Settle into the passionate embrace of fiery Madrid, your launch pad to an epic journey through Spain, France and Italy, filled with unforgettable flavors and soul-stirring encounters. This evening, join your fellow travelers and Travel Director for a dinner and orientation drive past some of Madrid's most iconic sites.
Join a Local Specialist this morning for a sightseeing tour of the Spanish capital, during which you’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.
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 flavors of this enchanting city on your free evening.
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 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.
Cross into France via the foothills of the Pyrenees and travel to the historic city of Avignon. See the impressive Gothic Papal Palace and the iconic bridge celebrated in the song 'Sur le Pont d’Avignon’. With free time to explore its atmospheric center, you can wander the medieval streets and settle into a cozy spot for lunch. Later, continue to the coastal city of Marseille, where you’ll stay overnight.
Travel through the landscapes of Provence, once captured on canvas by Van Gogh and Cézanne, and visit Aix-en-Provence, a town founded by the Romans. Here, enjoy a leisurely exploration and Dive into Culture as you browse for local specialties such as wine, olive oil, herbes de Provence and saffron. Then journey along the Côte d’Azur to the radiant Principality of Monaco, where you’ll visit the cathedral that hosted the wedding of Prince Rainier and Grace Kelly, then stroll the cobbled lanes of Le Rocher. Continue to Nice, your home for the night.
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.
