built in the 1500s, is the city’s oldest standing monument.

This commercial center of the Basque country has been transformed in the past few years into a showplace of modern city-planning and world-class art. Architect Frank Gehry’s stunning Guggenheim Museum leads the way, along with Norman Foster’s futuristic subway and the Santiago Calatrava glass footbridge, which allows visitors to practically walk across water.

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.

This breathtaking church, said to be the master-work of architect Antoni Gaudí, has been under construction since 1882 and is not expected to be completed until 2026! Despite its unfinished state, the church has 18 spindle-shaped towers that soar above the church itself, making for a striking addition to Barcelona’s skyline and more than worth the visit.

This magnificent building is the epitome of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí’s fantastical style. See how he uses twisted pillars, curved archways and warped metal balconies to create a totally unique design all his own.