Overview
Experience the art, history, and culture of France and Spain as you journey from Paris to Barcelona. Admire iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Palace of Versailles, explore the artistic heritage of the French Riviera, and uncover ancient Roman history in Provence. In Barcelona, marvel at Gaudí’s architectural masterpieces and experience Spanish traditions, from lively markets to authentic cuisine.
Itinerary
Paris, Côte d’Azur and Barcelona
- Cultural Exploration
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.
Versailles guided excursion
Once the seat of French royal power, the Palace of Versailles was transformed by Louis XIV into a symbol of monarchy and grandeur. Accompanied by a licensed guide, admire the magnificent Hall of Mirrors, lavish State Apartments and beautifully landscaped gardens filled with fountains and sculptures. Visit Marie Antoinette’s rustic hamlet, where she sought refuge from court life in a picturesque village setting. Please note: Versailles is closed on Mondays.
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 4
Louvre Museum visit
The world’s largest art museum, the Louvre, is housed in a former medieval fortress and entered through I.M. Pei’s striking glass pyramid. Inside, discover masterpieces like the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory, along with vast collections of Egyptian antiquities, Greek ceramics, and works spanning seven departments. Please note: the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays.
Eiffel Tower ascent
Line up to climb to the top floor of this iconic landmark for a spectacular bird’s-eye view of the glittering City of Light.
Day 5
Travel to France (Nice) on the TGV
Ride the TGV, Europe’s famed high-speed train, as you travel to Nice.
Nice Tour Director-led sightseeing
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. Backed by Nice's grand hotels, the Promenade was built in the 19th century for the British who flocked here en masse.
Day 6
Monaco and Èze excursion
Step into glamorous Monaco, a tiny principality on the French Riviera famed for its luxury, history, and royal connections. Visit the Prince’s Palace, home to Monaco’s ruling family, and see why this city-state became a playground for royalty and movie stars. Then travel to the medieval hilltop village of Èze to visit a traditional parfumerie, where expert perfumers have crafted scents since the 1700s.
Day 7
St. Paul de Vence and Chagall Museum excursion
Travel to the beautifully preserved medieval hill town of St. Paul de Vence. A visit to the Marc Chagall National Museum and stop by a confiserie are among the highlights of today!
Day 8
Travel to France (Provence)
Pont du Gard visit
A masterpiece of Roman engineering, the Pont du Gard aqueduct is one of the most stunning ancient monuments in Provence. Explore its arches and learn how this marvel carried water across the Gardon Valley for centuries.
LEAP
LEAP Painter's Provence
Make a sales pitch for a masterpiece by Cézanne, Monet, or another artist whose works highlight Provençal landscapes. Understand the impact that the light and landscape had on these artists.
Nîmes Amphitheatre visit
Nearly two millennia old and still stealing the spotlight, the Nimes Amphitheatre was once a brutal battleground for gladiators and wild beasts, drawing crowds hungry for spectacle. Today, it's a living monument where echoes of ancient roars meet the rhythm of concerts and the drama of modern bullfights, because some stages were never meant to go quiet.
Day 9
Travel to Spain (Barcelona) via Collioure
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 favourite escape for artists like Matisse and Picasso.
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 10
Barcelona guided sightseeing tour
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 colourful mosaics and sweeping views, and journey to Montjuïc Hill, home to historic fortresses and the 1992 Olympic grounds.
Las Ramblas scavenger hunt
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 maximise experiential learning on tour.
Paella dinner
Enjoy a traditional paella dinner featuring Spain’s iconic rice dish, with roots in the Valencia region.
Day 11
Montserrat excursion
Journey to Montserrat, a stunning mountain retreat northwest of Barcelona. Explore the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey, home to the famed statue of Our Lady of Montserrat, and admire the jagged peaks, sacred caves, and breathtaking views that have inspired pilgrims and visitors for centuries.
Day 12
Return home
Optional Extension
Add 3 Days in Madrid
Explore Madrid on a city walk through Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, and Plaza de España. The next day, take a guided sightseeing tour to see Gran Vía, the Cibeles Fountain, Puerta de Alcalá, and Columbus Square. Step inside the Royal Palace and explore the masterpieces of the Prado Museum. On your final day, travel to Toledo for a guided excursion that includes the Gothic Cathedral, St. Mary’s Synagogue, and a visit to a traditional sword factory. Enjoy an evening of flamenco in Toledo before returning to Madrid for your flight 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 Paris, Cote d'Azur & Barcelona
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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