Compare Voyages to Antiquity: Exploring History’s Grandeur in France and Spain by Road Scholar vs Highlights of Spain - Classic Group, Winter by Insight Vacations

Day 1: In Transit

In Flight

Day 2: Welcome to Nice, France!

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Best Western Plus Hotel Massena Nice

Afternoon: At 5:00 PM, meet in the hotel lobby for the program orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. 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. Please be aware 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: Welcome dinner in the hotel dining room.

Evening: At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow participants, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

Day 3: Nice, France; Embark Aegean Odyssey

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Aegean Odyssey

Breakfast: In the hotel dining room. On this program, breakfasts will be buffet-style with breads, cheeses, cold-cuts, yogurt, fruit, cereals, juice, milk, coffee and tea. Water will be served at every meal on this program.

Morning: Enjoy a panoramic coach excursion of Nice to include the Promenade des Anglais, lined with Belle-Epoque buildings, the Quai des Etats-Unis, the harbor, the impressive Russian Orthodox cathedral and, finally the residential district of Cimiez. Next, enjoy a walk through the narrow streets of old Nice. Admire two Baroque churches: Sainte Reparte and Sainte Rita before strolling the Cours Saleya with its famous flower market.

Lunch: Explore local fare on your own. Or, if you prefer, the ship offers a welcome lunch buffet following embarkation.

Afternoon: After lunch, transfer to the port to embark the Aegean Odyssey. Take some time to settle in to your cabin, freshen up, and relax. Following embarkation there will be a safety briefing provided by the ship’s staff followed by a brief orientation to the ship by your Road Scholar Group Leader. This is preliminarily scheduled for 5:00 PM, but your Group Leader will confirm timings once on board the ship.

Dinner: Aboard the ship, you may choose from either the Marco Polo Restaurant or the Terrace Café. The former serves a variety of á là carte items while the café is buffet-style. Menus are inspired by fresh local ingredients. Wine is complimentary with dinner in both dining areas. Water is served at all meals on this program.

Evening: At leisure. Most evenings aboard ship are free to enjoy as you like whether it’s attending a shipboard guest lecture or listening to live music in the Charleston Lounge. The ship departs Nice in the evening and arrives into Cannes in the middle of the night.

Day 4: Cannes, France; Monte Carlo

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Aegean Odyssey

Breakfast: Aboard the ship, breakfast will be buffet-style with breads, cheeses, cold-cuts, yogurt, fruit, cereals, hot dishes, juice, milk, coffee and tea and served in the Terrace Café.

Morning: This morning the ship will provide transfers to either St. Paul de Vence, a charming medieval village nestled in the hills above Cannes or to Monaco & Monte Carlo where you can enjoy a short guided walking excursion throughout the old town. Enjoy free time in either locale or elect to remain in Cannes.

Lunch: Aboard the ship or explore local fare on your own.

Afternoon: Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities provided in your first Information Packet. Your Group Leader of the Shore Excursion team on board will be also happy to offer suggestions and give directions.

Dinner: Aboard the ship or explore local fare on your own.

Evening: At leisure. The ship will overnight in Cannes.

Day 5: Cruising the French Riviera Coast

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Aegean Odyssey

Breakfast: Aboard the ship.

Morning: At sea. In the morning, as the ship makes its way to Marseilles, you will pass close to the coast of Monte Carlo and then continue along the beautiful coastline of the Cote d'Azur passing Nice, St. Tropez and Antibes.

Lunch: Aboard the ship.

Afternoon: At sea. Take advantage of the ship's well stocked library that has a wide selection of volumes covering classical history, literature, art, architecture, and philosophy. The frequently updated collection also includes an extensive reference section as well as modern and classic novels.

Dinner: Aboard the ship.

Evening: The ship arrives to Marseilles in the evening.

Day 6: Marseilles, France

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Aegean Odyssey

Activity note: Heavy walking for one or more hours over uneven terrain.

Breakfast: Aboard the ship.

Morning: Explore the Provençal countryside on this full-day field trip to Avignon with its papal legacies. Your adventure starts with a 90-minute drive to Avignon which rose to glory in the Middle Ages, when a series of French born Popes fled Rome and made the town a base from which they ruled Christendom until 1407. Enjoy views of the Rhone River and Avignon's much-sung-about bridge, Pont St. Benezet. The highlight of your visit is an expert-led visit of the Pope's Palace.

Lunch: At a local restaurant featuring three-course set menu.

Afternoon: After lunch, there will be a short time to explore Avignon independently before returning to the ship in Marseilles.

Dinner: Aboard the ship.

Evening: Evening departure for Sete, for tomorrow's visit to Carcassonne.

Day 7: Sete, France / Carcassonne

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Aegean Odyssey

Breakfast: Aboard the ship.

Morning: From the port of Sete, it is an hour's drive through the quintessentially French Languedoc countryside to Carcassonne. Founded by the Romans, the fortified city of Carcassonne became the largest walled stronghold of the Middle Ages and its remarkable towers and ramparts are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Lunch: At a local restaurant featuring a three-course set menu.

Afternoon: En route back to Sete, visit Narbonne, a once prosperous sea-side city of the Roman Empire, now located almost 10 miles from the ocean. In the 5th century Narbonne was a Visigoth capital and in the Middle Ages an important Episcopal center, as can be seen in several superbly preserved monuments. Enjoy a walking excursion to see some of these including a portion of the Via Domitia, the Roman road which connected Italy to Spain.

Dinner: Aboard the ship.

Evening: Early evening departure for Barcelona. Attend a shipboard guest lecture.

Day 8: Barcelona, Spain

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Aegean Odyssey

Breakfast: Aboard the ship.

Morning: This morning we explore Barcelona on an expert-led coach overview of the city which takes in some of Antoni Gaudí's most important works. We will see the impressive, unfinished Sagrada Familia church and if we are unable to visit the inside, we will enjoy a visit to Casa Mila (commonly known as La Pedrera). Enjoy a stroll along Las Ramblas and take in the sights and sounds of La Boquería Market.

Lunch: Explore local fare on your own in Barcelona.

Afternoon: Continuation of the full-day excursion.

Dinner: Aboard the ship or explore local fare on your own.

Evening: Early evening departure for Valencia. Attend a shipboard guest lecture.

Day 9: Valencia, Spain

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Aegean Odyssey

Breakfast: Aboard the ship.

Morning: Enjoy the charm of Valencia's squares and hidden corners on a walk through this fascinating city. Admire its architecture from the charming Plaza de la Reina with its stunning cathedral to the modern City of Arts and Sciences, a feat of contemporary design. Admire La Lonja, constructed in the mid-15th century and considered a masterpiece of late Gothic architecture.

Lunch: Aboard the ship or explore the menú del día at a tapas restaurant or two.

Afternoon: Free time for independent exploration of Valencia.

Dinner: Aboard the ship.

Evening: Attend a shipboard guest lecture.

Day 10: At sea

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Aegean Odyssey

Breakfast: Aboard the ship.

Morning: At sea. Treat yourself to one of many spa services offered by the ship. Or, simply relax poolside enjoying the late spring sunshine.

Lunch: Aboard the ship.

Afternoon: At sea. Find your way to one of the ship's lounges for a conversation with fellow travelers.

Dinner: Aboard the ship.

Evening: At leisure. Attend a shipboard guest lecture.

Day 11: Málaga, Spain

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Aegean Odyssey

Breakfast: Aboard the ship.

Morning: Enjoy a coach ride through the Andalucían countryside from the port of Málaga to Granada. Here you will experience the majesty of the Alhambra, a Moorish citadel and palace. It is the most renowned building of the Andalusian Islamic historical legacy. Together with the adjoining gardens and orchards of El Generalife, this remarkable site is considered an architectural culmination of Nasrid art undertaken in the 13th and 14th centuries and has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since 1984.

Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Continuation of the full-day excursion to Granada.

Dinner: Aboard the ship.

Evening: Midnight departure for Tangier. Attend a shipboard guest lecture.

Day 12: Tangier, Morocco

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Aegean Odyssey

Breakfast: Aboard the ship.

Morning: This morning discover Tangier, a city founded by Carthaginian colonists in the early 5th century BC. Visit its medina, or old town, filled with markets of all kinds and kasbah, the city's ancient fortifications. There will be time to visit the Kasbah Museum housed in the former sultan's palace, among other dignitaries. It has many interesting archaeological findings as well as a beautiful garden.

Lunch: Aboard the ship or explore local fare on your own.

Afternoon: Free time for independent exploration.

Dinner: Aboard the ship.

Evening: Attend a shipboard guest lecture.

Day 13: Seville, Spain

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Aegean Odyssey

Breakfast: Aboard the ship.

Morning: At sea. This afternoon cruise the Guadalquivir River, the second longest river with its entire length in Spain.

Lunch: Aboard the ship.

Afternoon: Free time for independent exploration.

Dinner: Aboard the ship.

Evening: The ship overnights in Seville. Free evening to prepare belongings for disembarkation.

Day 14: Disembark Seville, Spain

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Meliá Sevilla

Activity note: The Barrio de Santa Cruz is largely cobbled.

Breakfast: Aboard the ship.

Morning: Disembark the ship and enjoy a guided visit of Seville, the capital and largest city of Andalucía. Explore its oldest neighborhood, the Barrio Santa Cruz. Meander its labyrinth of narrow streets and alleys that open onto beautiful plazas. During medieval times, this neighborhood was the Jewish quarter and it is home to many of Seville's oldest churches. Visit its cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral – and the third largest church – in the world. In 1898 it became the final resting place of Christopher Columbus. Next, visit the spectacular moorish Alcázar Royal Palace and gardens -- the oldest royal palace still in use in Europe. Originally a fort built by the Almohad Dynasty, it is one of the best remaining examples of Mudéjar architecture.

Lunch: Explore local fare on your own. Ask you Group Leader for suggestions.

Afternoon: Check-in to hotel and enjoy some time for relaxing before heading out with your Group Leader to explore nearby Maria Luisa Park and the impressive Plaza de España, built for the World Expo in 1929, and a fine example of typical Sevillan architecture and incorporating traditional Andalucían ceramic tile.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 15: Seville, Spain / Córdoba

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Meliá Sevilla

Breakfast: In the hotel dining room.

Morning: Enjoy the rolling plains of the Andalucían countryside during this morning's transfer to Córdoba. Today's full-day field trip will include the Mezquita, a medieval Islamic mosque that was converted into a Catholic cathedral. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is most notable for its arcaded hypostyle hall, with 856 columns of jasper, onyx, marble and granite. Next, explore Córdoba's Jewish quarter where this population flourished between from the 10th century until their expulsion from Spain in 1492. Its historic synagogue built in Mudéjar style is a memorial to the nearly 500 years of peaceful coexistence of Christians, Jews and Muslims in this city. There will also be time to visit the Alcázar, formerly a Visigoth fortress before falling to Umayyads conquerors and much later – after its expansion – it served as one of the primary residences of Isabel I and Ferdinand II.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Following lunch, the coach departs Córdoba by mid-afternoon for the return trip back to Seville.

Dinner: Explore local fare on your own.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 16: Train to Madrid, Spain

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Meliá Galgos

Breakfast: In the hotel dining room.

Morning: Following check-out, we transfer to Seville's Santa Justa station to board a high-speed train to Madrid departing in the mid or late-morning. The roughly 300 mile journey takes approximately 2 1/2 hours.

Lunch: On your own, likely on the train or at the station.

Afternoon: Upon arrival to Madrid's Atocha station, coach transfer to hotel for check-in. There will be time for settling in and refreshing before the evening's flamenco performance.

Dinner: Enjoy an introduction to Flamenco with a brief lecture and demonstration followed by a tapas dinner and a Flamenco show.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 17: Madrid, Spain

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Meliá Galgos

Breakfast: In the hotel dining room.

Morning: Morning panoramic sightseeing visit of Madrid including Paseo de la Castallaña, Madrid's chic modern district, the Paseo del Prado, also known as the Triangle of Art, the Plaza de Cibeles and Town Hall, La Gran Vía, Madrid's theatre district, and Almudena Cathedral. Next, visit the Prado Museum which holds one of the world's finest collections of European art. The magnificent building, conceived and designed in 1785, first housed the collection of the Spanish crown. It opened to the public as Spain’s national art museum in 1819. With thousands upon thousands of paintings, sculptures, prints, and drawings, other works and historic documents, only a small portion of these vast collections are on display at any given time. Highlights include masterpieces of the French, German, and Italian schools, early Flemish works, and the finest collection of works by Spanish grand masters such as El Greco, Velázquez, Goya, and many more. One of the most famous paintings in the museum is “Las Meninas” -- the family of King Felipe IV -- by Velázquez.

Lunch: Explore local fare on your own.

Afternoon: Free time for independent exploration of Madrid.

Dinner: Farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare belongings for tomorrow's departure.

Day 18: Departures

Meals: Breakfast

In Flight

Breakfast: In the hotel dining room.

Morning: Transfer to Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD) for departures. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future.

Day 1: Welcome to Barcelona

Airport transfers depart from Barcelona airport for your hotel at 09:30, 12:30 and 15:00. Join your Travel Director and fellow travellers at 18:00 for your Welcome Dinner in a local restaurant.

Meliá Barcelona Sarrià, Barcelona.

Dinner with Wine

Day 2: Barcelona, the City of Gaudí Relaxed Start

With your Local Expert, see the narrow lanes and old squares behind the cathedral in the Barri Gòtic, Gothic Quarter. See the lively Las Ramblas and then head along the Passeig de Gràcia, adorned with elegant wrought-iron street lamps and some of the most flamboyant Modernist buildings. Continue through the Eixample district for a visit inside Gaudí’s extraordinary masterpiece, the Sagrada Família, to see the central nave with its giant, tree-like pillars, spectacular vaulting and the beautiful rainbows flooding in through the intricate stained-glass windows. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore or perhaps join an optional experience to Montserrat & The Black Madonna.

Meliá Barcelona Sarrià, Barcelona.

Breakfast

Day 3: Along the coast to Valencia Relaxed Start

Follow the sunny Costa Dorada, past the rice fields of the Ebro Delta. Stop at the seaside resort of Peñíscola and see the hilltop castle used in the film 'El Cid'.Pass through the famous orange groves to Valencia and see the City of Arts and Sciences. Later see the Old City and take in its medieval charm.Valencia is home to one of the world's greatest dishes, paella. Meet the chef of a local family-run restaurant in the heart of the Old City and learn how to make this local specialty during a Cooking Demonstration. Later, indulge in the delicious flavours of this classic dish with a glass of sangria at your Highlight Dinner.

Barceló Valencia.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 4: Exquisite Granada and Alhambra

Travel south toward Andalucía, passing the castle at Lorca and troglodyte dwellings hollowed out of the soft rock near Guadix. Enjoy views of the Sierra Nevada mountains from a distance as you reach glorious Granada. This historic city was a Moorish kingdom for almost eight centuries and was the last stronghold to fall to the Catholic monarchs of Spain in 1492. Overlooking Granada stands the Alhambra, one of the most remarkable fortresses ever built. Led by your Local Expert, explore this exquisite palace, built as a citadel by the Moors in the 13th century. A fantasy of arabesque gardens, fountains and stone cut like lace. Later, stroll through the elegant exotic gardens of the Generalife, the Royal summer residence.

Meliá Granada.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 5: A Scenic Drive to Seville

The morning is at your leisure to explore as you wish. Perhaps join an Optional Experience and visit the Albaicin Quarter with a Local Expert. Here, in addition to falling in love with Granada, you will also uncover its pivotal role in European history. Continue your travels to Seville, past gleaming white villages and olive groves that stretch as far as the eye can see.

Meliá Sevilla, Seville.

Breakfast

Day 6: Seville, the City of Carmen Relaxed Start

Visit the Seville Cathedral, the burial place of Christopher Columbus.Explore Seville with Insight Choice. Choose to embark on a walk through the old Jewish quarter. Alternatively, join a scenic drive around the city and enjoy panoramic views.This evening, visit the Cristina Heeren Foundation, a beneficiary of a TreadRight Foundation grant for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. This private dance school is dedicated to promoting the conservation of flamenco and supports young enthusiasts from all over the world with a special focus on new talent from the Andalusian region. Feel the passion behind the choreography as you put your rhythm to the test during a dance lesson before witnessing emotions come to life in a flamenco performance. With some free time for dinner, wander the restaurants in Triana or try the local night market Lonja Del Barranco selling tapas made from fresh, local produce. Why not grab yourself a refreshing sangria for a cheers to your new found dancing feet?

Meliá Sevilla, Seville.

Breakfast

Day 7: Moorish Córdoba and on to Madrid

Set off early along the Guadalquivir Valley, passing villages and towns studded with Moorish towers and fortresses. Stop in the perfectly preserved Moorish city of Córdoba and see the famous Roman bridge, built in the 1st century BC. Meet a local historian and visit the magnificent Mezquita, a beautiful 8th century mosque with a Christian cathedral built inside it. Make the most of your time at leisure and stroll the narrow streets of the city. Follow in the footsteps of Don Quixote as you travel through La Mancha and on to the capital - Madrid.

NH Madrid Balboa.

Breakfast

Day 8: Madrid of the Bourbons Relaxed Start

Enjoy sightseeing with your Local Expert, as they guide you through the most historic neighbourhoods in the Spanish capital. Your drive continues through the Old Quarter to discover the origins of the city. Enjoy a special visit to the renowned Prado Museum with an art historian who will guide you through the collective works of Velázquez, Goya, Titian, Rubens and more. The afternoon is at your leisure to relax at a cafe, shop in the trendy boutiques or perhaps enjoy an Optional Experience and visit beautiful Toledo? In the evening, join your Travel Director and newfound friends at a local restaurant in the heart of the city. Toast to your adventures as you enjoy a delicious Celebration Dinner of regional favourites, served with wine.

NH Madrid Balboa.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 9: Depart Madrid

After breakfast, transfers arrive at Madrid airport at 07:00, 09:00 and 11:00.

Breakfast