11 Days & 10 Nights: MADRID, SARAGOSSA, BARCELONA,AVIGNON, AIX-EN-PROVENCE & PARIS.

Day 1 - Thu. August 7 - We board our flight from Dulles International for an overnight flight to Madrid

Day 2 - Fri., August 8 - ARRIVAL IN MADRID
We arrive and are transferred to our hotel. The rest of the day is free to start exploring lively Madrid. Tonight, we meet our Tour Director at a trip welcome meeting and enjoy an included dinner. (D)

Day 3 - Sat. August 9 - MADRID
Not only is Madrid the capital of Spain, but because it is situated 2,180 feet above sea level, the Spanish rightly say it is the nearest thing to heaven. This morning, enjoy the main highlights on our included guided sightseeing excursion. Later, maybe join an optional excursion to El Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen. (B)

Day 4 - Sun. August 10 - MADRID-SARAGOSSA-BARCELONA
This morning enjoy vistas of the Spanish countryside as we drive northeast to Saragossa, situated on the banks of the River Ebro, for a short visit. Later, we head towards Catalonia's lively and beautiful capital, Barcelona. (B,D)

Day 5 - Mon. August 11 - BARCELONA
Sightseeing with a Local Guide includes a drive around Montjuich to see the Olympic Stadium and a great panoramic view of the port and city. The drive continues to the city center to Plaza Catalunya and Paseo de Gracia to admire the greatness and eccentricity of Gaudi's architectural masterpieces in the Houses Battlo and Mila and the Sagrada Familia (entrance fees not included). (B)

Day 6 - Tue. August 12 - BARCELONA
Today, enjoy the included visit to Montserrat, situated 4,055 feet above sea level in a mountain range composed of strikingly pink conglomerate, a form of sedimentary rock and site of a Benedictine abbey which hosts the Virgin of Montserrat Sanctuary, patron of Catalonia. The monastery was founded in 1025 and the current sanctuary dates from 592. Time to stroll around the picturesque squares and streets before your visit to a local wine cellar to enjoy some wine tasting. A scenic drive along the Costa Dorada brings you back to Barcelona for an overnight. (B)

Day 7 - Wed. August 13 - BARCELONA-AVIGNON
We depart Spain this morning and head for the Spanish-French border. En-route, visit Carcassonne, the most medieval-looking city in the whole of France. Fortifications, ramparts, castle walls, drawbridges, and much else from the Middle Ages are still well preserved and certainly worth seeing. Later, overnight in Avignon. (B,D)

Day 8 - Thu. August 14 - AVIGNON. EXCURSION TO AIX-EN-PROVENCE
This morning we visit the Roman amphitheater in Arles, the most famous of all the Provence towns, home to Van Gogh and Gaugain, and known the world over through the paintings of Van Gogh. This afternoon is dedicated to Aix-en-Provence, one of France's most elegant cities and home to Cezanne. Explore its center on foot, stroll along shaded Cours Mirabeau, admire its famous cafés and fountains, discover colorful squares, or barter with the locals at the quaint flea market on Place de Verdun. Also some wine tasting at a local cellar. Return to overnight in Avignon. (B)

Day 9 - Fri. August 15 - AVIGNON-PARIS
We start off our day with an included visit of the Palace of the Popes, seat of the papacy from 1309 to 1377 instead of Eternal Rome. Later, free time to explore the center of Avignon and view its famous St. Bénézet Bridge. In the afternoon we board the TGV train grande vitesse for our journey to Paris. (B)

Day 10 - Sat. August 16 - PARIS
Included sightseeing with a Local Guide starts with an inside visit to Notre Dame Cathedral, then on to many of the best known Parisian sights: La Sorbonne, Arc de Triomphe, Opéra, Madeleine, the Eiffel Tower, the Pyramid near the Louvre , the Invalides, and Champs Elysées. Optional excursions are also available to see the most famous Parisian sights. To celebrate the success of our tour, a French farewell dinner might be just the ticket. (B)

Day 11 - Sun. August 17 - We say Farewell to Paris as we head home today. (B)

LAND PACKAGE COST $2,256 * ** ***

LAND & AIR PACKAGE COST $3,543* ** ***

* double occupancy accommodations
**additional 4% administration fee
***

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: add $460

Reserve a space for this fabulous trip with just a $350 DEPOSIT

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Round Trip international air from Dulles International with Land & Air Package

9 buffet breakfasts (B); 3 dinners (D)
9 nights, double occupancy lodging in SUPERIOR HOTELS: MADRID Praga, BARCELONA Catalonia Princesa, AVIGNON Ibis Avignon Pont Europe, PARIS Campanile Porte d'Italie
AIRPORT TRANSFERS - Airport transfers are included in trip price if you book the Land & Air Package. For Land Only packages transfers may be purchased separately.
Tour Led by our International Tour Director

Learning Escapes Tour Facilitator (with groups of 8 or more)


WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

Some meals, trip cancellation insurance, air taxes ($150-250), currency adjustment supplement ($88), single supplement for private room, items of a personal nature, phone calls, and anything not specifically listed under WHAT'S INCLUDED.

DEADLINES

Deadline to register for guaranteed space: March 15

Final Payment due: May 25