Day 1 :
Start tour
Day 2 :
Bonjour Paris
Day 3 :
Paris landmarks
- Paris guided sightseeing tour:
Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées, Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, Notre Dame Cathedral visit
- Louvre visit:
The world's largest art museum, the Louvre is housed in a Medieval fortress-turned-castle so grand it's worth a tour itself.
- Theatre Performance en francais optional:
Day 4 :
Paris
- Versailles Guided Excursion:
The ultimate palace, Versailles was built by Louis XIII, and housed the royal family and its groveling court from 1682, when the Sun King moved in, to the French Revolution.
- LEAP Seize the Château!:
- Chartres Cathedral visit:
Built on an ancient worshipping ground to house a piece of the Virgin Mary’s veil (which is still on display), this 13th-century Gothic church is best known for its windows. With over 20,000 square feet of stained glass, visiting Chartres can be like walking around inside a large jewel.
- Eiffel Tower ascent:
LEAP Activity | Seize the Château!
This costume workshop is a lively role-play activity that puts you in the shoes of the monarchy, clergy, nobility, bourgeoisie, or peasantry to explore the issues underlying the French Revolution.
Day 5 :
Paris - Biarritz
- Travel to Biarritz on the TGV :
Take France’s fastest train to coastal Biarritz, whose fame as a favorite bathing spot for international royalty earned it the nickname “The Queen of Beaches and the Beach for Kings.” Once a whaling town, Biarritz now boasts some of the best surfing in Europe, fantastic views along the Basque coast, and a relaxed resort atmosphere.
- Biarritz tour director-led sightseeing:
Although originally a whaling port, Biarritz was transformed into a retreat for the affluent after Empress Eugenie (wife of Napoleon III) began travelling there.
Day 6 :
Biarritz
- Guggenheim Museum visit:
- San Sebastián Tour Director-led sightseeing:
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.
Day 7 :
Biarritz - Provence
- Travel to Provence via Carcassonne:
Medieval Carcasonne looks like a fairytale city from the past -- its turreted citadel, crenelated city walls, and Gothic arched city gates bring you back to the 13th century.
- Carcassonne visit:
Venture to the medieval walled town of Carcassonne, famous for its medieval citadel and imposing watchtowers.
Day 8 :
Provence
- Nîmes tour director-led sightseeing:
Nîmes amphitheater visit, Maison Carrée visit
- LEAP En Garde!:
LEAP Activity | 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 9 :
Provence - Nice
- Travel to Nice:
- Nice Tour Director-led sightseeing tour:
The Côte d'Azur's largest city spills down the hillsides to pebble beaches that line the shore. Your Tour Director will show you around the narrow pedestrian streets and tiny squares of "Le Vieux Nice" (Old Town), which is sprinkled with old palaces and mansions. Stroll down the Promenade des Anglais, which runs parallel to the water.
- LEAP Painters' Provence:
LEAP Activity | Painters’ Provence
Make a sales pitch for a masterpiece by Cezanne, Monet, or another artist whose works highlight Provencal landscapes. Understand the impact that the light and landscape had on these artists.
Day 10 :
Return Home OR Extend Your Stay
- Depart France:
Board a flight home or extend your stay with an extra day in Nice.
Extend your stay | Extra day in Nice
Extend your stay to spend an additional day in Nice. Explore the city even further–discovering museums, enjoying local cuisine, finishing last minute shopping, or relaxing on the beautiful Mediterranean beaches.
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