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.
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.
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.
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.
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'.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Available on Day 2
Join us this evening as we scratch beneath the surface of some lesser-known aspects of Madrid's city center. 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
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 jewelry and craftwork. We'll also visit El Greco's masterpiece, The Burial of the Count of Orgaz, in St Thomas' church.
Adult Price: € 46
Available on Day 4
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
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. Additionally, at the daily farmer's market, we can sample and purchase their homemade cheeses, honey, and other local specialties
Adult Price: € 46
Available on Day 6
First to the medieval hilltop town of St. Paul to visit this artists’ paradise. We'll continue along the Riviera, traveling 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
Available on Day 7
Join us on a drive inland towards the mountains to visit the historic, walled hilltop town of St. Paul - an artists’ paradise. With our Local Specialist, we’ll continue along the Riviera, passing through glamorous Nice and traveling on the Corniche roads as you admire the spectacular views, before arriving at a characteristic restaurant for a delicious meal including drinks.
Adult Price: € 82
Available on Day 10
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
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: € 47
Available on Day 11
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
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, the Romans created an amazing legacy for us today.
Adult Price: € 33
Available on Day 12
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