PARIS and MADRID
March 20 - 26, 2011 $2189 + air
Join David as he takes you on an adventure through these two amazing capital cities. You will enjoy three full days in each city packed with plenty of sights, great art, education and culture. But don't worry, there will be ample opportunity to slow down and experience the amibiance of these two great cities.
This is a group tour consisting of up to 45 travelers ranging in age from young adults to active seniors.
Saturday, March 19, 2011 -- Overnight flight to Paris, France
Fly to Paris on your own. Please time your arrival at Paris Charles DeGaulle Internation Airport (CDG) no later than 9:00 a.m.(Paris time) on March 20, 2011.
Your Tour begins today at 9:00 a.m. at the Paris Charles DeGaulle Airport
Sunday, March 20: Bonjour Paris! - Enjoy a stress-free ride into the heart of Paris on your private motorcoach. After getting settled in at your hotel, join a walking tour lacing together some of Paris' quaint and characteristic neighborhoods. We will begin in our own neighborhood exploring the “bohemian” village of Montmartre and the nearby Sacre Cour church. Later, we will make our way down to central Paris for a fantastic meal and a scenic cruise tour along the Seine River. Sleep 3 nights in Paris at the Hotel Mercure Montmartre.
Monday, March 21: Today, visit the Louvre museum to experience what some consider the world's best collection of art. Armed with Exploring Europe’s Concise Guide to the Louvre, you will have several hours to explore the art, history and wonder of this magnificent museum. Following the tour, stroll through the adjacent gardens ending on the famous Champs Elysées. After lunch, enjoy some time on your own to rub elbows with the rich and famous on this world-class shopping street. Later, we will meet for a sunset picnic on the Champ du Mars (weather permitting) or have dinner at a nearby restaurant. Finally, enjoy a trip up the Tour Eiffel to experience the “city of light” from a new perspective.
Tuesday, March 22: We'll focus our exploring today around Paris' historical center. Parisians first settled here on what is now known as the Ille de la Cité. On our walking tour, you'll discover the wonder and history of the Notre Dame Cathedral, the opulence of the nearby Ille St. Louis and reflect on the atrocities of WWII at La Mémorial des Martyrs de La Déportation. After lunch, we'll wander the small streets of Paris' Latin Quarter to experience a bit of Paris' history during the "Dark Ages." Tonight, enjoy a taste bud-tingling farewell dinner at my favorite of all restaurants in the city.
Wednesday, March 23: Hola, Madrid! We will catch an early flight from Paris and by mid-morning you will be experiencing a new language, a new capital city and a new culture. Join a local guide for a walking journey exploring the historic city center. Stroll through the 17th century Plaza Mayor and the nearby Puerta del Sol. Wander the back lanes and get an insider’s viewpoint of the vibrant city. Later, you will have an opportunity to visit the 2,000 room Palacio Real built for King Phillip V. Tonight, enjoy a typical Spanish dinner at our hotel. Sleep 3 nights in Madrid at the Hotel Florida Norte.
Thursday, March 24: Enjoy a full day in Toledo — Toledo is just 30 minutes by train from Madrid yet offers a completely different perspective on Spanish culture. Situated on an impressive hill and surrounded by the river, it is no wonder Toledo has been an impenetrable fortress for ages. Once in the city center, we will have a look at the impressive cathedral, several shopping streets and of course some of El Greco’s most famous works. You will have the afternoon to wander and take in some of Spain’s best shopping, arts, crafts and culture. Later, we will return to Madrid for dinner and an evening in the city center.
Friday, March 25: We will meet our local guide at the Museo del Prado for a personal tour of the museum’s most important works of art. Later, enjoy the massive and lovely El Retiro outdoor park. Tonight, we will cap off our tour experience at a traditional tapas bar with a lot of local flair. Feast your way through the tasty and bite-sized morsels of local delicacies. Finally, enjoy the festivities in Plaza Mayor before heading back to our hotel.
Saturday, March 26: Heading Home — Transfer to the airport for your flight back to your USA hometown. Please plan your flight home to depart no earlier than 10:30 a.m. Madrid time.
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE TOUR COST?
- Accommodations each night in clean and safe European-style hotels with private bath.
- All breakfasts and seven (7) dinners.
- Amazing dining experiences at some of David's personal favorite restaurants. You can expect fine regional fare, and plenty of it, at all our dining experiences.
- Group transportation from the airport in Paris (CDG) to the departure airport in Madrid (MAD).
- All tips and gratuities to guides, drivers, and hotel staff.
- Full time services of a travel-savvy Exploring Europe guide and local experts dedicated to bringing to life the art, history, and culture of Europe.
- Emergency medical insurance, trip delay insurance, baggage loss or damage insurance, and limited tour cancellation insurance.
-David McGuffin's Exploring Europe Tour Handbook covering the major sights and destinations visited on this tour itinerary.
- All tours and admissions to more than 10 cultural and sightseeing opportunities: Seine River Cruise ▪ Eiffel Tower admission ▪ Louvre Museum entrance ▪ Paris historic center walking tour ▪ Montemarte and Pigalle walking tour ▪ Champs Elysées orientation ▪ Central Madrid walking tour ▪ Guided tour of the Palacio Real ▪ Guided tour of the Prado Museum ▪ walking tour of Toledo ▪ and much more (itinerary specifics are subject to change).
- Our Unconditional Tour Price Guarantee that will not change for any reason.
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance offered at affordable rates.
