Compare The Best of London and Paris: A Tale of Two Cities by Road Scholar vs Highlights of France and Barcelona (Barcelona) by Trafalgar

Day 1
In Transit to Program
In Flight

Day 2
Arrival Day
London D Millennium Gloucester Hotel
Lunch: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.

Afternoon: Arrivals continue, with free time for those who have already arrived. At 5:30pm we will have an Orientation in the hotel. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. This program is staffed with a Group Leader in each country, who will accompany us throughout the program and deal primarily with logistics as well as lecture, conduct field trips and serve as an information resource on program-related topics. We will review the program theme, the up-to-date Daily Schedule and any changes, discuss safety guidelines, emergency procedures, roles and responsibilities and answer any questions you may have. We have set aside some free time in the schedule for your personal independent exploration. Please note that program activities, schedules and personnel may need to change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: A seated dinner will be taken in the hotel dining room with coffee, tea and water. Other beverages are available for purchase.

Evening: Free time to unpack, relax and prepare for the program ahead.

Day 3
Panoramic Tour & The Victoria and Albert Museum
London B,L Millennium Gloucester Hotel
Breakfast: In the hotel dining room. A breakfast buffet with a range of hot and cold items, as well as coffee, tea, water and fruit juices.

Morning: This morning we depart the hotel by motor coach for a panoramic overview of London’s many monuments and most famous sights. Your Study Leader will discuss the city’s history, as well as its architecture throughout the ages. Our final destination is the Victoria & Albert Museum. The museum houses the world’s largest collection of decorative arts and design, holding a collection of some 4.5 million objects from all over the world.

Lunch: Lunch will be served in a local pub.

Afternoon: Free time. Your Study Leader will be able to offer suggestions and directions, or you may wish to join them on a discovery walk to further explore London.

Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Evening: Free time to relax or further explore London.

Day 4
Kensington Palace
London B Millennium Gloucester Hotel
Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: We continue our exploration of London as we head to Kensington Palace, the official London residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall as well as Prince Harry. We’ll be able to explore Queen Victoria’s bedroom, George I’s staircase and the spectacular King’s Gallery amongst other fascinating snippets of history. The palace was also home to Princess Diana, and there remains a selection of her famous dresses in the Royal Ceremonial Dress collection. Here we will be treated to a very special lecture by Ken Wharfe, former head of security to Princes William and Harry and Personal Protection Officer to Princess Diana. The lecture, titled “Diana: Glimpses of a Modern Princess” will explore his relationship with the family right up to the time of her tragic death.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Afternoon: Free time or join your Study Leader for a walk.

Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 5
St. Paul’s Cathedral & The National Portrait Gallery
London B,L,D Millennium Gloucester Hotel
Activity note: This day includes use of the Underground in London. This underground public transportation system is accessed by going up and down flights of stairs; elevators or escalators are NOT available in the majority of stations. This can add considerably to the amount of walking done in the day. Participants must be able to navigate stairs on their own.

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: Today we take the world famous London Underground to St. Paul’s Cathedral, an unmissable silhouette on the London skyline and often considered to be Christopher Wren’s architectural masterpiece. It has been standing in its current form since 1711 and its tranquil interior is majestic in its Baroque splendour – your Study Leader will take you through its turbulent and fascinating history as we explore its magnificent three domed structure. From St. Paul’s we will then travel to the National Portrait Gallery for an expertly guided visit. Spanning six centuries of history, the Gallery tells the story of Britain through portraits of the men and women who have made a significant contribution to British life.

Lunch: Lunch will be taken near the in St-Martin-in-the Fields Crypt Café or similar.

Afternoon: Free time, or join your Group Leader to explore the highlights of the National Gallery.

Dinner: Dinner will be served at a local restaurant such as Wildwood on Gloucester Road.

Evening: Free time.

Day 6
Transfer to Paris: The Channel Tunnel & Île de la Cité
Paris B,L,D Jardin Du Marais
Activity note: This day includes use of the Underground in London and the Metro in Paris. This underground public transportation system is accessed by going up and down flights of stairs; elevators or escalators are NOT available in the majority of stations. This can add considerably to the amount of walking done in the day. Participants must be able to navigate stairs on their own.

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: This morning we transfer from the London hotel to the St. Pancras train station, where we will board the Eurostar train for our journey under the English Channel. The journey from London to Paris takes only three hours and luggage service will be available upon arrival, whereupon we will meet our Study Leader for the Paris section and take some lunch.

Lunch: An allowance will be given at St Pancras station for you to enjoy what you like on the Eurostar train.

Afternoon: Begin your discovery of Paris with an exploration of L’Île de la Cité. Your Study Leader will cast an expert eye as we visit Notre Dame Cathedral, the Conciergerie and the exquisite Sainte Chapelle before returning to the hotel to check in.

Dinner: Taken at a local restaurant.

Evening: Free time.

Day 7
The Musee d’Orsay
Paris B,L Jardin Du Marais
Activity note: This day includes use of the Metro in Paris. This underground public transportation system is accessed by going up and down flights of stairs; elevators or escalators are NOT available in the majority of stations. This can add considerably to the amount of walking done in the day. Participants must be able to navigate stairs on their own.

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: Travel with your Study Leader to explore the world’s largest Impressionist painting collection at the spectacular Musee d’Orsay.

Lunch: Taken at the Musee d’Orsay.

Afternoon: Enjoy some free time to explore on your own. The Study Leader will provide recommendations for activities and maps will be provided.

Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Evening: Free time.

Day 8
The Food Culture of Paris & The Rodin Museum and Gardens
Paris B,L Jardin Du Marais
Activity note: This day includes use of the Metro in Paris. This underground public transportation system is accessed by going up and down flights of stairs; elevators or escalators are NOT available in the majority of stations. This can add considerably to the amount of walking done in the day. Participants must be able to navigate stairs on their own.

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: Today we explore the market and food culture of Paris. Discover small shops with an expert guide and taste some incredible local flavours in a typical Parisian neighbourhood.

Lunch: Taken at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: This afternoon we will take the Metro to explore the musee Rodin, rated as one of the most enjoyable museums in Paris, boasting the finest collection of works by the sculptors Pierre August Rodin and Camille Claudel. It also features beautiful outdoor gardens for you to explore at your leisure.

Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Evening: Free time.

Day 9
The Louvre & Montmartre
Paris B,D Jardin Du Marais
Activity note: This day includes use of the Metro in Paris. This underground public transportation system is accessed by going up and down flights of stairs; elevators or escalators are NOT available in the majority of stations. This can add considerably to the amount of walking done in the day. Participants must be able to navigate stairs on their own.

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: This morning we will take the Metro to enjoy an on-site presentation at the Louvre, one of the largest museums in the world. Formerly the royal residence of the Kings of France, the Louvre is now home to a collection of art unmatched by almost any other museum.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Afternoon: Join your Study Leader for a visit to Montmartre, including an exploration of the Place du Tertre and Sacre Coeur. Alternatively, you may wish to take this time to further explore your own interests in the City of Lights.

Dinner: A farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Evening: Round off your Parisian experience by boarding the motor coach for a view of the famous city lights before returning to the hotel.

Day 10
Program Concludes
In Flight B
Breakfast: In the hotel. Some participants may depart prior to breakfast.

Morning: Transfer to Charles De Gaulle Airport for onward flights. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Day 1: Welcome to Paris

Glittering Paris is your launchpad for an epic adventure through the highlights of France and magnificent Barcelona. Spend your first day in the 'City of Light' exploring the art, architecture and culture of this romantic city on your own. Visit a renowned gallery, shop up a storm or relax in manicured gardens watching the world go by. Later, join your fellow travelers and Travel Director for a Welcome Dinner and orientation drive past some of the city's most impressive sights, including the grand Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe.

Pullman La Défense

Dinner

Day 2: Explore the Sights of Paris

Spend the morning in the company of a Local Specialist on a journey through the historic neighborhoods of Paris, to see where the locals live and shop. View the remarkable church of Saint-Sulpice, then enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Walk along the Seine and admire the talents of street artists and performers, amble through the scenic hilltop village of Montmartre or relax with a café au lait watching the world go by. This evening, consider soaking up the pageantry of Paris with an Optional Experience to a popular Parisian cabaret.

Pullman La Défense

Breakfast

Day 3: Chartres and Châteaux in the Loire Valley Connect with Locals

Visit Chartres, an important place of pilgrimage on the 'Way of Saint James', and see its inspiring French Gothic cathedral, renowned for its stained glass windows and two contrasting spires. We journey through the rolling landscape of the Loire Valley, past beautiful villages and castles. View the impressive Château de Chambord, a marvel of French Renaissance architecture, then visit Château de Chenonceau. Later, Connect With Locals, joining your travel companions and the de Montferrier family on their farm for a traditional three-course Tourangelle Be My Guest dinner experience with local wines.

Mercure Tours Nord

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4: Onwards to Lyon

Traveling through the heart of France, we arrive in the gastronomic capital of Lyon where we'll join a Local Specialist for a tour of the old city, revealing its rich cultural heritage. Wander through the traboules and marvel at the magnificent skyline from Fourvière hill, followed by free time to explore this city between two rivers.

Crowne Plaza Lyon Cite Internationale

Breakfast

Day 5: Journey to Papal Avignon and on to the French Riviera Dive Into Culture

From Lyon, we drive to Avignon, a Papal Seat in the 14th century. See the Popes' Palace, one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe, and the remnants of the famous bridge immortalized in the French song – Sur le Pont d'Avignon. Later we continue to the French Riviera, arriving in the seaside retreat of southern France, favored by aristocrats for centuries. With an evening at leisure, perhaps stroll around the Bay of Angels and join the Promenade des Anglais. Or sit and enjoy a glass of wine while the sun sets and listen to the blue Mediterranean waters lap against the shore.

Novotel Aéroport Cap 3000

Breakfast

Day 6: Enjoy Monaco and the Cote d'Azur

A fun-filled day includes a visit to the tiny Principality of Monaco where you’ll view the cathedral where Prince Rainier and Princess Grace were married. See the superyachts in the port and catch a glimpse of the famed grand prix circuit. Enjoy relaxing on the sun-kissed shores of the Côte d'Azur, retreat to the beach with your fellow sun-worshippers, or perhaps embark on an Optional Experience to the medieval hill-top village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence.

Novotel Aéroport Cap 3000

Breakfast

Day 7: Off to Colorful Arles and Carcassonne

We travel west to the Camargue center of Arles, with its honey-colored façades and Roman ruins, enjoying some time at leisure to explore this beautiful city, or perhaps choosing an Optional Experience to gain a deeper understanding of Vincent van Gogh and local history with our resident expert. Later we continue through the landscapes of Provence, immortalized in the works of Cézanne and Van Gogh, to the fortified city of Carcassonne. A guided exploration of this exquisite, ancient town will reveal the Cité, its double ring of ramparts and 52 towers.

Tribe Carcassonne

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8: Pass the Pyrenees to Barcelona Dive Into Culture

Driving past the foothills of the Pyrenees, we stop in Figueres to visit the Dalí Theater and Museum where we will Dive Into Culture and gain insights into the fascinating world of Salvador Dalí. See his work in this impressive building, before arriving in Barcelona this afternoon for an included sightseeing tour. We’ll see the Columbus Monument and Antoni Gaudí's unfinished La Sagrada Família, with a Local Specialist. The evening is yours to explore this Mediterranean gem. Consider an Optional Experience to enjoy traditional Spanish cuisine and entertainment, or enjoy a delicious tapas feast on your own at one of the city's fine restaurants.

Barcelona Condal Mar Affiliated by Melia

Breakfast

Day 9: Discover Lively Barcelona

Spend the day soaking up the vibrant spirit of Barcelona. Perhaps pay a morning visit to mystical Montserrat to visit its Benedictine monastery and see the mysterious Black Madonna, the patron saint of Catalonia. Ramble up Las Ramblas and people-watch in the Plaça de Catalunya, explore the whimsical architecture of Gaudí dotted across the city or consider an Optional Experience to discover the fascinating Gothic Quarter. This evening, join your Travel Director and travel companions for a memorable Farewell Dinner with wine at a vibrant Spanish restaurant.

Barcelona Condal Mar Affiliated by Melia

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10: Journey Home

It's time to close the curtain on an unforgettable holiday in France and Barcelona. Say adiós to the bustling streets of Barcelona and your travel companions.

Breakfast