the
BARCELONA &
SOUTH OF FRANCE
trip
For the love of
TAPAS
WORLD-CLASS BEACHES
THE SUN
RENOWNED NIGHTLIFE
ARCHITECTURE & ART
PAELLA
CATALAN CULTURE
INCREDIBLE WINE
FAIRYTALE ALLURE
CROISSANTS
BARCELONA &
THE SOUTH OF FRANCE
WHAT TO EXPECT
On this eight-day small group trip, we’ll dive into two of the most vibrant countries in Europe, bringing you to some of the Mediterranean's most sought-after destinations—and it’s no secret why!
We’ll kick things off in the South of France, where you’ll spend three unforgettable days soaking in the glamour of the French Riviera (think sun, stunning coastlines, and charming villages). Then, we’ll head to the lively streets of Barcelona for the remaining days, where sangria, history, and Catalan culture come together. Expect to indulge in some of the best food the region has to offer—from fresh seafood by the Mediterranean to mouth-watering tapas in Barcelona.
And here’s the best part—this trip is designed for solo travelers in their twenties and thirties, so you’ll be surrounded by like-minded people eager to share new experiences, make lasting friendships, and enjoy every moment of this epic adventure.
Upcoming dates
May 11 - 18, 2025
Jun 22 - 29, 2025
jun 29 - jul 6, 2025
Runs over 4th of July - likely to sell out
jul 27 - Aug 3, 2025
Aug 24 - Aug 31, 2025
aug 31 - sep 7, 2025
Runs over Labor Day - likely to sell out
sep 21 - 28, 2025
8 days/7 nights
starting at $4,099 USD
Limited single room upgrades starting from $999 are available and can be added during booking, subject to availability.
Payment can be broken down into a $500 deposit + 3 additional installments.
Included
-
Accommodations: 3 nights in Nice and 4 nights in Barcelona
-
All accommodations in a shared room with one other person with the option to upgrade to a private room (limited availability)
-
Meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners
-
Transportation: Flight from Nice to Barcelona and all other in-country transportation for included activities
-
Catamaran excursion along the southern coast of France
-
Guided tour of Éze
-
Private paella cooking class in Barcelona
-
Walking city tour in Barcelona
-
Tapas food walk in Barcelona
-
Entrance to Gaudi's UNESCO Heritage basilica, the Sagrada Familia
-
Penedès wine tasting day trip
-
FTLO Trip Leader
not included
-
Flights to Nice and from Barcelona
-
Airport transfers (except for internal flight)
-
Mandatory trip insurance
-
Meals not mentioned (budget around $300)
-
Tips for local guides, hotel staff, etc.
DAY BY DAY
Trip itineraries are subject to change. For more information, check out our FAQs HERE.
Day 1 - Nice, France
Bonjour
With year-round sunshine, stunning beaches, and that irresistible Mediterranean charm, Nice is the perfect place to kick off your eight-day adventure along the French Riviera. The South of France is known for its glamour, its lush landscapes, and its tropical vibe—and trust us, it lives up to the hype!
This is the place to unwind and get your first taste of what’s to come. And tonight, we’re starting strong with a welcome dinner—an opportunity to meet your travel mates and break the ice with some local vino.
Whether you’re an FTLO regular or this is your first trip with us, you’re about to make memories and friendships that will last long after this adventure. The entire Côte d’Azur is yours to explore, and tonight is just the beginning.
arrive
Day 2 - Nice, France
sailing shores
Today, we’ll show you why the Côte d’Azur is a dream destination for so many. The day starts with a classic French breakfast—croissant in hand, café au lait in the other—before we set off for an unforgettable experience on the sparkling Mediterranean waters.
We’re taking you on a private catamaran ride, where you’ll feel like you're living the luxe life. Picture yourself cruising past sun-drenched beaches, surrounded by the turquoise beauty of the French Riviera. Sip on local wines as you soak up the stunning views—this is your chance to truly unwind.
After a day on the water, we’ll gather for dinner, where you’ll dive into quintessential French cuisine. Try the classic steak frites. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, go for steak tartare. Bon appétit!
PLAY
Day 3 - Éze, France
Eze-y Does it
France is vast, and we’d be doing you a disservice if we didn’t show you its many sides while we’re here. Today, we’re slowing things down and heading to the quieter side of the Riviera—the medieval town of Èze.
Perched high on a picturesque hillside, Èze feels like a step back in time, with its winding stone alleys, dramatic views, and a history steeped in rebellion. The town’s Gothic fortresses and fairy tale charm make it easy to imagine centuries of stories unfolding as you explore.
The rest of the day is yours to discover at your own pace. One of the best parts about this region? You can easily experience both the South of France and Monaco in a single day. If you’re feeling lucky, roll the dice at the famed Monte Carlo Casino, sip champagne by the harbor, and soak in the glitz and glamour that inspired James Bond himself.
BOND
Day 4 - Nice, France / Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona bites
The French Riviera has been good to us, but it’s time for the next chapter of this adventure—Barcelona, here we come! Spain’s second-largest city is a feast for the senses, where stunning architecture, lively streets, and a deep-rooted food culture come together to create pure magic.
Barcelona is home to some of the freshest produce from both land and sea, making it a dream destination for food lovers. And what better way to dive into local Catalan cuisine than with a hands-on paella cooking class? This iconic dish is meant to be shared (usually serving 4-6 people), making it the perfect meal to enjoy with your travel crew.
We’ll pop open some cava—Catalonia’s signature sparkling wine—while learning from local chefs who will show us the secrets behind crafting the perfect paella. It’s the ultimate way to toast to our arrival in Spain!
lEarn
Day 5 - Barcelona, Spain
Hittin' the town
Barcelona was made for exploring on foot, and today, we’re hitting the pavement to soak in the city’s stunning sights. Get ready to walk through centuries of artistry, from grand plazas to hidden alleyways, as we uncover why Barcelona is one of Spain’s most enchanting destinations.
With a world-class food scene—ranging from cozy tapas bars to Michelin-starred hotspots—we’ll take a break for lunch before continuing to one of Barcelona’s biggest draws: its architecture. No visit is complete without marveling at La Sagrada Familia, Antoni Gaudí’s most famous masterpiece, a breathtaking work still in progress after more than a century.
Whether you’re drawn to vibrant markets, sprawling nature parks, or golden beaches, the rest of the day is yours to explore. Grab your new travel friends and set out to experience the city your way—whether that’s wandering the Gothic Quarter, sipping vermouth by the sea, or discovering a tucked-away flamenco bar.
share
Day 6 - Barcelona, Spain
best of bcn
This morning is yours. If you're up for it, head to Parc Güell to explore Gaudí’s colorful masterpiece, or take it slow and enjoy a relaxed start. We love balancing planned activities with free time so you can do what feels right for you.
However you choose to spend your day, be sure to save some energy—we’re heading out in the evening for tapas, aka some of Barcelona’s best bites. Try pan con tomate (toasted bread rubbed with fresh tomatoes, olive oil, and salt), patatas bravas (crispy potatoes with a spicy aioli), or gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp sizzling in olive oil).
While our trips don’t center around nightlife, we’ve carved out time tonight to experience Barcelona after dark. Whether you’re in the mood for a cozy Catalan vermut bar with live jazz or a night of bar hopping, this city delivers. If you’re really ready to turn up, head to a chupitos bar, where shots come in every color of the rainbow and the party lasts till sunrise.
DANCE
Day 7 - Barcelona, Spain
wine not?
Just a short drive from Barcelona, the Penedès wine region is home to some of Spain’s finest vintages. Today, we’ll visit a family-owned winery dedicated to sustainable winemaking, where we’ll sip our way through crisp chardonnays and bubbly cavas.
With every glass, you’ll not only taste the flavors of the region but also hear the stories behind each bottle—shared alongside the travel crew that has become like family over the past week. After a day in wine country, we’ll head back to Barcelona to freshen up for one last dinner together.
For our final meal, we’ve picked a spot known for its local Catalan flavors. Savor those last bites of crispy croquettes and jamón ibérico, because nothing ever tastes quite the same outside of Spain. And of course, we’ll raise a glass of sangria to an unforgettable trip. This might be our last night together, but it feels more like a see-you-later than a goodbye.
Day 8 - Barcelona, Spain
HASTA LUEGO
Just like that, our time together comes to an end—but that doesn’t mean the adventure has to stop. If you’re not ready to head home, we’ve got you covered with back-to-back trip discounts to keep the fun going. And with Barcelona as one of Europe’s best-connected airport hubs (plus an extensive train network), extending your travels is easier than ever.
Not sure where to go next? We’ve got some ideas. Chase picture-perfect sunsets in Santorini or sink your toes into the dreamy beaches of Milos on our Greek Islands trip. Sip world-class wine and wander cobblestone streets lined with fresh-baked pizza in Tuscany & Rome. Or, for a Euro summer that feels refreshingly different (in the best way possible), explore the lakes, forests, and effortlessly cool cities of Copenhagen, Oslo, and Stockholm. While you’re here, why not check a couple more countries off your list?
Wherever you go next, one thing’s for sure—this is just the beginning of all the adventures we’ll share together. Until next time!
FAST FACTS
About Barcelona & the South of France
On the French Riviera, we’ll spend most of our time in Nice, a city that dazzles with year-round sunshine, stunning beaches, and a rich artistic legacy. With its vibrant markets, world-class museums, and a thriving restaurant scene, Nice embodies the effortless elegance of the Côte d’Azur.
Meanwhile, Barcelona brings a dynamic contrast with its bold architecture, buzzing energy, and deep-rooted Catalan culture. As the cosmopolitan heart of Spain, it’s a city that thrives on creativity—home to Gaudí’s surreal masterpieces, lively tapas bars, and a coastline that rivals the Mediterranean’s best.
South of France
-
The national language is French.
-
The national currency is the euro.
-
Tap water is perfectly safe and healthy though most people choose to drink bottled water.
-
Think of tipping as a good gesture, not an obligation. Feel free to leave change as a "pour boire" translated as "for drinks."
-
France is on Central European time zone.
Barcelona, Spain
-
The official languages are Spanish and Catalan.
-
The currency is the euro.
-
Tipping: Round to the nearest dollar for taxis. At restaurants, it is appropriate to leave 7-10% if the service was notably good.
-
Barcelona is on Central European time zone.
Trip Notes
-
While we can’t guarantee private rooms, you should book your trip earlier if you prefer one, as they usually fill up.
-
Double-check that your passport is valid for 3 months after your return date.
-
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!).
-
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.
-
More information regarding visa requirements and Covid restrictions can be found here.
flight information
Fly into Nice (NCE)
You’ll need to arrive at Nice Airport by 3:00 pm on Day 1 and reach the hotel by 4:30 pm. Once you're settled, feel free to explore the city, relax, or enjoy the beach!
Fly out of Barcelona (BCN)
We recommend flying out of Barcelona or extending your trip to spend a few extra days in Spain or another nearby European destination.
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.
FTLO TRAVEL
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Interested in learning more about our Barcelona & South of France trip?
Have a question? We're here to help! Whether you're curious about accommodations, accessibility, group vibe, or dietary needs, fill out the form below, and we'll get back to you ASAP.