Costa Brava and the French Riviera by Train

Barcelona, the old Roman Barcino, is Spain's second city, always on the biting edge of fashion, architecture, food, style, music and good times. Walk its narrow streets and wonderful plazas, or along the Ramblas, stretching from Plaza de Cataluna to the Harbor, encompassing the magic of the city: stalls full of books, birds and flowers. The city's most powerful monuments open a window onto its history: the intricately carved edifices that comprise the medieval Gothic Quarter; the curvilinear modernism (Catalan Art Nouveau) that inspired Gaudi's Sagrada Familia; and the seminal surrealist works of Picasso and Miró, found in museums that peg Barcelona as a crucial incubator for 20th-century art. The recent restoration of the port area began with the development of a harbor for the Olympic Games of 1992. New modern squares, designed by leading artists such as Miro and Barcelo have created a new style alongside Gaudi's modernist buildings. Now the city is ready to show every visitor how it has been transformed into one of the most moderns and active cities in Europe.

Explore The Sagrada Familia, Picasso Museum, La Rambla, Barri Gotic, Park Guell, modernist buildings, Montjuic Hill, Barceloneta and so much more!

Girona, an ancient Roman town with a strong Jewish heritage, is home to a splendid Gothic cathedral, whose immense central nave defies the laws of gravity. Also remarkable are the Monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants, San Nicolas Church, the Araba baths, and, the Jewish Quarter. Many other hidden places, residential and other outstanding buildings can be discovered while walking through this hidden gem.

The capital of the Kingdom of Majorca during the 13th century, and once Catalonia's second city after Barcelona, Perpignan is a southern French city along the Mediterranean coast near the border with Spain. Perpignan is the crossroads of all the routes leading to both the seaside and the mountains. Catalan influence is evident in its medieval core. South of the old town, the huge Gothic-and-Romanesque Palace of the Kings of Majorca has ramparts with views to the coast. Magnificent monuments like the 'Palais des Rois de Majorque', the Castillet, the 'Loge de Mer', the cathedral of St John the Baptist, built between 1324 - 1509, and the Campo Santo can be admired.

Explore the Musee Des Beaux Arts Hyacinthe Rigaud (Museum of Fine Arts), Palace of the Kings of Majorca, Cathedral of Saint Jean, Canet Plage, Castillet, Place de la Loge, Campo Santo, and so much more!

The most charming center in all Provence, Aix-en-Provence is a university town that was once a seat of aristocracy, its streets walked by counts and kings. The slower way of life and the incomparable light fascinated many artists, and its beautiful countryside inspired the painter Paul Cézanne for a lifetime. Summer brings frequent cultural events, ranging from opera to jazz, June through August.

Visit Musee Granet, Cours Mirabeau, Caumont Centre d`Art, Mont Sainte-Victoire, Cathedral St. Sauveur, Camp des Milles, Atelier Cezanne, Terrain des Peintres, Fondation Vasarely, Thermes Sextius, Pavillon de Vendome, and so much more!

Nice is the capital of the French Riviera, yet far less glamorous and expensive than Cannes. It's also one of the most ancient cities, having been founded by the Greeks, who called it 'Nike' or Victory. Because of its brilliant sunshine and relaxed living, it has attracted famous artists and writers in the past. Being the best trip base on the Riviera, you can choose to explore the region or lounge in its famous cafes. But the most obvious hangout spot here is the beach. The beach in Nice consists of rocks so wear a pair of good sandals.

Explore the Promenade des Anglais, Musee Matisse, Russian Orthodox Cathedral, Cours Saleya, Castle Hill, Old Town, Place Massena, and so much more!

Paris is regarded as one of the most dynamic cities in Europe, and for good reason. The city assaults the senses, demanding to be seen, heard, touched, tasted, and smelled. Gaze at impressive monuments and savor its gourmet cheeses, chocolates, wines, and seafood. Paris is relatively small as capitals go, with many of its major sights and museums within walking distance of each other. A world of discovery awaits in every hidden corner and at all the famous sites, there is so much to explore.

Visit the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral, Jardin des Tuileries, Latin Quarter, Avenue des Champs Elysees, Musee d'Orsay, Place de la Concorde, Sacre Coeur, and so much more!