Mediterranean Highlights
Mediterranean Highlights
$4550
Mediterranean Highlights
13 Days Starting in Madrid, Spain and ending in Rome, Italy
Visiting: Madrid, Barcelona, Avignon, Nice, Cinque Terre, Florence, Rome
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SPROZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Mediterranean with the "Mediterranean Highlights" tour, exploring the vibrant cultures and iconic landmarks of Spain, France, Monaco, Italy, and Vatican City. Begin your adventure in the passionate city of Madrid, then travel to the artistic heart of Barcelona, and discover the historic charm of Arles and Avignon. Experience the glitz of Monaco and the serene beauty of the French Riviera. In Italy, marvel at the colorful Cinque Terre, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Renaissance treasures of Florence. Enjoy a unique "Be My Guest" lunch in the Tuscan hills, and conclude your journey in the eternal city of Rome, with visits to the Vatican and ancient Roman sites. With expert guides, luxury accommodations, and a blend of guided tours and free time, this tour offers a perfect balance of cultural immersion and relaxation.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Madrid
Location: Madrid
Accommodation: AC by Marriott Cuzco
Accommodation Name: NH Collection Eurobuilding, VOCO Madrid Retiro
Meals Included: Dinner
Settle into the passionate embrace of fiery Madrid, your launch pad to an epic journey through Spain, France and Italy, filled with unforgettable flavors and soul-stirring encounters. This evening, join your fellow travelers and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception and orientation drive past some of Madrid's most iconic sites.
Day 2: Discover Fiery Madrid
Location: Madrid
Accommodation: AC by Marriott Cuzco
Accommodation Name: NH Collection Eurobuilding, VOCO Madrid Retiro
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 3: Journey To Gaudí's Barcelona
Location: Barcelona
Accommodation: Barcelona Condal Mar Affiliated by Melia
Accommodation Name: Hotel Barcelona Condal Mar, Affiliated By Meliá
Meals Included: Breakfast
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. Later, dive into the indelible sights, sounds and flavors of this enchanting city on your free evening.
Day 4: Explore Vibrant Barcelona
Location: Barcelona
Accommodation: Barcelona Condal Mar Affiliated by Melia
Accommodation Name: Hotel Barcelona Condal Mar, Affiliated By Meliá
Meals Included: Breakfast
Join your Local Specialist this morning for a sightseeing tour, soaking up the Mediterranean atmosphere of Catalunia's capital city. See the monument to Christopher Columbus and vibrant Las Ramblas, before stopping outside Antonio Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece, La Sagrada Família to admire its unique architecture. 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.
Day 5: Pass The Pyrenees To Arles And Avignon
Location: Avignon
Accommodation: Avignon Grand Hotel
Accommodation Name: Mercure Avignon Gare TGV
Meals Included: Breakfast
We journey via the foothills of the Pyrenees into France. Stop in Arles, where Vincent Van Gogh found inspiration for so many of his paintings, before a visit to the UNESCO-listed Pont du Gard Aqueduct. Later this afternoon we arrive in the Provençal city of Avignon, where we’ll view the Gothic Papal Palace and the bridge made famous in the song 'Sur le Pont d’Avignon'.
Day 6: Venture Through Pretty Provence To Nice Dive Into Culture
Location: Nice
Accommodation: Novotel Nice Center Vieux Nice
Accommodation Name: Novotel Nice Center Vieux
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Our journey today takes us through the picture-perfect fields of Provence, immortalized 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.
Day 7: A Day To Enjoy The Riviera
Location: Nice
Accommodation: Novotel Nice Center Vieux Nice
Accommodation Name: Novotel Nice Center Vieux
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 8: Onwards To Colorful Cinque Terre And Pisa
Location: Cinque Terre
Accommodation: NH Pisa
Accommodation Name: NH Pisa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 9: Off To Renaissance Florence Connect With Locals
Location: Florence
Accommodation: Grand Mediterraneo
Accommodation Name: Grand Mediterraneo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 where we'll dine at our hotel this evening.
Day 10: Uncover Florence’S Treasures
Location: Florence
Accommodation: Grand Mediterraneo
Accommodation Name: Grand Mediterraneo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Join your Local Specialist this morning for a sightseeing tour of magical Florence. View the multi-colored 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.
Day 11: All Roads Lead To Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza St. Peter's
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza St. Peter's
Meals Included: Breakfast
2025 marks a Jubilee Year, a momentous Roman Catholic event celebrated every 25 years, turning Rome into a center of celebration. As festivities unfold, itineraries may be adjusted to ensure you make the most of your time as you visit the Eternal City. 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.
Day 12: Discover Ancient Rome And The Vatican City
Location: Rome
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza St. Peter's
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza St. Peter's
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 travelers and Travel Director for an unforgettable dinner.
Day 13: Arrivederci Italy
Location: Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
What's Included
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
The tour includes the services of an expert Travel Director and a professional Driver.
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Accommodation is provided in cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted.
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included in the tour.
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
The tour covers all hotel tips, charges, and local taxes.
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Daily breakfast and up to half of your evening meals are included.
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
The tour includes must-see sightseeing and surprise extras.
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Audio headsets are provided for flexible sightseeing.
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Transportation is provided by a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.
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Optional Experiences and free time
The tour offers optional experiences and free time for personal exploration.
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On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
Hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized on occasion.
What's Not Included
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Personal expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Flights
Flights to and from the starting and ending locations of the tour are not included.
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Visa fees
Visa fees for entry into the countries visited are not included.
Dining Summary
- 5 Dinner (D)
- 12 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Dive Into Culture
- Aix-en-Provence: Explore the Provencal town of Aix-en-Provence which contains produce and treasures from local regions.
Mode of Transport
Travel in luxury with an air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi, or enjoy alternative transportation options like rail journeys, ensuring a comfortable and connected experience across the Mediterranean.
Accommodation
Stay in cherry-picked hotels such as NH Collection Eurobuilding in Madrid, Hotel Barcelona Condal Mar in Barcelona, and Crowne Plaza St. Peter's in Rome, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout your journey.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the Mediterranean Highlights tour?
The tour includes a 'Be My Guest' lunch experience in Florence at the Agriturismo Borgo Vigna Vecchia, where you will meet Sandra and Antonella on their historic family farm. Additionally, there is a 'Dive Into Culture' experience in Aix-en-Provence, where you can explore the town and shop for local produce such as wine, olive oil, herbes de Provence, and saffron.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.
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Are there any optional experiences available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional experiences available, such as a visit to the imperial city of Toledo from Madrid, a trip to the mountain-top monastery of Montserrat from Barcelona, and a visit to hilltop Saint-Paul-de-Vence from Nice.
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What meals are included in the Mediterranean Highlights tour?
The tour includes breakfast daily, up to half of your evening meals, and one exclusive 'Be My Guest' lunch in Florence.
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What are some of the key sights visited in Rome during the tour?
In Rome, the tour includes visits to the Vatican City to see St. Peter's Basilica, and a tour of Ancient Rome with views of the Colosseum and Circus Maximus. There is also free time to explore other iconic sites such as the Spanish Steps, the Vatican Museum, and the Trevi Fountain.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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