Treasures of the Mediterranean

Arrive in Spain and settle into the passionate embrace of Madrid. Enjoy some leisure time. Tonight, enjoy a welcome reception and then dinner at a local restaurant.

Today, we join a local expert 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 the world's best collection of Spanish art at the Prado Museum and consider spending the afternoon on your own shopping on Gran Vía or join an Optional Experience to the imperial city of Toledo.

Journey to Gaudí's Barcelona by a high-speed train. Leave Europe's highest capital behind, bound for the Costa Dorada and the sun-kissed shores of Barcelona. When we arrive, join a local expert for a sightseeing tour. Ascend Montjuic to enjoy some panoramic views of the city. See the monument dedicated to Christopher Columbus and the vibrant Las Ramblas, before visiting Antonio Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece, La Sagrada Familia. Tonight, enjoy, a welcome dinner at the Olympic Port.

This morning, join your local expert to continue exploring Barcelona, where you'll visit Park Guelle. 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. Consider joining an Optional Experience to the Catalonia’s Cava wine region and enjoy wine tasting of “Spanish Champagne”. Your evening is at leisure.

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. Later this afternoon we arrive in the Provencal city of Avignon, where we’ll view the Gothic Papal Palace and the bridge made famous in the song "Sur le Pont d’Avignon".

Our journey today takes us through the picture-perfect wheat and lavender fields of Provence, immortalized 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. Tonight, enjoy a special dinner.

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 the hilltop of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, one of the oldest towns on the French Riviera. Late afternoon, 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.

Cross the border into Italy, driving along the Italian Riviera, driving by the birthplace of Cristophoro Colombus. We head to Portovenere, the rocky peninsula in the Gulf of Poets, which was once popular among writers such as Byron, Shelley and Lawrence. With its small harbor lined with colorful houses, its narrow streets leading up to the castle and the church, standing on top of the rock, Portovenere is one of Mari's favorite places to visit. Free time to discover this picturesque village. Enjoy dinner on your own.

Today we visit the UNESCO-listed Cinque Terre, by boat and train, a series of centuries-old seaside villages, which cling "impossibly" to terraced cliffs that slope into the Ligurian Sea. Admire the panorama of pastel pink, yellow and orange façades that overlook the magnificent Mediterranean. Tonight, enjoy our last night in Portovenere.

On our way to Florence, "Birthplace of the Renaissance", we visit the famous Carrara marble quarries, and the village of Pietrasanta. Enjoy an exclusive experience where you’ll connect with locals over a traditional lunch and legendary hospitality, for which the region is known. Optional Experience: We'll dine at a famous local villa, once owned by Macchiavelli, complete with wine and music.

Uncover Florence’s Treasures and join your local expert this morning for a sightseeing tour of magical city. 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.
Optional Experience: Join us for an optional visit of one of the top five museums in the world, the Uffizi Gallery with a local expert.

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', and our home for the next two nights. Enjoy a visit to Vatican City. Enter the Vatican Museum before proceeding to the Sistine Chapel, and ultimately into the imposing St. Peter's Basilica. Marvel at two of Michelangelo's greatest masterpieces, the ceiling the Sistine Chapel and the sorrowful, Pietà. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Today, discover ancient Rome. This morning, you'll explore the remnants of Roman rule, enjoying a visit to the Colosseum, The Roman Forum and Circus Maximus. On your final afternoon, enjoy some free time to indulge in la dolce vita. Perhaps, sit on the Spanish Steps or toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain to secure your speedy return to Rome. Tonight, join your fellow travelers and travel director for an unforgettable farewell dinner.

Arrivederci Italy! It's a fond farewell to Rome, and your newfound friends, as your holiday through Spain, France and Italy comes to an end. Airport transfer to Rome airport