Overview
Immerse your young artists and art-lovers in the masterpieces and inspirational landscapes of France and Spain on this journey from Paris to Madrid. Your students will explore the impressive collections of the Louvre, the Musée D'Orsay, the Guggenheim, and the Prado, discover the Royal Palace in Madrid, and experience authentic Spanish culture during a traditional flamenco evening. Your class will also explore beautiful Biarritz and admire the iconic architecture of Notre-Dame.
Itinerary
Art of France and Spain
- Cultural Exploration
- Art & Literature
Day 1
Overnight flight to France (Paris)
Day 2
Arrive in Paris
Meet your Tour Director
Your 24-hour Tour Director will meet you at the airport and remain with your group until your final airport departure.
Paris city walk
Take in Paris on foot, strolling wide boulevards, manicured parks, and lively streets filled with cafés and flower stalls. Cross to the Île de la Cité to view the storied Notre-Dame Cathedral, centrepiece of French history, then wander the charming Île St. Louis and the vibrant Latin Quarter, rich with student life and culture.
Day 3
Paris guided sightseeing tour
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 Les Invalides, Napoleon’s military refuge, along with other historic sites.
Louvre guided visit
The world’s largest art museum, the Louvre is housed in a medieval fortress-turned-palace so magnificent it’s worth a visit for the architecture alone. Enter through the glass pyramid designed by I.M. Pei and step into grand halls filled with carved ceilings, soaring windows, and centuries of art. See masterpieces like the "Mona Lisa," "Venus de Milo," and "Winged Victory," along with vast collections of Egyptian artefacts and Greek ceramics. Please note: the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays.
Montmartre Tour Director-led sightseeing
Discover Montmartre on a Tour Director-led walk through the hilltop neighbourhood that inspired artists like Picasso and Van Gogh. Stroll the lively Place du Tertre, where painters still work today, see the famous Moulin Rouge cabaret, and climb to the Basilica of Sacré-Coeur for sweeping views over Paris.
Dinner in Montmartre
Day 4
Giverny guided excursion
Explore Giverny with a licensed guide and discover the home and gardens that inspired Claude Monet. Captivated by this quiet village, Monet moved there in 1883 and spent 40 years transforming his home and gardens. Explore the flower-filled Clos Normand, cross the Japanese bridge, and see the water lilies that inspired his art. His studio remains much as he left it. Please note: Available for tours travelling April-November only.
Musée d’Orsay visit
Visit the Musée d’Orsay, housed in a former railway station on the Seine. The museum showcases French art from 1848 to 1915 and is renowned for its Impressionist masterpieces by Monet, Degas, Renoir, and Cézanne.
Seine River cruise
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.
Day 5
Travel to Biarritz on the TGV
Take France’s fastest train to the coastal city of Biarritz, once a whaling town and later a favourite bathing spot for international royalty, earning it the nickname “The Queen of Beaches and the Beach for Kings.” Today, Biarritz offers world-class surfing, sweeping views along the Basque coast, and a relaxed resort atmosphere.
Biarritz Tour Director-led sightseeing
Once a humble whaling port, Biarritz transformed into a glamorous seaside retreat after Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III, began spending her summers there.
Travel to the Basque Country
Day 6
Travel to Madrid via Bilbao
Guggenheim Museum visit
Embark on a cultural journey with a visit to the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. Explore a remarkable collection of modern and contemporary art that offers insight into major artistic movements and creative expression.
LEAP
Spirit of Spain
Immerse yourself in the art that captures the passion of Spain. Compare the techniques and meanings in the works of artists from El Greco to Salvador Dalí and Pablo Picasso. Deepen your understanding of art history as you debate how these and other masters defined and shaped Spanish culture.
Day 7
Madrid guided sightseeing tour
Experience Spain’s capital with a licensed guide. Visit the Royal Palace, Europe’s largest, to see lavish halls and frescoes. Stroll lively Gran Vía with its theatres, shops, and cafés. Admire the Cibeles Fountain depicting the earth goddess Cybele. See the Neoclassical Puerta de Alcalá in Plaza de la Independencia, a ceremonial gateway to the city. Conclude at Columbus Square, a hub of monuments and museums.
Toledo guided excursion
Explore Toledo with a licensed guide and discover a city known for its dramatic setting and rich religious history. Visit Toledo Cathedral, one of Spain’s great Gothic structures, and the Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca, one of Europe’s oldest surviving synagogue buildings. Discover Toledo’s connection to El Greco and learn about the city’s traditional sword-making during a visit to a local factory.
Tapas dinner
Tapas are believed to have originated when bartenders placed small plates, known as "tapas," over glasses of sherry or wine to keep flies out. Over time, these plates were topped with olives, cured meats and other small bites, giving rise to a Spanish culinary tradition. What began as simple snacks has evolved into a diverse dining experience, with each region contributing its own ingredients, specialities and cooking techniques.
Day 8
Madrid city walk
Discover Madrid’s lively spirit with your Tour Director on a walk through its bustling streets. Begin at Puerta del Sol, the vibrant city centre, then continue to Plaza Mayor, where centuries of history have unfolded from royal weddings to bullfights. Conclude at Plaza de España, a favourite spot for outdoor cafés and people-watching in the heart of the city.
Prado Museum guided visit
Home to masterpieces by Spain’s great artists, the Museo del Prado features works by Francisco Goya, Diego Velázquez, and El Greco.
Flamenco evening
Originating from the music and dance traditions of Southern Spain's Roma communities, flamenco has become a Spanish institution. Dancers use intricate footwork and expressive arm movements to convey the mood of the music, which can range from lamentation to celebration.
Day 9
Return home
Optional Extension
Add 2 Days in Barcelona
Travel on the high-speed AVE train to Barcelona and take part in a Las Ramblas scavenger hunt. See the best of the city on a guided sightseeing tour featuring Plaza de España, Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia, Montjuïc Hill, and Park Güell. End your adventure with a flavorful paella dinner before heading home.
TourFlex: Your Experience, Your Way
With TourFlex, available for tours departing in October 2027 or later, you get the flexibility to shape an itinerary that's as unique as your group. Dial your trip up or down for more choice, more control, and more meaningful learning moments, all while getting the right experience at the right value. Available options vary by program and destination.
Explore Your Way
- Add experiences like theatre tickets or unique excursions
- Swap activities for ones that better serve your group
- Extend the learning through go-aheads or stay-behinds
Go Your Way
- Select transport options that suit your group's needs
- Choose from a variety of accommodation styles to support your level of comfort
Dine Your Way
- Choose pre-selected meals or encourage exploration by dining on your own
- Enjoy 2 course meals at local restaurants or at your accommodation, with the option to upgrade to 3 courses
Inclusions
Accommodations
WorldStrides Tour Director: A dynamic destination expert who makes learning come to life by leading your group's activities and discussions
Transportation to and from your destination
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Daily meals with options varying by program
Tips for local guides and drivers (excluding multi-day bus drivers)
Entrance fees to attractions as per itinerary
Guided sightseeing tours and city walks as per itinerary
Scenes from France & Spain
Health, Safety & Protection
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
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