From Rome to Barcelona Adventure - 11 Days

Upon arrival in Rome, we will provide your transfer to the hotel, where you can take some time to unwind or explore at your own pace. Later in the afternoon, essential information regarding the start of your tour will be readily available on the boards in the hotel reception area. Please be aware that throughout the tour, there may be occasions where travellers join or depart at different stages. However, our group size will always remain within the maximum limit to ensure a comfortable experience for everyone. Enjoy your introduction to this enchanting city. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

On the second day of our journey, we embark on a three-hour guided exploration of Rome, a city steeped in history and influence. Our adventure begins with a walking tour through the heart of Imperial Rome, complemented by a panoramic bus journey, offering a comprehensive overview of this ancient metropolis. We will visit renowned landmarks including the Arch of Constantine, the outer walls of the Colosseum, the Imperial Forums, Circus Maximus, the Baths of Caracalla, the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, the Pyramid of Cestius, and the impressive Castel Sant'Angelo. Our tour concludes in Vatican City at approximately 11:00 a.m. Here, you have the option to join a further exploration of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel with our guide. Later in the day, we will transfer you to the bustling Trastevere district, celebrated for its charming restaurants and vibrant atmosphere. We return to the hotel around 8:30 p.m.

Today's itinerary allows you the freedom to explore Rome at your own pace. Make the most of your day by choosing an optional excursion: during the months from April to October, you might opt for a visit to the enchanting island of Capri, known for its stunning landscapes and famous Blue Grotto. Alternatively, from November to March, consider an excursion to Naples and the ancient ruins of Pompeii, where you'll delve into the rich history of this fascinating archaeological site. Whether you choose to venture out or linger in Rome, the day is yours to create memorable experiences.

Today, we embark on a delightful journey through the picturesque region of Umbria. Our first destination is Orvieto, a medieval city perched spectacularly atop a flat hill. Before making our way into the city, we'll take a moment at its viewpoint to soak in the breathtaking scenery. We'll then ascend the escalators connecting the lower part of the town to the medieval centre. Here, we'll admire the magnificent cathedral, a masterpiece of Italian Gothic architecture.

Our journey then continues to Castiglione del Lago, a charming town nestled along the shores of Lake Trasimeno. You will have some leisurely time here to wander and enjoy lunch at your own pace. After lunch, we set off for Siena in the famed region of Tuscany, known for its iconic Piazza del Campo and the stunning Duomo. We'll spend our afternoon exploring the captivating sights of this historic city.

Today we bid farewell to Siena and make our way to Monteriggioni, a captivating medieval village renowned for its cobbled streets and ancient fortifications. Immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere before we continue our journey to San Gimignano. Known for its striking skyline dominated by tall medieval towers, this charming town invites exploration. After lunch, we'll proceed to Florence, the vibrant capital of Tuscany, arriving in the early afternoon. We suggest spending your afternoon visiting either the Uffizi Gallery or the Accademia Gallery (please note both are closed on Mondays) to admire world-class art collections. To conclude the day, you'll enjoy a traditional local meal, offering an authentic taste of the region.

Today, we start our exploration of Florence with a photo opportunity at the Michelangelo viewpoint, offering some of the most spectacular views of the city. From here, we stroll into the historic city centre for a guided tour of Tuscany's capital, a city acclaimed worldwide as the cradle of the Renaissance. Florence has been a source of inspiration for many renowned artists and thinkers, including Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Raphael. Our tour will showcase the majestic Gothic Cathedral, known as the Duomo di Firenze, the ancient stone bridge Ponte Vecchio with its array of goldsmith shops, and Piazza della Signoria, the city's political hub, which houses the medieval town hall. Following the tour, you'll have some free time to explore. Please remember, comfortable footwear is advised for today's exploration of Florence.

We leave Florence and head towards Pisa, where you'll have the opportunity to admire the famous Leaning Tower and the impressive collection of architectural landmarks surrounding it. Our voyage continues through the stunning landscapes of the Italian Riviera, leading us to Sestri Levante, a delightful coastal town. Here, you can enjoy lunch and a leisurely stroll while soaking in the charm of this seaside retreat. Our journey then takes us to the French Riviera, arriving in Monte Carlo by mid-afternoon. You might want to explore its renowned historic casino before we proceed to Nice, where we are expected to arrive around 8:00 p.m. Please note that during this portion of the trip, there may be instances where the guide's English fluency is limited.

Today, we will delve into the scenic beauty of the Cote d'Azur and the Mediterranean coast. After breakfast, we embark on a short panoramic tour of Nice, driving along the renowned Promenade des Anglais, which offers spectacular coastal views. Our route takes us through Massena Square, the bustling heart of Nice, and past the charming old port.

We then continue to Sainte-Maxime, a delightful seaside town where you'll have the opportunity to meander through its historic centre and admire the picturesque port, complete with the 16th-century Square Tower. From here, we embark on a scenic boat journey across the sparkling bay to reach Saint-Tropez. Once a humble fishing village, its harbour now dazzles with opulent yachts. You will have time here to explore and savour lunch.

In the afternoon, our journey leads us to Marseille, France's second-largest city, where we will explore the vibrant Vieux Port (Old Port), a historic hub of activity in the city.

Today, we delve into the captivating region of Provence. Our first destination is the charming town of Aix-en-Provence, famously the birthplace of the painter Paul Cezanne. You'll have time to meander through its delightful historic centre, characterised by winding narrow streets, enchanting fountains, and atmospheric squares. Following this, we journey to Avignon, a city on the banks of the Rhone once known as the "second Rome" due to its historical significance as the seat of Catholic popes. Here, you can enjoy a leisurely walk and perhaps take lunch amid its historic setting, with the imposing Palace of the Popes as a notable landmark. Next, we'll make our way to the Pont du Gard, where you'll have admission included to witness this extraordinary Roman aqueduct, an architectural marvel designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As the day concludes, we continue our travels towards Catalonia, arriving in the vibrant city of Barcelona by evening.

This morning, we will set off on a panoramic tour of Barcelona, one of Europe's most captivating capitals. Nestled along the Mediterranean, Barcelona is celebrated for its stunning modernist architecture by the legendary Gaudi, its vibrant avenue known as Las Ramblas, and its rich historical tapestry marked by the Universal Exposition and the Olympics. In the afternoon, you are free to explore the city at your own pace. As evening falls, we will transfer you to Maremagnum. This contemporary entertainment and dining hub, located by the sea near Plaza de Colon, offers a vibrant atmosphere with an array of dining choices, perfect for a leisurely night out.

Following breakfast, our journey in Barcelona concludes, leaving you with cherished memories to remember.