Mediterranean Highlights

Visit Europe

Day 1

Welcome to Madrid

Settle into the passionate embrace of fiery Madrid, your launch pad to an epic journey through Spain, France and Italy, filled with unforgettable flavours and soul-stirring encounters.

This evening, join your fellow travellers and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception and orientation drive past some of Madrid's most iconic sites.

Day 2

Discover Fiery Madrid

We join a Local Specialist this morning for a sightseeing tour of the Spanish capital, during which we’ll see the Royal Palace, the former residence of the Spanish royal family and the Cibeles Fountain.

Enjoy an afternoon on your own exploring the world's best collection of Spanish art at the Prado Museum and shopping on Gran Vía, or consider joining an Optional Experience to the imperial city of Toledo.

Day 3

Journey to Gaudí's Barcelona

Leave Europe's highest capital behind, bound for the Costa Dorada and the sun-kissed shores of Barcelona.

We venture to the pretty banks of the Ebro River and to mystical Zaragoza, whose centuries of heritage have been shaped by the Romans, Moors and Christians. Continue to Barcelona and enjoy some time to recharge siesta style. Later, dive into the indelible sights, sounds and flavours of this enchanting city on your free evening.

Day 4

Explore Vibrant Barcelona

Join your Local Specialist this morning for a sightseeing tour, soaking up the Mediterranean atmosphere of Catalunia's capital city.

See the monument to Christopher Columbus and vibrant Las Ramblas, before stopping outside Antonio Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece, La Sagrada Família to admire its unique architecture. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure indulging in the fantasy world of Gaudí or strolling through the hidden lanes and peaceful squares in the city's Gothic Quarter. You could consider joining an Optional Experience to the mountain-top monastery of Montserrat, home to the mystical Black Madonna, the patron saint of Catalonia.

Day 5

Pass the Pyrenees to Arles and Avignon

We journey via the foothills of the Pyrenees into France.

Stop in Arles, where Vincent Van Gogh found inspiration for so many of his paintings, before a visit to the UNESCO-listed Pont du Gard Aqueduct. Later this afternoon we arrive in the Provençal city of Avignon, where we’ll view the Gothic Papal Palace and the bridge made famous in the song 'Sur le Pont d’Avignon'.

Day 6

Venture through Pretty Provence to Nice Dive Into Culture

Our journey today takes us through the picture-perfect fields of Provence, immortalised in the works of Van Gogh & Cézanne.

We’ll Dive Into Culture in the Provençal town of Aix-en-Provence, founded by the Romans over natural hot springs. Here you can shop for local produce such as wine, olive oil, herbes de Provence and saffron. Later, we visit the tiny Principality of Monaco and see the cathedral where Prince Rainier and Grace Kelly were married. This evening, the glitz and glamour beckon as you join your new friends for a memorable dinner in this playground of the rich and famous.

Day 7

A Day to Enjoy the Riviera

Today, kick back and enjoy a well-deserved morning at leisure on the glorious French Riviera.

Soak up the holiday atmosphere at the beach, or perhaps join an Optional Experience to hilltop Saint-Paul-de-Vence, one of the oldest towns on the French Riviera.

Day 8

Onwards to Colourful Cinque Terre and Pisa

Cross the border into Italy and join a Local Specialist for a visit of the dramatic UNESCO-listed Cinque Terre, a series of centuries-old seaside villages which cling impossibly to rugged cliffs that plunge into the Ligurian Sea.

Admire the expanse of pastel pink, yellow and orange façades that jostle for sea views. Later, we head to Pisa where tonight, you'll dine in your hotel.

Day 9

Off to Renaissance Florence Connect with Locals

View Pisa's Square of Miracles, where we'll see the famous Leaning Tower.

Next, your introduction to Tuscany is an exclusive Be My Guest experience where you’ll Connect With Locals over traditional lunch fare and the legendary hospitality for which the region is renowned. Continue to the birthplace of where we'll dine at our hotel this evening.

Day 10

Uncover Florence’s Treasures

Join your Local Specialist this morning for a sightseeing tour of magical Florence.

View the Multi-coloured Duomo and the almost 700-year-old Ponte Vecchio. Then, walk through what was once the political hub of the city, the Piazza della Signoria, a veritable open-air treasure trove featuring wonderful sculptures and palazzi. Spend the rest of the day on your own exploration of Florence’s iconic and unexpected sights.

Day 11

All Roads Lead to Rome

Journey through the rolling hills of Tuscany and Umbria, past the hilltop villages of Orvieto and Orte, before arriving in Rome, the 'Eternal City' – our home for the next two nights.

Day 12

Discover Ancient Rome and the Vatican City

This morning, we’ll visit the Vatican City and see the imposing St.

Peter's Basilica, where Michelangelo's sorrowful Pietà has been admired by millions. We venture into Ancient Rome with a Local Specialist and explore the remnants of Roman rule, enjoying views of the Colosseum and Circus Maximus. On your final afternoon, enjoy some free time to indulge in la dolce vita. Perhaps, sit on the Spanish Steps, visit the Vatican Museum and admire the exquisite frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel or toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain to secure your speedy return to Rome. Join your fellow travellers and Travel Director for an unforgettable dinner.

Day 13

Arrivederci Italy

For now it's a fond farewell to Rome and your newfound friends as your holiday through Spain, France and Italy comes to an end.

Dining Summary

5 Dinner (D)

12 Breakfast (B)

1 Lunch (L)

Be My Guest

Florence: Meet Sandra and Antonella on their historic family farm for an exclusive Be My Guest lunch at the Agriturismo Borgo Vigna Vecchia in the Tuscan hills.

Dive Into Culture

Aix-en-Provence: Explore the Provencal town of Aix-en-Provence which contains produce and treasures from local regions.

Iconic Experience

Madrid: Drive through central Madrid and see some of the city's famous features during an orientation with your Travel Director.

Madrid: See the highlights of the city with your Local Specialist. Visit the Old Town, travelling along the elegant Paseo de la Castellana, past the Cibeles fountain, Cervantes Monument and Royal Palace.

Zaragoza: See the impressive historic landmarks of this thriving Spanish metropolis. 

Barcelona: With your Local Specialist, see Las Ramblas and the elegant Passeig de Gràcia to take in some of the city's finest Modernist architecture. Journey past the beautiful façades of the Eixample district to see the exterior of Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the mesmerizing Sagrada Família

Arles: Hear more about the city that is famed for being the inspiration behind the Van Gogh paintings during a city orientation.

Avignon: View the Pont d'Avignon and walk the medieval narrow streets of the Old Town to the Palais des Papes.

Pont du Gard: See the ancient Roman bridges of Pont du Gard that cross the Gardon River.

Monaco City: See the cathedral where Prince Rainier and Princess Grace were married.

Cinque Terre: Led by your Local Specialist, visit this unique UNESCO World Heritage Site, tucked away on the mountainous Italian Riviera coastline. Admire the charming fishing villages and perhaps snap some memorable pictures.

Pisa: During an orientation, your Travel Director will show you the baptistery, cathedral and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Florence: Join a Local Specialist to view the Multi-coloured marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. Visit the political heart of the city, Signoria Square.

Tuscany: View the stunning landscape of Tuscany on your drive today. 

Vatican: In the Vatican City visit St. Peter's Basilica with a Local Specialist. Witness the early genius of Michelangelo as you take in the Pietà.

Must-see Highlights

Explore Madrid, Barcelona, Cinque Terre, Florence and Rome

Discover Arles, Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, Monaco and Pisa

Visit Pont du Gard in Avignon, the French Riviera, Piazza della Signoria in Florence and St. Peter's Basilica in Rome

View La Sagrada Família in Barcelona, the Papal Palace in Avignon, the Palace and Cathedral in Monaco, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio in Florence and the Colosseum in Rome

See Madrid's Royal Palace and Cibeles Fountain, Las Ramblas in Barcelona and the towns of Orvieto and Orte

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