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the
BARCELONA &
SOUTH OF FRANCE
trip
For the love of
CATAMARANS
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ROSÉ ALL DAY
THE SUN
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IGNORING THE CLOCK
TAPAS
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LOCAL MARKETS
SIMPLICITY
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DANCING'TIL DAWN
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MEDITERRANEAN VIEWS
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BARCELONA &
THE SOUTH OF FRANCE
WHAT TO EXPECT
Our small group trip to Barcelona and the South of France caters to travelers in their 20s and 30s looking to savor spectacular French cuisine in Nice, sail catamarans in the Mediterranean, and dance the night away in Barcelona.
Over eight days, you'll explore two nations and one spectacular coastline as you sample a little bit of everything that makes this region so special. From mesmerizing Nice and medieval Eze to electric Barcelona, you'll wind through rugged shores sloping down into the endless Mediterranean.
Along the way, take in the architecture and history that define the region, drink world-famous wine, and eat every mouth-watering morsel in sight (with tapas, paella, and gazpacho, you can't go wrong).
Included
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3 nights in Nice, 4 nights in Barcelona
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All accommodations in a shared room with one other person with the option to upgrade to a private room (limited availability)
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In-country transportation for included activities
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7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners
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Walking tour of Nice
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Local cuisine experience in Nice
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Guided afternoon in Éze
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Day trip to Juan Les Pins, including daybeds along the beach
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Flight from Nice to Barcelona
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Tapas food tour in Barcelona
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Walking city tour in Barcelona
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Private sailing excursion in Barcelona
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FTLO Trip Leader
*All activities are weather dependent; in the unlikely event that we are unable to run an activity, we will have a suitable alternative in place.
not included
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Flights (fly into Nice, out of Barcelona)
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Airport transfers (except for internal flight)
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Mandatory trip insurance
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Meals not mentioned (budget around $300)
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Tips for local guides, hotel staff, etc.​
DAY BY DAY
*Itinerary is indicative and is subject to change.
Day 1 - South of France
Arrive
Plan to arrive in Nice by 2pm to check into the centrally located boutique hotel we’ll be staying in. Once you’re settled, enjoy a bit of free time to relax, walk around town or head down to the beach.
We’ll meet up that evening to stroll the streets of Nice with a beloved local guide who will teach you about the deep history of Nice and introduce you to some of its most special attributes. After the tour, get to know your new travel crew over local rosé and exquisite French food.
Ahhh, welcome to Nice.
arrive
Day 2 - South of France
Eze-y Does it
Wake up and have breakfast at the hotel before we head off for a tour of Éze. After our tour, you’ll have the option of heading back to Nice for a free afternoon or making a pit stop at Villefranche sur Mer to soak up the sun at one of the most stunning beaches.
Later that afternoon, we'll head to a traditional French cuisine experience led by a well-known local chef in the same building where Matisse painted "The Dance" (one of his most famous works). Grab a glass of wine, chat with the locals, and enjoy a mouthwatering meal.
After dinner, the evening is yours to explore as you wish!
PLAY
Day 3 - South of France
Rosé in Juan les pins
Today we’ll hop on the regional train and take a short ride to Juan Les Pins, a charming sea-side town about 25 minutes from Nice. We’ll spend the day lounging on daybeds and pretending we’re famous! When we’re thirsty, we’ll drink Rose. When we’re hungry, we’ll eat! Enjoy the lavish life overlooking the beautiful beaches of the Mediterranean.
Once you’ve had enough sun, feel free to stroll about the town or grab the next train back to Nice. The rest of the day is free for you to explore. Maybe you’d like to spend the evening in Monaco? You could check out the scene, gamble in the world’s most famous Casino and rub elbows with high society! The world is your oyster.
BOND
Day 4 - South of France
ADIEU FRANCE
Today we say “au revoir” to the South of France, so pack those bags; it’s time for Spain. After a short flight, we’re touching down in magical Barcelona.
Settle into your accommodation in the city of Gaudi, tapas, and epic nightlife before you head out to explore with friends. The day's free, so consider strolling down La Rambla, stopping to gawk at street performers and iconic pieces of art and architecture.
Head out for drinks that night; Barcelona’s status as a legendary party town is much deserved.
DEVOUR
Day 5 - Barcelona
Barcelonaaaa
After breakfast, we’ll all meet up for a tour of these uniquely Catalan streets; with detailed designs and asymmetrical curves, they're a blend of Gothic architecture and Modernist masterpieces.
Take the afternoon to relax, and then that evening, you'll meet your local guide for a foodie-inspired tapas walk in the Gothic Quarter. Learn about the city's 2,000-year history and culture as you wine and dine at the most authentic bars and taverns in the neighborhood. It's one amazingly local experience not to be missed.
After dinner, we’ll head out to enjoy more of that epic nightlife.
saiL
Day 6 - Barcelona
Sailing
As Spain is famous for its lively night scene, we’ll take a slower start this morning.
Grab a bite to eat before hopping on a private catamaran sailing the Balearic Sea, complete with drinks, snacks and trip mates. The perfect way to sail into the weekend after a week in paradise.
The rest of the day is yours to explore, beach, dine, rest and venture out as you please.
DANCE
Day 7 - Barcelona
As you wish
Today is a free day for you to soak up all the those spectacular Spanish vibes. So, sleep in or head out early to explore.
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For some Gaudi magic, walk over to the Sagrada Familia to marvel at the church’s 18 soaring spires or make the short trip over to the mosaic wonderland of Park Güell for sweeping city views all the way down to the sea.
That evening, say farewell over Spanish cuisine, local wine and great conversation.
Day 8 - Barcelona
HASTA LUEGO
Today is departure day. And while you’re leaving Barcelona, you’ll be doing so with new friends, fantastic memories, and a broadened mind.
Check-out is at noon but the hotel will be happy to store your bags should you take a later flight (which we highly recommend!).
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Alternatively, if you’ve got more time in Europe, hop down to Sardinia for beachside lounging or head to Northern Spain and the Basque Country for some of the best food in the whole world; you certainly won't regret it.
"I wrote every day between the ages of 12 and 20; then I stopped because I went to Barcelona, where life was too exciting to write."
-Colm Toibin
FAST FACTS
Just for fun
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Before 1992, there were no beaches in Barcelona.
In Catalan Christmas tradition, children take care of a Caga Tio, ("shitting log") until Christmas Day when they use sticks to beat presents out of it.
Even though Monaco is famous for it's Monte Carlo casino, residents of Monaco are prohibited from gambling!
Trip Notes
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While we can’t guarantee private rooms, you should book your trip earlier if you prefer one, as they usually fill up.
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The closest arrival airport is Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE). Please fly in by 3pm.
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The closest departure airport is Barcelona - El Prat (BCN). Feel free to fly out at any time.
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Double check your passport is valid for 3-months after your return date.
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On European trips, we stay as close to historic city centers as possible. This means your accommodations will often be on the small side, quirky, and unique (we love this!).
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All activities are weather dependent; in the unlikely event that we are unable to run an activity, we will have a suitable alternative in place.
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More information regarding visa requirements and Covid restrictions can be found here.
About barcelona and sof
Nice, the queen of the French Riviera, hosts magnificent architecture, a charming old town and miles of prime, seafront real estate. Having origins that date back to 350 BC, its beauty has attracted sun-seekers for centuries who travel near and far to bask in the glorious Mediterranean lifestyle.
Barcelona needs no introduction - admiration of its architecture, lifestyle, food and nightlife are well documented and it proudly lives up to the hype. If you haven't been, you must. And if you have, we already know you're dying to go back.
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South of France
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The national language is French.
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The national currency is euros.
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Tap water is perfectly safe and healthy though most people choose to drink bottled water.
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Think of tipping as a good gesture, not an obligation. Feel free to leave change as a "pour boire" translated as "for drinks."
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France is on Central European time zone.
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Barcelona
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The official languages are Spanish and Catalan.
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The currency is euros.
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Tipping: Round to the nearest dollar for taxis. At restaurants, it is appropriate to leave 7-10% if the service was notably good.
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Barcelona is on Central European time zone.
Flights
Fly into Nice (NCE)
You'll need to be in Nice by 2pm on Day 1, however, we do recommend flying in earlier to have some time to explore the city on your own, relax or hit the beach!
Fly out of Barcelona (BCN)
We recommend flying out of Barcelona or extending your trip and enjoying a few more days in Spain.
Want to check out flights for your trip?
Feel free to also set up flight alerts to Nice & Barcelona so you can grab the best deal!
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*FTLO is not responsible for any fees or costs related to flights. We strongly suggest that all travelers wait until they receive the official FTLO Greenlight Email to book flights. This will be sent 3-4 months prior to the start date of your trip.
ALUMNI REVIEWS
We know how much you'll love the Barcelona & South of France trip... but don't take our word for it! Check out some of our alumni reviews.
LEARN MORE
Interested in learning more about our Barcelona & South of France trip?
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