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Ease into lazy days and the locals’ love of life and good food. Sun-kissed days and sizzling nights are the main attractions on this Mediterranean trip bringing you coastal Spain, France and Italy. You’ll also enjoy lunch with sisters Sandra and Antonella on their Tuscan agriturismo near Vinci.
Ease into lazy days and the locals’ love of life and good food. Sun-kissed days and sizzling nights are the main attractions on this Mediterranean trip bringing you coastal Spain, France and Italy. You’ll also enjoy lunch with sisters Sandra and Antonella on their Tuscan agriturismo near Vinci.
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.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - AC by Marriott Cuzco
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.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Spectacular Toledo: Spain's Ancient Capital
With our Local Specialist, we'll visit the ancient capital of Spain, which sits above the River Tagus and is home to the nation's principal cathedral. We'll earn about Moorish and Jewish cultures, and how the area is famed for the production of Damascene work: intricate inlaid gold jewellery and craftwork. We'll also visit El Greco's masterpiece, The Burial of the Count of Orgaz, in St Thomas' church.
Adult Price: €46.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Dinner and Discovery in Downtown Madrid
Join us this evening as we scratch beneath the surface of some lesser-known aspects of Madrid's city centre. Then, we'll settle in for dinner, along with musical entertainment and finish up with a spin around some of the wonderful squares and fountains of magical Madrid.
Adult Price: €61.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
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 this evening or dive into the indelible sights, sounds and flavours of this enchanting city on your free evening.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Condal Mar
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 4
Explore Vibrant Barcelona
Join your Local Specialist this morning for a sightseeing tour, ascending Montjuïc to get your bearings and enjoy panoramic views of the city. See the monument to Christopher Columbus and vibrant Las Ramblas, before stopping at Antonio Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece, La Sagrada Família. 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.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Flamenco Spectacular With Dinner
Come and experience the passion and spirit of Spain at a spectacular flamenco evening. This modern interpretation of Spain's most famous entertainment is one of the best shows in town, and we’ve even included dinner and drinks.
Adult Price: €87.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Mystical Montserrat
Today, with our Local Specialist, we'll take a drive to the enchanting and mystical mountain of Montserrat, with its breathtaking views and spectacular scenery. While there, we'll visit the Benedictine monastery to view the famed Black Madonna.
Adult Price: €40.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
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 paintings, before a visit to the UNESCO-listed Pont du Gard. Later this afternoon 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'.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Novotel Centre
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 6
Venture through Pretty Provence to Nice
Our journey today takes us through the picture-perfect wheat and lavender 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.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Novotel Centre Vieux
First to the medieval hill top town of St. Paul to visit this artists’ paradise. We'll continue along the Riviera, travelling on the Basse, Moyenne and Grande corniche roads with their spectacular views, to a local restaurant, for a delicious meal including drinks.
Adult Price: €83.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
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.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
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.
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 the Renaissance where we'll dine at our hotel this evening.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Grand Mediterraneo
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Dinner, Be My Guest
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.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Dinner and Wine in the Tuscan Hills
This evening we’ll take a scenic drive to experience a fun and relaxed evening at a friendly, typical restaurant in the countryside. The chef will delight our senses with regional dishes, made with freshly-bought ingredients from the local farmers’ markets. Your delicious meal will be accompanied by excellent wines from the vineyards for which this area is so well known. In short, a Tuscan dream come true in an authentic setting.
Adult Price: €65.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Discover Palazzo Vecchio
Marvel at the legacy of the Medici as you visit Palazzo Vecchio, the symbol of Florence's political power for over seven centuries. With our Local Specialist we'll visit the wonderful "Hall of the Five Hundred", dedicated to the Medici dynasty. We'll also visit rooms decorated with masterpieces by famous artists of the Renaissance like Michelangelo and Donatello.
Adult Price: €42.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
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.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Crowne Plaza St. Peter's
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Roman Evening with Dinner
Tonight, spend a lively evening with us in Rome. After a short drive, we'll arrive at a characteristic trattoria to relax and enjoy a typical Italian meal, soaking up The Eternal City's unique atmosphere all the while.
Adult Price: €62.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Roman Treasures
With our Local Specialist, you'll discover the many delights that Rome has to offer by wandering through the labyrinth of narrow streets and beautiful squares. Developed over many centuries, they've created an amazing legacy for us today.
Adult Price: €33.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
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.
We skip the lines at the Vatican Museums for a tour with our Local Specialist that shows not just remarkable works of art collected and commissioned over the history of the Papacy, but also Michelangelo’s amazing ceiling frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. Later, we hear fascinating tales of gladiatorial combat and more on our visit to the Colosseum, again with time-saving VIP entrance.
Adult Price: €87.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
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. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
All optional experiences for this trip
Book with your travel director when you travel
Available on day 2
Spectacular Toledo: Spain's Ancient Capital
With our Local Specialist, we'll visit the ancient capital of Spain, which sits above the River Tagus and is home to the nation's principal cathedral. We'll earn about Moorish and Jewish cultures, and how the area is famed for the production of Damascene work: intricate inlaid gold jewellery and craftwork. We'll also visit El Greco's masterpiece, The Burial of the Count of Orgaz, in St Thomas' church.
Adult Price: €46.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 2
Dinner and Discovery in Downtown Madrid
Join us this evening as we scratch beneath the surface of some lesser-known aspects of Madrid's city centre. Then, we'll settle in for dinner, along with musical entertainment and finish up with a spin around some of the wonderful squares and fountains of magical Madrid.
Adult Price: €61.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 4
Flamenco Spectacular With Dinner
Come and experience the passion and spirit of Spain at a spectacular flamenco evening. This modern interpretation of Spain's most famous entertainment is one of the best shows in town, and we’ve even included dinner and drinks.
Adult Price: €87.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 4
Mystical Montserrat
Today, with our Local Specialist, we'll take a drive to the enchanting and mystical mountain of Montserrat, with its breathtaking views and spectacular scenery. While there, we'll visit the Benedictine monastery to view the famed Black Madonna.
Adult Price: €40.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 6
St. Paul, Coastline Drive and Provençale Meal
First to the medieval hill top town of St. Paul to visit this artists’ paradise. We'll continue along the Riviera, travelling on the Basse, Moyenne and Grande corniche roads with their spectacular views, to a local restaurant, for a delicious meal including drinks.
Adult Price: €83.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 10
Dinner and Wine in the Tuscan Hills
This evening we’ll take a scenic drive to experience a fun and relaxed evening at a friendly, typical restaurant in the countryside. The chef will delight our senses with regional dishes, made with freshly-bought ingredients from the local farmers’ markets. Your delicious meal will be accompanied by excellent wines from the vineyards for which this area is so well known. In short, a Tuscan dream come true in an authentic setting.
Adult Price: €65.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 10
Discover Palazzo Vecchio
Marvel at the legacy of the Medici as you visit Palazzo Vecchio, the symbol of Florence's political power for over seven centuries. With our Local Specialist we'll visit the wonderful "Hall of the Five Hundred", dedicated to the Medici dynasty. We'll also visit rooms decorated with masterpieces by famous artists of the Renaissance like Michelangelo and Donatello.
Adult Price: €42.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 11
Roman Evening with Dinner
Tonight, spend a lively evening with us in Rome. After a short drive, we'll arrive at a characteristic trattoria to relax and enjoy a typical Italian meal, soaking up The Eternal City's unique atmosphere all the while.
Adult Price: €62.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 11
Roman Treasures
With our Local Specialist, you'll discover the many delights that Rome has to offer by wandering through the labyrinth of narrow streets and beautiful squares. Developed over many centuries, they've created an amazing legacy for us today.
Adult Price: €33.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 12
Inside The Vatican & Colosseum
We skip the lines at the Vatican Museums for a tour with our Local Specialist that shows not just remarkable works of art collected and commissioned over the history of the Papacy, but also Michelangelo’s amazing ceiling frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. Later, we hear fascinating tales of gladiatorial combat and more on our visit to the Colosseum, again with time-saving VIP entrance.
Adult Price: €87.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
All Optional Experiences
The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Notepad Icon You must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to travel
Trip details
Trip details
What's included
Trip Summary Accomodation Icon
12 nights
Accommodation
Trip Summary Meals Icon
18 Meals
1 Be My Guest, 1 Farewell Dinner, 1 Regional Dinner, 1 Welcome Reception, 12 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners
Trip Summary Transport Icon
On-trip Transport
All transport shown
The Trafalgar difference
Connect With Locals
Enjoy an exclusive Be My Guest lunch at the Agriturismo Borgo Vigna Vecchia in the Tuscan hills.
Dive into Culture
Explore the Provencal town of Aix-en-Provence which contains produce and treasures from local regions.
Sightseeing highlights
Experience Ti Filled Icon
Explore Madrid, Barcelona, Cinque Terre, Florence and Rome with a Local Specialist
Experience Ti Filled Icon
Discover Arles, Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, Monaco and Pisa
Experience Ti Filled Icon
Visit Pont du Gard in Avignon, the French Riviera, Piazza della Signoria in Florence and St. Peter's Basilica in Rome
Experience Ti Filled Icon
View La Sagrada Família in Barcelona, the Papal Palace in Avignon, the Palace and Cathedral in Monaco, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio in Florence and the Colosseum in Rome
Experience Ti Filled Icon
See the Royal Palace and Cibeles Fountain in Madrid, Las Ramblas in Barcelona and the towns of Orvieto and Orte
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Experience Tick Thin Icon
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
Experience Tick Thin Icon
Optional Experiences and free time
Live, unedited & independent traveler reviews
Mediterranean Highlights trip reviews
Our guests are at the heart of everything we do, their feedback fuels our innovation, inspiring us to improve continuously and craft Simply The Best vacations. That's why we ask each of our guests to leave a third-party verified, independent review after every trip. As testament to our commitment we have been given the Trusted Service Award from Feefo, recognising we deliver exceptional experiences as rated by real guests.
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Diana Lynn Rex in WinnipegMy Account Icon
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Trip Rating
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4
We had a location change that was not expected. We were suppose to go to Nice and instead ended up in Cannes. Cannes was ok, but I wonder what we missed in Nice
Our guide was excellent, he was able to answer our questions and give us useful and helpful information. Bernie was also very caring to the members of the tour. Bernie was informative with information and stories of the areas that we were visiting. Our coach driver has some amazing driving skill in handling the most winding and small streets that I have ever seen.
William Tollenger Jr in Bedford, NHMy Account Icon
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5
Comfortable coach, most of the hotels were top notch (a couple were obviously catering to the businessman - sterile and austere), great selection of places to visit.
Madrid to Rome: Good itinerary, comfortable bus, great bus driver and really great tour director, ***************.. Bernie was knowledgeable, funny and super attentive to our well being. He was always there when we needed him.
A great trip to get the feel of the different cultures. Impressed!
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4
Loved the tour. Well thought out. Good tour director and great driver. Suggest that you change of the in Cannes. We were supposed to stay in Nice but the hotel was changed at the last minute to Cannes. Mediocre hotel and poor location.
Really nice trip. A good snapshot of Spain, the French Riviera, Monte Carlo and Italy. The travel director was really good and our driver was one of a kind of terrific. The local tour guide in Rome was amazing. Really impressed with the great overview of all the cultures.
Outstanding but group size was very big. Great driver & tour guide.
Trip Rating
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4
There was a lot of walking to all the sites and it would be helpful if it was mention as we pick tours. The bus seating was not great for those who have seat at the back of the bus. That’s it’s why smaller groups would be better. The prizes for the tours were expensive and some of the food was not very good.
Outstanding guide Bernie and driver Maurizio. Hotels not so good lots of Mosquitos, beds very uncomfortable and breakfast food was terrible. Need to have much smaller group size. Yes I would recommend to a friend but with the above comments.
Gratuities: You have the option to pre-pay the gratuities for your Travel Director and Driver. Please speak with your travel agent.
Drinking Water: Tap water is safe to drink in all of the destinations on this trip. Please remember to bring a water bottle.
Unless otherwise stated, trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA). Does not apply to trips operated by Inspiring Journeys & our Mini-stays.
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless traveling as part of a family group.
Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange your flights to arrive on or before day 1.
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Your selected departure date will feature some seasonal itinerary changes to what is displayed. Click 'VIEW ITINERARY' below to see full details.
Active Trip Details
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What is an Active Trip? This is an "Active" lifestyle itinerary, with walks and hikes most days. Hikes will range from easy/moderate to strenuous. No technical climbing skills are required but a reasonable level of fitness is required to make the trip more enjoyable. Understanding that not all people want to hike at the same pace or even on the same trail we will, where possible, host map orientation and then let everyone disperse to enjoy the trails best suited to them. What to Pack Guests should bring lightweight hiking shoes or boots, broad brimmed sun hats, sunglasses, layered clothing, reusable water bottle(s), a hiking day pack and hiking poles (optional)
Weather & Altitude While the itinerary is laid out below, we are at the mercy of the weather and so reserve the right to adjust the program as necessary. Please keep in mind that the higher elevations and possible variations in weather and temperature can increase the perceived level of difficulty of our activities. Elevation ranges up to 9,000 feet for Utah’s Mighty Five and up to 11,000 feet for California High Country Adventure.
Everyone reacts differently to altitude and so if you do have any health issues you should check with your doctor that this trip is suitable for you.
