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Overview
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The highlights of this budget travel adventure across the Mediterranean region include an excursion to the famous Cinque Terre area, a name given to five medieval fishing villages on the sea. The area is noted for its natural beauty with terraces built into the mountainside on cliffs that drop down into the sea and for its breathtaking views.
You'll also spend time on the French Riviera, where you'll have the chance to visit a perfume workshop in Èze and time to explore on your own. Plus, enjoy stunning scenery as you drive along the most fascinating landscapes and visit cameo villages such as Cuenca, Collioure, Cassis and iconic cities like Verona or Barcelona!
Your Local Guides will reveal the must-see sights on your sightseeing tours of Madrid, Valencia, Barcelona, and Rome. See Rome’s iconic landmarks on the guided orientation tour, such as the Vatican and the Colosseum.
You’ll be introduced to Venice with a boat ride to world-famous St. Mark's Square.
In Marseille, France's oldest city, visit the Basilica Notre Dame de la Garde, which sits at the highest point in Marseille with stunning views of the city. In Assisi, visit the St. Francis Basilica, burial place of the saint and home to beautiful frescos by Giotto.
Designed by a team of experienced Tour Directors, this Mediterranean tour to Spain, France, and Italy has been perfectly planned for value-minded travelers wanting a wonderful, yet affordable, Mediterranean vacation.
Due to government travel restrictions in the Lombardy and Veneto regions of Italy, this vacation will have a modified itinerary temporarily to ensure its operation is smooth and safe. For details on any adjustments, please refer to the Travel Update & Policy page found on the home page.
Highlights
Guided sightseeing
CUENCA Visit
VALENCIA Guided sightseeing
PENISCOLA Visit the castle
BARCELONA Guided sightseeing
COLLIOURE Visit
MARSEILLE Orientation drive
CASSIS Visit
ÈZE Visit a perfume workshop
CINQUE TERRE Excursion
VERONA Visit
VENICE Canal boat ride, walking orientation, glassblower demonstration
ASSISI Visit St. Francis Basilica
ROME Guided sightseeing, see St. Peter’s Square
2020 Tour itinerary
Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable.
Total meals included:
- 13 breakfasts, 5 dinners
ARRIVE IN MADRID, SPAIN.
Day1
Check into your hotel. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers.
Meals included:
- Dinner
MADRID.
Day2
Not only is Madrid the capital of Spain, but because it is situated 2,180 feet above sea level, the Spaniards rightly say it’s the nearest thing to Heaven. On the included guided city tour, discover the main sights and end the tour with a walk in the Barrio de La Latina. Stop in one of the many bars for a TAPAS TASTING. Consider an optional trip to Toledo. 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 of Spanish history and art.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
MADRID–CUENCA–VALENCIA.
Day3
Travel southeast to Cuenca, perched high above the precipices of the Jucar and Huecar Rivers, famous for its “hanging houses” that are suspended over the Huecar ravine. Journey on to Valencia, Spain’s third-largest city, and explore the city with a Local Guide.
Today’s Distance: 255 mi/ 410 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
VALENCIA–PENISCOLA–BARCELONA
Day4
Today, visit PEÑÍSCOLA CASTLE in Castellon, built by the Knights Templar in the 14th century. The promontory on which the castle and town are located is a fine reminder of medieval times. Continue your journey through orange groves and seaside resorts past Tarragona to Catalonia’s lively and beautiful capital, Barcelona.
Today’s Distance: 236 mi/ 380 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
BARCELONA
Day5
Sightseeing with a Local Guide includes a drive around Monjuïc to see the Olympic Stadium and a great panoramic view of the port and city. Continue to the city center of Plaza Catalunya and to Paseo de Gracia to admire the greatness and eccentricity of Gaudi’s architectural masterpieces in the Houses Batllò and Mila and the Sagrada Familia (entrance fees not included). Spend the afternoon at leisure.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
BARCELONA–COLLIOURE, FRANCE–MARSEILLE.
Day6
Leave Spain today and cross the border into France to visit Collioure. This picturesque village is nestled in an idyllic place on the rocky Mediterranean coastline and is sheltered by the Pyrenees. Carry on to the oldest city in France, Marseille, for an overnight.
Today’s Distance: 354 mi/ 570 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
MARSEILLE–CASSIS–FRENCH RIVIERA
Day7
Capital of the Provence, Marseille was founded by the Greeks in 600 BC. See the city’s bustling ancient heart—the picturesque Vieux Port (old port), where elegant markets and handsome townhouses surround the boat-filled harbor. Then, head for the hilltop BASILICA NOTRE DAME DE LA GARDE, with stunning views of the city. Follow the coastal route toward Cassis, a small fishing port lined with cafés and restaurants, and stop to explore the town before reaching Nice. Later, why not join the optional Monte-Carlo-by-Night excursion?
Today’s Distance: 143 mi/ 230 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
FRENCH RIVIERA. EXCURSION TO ÈZE
Day8
Start the day with a visit to a PERFUME WORKSHOP in Èze. Later, spend time at leisure to do as you please! In Nice, dabble in the Mediterranean Sea, stroll along the famous Promenade des Anglais, or join our optional excursion to the artists’ town of St. Paul de Vence.
Today’s Distance: 19 mi/ 30 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
FRENCH RIVIERA–CINQUE TERRE AREA, ITALY.
Day9
Enjoy the wonderful coastal scenery along the French and Italian Rivieras as you travel toward Cinque Terre. Take the TRAIN in Levanto and stop in some of the most enchanting villages of the spectacular Cinque Terre region, where the beauty of the rugged cliffs and romantic fishing villages once inspired Lord Byron. There are several breathtaking trails carved into the rocks connecting the villages, affording dramatic sea views.
Today’s Distance: 205 mi/ 330 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
CINQUE TERRE AREA–VERONA–VENICE AREA.
Day10
Travel through areas of culinary excellence in the Po plains to reach the romantic city of Verona and enjoy some time at leisure. Continue to the Venice area, where you will spend two nights.
Today’s Distance: 273 mi/ 440 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
VENICE.
Day11
Venice is a city of unparalleled beauty and a feast of wonderful sights. Your 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 optional gondola trip, gliding along the picturesque canals with a local troubadour to serenade you.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
VENICE AREA–ASSISI–ROME.
Day12
Cross the Po Delta and head into the verdant Apennines to medieval Assisi. Enclosed by ramparts, little has changed since the Middle Ages. This is the town of the deeply mystical and poetic ST. FRANCIS. See the UPPER and LOWER BASILICA with the beautiful frescoes by Giotto, then head for Rome.
Today’s Distance: 342 mi/ 550 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
ROME.
Day13
The “Eternal City” is steeped in history, vibrantly alive and exciting, and absolutely unique! Included sightseeing with a Local Guide starts with St. Peter’s Square and Basilica. Other highlights are the iconic Colosseum, the largest amphitheater ever built, and Circus Maximus. An optional visit is available to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, world famous for Michelangelo’s impressive fresco of The Last Judgment.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
ROME.
Day14
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
Things to note
December 21 Departure – Christmas in Barcelona and New Year's Eve festive dinner in VeniceHotels
It may occasionally be necessary to use alternative hotels of a similar standard to those shown.
Elba Madrid Alcala
First-Class
Located within easy reach of the main attractions and just a 15-minute metro ride away from the city center, this contemporary 261-room property is the perfect choice for sightseeing and shopping. Its spacious rooms are all air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi access. Other amenities include a fitness center, a bar, and a restaurant. .
Location
c/ Alcala 476, Madrid, Spain
Hotel Facilities
- Free WiFi
- Restaurant On-Site
- Pool
- Luggage Storage
- Fitness Room
- Laundry Available
- Bar/Lounge
- Elevator
- Concierge desk
- Parking/Valet
Room Facilities
- Coffee Maker
- Desk
- Cable/Satellite
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Television
- Mini-bar
- Air Conditioning
- Window Opens
- In-Room Safe
- Smoking Rooms
- Phone
- Wake-Up Calls
- Hair Dryer
- Room Service
- Alarm Clock
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Internet Access
Sercotel Acteon Valencia
Superior Tourist-Class
A modern design hotel with 187 rooms situated close to the Port of Valencia and the city's top sights. Amenities include a gym, sauna and squash court. The perfectly appointed in-house restaurant serves Mediterranean specialities, there is also a café-bar with a piano and Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout.
Location
Calle V.Beltran Grimal 2, Valencia, Spain
Hotel Facilities
- Free WiFi
- Luggage Storage
- Business Center
- Restaurant On-Site
- Bar/Lounge
- Concierge desk
- Laundry Available
- Gift Shop
- Elevator
- Fitness Room
Room Facilities
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Hair Dryer
- Wake-Up Calls
- Phone
- Complimentary Newspaper
- Room Service
- Mini-bar
- Window Opens
- Cable/Satellite
- Internet Access
- Non-smoking Rooms
- In-Room Safe
- Climate Control
- Television
- Alarm Clock
- Air Conditioning
- Desk
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Air Conditioning (Seasonal)
- Disabled Access / Rooms
Abba Garden
First-Class
Spacious hotel located at the end of Avenida. Diagonal, next to the Hospital St. Joan de Déu. In a very convenient location, it is surrounded by wide open gardens. Ideal for making the most of free time and leisure, the hotel provides a whole range of business services.
Location
C/A Santa Rosa 33-37, Esplugas De Llobregat, Spain
Hotel Facilities
- Free WiFi
- Parking/Valet
- Business Center
- Elevator
- Pool
- Fitness Room
- Luggage Storage
- Restaurant On-Site
- Bar/Lounge
- Hot Tub
- Spa Services
Room Facilities
- In-Room Safe
- Television
- Air Conditioning (Seasonal)
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Cable/Satellite
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Smoking Rooms
- Hair Dryer
- Internet Access
- Phone
- Mini-bar
- Alarm Clock
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Room Service
- Air Conditioning
- Pay Movies
- Wake-Up Calls
- Window Opens
Ibis Marseille Centre Euromed
Superior Tourist-Class
Situated in the heart of a modern, dynamic district in the center of Marseilles this 192-room hotel offers a restaurant combining authenticity and variety with fresh ingredients. Also available is a bar with an outside lounge area to enjoy a hearty buffet breakfast with regional products during the summer.
Location
25 Boulevard de Dunkerque , Marseille, France
Hotel Facilities
- Restaurant On-Site
- Parking/Valet
- Free WiFi
- Bar/Lounge
- Business Center
- Luggage Storage
- Gift Shop
- Elevator
Room Facilities
- Wake-Up Calls
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Cable/Satellite
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Desk
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Smoking Rooms
- Window Opens
- Phone
- Complimentary Newspaper
- Air Conditioning
- Television
- Air Conditioning (Seasonal)
- Hair Dryer
- Internet Access
Ibis Styles Nice Vieux Port
Superior Tourist-Class
The hotel has 114 spacious, air-conditioned and fully renovated rooms and a paying enclosed car park.
Location
8 Rue Emmanuel Philibert, Nice, France
Hotel Facilities
- Restaurant On-Site
- Business Center
- Free WiFi
- Parking/Valet
- Luggage Storage
- Elevator
Room Facilities
- Internet Access
- In-Room Safe
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Climate Control
- Window Opens
- Air Conditioning
- Desk
- Television
- Hair Dryer
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Phone
NH La Spezia
First-Class
Facing the sea and located only a five-minute walk from the main pier, the NH La Spezia hotel in Cinque Terre is the ideal base for discovering the enchanting city of Cinque Terre, one of the main attractions of the Italian Riviera and La Spezia in Liguria.
Location
Via Xx Settembre, 2, La Spezia, Italy
Hotel Facilities
- Concierge desk
- Business Center
- Laundry Available
- Luggage Storage
- Restaurant On-Site
- Elevator
- Currency Exchange
Room Facilities
- Alarm Clock
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Internet Access
- Smoking Rooms
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Room Service
- Hair Dryer
- In-Room Safe
- Cable/Satellite
- Mini-bar
- Air Conditioning
- Television
- Phone
Poppi
Superior Tourist-Class
Situated on the Riviera del Brenta and founded in 1965,the hotel is still family run. hotel Poppi offers 100 rooms and a renowned restaurant.
Location
Via Romea ,80, Venezia-Gambarare Mira, Italy
Hotel Facilities
- Business Center
- Concierge desk
- Luggage Storage
- Free WiFi
- Restaurant On-Site
- Parking/Valet
- Bar/Lounge
- Laundry Available
- Ice Machine
- Elevator
Room Facilities
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Mini-bar
- Air Conditioning
- Desk
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Wake-Up Calls
- Alarm Clock
- Phone
- In-Room Safe
- Window Opens
- Cable/Satellite
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Television
- Room Service
- Climate Control
- Hair Dryer
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Internet Access
Pineta Palace
Moderate First-Class
The Hotel Pineta Palace is a 4-star hotel in Rome, located not far from Vatican City.
Location
Via San Lino Papa, Roma, Italy
Hotel Facilities
- Ice Machine
- Currency Exchange
- Restaurant On-Site
- Laundry Available
- Luggage Storage
- Fitness Room
- Business Center
- Elevator
- Parking/Valet
- Concierge desk
- Bar/Lounge
- Gift Shop
Room Facilities
- Mini-bar
- Wake-Up Calls
- Desk
- Complimentary Newspaper
- Air Conditioning
- Phone
- Window Opens
- Cable/Satellite
- Alarm Clock
- In-Room Safe
- Internet Access
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Room Service
- Television
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Hair Dryer
