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Day 1 - Depart USA
Overnight flight to Madrid
Day 2 - Arrive Madrid (2 nights)
Welcome to the capital of Spain, Madrid! After check-in you have the
chance to unwind and relax. This evening, we enjoy a Welcome Drink with
our Tour Director and fellow travelers.
Hotel: Rafael Ventas (2 nights)
Day 3 - Toledo excursion and Madrid sightseeing
First we enjoy an included excursion to Toledo, capital of Castile.
Here sightseeing with a local guide includes a visit to the synagogue, the
Church of Santo Tome and a steel workshop. Then we return to Madrid where
our guided tour shows us the Plaza España, the Puerta del Sol, the
Cibeles Fountain and Gran Via. Tonight why not enjoy a dinner of roast
suckling pig (Buffet breakfast)
Day 4 - Madrid – Barcelona (2 nights)
Today our Tour Director will reveal a special Hidden Treasure to us
all! But first 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 a Highlight Dinner in a typical restaurant. (Buffet breakfast /
Highlight dinner)
Hotel: Catalonia Duques De Bergara (2 nights)
Day 5 - Barcelona sightseeing and at leisure
Sightseeing with our local guide includes a walking tour of 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 the
Columbus' Monument and the Ramblas. Then enjoy some free time. Why not
take an excursion to mystical Montserrat to see the Black Madonna (Buffet
breakfast)
Day 6 - Barcelona – Arles – Les Baux – Aix-en-Provence (2 nights)
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 we head 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)
Hotel: Mona Lisa Sante Victoire (2 nights)
Day 7 - Aix-en-Provence orientation and at leisure
Morning orientation shows us the elegant Cours Mirabeau with its cafés
and 19th century architecture. Then free time to visit the colourful
markets or to 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)
Day 8 - Aix-en-Provence – St. Tropez – Cannes (2 nights)
Today an early start as we drive along the highway to the coast at 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, try
out one of the many restaurants and watch Cannes go by! (Buffet breakfast)
Hotel: Amarante (2 nights)
Day 9 - Cannes at leisure and 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 broad
Promenade des Anglais and the Place Massena. Time to shop in the boutiques
or to explore the fascinating 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 the renowned artists’
colony (Buffet breakfast)
Day 10 - Cannes – Monaco – Pisa – Montecatini (2 nights)
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 drive
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
famous Leaning Tower and cathedral in the Square of Miracles. There's time
here to snap some photos and enjoy a cappuccino before a short drive
brings us to the spa-resort of Montecatini in the Tuscan hills for two
nights. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Minerva Palace (2 nights)
Day 11 - Florence Excursion
This morning it's a short drive to Renaissance Florence where we will
spend much of our day. On our arrival enjoy a walking tour with a local
guide using our very effective audio system brings to life our visit to
the Santa Croce Basilica and views of Piazza Signoria, the Duomo and its
baptistery. Then time is your own to spend in this shoppers' paradise –
which is also a haven for lovers of art and architecture. This evening we
enjoy a Tuscan dinner in a rustic restaurant with a beautiful setting
amongst the olive groves. (Buffet breakfast / 'Be my guest' dinner)
Day 12 - Montecatini – Rome (2 nights)
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 this city's culinary delights at a
local trattoria. (Buffet breakfast)
Hotel: Aran Mantegna (2 nights)
Day 13 - Rome sightseeing and at leisure
Our sightseeing tour with the audio system includes a visit to St.
Peter’s in the Vatican, and views of the Forum, Colosseum and Circus
Maximus. Tonight we enjoy a Farewell Dinner together with our Tour
Director and traveling companions to celebrate the end of our tour.
(Buffet breakfast / Farewell dinner)
Day 14 - Rome - USA
‘Buon viaggio’ this morning to our touring friends and Tour
Director as our vacation comes to an end . Airport transfers are
available, conditions apply. (Buffet breakfast)
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