Compare Paris & Rome Explorer by Great Value Vacations vs Highlights of France and Barcelona (Barcelona) by Trafalgar
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
4 | Great
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 7 days | 10 days |
| Price From | $ 2,060 | $ 2,867 |
| Price Per Day | $ 294 | $ 287 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Self-guided tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Countries Visited | ||
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N/A |
| Flights & Transport | Airfare included | No |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
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| Description |
Start your trip in Paris. Visit the Louvre, home to the famous Mona Lisa, stroll among French gardens, and indulge in a drink or snack at a lovely outdoor cafe while taking in the gorgeous views of the Eiffel Tower. You can take a trip to the Palace of Versailles, or visit the Arc de Triomphe at your leisure. Then, make your way to Rome. Watch the life of a city stretch all the way from ages past in the architecture, food, and art ingrained in this historic city. Sight-see across the entire city. Visit the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and the Roman Forum, all of which are close to one another. Don't forget to take a break and treat yourself to a gelato in between your stops. |
One of our most popular France and Spain trips, this jam-packed journey from Paris to Barcelona is a feast for every sense, from lunch with locals and elegant châteaux in the Loire Valley, to the buzz of Avignon’s Place de l’Horloge and the irresistible French Riviera. |
Day 1 Welcome to Paris, France!
Upon arrival in Paris you'll have the day at your leisure. After you check-in to your hotel, begin exploring the City of Light! Be sure to admire the Centre Georges Pompidou, an eclectic piece of architecture housing many interesting art exhibits.
Day 2 Paris
Your time in Paris will be totally at your leisure. Perhaps you'd like to begin today with a visit to one of the most famous museums in the world- the Louvre. Admire Da Vinci’s internationally famous masterpiece, the Mona Lisa. Afterwards, continue sightseeing or perhaps go back to your hotel and relax.
Day 3 Paris
Today you will want to see the most iconic site in Paris and one of the most famous in the world- the Eiffel Tower. Built in 1889 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution, this monument was meant to last 20 years but has since been renovated and restored to last much longer. Although the Eiffel Tower is beautiful during the day, if you come at night when it is a sparkling beacon of shining lights, you will be blown away.
Day 4 Paris - Rome, Italy
Upon arrival in Rome you'll make your way to your lovely accommodation. The remainder of the day is yours to spend however you'd like! You'll be situated in the southern part of this historic city.
Day 5 Rome
Start using your hop-on/hop-off bus today! Enjoy views from the top of your sightseeing bus, then hop off and explore the sights you've always dreamed of. Hop off at the Colosseum today. Across the street from the Colosseum in the ancient Roman Forum. After exploring these landmarks, you can take the short walk over to the Trevi Fountain. Throw a coin in and make a wish!
Day 6 Rome
Continue using your hop-on/hop-off bus pass. Start the day with a leisurely stroll through Rome. Reach the Vatican City and visit St. Peter’s Basilica. The site of the tomb of St. Peter was built between 1506 and 1590. A visit to this basilica is much more than a religious experience. You will feel the history running through the veins of this church. You will see the marble Pieta done by the Michelangelo behind bullet proof glass after being attacked in 1972.
Day 7 Depart Italy
Depart Rome today and return home after an unforgettable vacation.
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
