This Mediterranean journey takes you from Rome to Paris to Madrid, with many fascinating stops along the way. Your vacation begins in Rome with two overnights and guided sightseeing that visits the Roman Forum, St. Peter’s Square, and the Colosseum. Next up: splendid Florence, “Cradle of the Renaissance;” the romantic floating city of Venice; and Milan, capital of fashion. Also visit Montecatini, Parma, and Verona—cities that are less well-known but just as fascinating. Cross the border into France for two nights on the elegant French Riviera, then on to Avignon to see the Palace of the Popes. Overnight in Lyon before reaching Paris, the “City of Light,” to experience all its main highlights. Explore the wine-growing area of Bordeaux, then reach Bilbao on the Atlantic Coast. Cross to the Mediterranean shores of Spain via Pamplona and spend two nights in lively Barcelona, the city of Gaudi. On to Valencia, host of the America’s Cup sailing event, then arrive in fabulous Madrid, the capital of Spain, for the grand finale of your exciting adventure.
Highlights:
Scenic Highlights: Emilia-Romagna region, Po Valley, Italian & French Rivieras, Loire Valley, Landes region, Basque Country
Itinerary:
Day #1 Arrive in Rome, Italy. Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore this ancient capital. In the afternoon, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers.
Day #2 Rome. Rome, the “Eternal City,” is a city steeped in history, vibrantly alive and exciting, and absolutely unique! Included sightseeing with a Local Guide starts in St. Peter’s Square, followed by a visit to the Roman Forum and iconic Colosseum. (B)
Day #3 Rome–Florence–Montecatini. Travel to Florence, “Cradle of the Renaissance” and city of the powerful Medici dynasty. The included walking tour with a Local Guide features most of the city highlights. You will see Piazza Santa Croce, beautiful Piazza Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, Loggia dei Lanzi, and the impressive Piazza del Duomo with its cathedral housing the Giotto Campanile, and the magnificent East Door of the Baptistry, known as the “Gate of Paradise.” Later, a short drive delivers you to the spa town of Montecatini for an overnight. (B,D)
Day #4 Montecatini–Parma–Venice Area. This morning, by way of Cisa Pass, head for Parma in the Emilia-Romagna region, made famous by its ham and parmesan cheese. Included sightseeing with a Local Guide introduces you to the city’s hidden treasures. Later, continue into the farmland of the Po Valley for two overnights in the Venice area. (B)
Day #5 Venice Area. Venice is more like a marvelous film set than a real live city, with its criss-crossing canals, gondolas and water buses, arched bridges, palaces, and quiet little piazzas. The included orientation starts with a boat ride to St. Mark’s Square and is followed by time at leisure and a chance to watch Venetian glassblowers fashion their delicate objects as they did centuries ago. Don’t miss out on the quintessential Venice experience: an optional gondola ride along the picturesque canals with a local troubadour to serenade you. (B,D)
Day #6 Venice Area–Verona–Milan. Stop in Verona, medieval setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. See Juliet’s house and balcony, and stroll around the picturesque market square. Then, on to vibrant Milan, hub of Italy’s economic miracle and the capital of fashion. Enjoy a short city sightseeing tour with a Local Guide. (B)
Day #7 Milan–Italian Riviera–Èze, France–French Riviera. An early start this morning as you journey south with views of the Italian Riviera. Continue to France for a visit to a perfume workshop in Èze before traveling along the celebrated Côte d’Azur. An optional Monte Carlo by Night excursion with dinner is available. (B,D)
Day #8 French Riviera. Take the opportunity today to enjoy all that the delightful French Riviera has to offer. Maybe join an optional excursion to the picturesque hilltop town of St. Paul de Vence. (B)
Day #9 French Riviera–Avignon–Lyon Area. First, head to Avignon today for an included visit of the magnificent Palace of the Popes (audio-guide included). Then, on to Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for an overnight. (B,D)
Day #10 Lyon Area–Paris. Start the day with included guided sightseeing. Then, travel through the picturesque Burgundy vineyards and fields toward Paris, the French capital and “City of Light.” Tonight, don’t miss the optional cabaret outing—a true Parisian spectacle! (B)
Day #11 Paris. Included sightseeing with a local expert starts with an inside visit to incomparable Notre Dame Cathedral and then takes in many of the must-see Parisian sights: the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Opéra, La Sorbonne, Madeleine, the Pyramid near the Louvre, the Invalides, and Champs Elysées. Optional excursions to other famous Parisian sights are also available. (B)
Day #12 Paris–Loire Valley–Bordeaux. Start the day by motoring south along the Loire River to Amboise for a visit with a local guide to its splendid 11th-century castle that was a favorite of French kings. Continue through the Grand Champagne wine-growing area and head towards Bordeaux on the banks of the Garonne. (B,D)
Day #13 Bordeaux–Biarritz–Bilbao, Spain. Leave the Landes region. Visit Biarritz, an ancient fishing village turned trendy seaside resort, before crossing the border into Spain. Overnight in the Basque capital and port town of Bilbao. (B,D)
Day #14 Bilbao–Pamplona–Barcelona. Depart Bilbao this morning and stop in Pamplona, capital of the ancient Kingdom of Navarra, before reaching Barcelona, Catalonia’s lively and beautiful capital. (B)
Day #15 Barcelona. This morning’s included sightseeing with a Local Guide features a drive around Montjuïc to see the Olympic Stadium and a great panoramic view of the port and city. You arrive at the city center’s Plaza Catalunya and to Paseo de Gracia to marvel at Gaudi’s architectural masterpieces in the Houses Batlló and Mila and the Sagrada Familia (entrance fees not included). (B,D)
Day #16 Barcelona–Valencia. Pass through fragrant orange groves and charming seaside resorts past Tarragona and on to Valencia, known for having hosted the America's Cup in 2005. Join the optional excursion drive along wide avenues lined with fig and palm trees, and along the old quarter’s narrow streets past fine gothic houses and typical patios. (B)
Day #17 Valencia–Cuenca–Aranjuez–Madrid. Leave the coast and head inland, stopping in the historical towns of Cuenca and Aranjuez, situated on the Castilian Plain. Travel on to Madrid, the Spanish capital, with time to enjoy a relaxed evening. (B)
Day #18 Madrid. Situated 2,180 feet above sea level, the Spaniards say Madrid is the nearest thing to heaven. Guided sightseeing starts with a full panoramic drive by way of the Avenida Mayor, Puerta del Sol, Parliament Square, and a picture stop outside the Royal Palace. The optional trip to Toledo is most rewarding, too! The splendid setting of this old walled city above the Tagus was made famous in El Greco’s painting, and even now it’s like a great open-air museum. (B,D)
Day #19 Madrid. Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Hotels:
ROME Park dei Massimi (F)
MONTECATINI Plaza (F) or Bellavista (F)
VENICE AREA Poppi (F) at Mira or Smart Holiday (F) at Mestre
MILAN Ibis (ST)
FRENCH RIVIERA Park Inn (F) at Nice
LYON AREA Park Inn (ST) or Park Inn Mâcon (ST)
PARIS Forest Hill (ST) at La Villette
BORDEAUX Mercure Meriadeck (ST)
BILBAO Abba Parque (ST)
BARCELONA Porta Fira (F)
VALENCIA Abba Acteon (F)
MADRID Rafael Ventas (F)