Day : 1
Arrive Madrid (2 Nights)
Number of Days : 1
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. Join your fellow travellers and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception and orientation drive past some of Madrid's most iconic sites.
Day : 2
Madrid Sightseeing and Free Time
Number of Days : 1
We join a Local Specialist this morning for a sightseeing tour of the Spanish capital, during which we'll see the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Spanish royal family and the Cervantes Monument. Enjoy an afternoon on your own exploring the world's best collection of Spanish art at the Prado Museum. Or consider joining an Optional Experience to the imperial city of Toledo.
Day : 3
Madrid – Zaragoza
Number of Days : 1
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. Spend the day delving into this city's history and art. View the Basilica del Pilar, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, wander along the ancient Las Murallas and explore the city's ancient Roman ruins.
Day : 4
Zaragoza – Barcelona Sightseeing (2 Nights)
Number of Days : 1
Journey through the lush green and golden landscapes of Catalonia to Penedés, one of the most ancient wine-producing areas in Europe. Here we'll 'Connect With Locals' over a Be My Guest lunch at the family run Giro-Ribot winery and learn about the tradition of Spanish sparkling wine. We arrive in Barcelona this afternoon, venturing up Montjuïc with a Local Specialist. See the monument to Christopher Columbus and vibrant Las Ramblas, before stopping at Antonio Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece, La Sagrada Família.
Day : 5
Barcelona Free Day
Number of Days : 1
Enjoy a full free day to explore the indelible sights, sounds and flavours of Barcelona. Indulge in the fantasy world of Gaudí around every turn, stroll through the hidden lanes and peaceful squares in the city's Gothic Quarter or consider joining an Optional Experience to visit the hilltop monastery of Montserrat to see the mystical Black Madonna, the patron saint of Catalonia.
Day : 6
Barcelona – Pont du Gard – Avignon
Number of Days : 1
We journey via the foothills of the Pyrenees into France, visiting the UNESCO-listed Pont du Gard. We arrive in the Provençal city of Avignon later this afternoon, where we'll view the Gothic Papal Palace and bridge made famous in the song - Sur le pont d'Avignon.
Day : 7
Avignon – Lourmarin Provençal Market – Nice (2 Nights)
Number of Days : 1
Our journey takes us through the picture-perfect wheat and lavender fields of Provence, immortalised in the works of van Gogh and Cézanne. We'll 'Dive Into Culture' in the Provençal town of Lourmarin, visiting the popular Friday market selling local produce such as wine, olive oil, herbes de Provence and saffron. This evening, we arrive in Nice, on the sun-kissed shores of the French Riviera. We dine at our hotel tonight.
Day : 8
French Riviera Free Day
Number of Days : 1
Kick back and enjoy a well-deserved day at leisure on the glorious French Riviera. Soak up the holiday atmosphere or perhaps join an Optional Experience to the nearby hilltop town of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, one of the oldest medieval towns on the French Riviera. The experience includes a delicious dinner at a traditional restaurant that serves authentic Provençal cuisine.
Day : 9
French Riviera – Monaco – Pisa – Florence (2 Nights)
Number of Days : 1
Visit the Principality of Monaco, where you will have an opportunity to view the cathedral where Prince Rainier and Grace Kelly were married. We cross the border into Italy and journey through Pisa and its Square of Miracles, where we'll see the Leaning Tower that bears its name. This evening, we arrive in the Renaissance capital of Florence where we will stay for the next two nights.
Day : 10
Florence Sightseeing and Free Time
Number of Days : 1
Join your Local Specialist this morning for a sightseeing tour of magical Florence. View the multi-coloured Duomo and 674-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. Indulge in a delicious gelato or wander up the stone steps to the Piazzale Michelangelo for spectacular views of Florence's skyline.
Day : 11
Florence – Rome (2 Nights)
Number of Days : 1
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
Rome Sightseeing and Free Time
Number of Days : 1
This morning, we'll visit the centre of Christianity 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. 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. This evening marks the end of a magnificent journey through southern Europe. Join your fellow travellers and Travel Director for an unforgettable Farewell Dinner.
Day : 13
Depart Rome
Number of Days : 1
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. Airport transfers are available. Conditions apply.
