Educational Tours

Spain, France and Greece

15 days | Summer 2020

Included on tour

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Educational Tours

Spain, Franceand Greece

Round-trip flights on major carriers; full-time Tour Director;weShare, EF’s personalized learning experience; hotelswith private bathrooms; breakfast and dinner daily.

Sightseeings:Barcelona; La Sagrada Familia; Paris; Athens; Delphi; CapeSounion

Entrances:Park Guell; Sagrada Familia; Picasso Museum, Barcelona;Barcelona bike tour; Musée D'Orsay; Seine River cruise; Acropolis;Delphi site & Archaeological Museum; Samos Island shoreexcursion; Crete Island shore excursion; Santorini Island shoreexcursion; Cape Sounion

Overnight stays:Barcelona (3)Paris (3)Athens (3)Greek Islands cruise (3)Athens (1)

Your itineraryDay 1: Fly to Spain

Board your overnight flight to Barcelona!

Day 2: Barcelona

Arrive in BarcelonaArrive in Barcelona, Spain's second-largest city. As the capital offiercely nationalistic Cataluña, Barcelona was the hotbed of resistanceunder the rule of General Franco. The city still celebrates its uniqueidentity through its language, its increasingly influential government,and on the global stage, as host to the 1992 Olympic Games.

Walking tour of Gothic Barcelona (time permitting)The Gothic Quarter is the center of the old city of Barcelona. Many ofthe buildings date from Medieval times, some from as far back as theRoman settlement of the city. The Barri Gotic retains a labyrinthinestreet plan, with many small streets opening into squares. Most of thequarter is closed to regular traffic.

Day 3: Barcelona

Guided sightseeing of BarcelonaYour guided tour takes you past the controversial and still unfinishedLa Sagrada Familia (the Church of the Holy Family). This masterpieceof twisting spires and colorful mosaics was designed by Gaudí, whoestimated it would take 200 years to complete. Continue on toGaudi's masterpiece, the fantasyland of Parc Guell, complete with abright mosaic lizard fountain and the longest bench in the world. Thenenjoy a marvelous harbor view from atop Montjuïc Hill, where much ofthe 1992 Olympics took place.

Visit the Picasso MuseumVisit one of Barcelona's most popular museums which occupies fiveformer medieval palaces in a secluded area on the edge of the Gothicquarter. The buildings were converted, in part, by Picasso to housesome 2,500 of his paintings, engravings, and drawings. It now standsas the most significant collection of his work in Spain and includessome of his most formative work from 1895 to 1904. (Please notethat due to the size of this museum reservations can be difficult. If thegroup us unable to go to the museum an interactive workshop will bebooked instead for the students to learn about Picasso's work)

Day 4: Barcelona

Guided visit to La Sagrada FamiliaEnter into this amazing skeleton of a cathedral. Gaudi began thischurch in 1882, and it remains unfinished. Construction still continuesand completion is slated for the mid-21st century, yet no one knows ifthe finished product will be what Gaudi intended. Take your time toexplore this bizarre masterpiece by wandering around the base,marveling at the enormous statues of saints or basking in the sunstreaming through the beautiful stained glass windows.

Bike tour of BarcelonaThis is your chance to take in the sights and sounds of Barcelona asyou enjoy a wonderful bike tour of the city´s main attractions. Yourtour guide will give you a brief introduction to your day and your fellowcyclists.

Exploration time in BarcelonaExplore the Mediterranean charm of Barcelona. You might choose toride the funicular to the stunningly modern Olympic stadiums on thehill at Montjuïc, and from there take the cable car across the water tothe old maritime district of Barceloneta. On the same theme, youcould visit the excellent Museu Maritim, housed in the royal shipyardsand also the largest civilian Gothic building in the world. There is anexcellent aquarium in the revitalized old port, while the beautiful Palaude la Musica Catalana offers an exquisite architectural insight intoBarcelona's passion for the musical arts.

Day 5: Barcelona | Paris

Travel by TGV train to ParisWelcome to Paris, cosmopolitan City of Light. Over the centuries,Paris has grown to become the undisputed center of France, and oneof the world's most important cities both culturally and politically.Equally famed for its high fashion, awe-inspiring museums andelegant cuisine, Paris has also been a center of theater, literature andphilosophy throughout the ages.

Walking tour of the Latin Quarter (time permitting)Your Tour Director will lead you on a walking tour of Paris' famousLatin Quarter. Featuring a diversity of restaurants, the Latin Quarter isjust a short walk down the Rue de la Seine from the museum area.

Day 6: Paris

Visit the Musée D'OrsayPart of this museum's draw is the building itself, not just the artworkthat adorns its walls. Built for the 1900 Universal Exposition, the Gared'Orsay functioned as a train station until 1939 and was convertedinto a museum in 1986. The high, arching ceiling and enormous wallclocks hint at the days when trains zipped in and out of the spaciousstructure. The museum is noted for its collection of Impressionistpaintings-a walk through the upper gallery will reveal works by Monet,Renoir, Degas, Sisley, Pissarro, and countless others.

Group Leader-arranged activitiesToday your Group Leader will arrange activities for your group -perhaps to the Paris Catacombs. (Please note that any costsassociated with these activities have not been included in your totalProgram Price. See your Group Leader for more details.)

Day 7: Paris

Guided sightseeing of ParisDiscover the city on the Seine during your bus tour. Learn aboutParis' origins as a Roman settlement as you pass through the Île de laCité, where you will also see Notre Dame Cathedral. Pass by theimposing Arc de Triomphe, and the Place de la Concorde, dedicatedto King Louis XV and the site where Louis XVI and Marie Antoinettewere executed during the French Revolution. Continue down theelegant Champs-Elysées to the École Militaire, where a promisingyoung Napoleon launched his rise to power. Drive along the Seine forwonderful views of the Musée D'Orsay, the Louvre, and the Pont deNeuf, or “new bridge,” which is ironically Paris' oldest. Finally, make aphoto stop at the iconic Eiffel Tower, built for the 1889 World's Fair.Learn why this impressive, yet controversial symbol of Paris wasspared the wrecking ball in 1909.

Exploration time in ParisEnjoy time for your own explorations of Paris. You might wish to visitthe Rodin Museum or the futuristic exhibits of the Centre Pompidou.Alternatively, take part in the timeless Parisian tradition ofpeople-watching over a cup of café au lait at a sidewalk café. Last butnot least, for the fashion conscious traveler, a visit to the Rue duFaubourg Saint Honoré is a must and don't forget to drop by andexplore the famous Galeries Lafayette which have made fashion comealive for more than a century.

Seine River cruiseThis evening, take a narrated river cruise along the Seine. As yourboat glides from one graceful bridge to the next, sit back and gaze atthe illuminated landmarks of Paris as they pan into view.

Day 8: Paris | Athens

Fly to AthensNestled among mountains on the Attic plain, Athens is the Cradle ofDemocracy and birthplace of Western civilization. A modern city witha strong connection to its ancient history, Athens has been a center ofculture, politics, and history for thousands of years. The greatphilosopher Socrates lived here, offering to fellow Athenians his viewson virtue and knowledge.

Walking tour of Athens (time permitting)Our walking tour takes you through the endearing Plaka district, hometo some of the city's finest tavernas as well as a plethora of shops allvying for your attention. Stroll past Hadrian's Arch and the Temple ofOlympian Zeus, built to honor the most powerful of all Greek gods.

Day 9: Athens

Guided sightseeing of AthensAn expert local guide introduces you to the antiquities of Athens.Climb the Acropolis to view the majestic Parthenon, perhaps theworld's greatest architectural feat. See the Temple of Athena Nike,which once housed a gold statue of the goddess (her wings wereclipped to keep her from ever deserting the city). Athens is namedafter Athena, the goddess of war and wisdom. After seeing thePresidential Guard in their traditional costumes, pass the stadium,where the first modern Olympics were held in 1896, as well as livelyOmonia and Syntagma Squares. Finally, visit the Acropolis Museumwhich houses nearly 4,000 artifacts from the acropolis andsurrounding site. This museum opened in 2009 and is built on thesoutheastern slope that was once the route of the ancient road thatled up to the "sacred rock".

Exploration time in AthensTake time to become more acquainted with Athens. Perhaps go seethe awe-inspiring antiquities at the National Archaeological Museum.Alternatively, do some shopping for local crafts and souvenirs. For achance to absorb the whole city, take a funicular up the Lycabettushill for spectacular views.

Day 10: Athens

Guided excursion to DelphiAs you tour Delphi, ponder the mysteries of what lies in your future, asdid Greece's ancient military leaders, who left gifts for the Oracle inhopes of good fortune in battle. Then visit the Temple of Apollowhere, according to legend, the god communicated with mortals.Your visit concludes with a stop at the Delphi Museum, whosecollection boasts many artifacts dating back to 550 B.C., reminiscentof the mythical past of ancient Greece.

Day 11: Athens | Greek island cruise

Depart on a Greek islands cruiseThis morning, you'll check in for your Greek islands cruise voyage,which sails out of Athens. A captivating three-day odyssey lies ahead,with stops at some of the Mediterranean's most historically andculturally rich islands and seaports. In between ports of call, you'llhave plenty of time to enjoy the activities on board ship. Free-timeoptions while you're at sea include shopping, games, fitness activities,swimming and sunning. (Please note: There are additional excursionsoffered by the cruise company and not by EF. They can be purchasedon tour, please ask your Tour Consultant for additional pricinginformation.)

Visit MykonosThe first island you'll visit is Mykonos, one of Greece's CycladesIslands. It was ruled by the Venetians in the 13th and 14th centuries,and more recently was under Turkish occupation. Walk to the Churchof Agia Kiriaki, which contains some of Mykonos's most fascinatingand beautiful religious icons. Follow the quaint winding streets of theOld Town, where you may wish to browse amid the trendy boutiquesand craft shops, to Three Well Square (Tria Pigadia).

Day 12: Greek island cruise

Visit SamosRuled by legend and beauty, Samos is located in the eastern AegeanSea. This picturesque Greek island is known as the home ofPythagoras, the father of mathematics, and the legendary birthplaceof Hera. Upon disembarking the ship, enjoy breakfast before anorientation walk through the town of Vathi. Here, you'll see thebustling main square, St. Spyridon church and the town hall.Afterwards, visit the Samos Wine Museum to view wooden casksfrom the early 20th century as well as traditional wine making toolsand exhibits. Continue to the archaeological site of Heraion, a largesanctuary to the goddess Hera.

Visit PatmosReunited with Greece in 1948, Patmos is one of the 12 DodecaneseIslands that extend off the western coast of Turkey. Once your cruiseship arrives, tender boats will take groups ashore to enjoy free time onthe island. The small town of Skala, with many shops and restaurants,is easily accessible from the port of Skala. The town's main site, theGrotto of the Apocalypse, can be reached by a climbing a 30-minutepathway or hiring a local taxi.

Day 13: Greek island cruise

Visit Heraklion (Crete)Said to be the birthplace of Zeus, Crete is Greece's largest island witha culture and history of its own. Docking at the central port ofHeraklion, you can explore some of ancient Greece's most interestingarchaeological sites as well as the stunningly situated Tomb ofKazantzakis, honoring the influential 20th-century writer NiosKazantzakis. Visit one of the Bronze Age's most impressivearchaeological sites in the world, Knossos Palace. Also known as theLabyrinth, the palace appears as a maze of workrooms, living spaces,and store rooms close to a central square. Sir Arthur Evan'sarchaeological excavations and restorations from 1900 suggest thatthis was the site of the ancient Minoan Kingdom. See the Palace'sHall of the Royal Guard, the Hall of the Double Axes, the King'sChamber with its alabaster throne, the Queen's Apartment, as well asits beautiful courtyards and shrines. During your visit, view detailedimages of Cretan life in the late Bronze Age on the palace walls.

Visit SantoriniSantorini is often considered the quintessential Greek island, with itswhitewashed houses perched on steep hillsides and its landscapes ofplunging cliffs and black sand beaches-as well as the only activevolcano in the eastern Mediterranean. Admire the panoramic view ofthe Aegean Sea and the neighboring islands on your way to OiaVillage. First you will head up to the monastery of Prophet Ilias for abreathtaking view before continuing north. You will see various layersof lava fixed on the face of the rock, each being another phase of theactivity of the volcano. You will pass through Fira, as well as thetraditional villages of Firostefani and Imerovigli before arriving in Oia.Built on the Caldera rim, Oia Village is an excellent example ofCycladic architecture. Walk along the cobblestone streets and explorethe village, known for its white-washed houses with blue shutters.You will have free time to walk along the marble-paved alleys andpoke around in the cute shops.

Day 14: Greek island cruise | Athens

Return to AthensYour cruise ends early this morning; disembark back in Athens.

Guided excursion to the Temple of Poseidon at Cape SounionAt the southern tip of the Attic Peninsula, view one of the mostimposing sights in the ancient world. High above the sparklingAegean, the 5th century B.C. Temple of Poseidon, one of Greece'smost evocative ruins, dominates the landscape. The temple's greatDoric columns were a welcoming sight for sailors in ancient times,signifying the imminent arrival at nearby Athens.

Day 15: Depart for home

Transfer to the airport for your return flightYour Tour Director assists with your transfer to the airport, whereyou'll check in for your return flight home.

Itinerary is subject to change

For complete financial and registration details, please refer to theBooking Conditions at www.eftours.com/bc.

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The World Leader in International Education

For over 50 years EF has been working toward

one global mission: Opening the World Through

Education. Your teacher has partnered with EF

because of our unmatched worldwide presence,

our focus on affordability, and our commitment to

providing experiences that teach critical thinking,

problem solving, collaboration, and global

competence.

– We always offer the lowest prices guaranteed so more students can travel.

– We’re fully accredited, just like your school, so you can earn credit while on tour.

– All of our educational tours feature experiential learning activities and visits to the best sites.

– We’re completely committed to your safety. We have 500 schools and offices in over 50

countries around the world, so local EF staff

members can react quickly and in person

wherever you travel.

– Your full-time Tour Director is with your group

every step of the way on tour, providing insight

about your destinations as well as great local tips.

“ My daughter has gained such an amazing view of the world and history from this experience. She has not stopped talking since I picked her up at the airport. Thank you for all the organization, helpful hints, flexible payment plan, and knowledgeable tour guides.”

–CHARLOTTE, PARENT

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