Castles and Castanets

Duration: 11 Days

COUNTRIES VISITED: Italy, France, Monaco & Spain

PLACES VISITED: Paris, Versailles, Nice, Monaco, Eze, Provence, Carcassonne, Barcelona & Madrid.

Bonjour! Arrive in Paris, often described as Europe’s most beautiful city.

After breakfast, a local guide brings you to the Arc de Triomphe, the sweeping Champs-Élysées, and Les Invalids. Visit the inside of Notre Dame Cathedral, famous for its intricately carved gargoyles. Appreciate the artwork in Paris’s historic monument and one of the world’s largest museums. Tonight, travel to the top of the Eiffel Tower and enjoy breath-taking views of Paris.

After breakfast, Picture the flow of royalty through the vast grounds and gardens of Louis XIV’s Palace of Versailles. Tour the Hall of Mirrors, the royal apartments and the gardens.

Cover the Canvas: Live the artist’s life. Explore line, colour, perspective, negative space and form, then paint a masterpiece inspired by the beauty of Paris.

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.

After breakfast, submerge yourself in the capital of the Riviera. Take a walking tour with your TD and see the Promenade des Anglais, the Russian Orthodox Church, and Cimiez, where Matisse is buried. Explore the old city or abandon the hubbub for the beach and a little rest and relaxation.

After breakfast, View Monaco’s many attractions, including the palace of Prince Rainier, the Casino de Monte Carlo, and the Cathedral de Monaco, where actress/princess Grace Kelly is buried.

After breakfast, See the Pont du GardView this ancient Roman aqueduct that crosses the Gardon River in the south of France. Walking Tour of Nîmes: Marvel at the Roman buildings of Nîmes, including the Maison Carrée (“Square House”) and the awesome Roman arena, the best preserved in France. LEAP Activity | Painters’ ProvenceMake a sales pitch for a masterpiece by Cezanne, Monet, or another artist whose works highlight Provencal landscapes.

After breakfast, explore this medieval walled town and have fun exploring. Continue to Barcelona.

After breakfast, the dark Gothic corners and bright flower-lined streets of Barcelona are yours to explore with a local guide. Sightseeing includes the Sagrada Família Cathedral, the Olympic stadium, and the historic Barri Gòtic. Casa Milà (La Pedrera) 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.

After breakfast, Welcome to the Spanish capital! Share your afternoon with a local guide in the Plaza de España and the Plaza Colón. See the Royal Palace and study famous works of art as you tour the renowned Prado museum.

 This afternoon, see modern masterpieces such as Picasso’s Guernica in the Reina Sofía Museum.  LEAP Cocina Española: Tonight, cook classic Spanish cuisine.

Cocina Española-Create some of Spain’s most popular and iconic dishes and discover firsthand what makes these dishes enduring classics of Spanish cuisine.

Spanish Civil War-Nationalist? Republican? Argue ideology in a revolutionary role-play that delves into the causes of the Spanish Civil War!

After breakfast, Board your flight home or extend your stay by adding extra days in Madrid.

HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Paris with a Local Guide.
  • Palace of Versailles.
  • High Speed Train to Nice.
  • The palace of Prince Rainier
  • the Casino de Monte Carlo
  • the Cathedral de Monaco
  • Pont du Gard
  • Journey to Carcassonne
  • Explore Barcelona with a local guide.
  • Train for Madrid
  • the Sagrada Família Cathedral,
  • the Olympic stadium
  • The historic Barri Gòtic.
  • Casa Milà