Spain, France and Italy

14 Days
Featuring: Madrid, Barcelona, Aix-en-Provence, Nice, Florence, Rome

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Day 1  Depart USA Overnight flight to Madrid.

Day 2  Arrive Madrid (2nights) You are met at Madrid airport and transferred to your hotel. After check-in you have the chance to unwind and relax. This evening, we enjoy a welcome drink with our Tour Director.

Day 3  Madrid sightseeing & at leisure Today's morning sightseeing tour takes us to the Cibeles fountain, Puerta del Sol, Gran Via and the Cervantes Monument on the Plaza España. Then we drive to Toledo, ancient capital of Castile, where sightseeing visits the Synagogue and the Church of Santo Tome. We also will witnesses the Art of Damascene in a Toledo steel workshop before we return to Madrid mid-afternoon in time to do some shopping! Tonight, why not enjoy a dinner of roast suckling pig? (Buffet breakfast)

Day 4  Madrid – Barcelona (2nights) This morning, we drive through the gorges of the Jalon River and continue past Calatayud. Then our journey takes us via Zaragoza and vistas of the Montserrat on our approach to Barcelona for two nights. This evening, we enjoy dinner in a typical restaurant. (Buffet breakfast/ Restaurant dinner in Barcelona)

Day 5  Barcelona sightseeing & at leisure Sightseeing with our local guide takes us to the Gothic Quarter with its impressive Cathedral. We also see Gaudi's 'Sagrada Familia' plus many of his other eccentric masterpieces. Later, we'll view Columbus' Monument and the Ramblas. Then enjoy some free time. Why not take an excursion to mystical Montserrat? (Buffet breakfast)

Day 6  Barcelona - Arles - Les Baux - Aix-en-Provence (2nights) First we drive to the French border and the Camargue. From here we continue our journey to Arles where we visit the Cathedral of St. Trophime and admire the Roman arena. Then on to "Les Baux", France's mysterious fortified, hilltop ghost-town! Later, we drive through Van Gogh's St. Remy en route to Aix-en-Provence, for dinner and overnight stay. (Buffet breakfast/ Dinner)

Day 7  Aix-en-Provence orientation & at leisure Morning orientation shows us the elegant Cours Mirabeau with its cafés and 19th century architecture. Then free time to relax or explore. This afternoon why not take an excursion to Marseilles? Or maybe visit the nearby Luberon region. Your Tour Director will advise you on the best option according to the time of year. (Buffet breakfast/ Dinner)

Day 8  Aix-en-Provence - Cannes (2nights) Today an early start as we drive past the castle of Grimaud to St. Tropez. where there's time to watch out for the rich and famous before we cross the Mediterranean Sea by boat to Ste. Maxime, another elegant Riviera resort. Next, a scenic drive brings us to Cannes, where we see the Film Festival Centre and the Boulevard de la Croisette. This evening, we enjoy a dinner of Provencal specialities in a local restaurant. (Buffet breakfast/ Restaurant dinner on the French Riviera)

Day 9  Cannes at leisure & Riviera drive to Nice This morning, we drive along the coast through Antibes and Juan-les-Pins to Nice where our orientation tour shows us the Promenade des Anglais and the Place Massena. Time to shop in the boutiques or to explore the old town before returning to Cannes. The rest of your day is at leisure. Later, why not take an excursion to visit the medieval hilltop village of St. Paul de Vence? (Buffet breakfast)

Day 10  Cannes - Monaco - Pisa - Montecatini (2nights) First we drive to the nearby Principality of Monaco to see the Palace of the Grimaldis and visit the Cathedral where Princess Grace is buried. From here we are soon at the border with Italy at Ventimiglia and driving along the Italian Riviera of the Flowers. We continue past San Remo, Rapallo, Portofino and the quarries of Carrara to Pisa. Here we see its Leaning Tower and Cathedral in the Square of Miracles. Time for photos and a cappuccino before a short drive brings us to the spa-resort of Montecatini in the Tuscan hills for two nights. (Buffet breakfast)

Day 11  Florence Excursion It's a short drive to Renaissance Florence, where we will spend much of today. A guided walking tour with a local guide features a visit to the Santa Croce Basilica, Piazza Signoria, Duomo and the Baptistry. Then enjoy free time in this shoppers' paradise –which is also a haven for lovers of Art and Architecture - before returning to Montecatini for dinner and overnight. (Buffet breakfast/ Dinner)

Day 12  Montecatini - Rome (2nights) Today we drive through the Chianti wine-producing region of Tuscany and the Umbrian Hills bringing us to Rome - the 'Eternal City'. Your evening is at leisure. Perhaps discover the city's culinary delights at a local trattoria. (Buffet breakfast)

Day 13  Rome sightseeing & at leisure Today's guided sightseeing includes a visit to St. Peter's in the Vatican and a stop at the Forum to admire the Colosseum. Finally, we stop at the Circus Maximus where "Ben Hur" style chariot races were regular events! At leisure why mot visit ancient Catacombs or the Spanish Steps? (Buffet breakfast)

Day 14  Rome - USA "Buon viaggio" this morning as we transfer to the airport for our return flight to America. (Buffet breakfast)