Arrive in Barcelona, the vibrant Catalan capital where Gothic lanes, golden beaches and Gaudí’s imagination set the scene for your Mediterranean adventure. Settle in and soak up the city’s easy rhythm, from tree-lined boulevards to bustling neighborhood cafes where locals gather over tapas and coffee. This evening, join your fellow travelers and Travel Director for dinner, followed by an orientation drive past some of Barcelona’s most iconic sights.
Join your Local Specialist this morning for a sightseeing tour, soaking up the Mediterranean atmosphere of Catalonia's capital city. See the monument to Christopher Columbus before stopping outside Antonio Gaudí's 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 can opt to join an Optional Experience to the mountain-top monastery of Montserrat, home to the mystical Black Madonna, the patron saint of Catalonia.
Follow the Mediterranean coast from Spain into France, tracing a scenic route to one of the region’s great Roman treasures. Stop to visit the Pont du Gard, the ancient aqueduct that has stood above the Gardon River for almost 2,000 years. Then continue to Arles, a city layered with Roman heritage and artistic spirit. Enjoy free time to wander its historic streets or choose an Optional Experience that follows in the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh, discovering the places that inspired some of his most famous works. Later you’ll arrive in Marseille, France’s oldest city, where your evening is free to explore the harbor, try Provençal flavors or simply soak up the city’s lively Mediterranean spirit.
Begin the day exploring Marseille with a Local Specialist, who’ll guide you through the storied streets of the Old Town. As you walk, you’ll uncover the character of France’s oldest city, from its historic lanes and local rhythms to the Mediterranean spirit that has shaped life here for centuries. Then you’ll leave the coast behind and travel inland to Avignon, once the seat of medieval popes. Enjoy free time to explore at your own pace, perhaps visiting the imposing Palais des Papes, wandering the old city walls or settling in for lunch in a lively square. Your Provençal journey continues to Aix-en-Provence, the elegant hometown of Impressionist painter Paul Cézanne. Stroll along the Cours Mirabeau, lined with plane trees, fountains and graceful mansions, and soak up the city’s refined charm. From Marseille’s maritime soul to Avignon’s papal history and Aix-en-Provence’s artistic heritage, this is a day rich in southern French character.
Travel along the Côte d’Azur to the radiant Principality of Monaco, where Riviera glamour meets royal history. See the cathedral that hosted the wedding of Prince Rainier and Grace Kelly, then stroll the cobbled lanes of Le Rocher, Monaco’s atmospheric old town. You’ll have time to soak up views over the harbor, admire the elegant architecture and feel the buzz of one of Europe’s most iconic destinations. Continue to Nice, your home for the night, where the Mediterranean spirit of the French Riviera invites you to explore its seaside promenades, colorful streets and lively local flavors.
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.
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. Continue to Pisa where you can relax over dinner at your hotel.
View Pisa's Square of Miracles, where we'll see the famous Leaning Tower. Next, your introduction to Tuscany is a Be My Guest experience where you’ll Connect With Locals over traditional lunch fare and the warm hospitality for which the region is renowned. Continue to the birthplace of the Renaissance and savor dinner served at your hotel while you reflect on the day's events.
Join your Local Specialist this morning for a sightseeing tour of magical Florence. View the multi-colored 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.
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.
This morning, visit Vatican City and explore St. Peter’s Basilica, where Michelangelo’s Pietà has inspired visitors for generations. Then join a Local Specialist to discover the legacy of Ancient Rome, with views of the Colosseum and stories of its powerful past. This afternoon, enjoy free time to embrace la dolce vita—relax on the Spanish Steps, visit the Vatican Museums to see the Sistine Chapel’s ceiling or toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain. This evening, gather with your Travel Director and fellow travelers for dinner to toast to your Italian tour. Please note: On some departures, access to St. Peter’s Basilica may be restricted due to the Papal Audience. You’ll still have time to take in the atmosphere of St. Peter’s Square during your visit to Vatican City.
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.
