1-Seville Charms & Flamenco
Discover the joys of colourful Seville, renowned for its lively history, tapas, and the sensual
flamenco.
According to legend, Seville was founded by Hercules, and history has held a Herculean
fascination with Seville ever since. and with your Access Europe Guide you will explore this
city’s historic center and you will feel the Herculean fascination through its buildings. the third
largest in Europe and its most significant palaces. Situated on the plain of the River
Guadalquivir, the Andalusian capital became one of the economic centers of Europe due to its
large port. has been the place where Magellan launched from here on his journey around the
world and Columbus left from nearby to discover the Americas. You will visit multiple jowls
that epitomize the Spanish Golden Age including Seville Cathedral and its bell tower, La
Giralda, covering seven centuries of history. We will visit the Alcazar Palace, which remains the
official residence of Seville’s royal family, and admire this outstanding example
of mudéjar architecture. Other significant sites (or?, I like to be emotional) include Casa de
Pilatos, Torre del Oro, the Town Hall, Archive of the Indies, plus convents, parish churches and
palaces. We’ll conclude our day with a private lesson in Flamenco, where you will learn the
secrets of this famous dance.
2- Granada and its Alhambra, Spain’s most visited monument
Experience Granada, home of Spain’s most visited monument, the Alhambra. of Granada.
Historically, Granada is best known as the last Moorish stronghold in Spain that would finally
fall to the Christian Monarchy in 1492. These days this Andalusian city, set amidst the snowcapped Sierra Nevadas, is best known for the architectural treasure the Moors left behind. Can
we simplify this sentence? The Alhambra of Granada sits high above the city on a rocky hill.
With your Access Europe Guide you’ll discover the Alhambra with its long history and detailed
architecture, a blend of its Moorish and Catholic legacies. Admire the opulence of this fortified
palace with its colorful tiles and intricate walls adorned with passages from the Koran. Explore
the Alcazaba, one of the Alhambra's oldest ramparts and continue onward to Generalife, the
gardens that served as a place of leisure and recreation for the Moorish kings. From here you
can feel a quiet serenity amid ponds, flora, and fountains, and cherish a remarkable view over
the city. From the Alhambra we’ll head down to Plaza Bib-Rambla, Granada’s vibrant square
and center of the city’s social life.
3-Step back in time through Toledo
Journey through history in magnificent Toledo, witness to over 2000 years of history. Explore
the multicultural character of this impeccably preserved city through its architecture and art
with your Access Europe Guide. Founded on a rocky hilltop by the Romans, Toledo is a small,
but culturally rich city, often referred to as “the city of three cultures” because of its Christian,
Muslim, and Jewish influences. We’ll examine (or? It a bit too annoying) the city’s beginnings
with it its towering Roman walls and then take an up-close look at the two structures that
dominate the cityscape and best encapsulate the rest of Toledo’s historical story. The 15th
century Toledo Cathedral is regarded as one of the most important Gothic structures in
Europe, while Toledo’s 16th century Alcazar is built in the Renaissance style. You’ll learn about
the Mudajar style of architecture that can be found throughout the city that combines
Moorish and Gothic elements. Visit the works of Toledo’s most famous resident, El Greco, the
Greek-born artist who studied in Venice. His work, which married Byzantine traditions with
Western painting, would had blossom during his time in Toledo and he would for him to
become a master of the Spanish renaissance. Is it correct?
4-Paris Mon Amour and Louvre
Experience the city of Romance with an introduction to its major sites as well as the
masterpieces of the Louvre.
Your experience with your Access Europe Guide will begin city center where you’ll be
introduced to the grand Opera Garnier, Place Vendome, and the Palais Royal. Your Personal
Chaffer will then whisk it is too informal you to the Louvre where you’ll receive an introduction
to the museum’s incredible sculptures, objets d'art, paintings, drawings, and archaeological
finds. Continue to the Ile de la Cite to experience Gothic architectural masterpiece, Notre
Dame, Sainte Chappelle, famous for its stained glass windows, and the Conciergerie, infamous
prison during France’s Reign of Terror. We’ll then enter the Marais district and visit the city’s
oldest square, Place des Vosges. Discover more of Paris’s magnificent sites including the Place
de la Concorde, the Champs Elysees, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Eiffel Tower. Before
returning to your hotel, cross the Seine once again, traveling to Monmartre, highest point in
Paris for an atmospheric stroll it is too informal around the artistic village and a visit to Sacre
Coeur Basilica.
5-Versailles and Gardens Discover the splendour and tragedy of Versailles, the largest royal residence in the world and
enduring symbol of absolute monarchy. With your Access Europe Guide you’ll be immersed in the French art of opulent living
beginning in the Royal Chapel. Enter in the King’s Chapel where* Each day the court would
attend the Luis XIV’s mass in this elaborate space with its extravagant marble tiling and white
and gold accents. Continue your visit in the Sun King’s Grand Apartment, a seven room
enfilade sumptuously reminiscent of the style of Italian palaces. These rooms served as a
venue for the King’s official acts. Visit rooms where the court would feast on opulent banquets
and listen private concerts. Lastly, enter in the magnificent hall of mirrors - La Grande Galerie
des Glaces - as it was called in the 17th Century.
Following our visit inside the chateau, experience Versailles’ gardens, renowned for their
architectural patterned plantings and fountains. Light, reflection and perspective were
important in Le Notre’s overall garden design. Water in all its forms is on display here: water
cascading in groves, water spraying from fountains, and the vast reflecting pools of the Water
Parterres and Grand Canal.
6-Versailles and Giverny – Art and Flowers
Spend the day immersed in French art with a visit to both Versailles and Monet’s Giverny.
Versailles remains an embodiment of French art and opulent living, while the town of Giverny
was the home of Claude Monet, the father of impressionism. Our visit will begin in Giverny,
one of the most fascinating villages in France. Stop in Cafe Baudy, the center of artistic life for
the impressionists who were drawn here because of Monet’s presence. Discover Monet’s
Water Garden, Flower Garden, house and studio. It is here you’ll recognize many of Monets
inspirations including the Japanese bridge covered with wisteria, weeping willows, a bamboo
wood, and above all the famous nymphaea that bloom all summer long. Leaving the magic of
Giverny behind, we’ll drive along the picturesque “Route des Crêtes” to Versailles, to witness
to one of the major achievements of 18th-century French art that stayed the symbol of
absolute monarchy for more than a century. Perhaps we should say something about
Versailles. They will visit Versailles and it is not clear.
7-Champagne Sparks Discover the sparkling secrets of Champagne.
Journeying northeast of Paris, arrive in the Champagne region, celebrated for the sparkling
wine that bears its name. Continuing along the scenic “Route du Champagne,” your Access
Europe Guide will tantalize with stories of the only sparkling wine allowed to be called
“Champagne.” Following a stop for coffee and croissants in Chatillon sur Marne, continue to
Epernay, home to many of the world’s most prestigious Champagne houses. Go behind the
scenes and discover the storied process from cultivation to the renowned Methode
Champenoise. We will experience our first tasting of the day with lunch, before continuing to
Hautvillers, the home of Dom Perignon. In Reims, visit Cathedrale Notre-Dame, a 13th century
Gothic masterpiece. Before heading back to Paris, it’s time for another tasting, this time at
renowned Champagne house, Veuve Cliquot.
8-Walking Wonders
The Islands of Paris
See Paris from a new perspective, learning the history of some of the city’s first inhabitants
while taking in views of the Seine. On Ile de la Cite we will visit Notre Dame Cathedrale, Sainte
Chappelle, and the Conciergerie. Continuing on to Ile-Saint-Louis, we’ll discover its 17th
century houses and learn about some renowned residents including Marie Curie and Charles
Baudelaire. The Marais District
In recent years the Marais has become a fashionable residential district riveled only by its
history. Get a taste of both on this tour, which features visits to exclusive food and sweets
shops, as well as historic highlights. You’ll visit the Place des Vosges, where French nobility
lived as well as notables such as Victor Hugo. You’ll learn about the Marais’s history as the
traditional Jewish quarter as well as its revitalization since World War II.
Montmarte
Discover Montmarte’s famed charm that can be still be found away from the tourist bustle.
Sitting on a hill above Paris, you’ll see Montmarte and its white Sacre Coeur Basilica before
you ever visit. What does it means? Here’s your chance for an up close look. Climb winding
stairways and peek down narrow alleys to discover ivy-clad houses. We will also visit the
Basilica where you will enjoy a panoramic view of the city.
9- Loire Castle’s fascination
Be immersed in the royal splendor of the Loire Valley’s châteaux.
You’ll begin your day of castles with your Access Europe Guide and a visit to Chambord, the visually
striking and immense palace of Francois I. Take the massive, double turn spiral staircase designed by
Leonardo da Vinci and explore the Royal Apartments with their sumptuous tapestries and paintings.
Next make an unforgettable visit to the roof terrace distinguished by its many chimneys from where
you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding property.
We’ll then drive along the Loire River to the town of Amboise for a visit to Château du Clos Lucé. Best
known as the last residence of Leonardo da Vinci, the château, is dedicated to conveying an overall
picture of da Vinci’s art and boundless ingenuity. Here you can immerse in the atmosphere of
Leonardo’s workplace during the last three years of his life. 3D displays and panels depicting details
and sketches from his paintings will reveal the Florentine master’s intellectual scope and inspirations.
Following lunch, conclude your day with a visit to Château de Chenonceau. With its iconic five-arch
design that spans the Cher River and rich collections, Chenonceau is often recognized as the most
beautiful of the Loire Valley castles. Referred to as the “castle of the ladies,” it is largely known for the
royal women who have held sway throughout French history including Diane de Poitiers, Catherine de
Medici, and Madame Dupin.
10-Gourmet Experience in the Marais
Experience the flavors of Paris while exploring one of the city’s most fascinating neighborhoods.
In recent years the Marais has become a fashionable residential district known for its various cultural
influences. No where are these influences more apparent than in its culinary offerings. With your
Access Europe Guide you’ll visit a typical “boulangerie” for coffee and pastry. Then explore the Marais’
small side streets, stopping by a shop that features the flavors of the American South. Crossing the
Sainte Catherine village, walk one of the old city walls to the French section for a sampling of cheese,
wine, and pastries. Next we’ll visit the largest and oldest spice shop in Paris that features over 900
spices from around the world and have a look at an amazing shop that specializes in oils. Following tea
time at the salon du the, Mariage Freres, you’ll learn the secret of cheese making with a fromager. The
small cheese producer will open his back door to show you where he works and how he matures his
cheese. He’ll also offer a wine and cheese tasting.
11-Culinary Momentum? in Normandy
Indulge in the rich history, friendly people, and culinary traditions of Normandy.
With its dairy farms and orchards, Normandy is known for its Camembert and Pont l’Eveque cheeses
and its apple cider and Calvados. Following the drive from Paris, the day starts with a visit to a local
producer of cider to learn the secrets of this delicious drink. Then it’s on to a cheese farm where you’ll
experience first hand why this indulgent, buttery cheese is so famous. Next drive to the picturesque
coastal village of Honfleur and delight in strolling a bit too informal the narrow, winding streets and
the old dock where the fishing fleet unloads its catch each day. Enjoy lunch at a typical quayside bistro
before heading to Bayeux. In Bayeux, you’ll wander the town’s charming pedestrian district with its
12th century cathedral and stone and timber framed houses. Then it’s time for your guided tour of the
famous Tapestry of Bayeux. The oldest tapestry in the world measures 203 feet long and recounts the
Battle of Hastings in 1066. It is considered one of the most accurate and lively documents to survive
the Middle Ages. You’ll return to your hotel in Paris well-fed a bit too low end and with a full heart.
12-Historically Significant Cordoba
Visit Cordoba, one of Medieval Europe’s most important cities and cultural melting pot of Moorish,
Christian and Jewish heritages.
With your Access Europe Guide you will explore this Andalusian city’s colorful cobblestoned alleyways
and experience its architectural and historically rich highlights. You will begin your visit with the
fortified castle, the Alcazar of the Christian Kings with its magnificent gardens and striking architecture.
It is from here that Ferdinand and Isabella directed their military campaign against the Moorish
kingdom of Granada. One of the Alcazar’s highlights can be found in the gardens at Avenue of the
Monarchs, which features statues of every Spanish monarch who had been associated with castle. Next
we’ll visit the charismatic Jewish quarter, a UNESCO world Heritage Site. Once a Medina, its irregular
streets are lined with buildings designed in Moorish style. Tour Experience one of the few remaining
Synagogues in Spain, dating back to the 1315, especially notable for its main door that is ornately
decorated with Mudejar can we use different terms? The description is very rich of terms that might be
not known at all, and it complicats the reading, especially for those not specialized in architecture.
plasterwork. We’ll finish our journey with the Cathedral of Cordoba, one of the most stunning
examples of Muslim architecture in Spain. This former Islamic mosque was converted into a Roman
Catholic cathedral once Cordoba was conquered in 1236. Weave amongst the columns and arches of
this spectacular example of Moorish architecture and feel the full significance of Cordoba’s history in
this one of a kind and a unique place for both Muslims and Christians.