Mediterranean Coastal Journey: Spain, France & Italy

You’re on your way to the Mediterranean coast for a journey connecting the Spanish, French and Italian Rivieras. From chameleonic Barcelona to sun-kissed Nice; from glamorous Monaco to the rolling hills of the Chianti countryside, embark on a coastal journey combining rich scenery, art, culture, food, and wine.
Hotel Name: H10 Art Gallery

Welcome to the Mediterranean coast. Begin your journey in the spirited city of Barcelona, famed for its exceptional architecture and vibrant culinary scene. Settle in for a 3-night stay in this cosmopolitan city. Tonight, meet your fellow travelers over a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Dinner Included

Visit Area: Barcelona
Barcelona is an enchanting seaside city with boundless culture, fabled architecture and a world-class drinking and dining scene. Barcelona's architectural treasures span 2,000-plus years. Towering temple columns, ancient city walls and subterranean stone corridors provide a window into Roman-era Barcino. Fast forward a thousand years to the Middle Ages by taking a stroll through the shadowy lanes of the Gothic quarter, past tranquil plazas and soaring 14th-century cathedrals. In other parts of town bloom the sculptural masterpieces of Modernisme, a mix of ingenious and whimsical creations by Gaudí and his Catalan architectural contemporaries for which this city is so well known. Barcelona has also long-inspired artists, including the likes of Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró, whose works are in bold display in the city's myriad museums.

This morning, explore the ever-changing Catalonian capital as it was meant to be explored – on foot. Ramble along the bustling La Rambla boulevard, famous for its street artists and performers. Wander along the Gothic Quarter’s labyrinthine streets and delve into one of Barcelona’s lively food markets. This afternoon, gain a different perspective on Barcelona during a panoramic tour showcasing the expansive Plaça de Catalunya and the Columbus Monument. End at the hilltop Parc Güell (UNESCO), an enormous garden with stunning and distinct architectural elements designed by the renowned Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí.

Breakfast Included

Visit Area: La Casa Batlló

The day is yours to explore the city. You may want to visit Gaudi most famous work at La Sagrada Familia.* Perhaps visit Palau de la Musica Catalana, one of the most emblematic works of Catalan modernism right in the heart of Barcelona? Or walk through Poble Espayol, where you will find representative examples of popular Spanish architecture and some great local food! However you choose to spend your day, gather in the afternoon to visit Casa Batlló. Locally known as the House of Bones, this is one of Gaudí's masterpieces. As the day draws to a close, dine on traditional Catalan specialties at a farmhouse turned restaurant.

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Hotel Name: Park Hotel San Jorge

Visit Area: Parc Guell
Parc Guell is a park located on Carmel Hill in Barcelona, Spain. It is comprised of gardens and other architectural elements. The park was designed between 1900 and 1914, and was officially opened as a public park in 1926. Designed by famous architect Antoni Gaudí, Parc Guell is famous for its intricate stone structures, fascinating buildings and stunning tiling. The focal point of the park in the main terrace, which overlooks the city. This terrace features a long bench in the form of a sea serpent, and the wall of the back of the bench is made up of intricate tile work.

Set out for Girona, a medieval town known for its atmospheric Old Quarter. Explore the Barri Vell in the company of a local guide and enjoy some free time to stroll along its riverbanks. Admire Girona’s colorful houses before heading to the Catalonian coast for a 2-night stay at a seaside hotel. Costa Brava is an incredibly alluring place, and the perfect region to spend your days relaxing in your sea-view room or exploring its secluded coves and beaches. This evening, relax over dinner at your hotel.

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Visit Area: Costa Brava

Take in the Spanish coastline during a coastal walk between the charming villages of Calella de Palafrugell and Llafranc. Then, travel to nearby Figueres, where the surreal outside architecture of the Dalí Theatre-Museum matches the artist’s legendary works inside.

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Hotel Name: NH Collection

Admittance: Choice on Tour: Cosquer Cave Museum or Cathedral de la Major
While in Marseille, you’ll have the choice between 2 activities. For your first choice, delve into the area’s prehistoric past with a visit to the Cosquer Cave, an outstanding example of primitive rock art admirably replicated in the Villa Méditerranée museum. Your second choice is to discover the awe-inspiring Cathedral de la Major. Towering above the waterfront, this grand 19th-century basilica is a masterpiece of Romano-Byzantine architecture, with its striped stone façade, majestic domes, and richly adorned interiors. With a local guide, uncover the cathedral's storied past and its prominent place in Marseille's spiritual and cultural landscape. Cosquer Cave Museum Activity Level: 2 Travelers selecting this choice will access the reproduction of the cave via automated motorized vehicles with seats. The time in the cave will be approximately 30 minutes during which they will be able to admire the exact reproductions of prehistoric cave paintings. Each traveler will receive an audioguide for the duration of the visit. The total visiting time is approximately 1 hour, 45 minutes. Cathedral de La Major Activity Level: 2 Travelers will continue with the local guide and visit the cathedral. The activity is approximately 35 minutes.

Bid adiós to Spain this morning as you cross into France during a full-day transfer. Along the way, pause at the Abbey of Fontfroide founded almost 10 centuries ago. Explore its tumultuous history during a guided visit that concludes with lunch and a taste of its locally produced wine. Check into your hotel in the early evening and make yourself at home in multicultural Marseille, France’s second-largest city. Tonight, gather for an Impact Moment that comes in the form of dinner at a socially responsible restaurant that uses its profits to provide meals to the impoverished for a symbolic cost.

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Admittance: Impact Moment

Founded over 26 centuries ago, Marseille is France’s oldest city. In the company of an expert guide, explore Le Panier district, the city’s eminently walkable old town. Narrow lanes lined with flowers and street-art embellished facades suddenly open onto the blue waters of the Old Port, the city’s museum and cultural hub. The area was entirely rejuvenated when Marseille was elected European Capital of Culture in 2013. Then, it’s your choice! Delve into the area’s prehistoric past with a visit to the Cosquer Cave, an outstanding example of primitive rock art admirably replicated in the Villa Méditerranée Museum -OR- discover the awe-inspiring Cathedral de la Major. Towering above the waterfront, this grand 19th-century basilica is a masterpiece of Romano-Byzantine architecture, with its striped stone façade, majestic domes, and richly adorned interiors. With a local guide, uncover the cathedral’s storied past and its prominent place in Marseille’s spiritual and cultural landscape. The afternoon is yours. Perhaps you’ll venture to Cassis and take a scenic cruise of the Calanques National Park, or maybe you’ll join an optional excursion to a winery to learn about local production and sample their vintages.

Breakfast Included
Hotel Name: Hotel Apollinaire

Visit Area: Aix-en-Provence
The abundant springs that supply the "City of a Thousand Fountains" have given this unofficial capital of the Provence its name. Aix-en-Provence is excellently located between the Mediterranean, the French Riviera, and the Languedoc-Rousillon region. It has been the seat of a University for 600 years and continues to be a center of learning for the study of Law. The city retains a certain distinction due to its cultural life and its handsome 12th and 18th century mansions as well as Roman ruins and its medieval cathedral. Thermal baths, a picturesque fresh produce market and the lively artisanal craft and wares market highlight the city's many attractions.

Let the colors and light of southern France captivate you as you explore Aix-en-Provence. Acquaint yourself with the Provençale lifestyle by browsing the town’s food shops in search of the perfect olive tapenade. An afternoon transfer takes you to Nice, a coastal pearl known for its legendary opulence and balmy beaches. Join an orientation walk of the old town before setting off for an evening at leisure.

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Visit Area: French Riviera
The "Côte d'Azur" is that portion of the Mediterranean coast in southeastern France that extends from Menton in the north to Hyères in the south. The region is dotted with both large cosmopolitan centers like Nice, Antibes, and Cannes and smaller towns and villages lining the coast as well as straddling on precarious peaks and hilltops. The region is renowned for its glitzy towns and beaches where the rich and famous both play and hideout. The Alpilles shield the region from inclement weather giving the area mild temperatures year-round.

The day is yours to explore Nice. Perhaps you’ll stroll along the lively seafront Promenade des Anglais before finding your favorite café and soaking in the local life. Or join an optional tour of historic St. Paul de Vence. After exploring this charming walled medieval village, continue to Grasse, the capital of French perfume. Learn the secrets of perfume making during a hands-on workshop led by an expert perfumer, affectionately referred to as a nez (nose) before returning to Nice for an evening at leisure. This evening, savor a tasting menu highlighting the delights of the South of France.

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Hotel Name: NH Collection Genova Marina, Genoa

Visit Area: Monaco-Montecarlo

Bid au revoir to France this morning as you head to Monaco, the second smallest country in the world. On a walking tour, view the changing of the guards and visit the Cathedral of Monaco – the permanent resting place of Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace. Explore the tiny Principality on a panoramic Little Train** tour taking you across to Monte Carlo for views of its famous casino. Take in the coastal views as you cross into Italy during an afternoon-long transfer to the bustling port city of Genoa. In the early evening, settle into your hotel for a 3-night stay in the Italian Riviera.

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Visit Area: Portofino
Located in the center of the Italian Riviera, Portofino is a small fishing village turned playground for the rich and famous. The village is situated facing the sea and its small protected harbor. The village’s many colorful buildings boast many small cafes and designer boutiques.

Make your way across Genoa’s old town during a walking tour of this ancient Maritime Republic, once so affluent that it rivalled Venice. For lunch, savor flavors of the Italian Riviera at a local restaurant renowned for its cheese-filled focaccia and homemade walnut sauce. Later this afternoon, board a boat*** to one of the most glamorous spots on the Italian Riviera. Spend time in Portofino. Take in its colorful harbor, dotted with fishing boats and yachts set against a backdrop of pastel-colored buildings.

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Visit Area: Cinque Terre
The Cinque Terre is made up of five small villages that cling to the rocky cliffs of the southern Italian Riviera. Each village has its own unique charms with views over the terraced vineyards and the small beaches of the Ligurian Sea. The villages are linked together by trains, hiking paths, and seasonal boat service. From the north to the south the villages are: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare.

Spend the day exploring the colorful cliff-side villages of Cinque Terre.**** Take in the picturesque, rugged coastline dotted with terraced vineyards as you travel by rail. Make your way through this seemingly inaccessible string of fishing villages, nestled between the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea.

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Hotel Name: Hotel Borgo di Cortefreda, Chianti Countryside

Visit Area: Florence
Florence is the regional capital of Tuscany and home to countless Renaissance masterpieces. The city developed great wealth during the late Middle Ages and was the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance that produced great artists like Michelangelo, Raphael, Brunelleschi and many others. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with numerous museums, stunning architecture and charming piazzas. The city offers something for everyone from culture, to great food and excellent shopping (like their famous gold or leather).

A morning-long transfer takes you to Florence, the ‘Cradle of the Renaissance’. Home to Italy's best art and architecture, Florence is a work of art all on its own. Marvel at Ghiberti’s ‘Gates of Paradise’ and Brunelleschi’s imposing dome at the Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral complex. Take in the towering Palazzo Vecchio – the center of power of the Medici dynasty, before concluding your guided walking tour in the expansive Piazza Santa Croce. Enjoy an hour at leisure before savoring Tuscan specialties for dinner at a local restaurant. In the early evening journey further into the surrounding hills for a 2-night stay in the Tuscan countryside.*****

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Admittance: Truffle Hunting

Let a memorable epicurean adventure commence with a truffle hunt,****** led by a local expert and trained, truffle-sniffing dogs. Set out on foot through rolling hills and silvery olive groves in search of the elusive tuber-shaped fungi before sampling the results for lunch. Then spend time in San Gimignano, whose slender medieval towers stand tall over the surrounding vineyards. As the sun begins to set, gather with your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner at your hotel.

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Visit Area: San Gimignano
San Gimignano is a picturesque hill town in the central part of Tuscany. The town developed great wealth in the middle ages and was home to 70 plus medieval towers. Today, only a handful of the towers are still intact, but at least one is open to the public. The hilltop location allows for beautiful panoramic views over the Tuscan Countryside. The town is also home to shops that sell a variety of Tuscan goods from pottery to wine, cheese and wild boar salami.

Say arrivederci to Italy as your journey along the Mediterranean coast comes to an end today.

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