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.
Accommodation : AC by Marriott Cuzco
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.
Accommodation : AC by Marriott Cuzco
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.
Accommodation : Barcelona Condal Mar Affiliated by Melia
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.
Accommodation : Barcelona Condal Mar Affiliated by Melia
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'.
Accommodation : Mercure Avignon Gare TGV.
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.
Accommodation : Novotel Nice Centre Vieux Nice
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.
Accommodation : Novotel Nice Centre Vieux Nice
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.
Accommodation : NH Pisa
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.
Accommodation : Grand Mediterraneo
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.
Accommodation : Grand Mediterraneo
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.
Accommodation : Crowne Plaza St. Peter's
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 Farewell Dinner.
Accommodation : Crowne Plaza St. Peter's
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.