Showing 2021 season
Overview
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This amazing budget travel adventure across the Mediterranean region includes an excursion to the famous Cinque Terre area, named for its 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. Get a taste of 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 is perfectly planned for value-minded travelers wanting a wonderful, yet affordable, Mediterranean vacation.
Small Group Discovery
Select Cosmos 2021 Europe tours are limited to an average of just 24 guests per tour. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Cosmos European tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery Europe vacation is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.
2021 Tour itinerary
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 and stop in one of the many bars to taste the famous tapas. Consider an optional trip to Toledo. The splendid setting of this old walled city 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. On to Valencia, Spain’s third-largest city, for a guided sightseeing tour.
Today’s Distance: 255 mi/ 410 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
VALENCIA–PEÑÍSCOLA–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 Montjuïc 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.
Today’s Distance: 354 mi/ 570 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
MARSEILLE–CASSIS–FRENCH RIVIERA
Day7
Capital of 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! Continue to Nice, and spend time at leisure to do as you please! 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 the areas of culinary excellence in the Po plains to reach the romantic city of Verona to 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 Basilicas 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, exciting, and absolutely unique! Start the included introduction to Rome’s landmarks from St Peter’s Square with a Local Guide. Enjoy a drive along the iconic landmarks of the city: the Tiber River, the Caius Cestius Pyramid, the Aurelian Walls and the Caracalla Baths, and complete the experience with a walk back in time from the Circus Maximus to the Arch of Constantine and to the fascinating Colosseum, symbol of the Roman Empire. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit the treasures of the Vatican museum and the Sistine Chapel on our optional excursion.
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.
NH Madrid Zurbano
First-Class
Set in the traditional district of Chamberì, very close to Paseo de la Castellana, one of Madrid's major streets and is surrounded by nice shops and restaurants. The Sorolla Museum and the Nuevos Ministerios financial district are reachable within walking distance and a nearby Metro Station provides good connections to the historic city centre. The hotel is split into two different buildings, offering 257 spacious, soundproof guest rooms, all equipped with stylish furniture and modern facilities, such as climate control, satellite TV and Free Wi-Fi. Other amenities include a 24/7 fitness room, with modern equipment, an onsite restaurant offering delicious Asian and meat dishes, while the all-day bar is a relaxed spot for a coffee or a quiet drink.
Location
Calle Zurbano 79-81, Madrid, Spain
Hotel Facilities
- Free WiFi
- Spa Services
- Business Center
- Luggage Storage
- Fitness Room
- Elevator
- Bar/Lounge
- Restaurant On-Site
- Laundry Available
Room Facilities
- Mini-bar
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Phone
- Desk
- Television
- In-Room Safe
- Climate Control
- Air Conditioning
- Cable/Satellite
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Hair Dryer
- Room Service
- Internet Access
NH Ciudad de Valencia
Superior Tourist-Class
Located in a quiet area, just a short walk away from the City of Arts and Sciences and the Port, where the Americas Cup takes place. This modern hotel offers 149 stylish guest rooms with parquet floors, which are air-conditioned and decorated in a contemporary style. Each room has Free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a work desk. Other amenities include a mini-gym, which is ideal to stay in shape and a nice bar cafeteria, serving local snacks.
Location
Avenida del Puerto 214, Valencia, Spain
Hotel Facilities
- Luggage Storage
- Bar/Lounge
- Business Center
- Laundry Available
- Free WiFi
- Concierge desk
- Elevator
- Fitness Room
- Currency Exchange
Room Facilities
- Television
- Internet Access
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Cable/Satellite
- Climate Control
- Hair Dryer
- Phone
- Mini-bar
- Desk
- Air Conditioning (Seasonal)
- Room Service
- In-Room Safe
- Air Conditioning
- Complimentary Toiletries
Catalonia Sagrada Familia
Superior Tourist-Class
Comfortable Hotel located 500 meters from train station, 2 km from city center & 20 km from El Prat Airport.
Location
C/Arago' 569 Bis, Barcelona, Spain
Hotel Facilities
- Free WiFi
- Business Center
- Concierge desk
- Laundry Available
- Luggage Storage
- Elevator
- Currency Exchange
- Gift Shop
- Parking/Valet
- Restaurant On-Site
- Bar/Lounge
Room Facilities
- Cable/Satellite
- Air Conditioning
- Desk
- Hair Dryer
- Phone
- Non-smoking Rooms
- In-Room Safe
- Smoking Rooms
- Television
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Internet Access
- Room Service
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
- Bar/Lounge
- Luggage Storage
- Parking/Valet
- Restaurant On-Site
- Business Center
- Elevator
- Free WiFi
- Gift Shop
Room Facilities
- Air Conditioning
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Television
- Cable/Satellite
- Air Conditioning (Seasonal)
- Wake-Up Calls
- Desk
- Phone
- Complimentary Newspaper
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Internet Access
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Smoking Rooms
- Hair Dryer
- Window Opens
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
- Business Center
- Restaurant On-Site
- Luggage Storage
- Free WiFi
- Parking/Valet
- Elevator
Room Facilities
- Desk
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Window Opens
- Internet Access
- Phone
- In-Room Safe
- Hair Dryer
- Air Conditioning
- Climate Control
- Television
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
- Laundry Available
- Restaurant On-Site
- Luggage Storage
- Business Center
- Elevator
- Concierge desk
- Currency Exchange
Room Facilities
- Phone
- Room Service
- Mini-bar
- Hair Dryer
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Air Conditioning
- Smoking Rooms
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Cable/Satellite
- Television
- Internet Access
- In-Room Safe
- Alarm Clock
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
- Bar/Lounge
- Concierge desk
- Restaurant On-Site
- Elevator
- Parking/Valet
- Free WiFi
- Ice Machine
- Laundry Available
- Business Center
- Luggage Storage
Room Facilities
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- In-Room Safe
- Air Conditioning
- Climate Control
- Room Service
- Wake-Up Calls
- Hair Dryer
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Phone
- Alarm Clock
- Cable/Satellite
- Internet Access
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Mini-bar
- Television
- Window Opens
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Desk
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
- Restaurant On-Site
- Concierge desk
- Laundry Available
- Ice Machine
- Parking/Valet
- Bar/Lounge
- Business Center
- Fitness Room
- Luggage Storage
- Currency Exchange
- Gift Shop
- Elevator
Room Facilities
- Air Conditioning
- Wake-Up Calls
- Television
- Window Opens
- Complimentary Newspaper
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Desk
- Cable/Satellite
- Phone
- Mini-bar
- Hair Dryer
- In-Room Safe
- Alarm Clock
- Room Service
- Internet Access
- Disabled Access / Rooms
