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Mediterranean Highlights

Operated by: Trafalgar

13 Days from $2,876 per person
APR - OCT 2023
Gran Via at night, Madrid, Spain

Countries Visited

Spain, France, Monaco, Italy, Vatican City ...more Spain, France, Monaco, Italy, Vatican City

Locations Visited

Madrid, Zaragoza, Barcelona, Arles, Pont du Gard, Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, Monaco City, Nice, Cinque Terre, Pisa, Florence, Rome, Vatican ...more Madrid, Zaragoza, Barcelona, Arles, Pont du Gard, Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, Monaco City, Nice, Cinque Terre, Pisa, Florence, Rome, Vatican
  1. 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. Join your fellow travellers and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception and orientation drive past some of Madrid's most iconic sites.

    meals Welcome Reception
    hotel AC by Marriott Cuzco
  2. 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.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel AC by Marriott Cuzco
  3. 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.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Barcelona Condal Mar Affiliated by Melia
  4. 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.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Barcelona Condal Mar Affiliated by Melia
  5. 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. 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'.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Avignon Grand Hotel
  6. Day 6 Venture through Pretty Provence to Nice Dive Into Culture

    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.

    meals Breakfast, Regional Dinner
    hotel Novotel Centre Vieux
  7. 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.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Novotel Centre Vieux
  8. 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.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner
    hotel NH Pisa
  9. 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 the Renaissance where we'll dine at our hotel this evening.

    meals Breakfast, Be My Guest, Dinner
    hotel Grand Mediterraneo
  10. 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.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Grand Mediterraneo
  11. 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.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Crowne Plaza St. Peter's
  12. 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.

    meals Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
    hotel Crowne Plaza St. Peter's
  13. 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.

    meals Breakfast
Mediterranean Highlights Guided Tour Map
Price Includes

Whats Included

  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • Optional Experiences and free time

Dining Summary

  • 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
  • 12 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Regional Dinner (RD)
  • 2 Dinner (D)
  • 1 Be My Guest (BMG)
  • 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)

Be My Guest

  • Florence: Enjoy an exclusive Be My Guest lunch at the Agriturismo Borgo Vigna Vecchia in the Tuscan hills.

Dive Into Culture

  • Aix-en-Provence: Explore the Provencal town of Aix-en-Provence which contains produce and treasures from local regions.

Iconic Experience

  • Madrid: Drive through central Madrid and see some of the city's famous features during an orientation with your Travel Director.
  • Madrid: See the highlights of the city with your Local Specialist. Visit the Old Town, travelling along the elegant Paseo de la Castellana, past the Cibeles fountain, Cervantes Monument and Royal Palace.
  • Zaragoza: See the impressive historic landmarks of this thriving Spanish metropolis.
  • Barcelona: With your Local Specialist, see Las Ramblas and the elegant Passeig de Gràcia to take in some of the city's finest Modernist architecture. Journey past the beautiful façades of the Eixample district to see Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the mesmerising Sagrada Família.
  • Arles: Hear more about the city that is famed for being the inspiration behind the Van Gogh paintings during a city orientation.
  • Avignon: View the Pont d'Avignon and walk the medieval narrow streets of the Old Town to the Palais des Papes.
  • Pont du Gard: See the ancient Roman bridges of Pont du Gard that cross the Gardon River.
  • Monaco City: See the cathedral where Prince Rainier and Princess Grace were married.
  • Cinque Terre: Led by your Local Specialist, visit this unique UNESCO World Heritage Site, tucked away on the mountainous Italian Riviera coastline. Admire the charming fishing villages and perhaps snap some memorable pictures.
  • Pisa: During an orientation, your Travel Director will show you the baptistery, cathedral and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.
  • Florence: Join a Local Specialist to view the multi-coloured marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. Visit the political heart of the city, Signoria Square.
  • Tuscany: View the stunning landscape of Tuscany on your drive today.
  • Vatican: Visit Vatican City and tour St. Peter's Basilica with a Local Specialist. Witness the early genius of Michelangelo as you take in the Pietà.

Must-see Highlights

  • : Explore Madrid, Barcelona, Cinque Terre, Florence and Rome with a Local Specialist
  • : Discover Arles, Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, Monaco and Pisa
  • : Visit Pont du Gard in Avignon, the French Riviera, Piazza della Signoria in Florence and St. Peter's Basilica in Rome
  • : 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
  • : See the Royal Palace and Cibeles Fountain in Madrid, Las Ramblas in Barcelona and the towns of Orvieto and Orte

Whats Included

  • : An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • : Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • : All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • : All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • : Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • : Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
  • : Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • : Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • : Optional Experiences and free time

Dates & Prices

Prices shown are per person based on two people sharing a twin room. To request a personalized travel quote, click "Request Quote" and a Travel Specialist will send your custom quote including airfare if requested.

Online Booking Process

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May 2023
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June 2023
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Optional Add-Ons

Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.

Madrid

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

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

Barcelona

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: € 88

Available on Day 4

Mystical Montserrat

Today, with our Local Specialist, take a drive to the enchanting and mystical mountain of Montserrat, with its breathtaking views and spectacular scenery. While there, visit the Benedictine monastery to view the famed Black Madonna. At the daily farmer's market, perhaps sample and purchase their homemade cheeses, honeys, and other local specialties.
Adult Price: € 46
Note: This optional involves reservation and entrance pre-payments. Cancellation within 24 hours will incur a 50% cancellation fee.,

Nice

Available on Day 7

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

Florence

Available on Day 10

Dinner, Wine and Music 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

Available on Day 10

Michelangelo's 'David' & Accademia

Enjoy an insight into the world of Michelangelo and his masterpiece, David. We'll visit the Academy of Fine Arts and its Michelangelo collection, where you'll learn all about the life and works of this immortal Renaissance genius through the expert commentary of our Local Specialist.
Adult Price: € 49
Note: This optional is subject to availability and involves reservations and entrance prepayments. If you decide to cancel this optional, a 50% cancellation fee will be incurred.

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 popes. We’ll also visit rooms decorated with masterpieces by famous artists of the Renaissance like Michelangelo and Donatello.
Adult Price: € 42

Rome

Available on Day 11

Piazzas and Fountains

Discover the most charming areas in the city with a Local Specialist. Wander through the labyrinth of narrow streets and beautiful squares of Rome's historic centre, leading to highlights such as the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon, as well as hidden corners of the Eternal City.
Adult Price: € 37

Available on Day 11

Roman Evening with Dinner

Spend a light-hearted evening with us in Rome. Relax and enjoy typical Italian cuisine with drinks and music. Afterwards, we’ll enjoy a drive and provide a glimpse into how Romans enjoy their city.
Adult Price: € 62

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 a time-saving entrance.
Adult Price: € 90

Reviews
Service
Vacation
Independent Reviews
Trusted Customer
Monday, November 5, 2018
Service
All the sights we saw were wonderful and our guide was terrific. This was a good way to see a little bit of 3 countries to decide what we would like to see more in depth. I would have liked some more free time.
Vacation
The optional dinners were quite expensive.
Jose Ferrer
Thursday, September 13, 2018
Service
Trent, the Tour Director, was exceptionally good. All we did was hop on the bus and everything is perfectly arranged. Trent made sure that our experience is memorable and unforgettable.
Vacation
I wish the Optional Experiences are already included in the original tour price.
Trusted Customer
Friday, August 18, 2017
Service
While not exactly GET's fault Delta is not a pleasant airline to travel with. The food was ghastly and the seats unhealthily close. It would help if when booking, Customers are asked if they would like to upgrade to better seats. On the other hand, the hotels were fine and the one in Juan Les Pins and in Rome were remarkably pleasant. There were mosquitoes in the hotel in Florence, so much so that blood was on my bed sheet in the morning. Initially the air conditioning did not work bur after a technician came, it did. TrypCondal Mar in Barcelona is located in a sub-par neighborhood and did not appear safe to venture outside the hotel. One fellow tourist had his luggage stolen from the hotel there. Perhaps other hotels could be substituted for these two in the future! As for the trip itself, it was fantastic and our tour director was par excellence. Altogether, an enjoyable experience.
Response from Grand European Travel:
We're sorry to see that your flights on Delta were not the best.  We always book the most direct flights available at the time you make your reservation, however we can always look at any airline if you have a preference.  The airlines to offer upgraded seats for a fee but we do not have access to those seats.  It's always a good idea to check with the airlines directly. Thank you for taking the time to write. We will be sure to share your comments regarding the quality of the Hotels on your trip with our Quality Control team.
Friday, August 18, 2017
Vacation
For the reasons stated above, I could not give this tour 5 stars
Trusted Customer
Monday, June 5, 2017
Service
The hotels were great and in good locations, the itinerary was all and more than I hoped it would be. A lot of thought and planning went in to the basic day to day experiences and the excursions were exceptional! Even the little treats, such as the "strawberry stop" showed us that Guisseppe really wanted us to experience the local flavor and culture. You could tell it was very important to him. Coming from an area of fertile strawberry fields here along the Connecticut River Valley( Massachusetts) those French strawberries were sweet and harvested perfectly...... and added smiles to a perfect day! All in all it was a great trip and Guiseppe and Michele, our driver, always made us feel safe and comfortable.
Response from Grand European Travel:
What a lovely story. Thanks so much for sharing!
Friday, June 9, 2017
Vacation
One thing I might add... If you considered the trip backwards...Placing Rome first because that's when people have the most energy... at the beginning of the tour..and Rome has so much to offer that we were running out of steam by the time we arrived there. BUT... it was a wonderful trip and the memories will last.
Jeanette Lawrence
Friday, June 2, 2017
Service
Giuseppe was awesome. Charismatic and knowledgeable. Not what I expected in a tour guide. Intellectual without being stuffy.
Vacation
The only thing I would recommend would be to do the tour in reverse. Madrid to Rome. Rome is so vibrant, you want to experience it when you are fresh. Madrid gives you a chance to layback.
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