Barcelona to Rome

Hola! Welcome to Spain. Your adventure begins in Barcelona, famed for delicious Catalan cuisine, a ground-breaking art scene, Gothic architecture, and a non-stop nightlife. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm today. If you arrive early, there are plenty of galleries, cafes and historic corners to keep you busy. Gaudi's bizarre La Sagrada Familia Basilica is not be missed. As there's not much time in Barcelona, it’s recommended that you arrive a few days early. The heart of Catalonia prides itself as a gastronomic centre, so tonight, maybe head out for dinner with your group or go on a tapas crawl through rustic Catalan dishes in the neighbourhood of El Born.

Travel north by train and climb into the Spanish Pyrenees, which form a barrier between the Iberian Peninsula and the rest of Europe, to the small town of Ribes de Freser – your base for next two days, this low-key town sits at the confluence of three different rivers, Freser, Rigard and Segadell. The town is not only an important tourist centre in this part of Pyrenees, but it’s also well known for its mineral water and milk products. It’s also a great place to relax with the views of beautiful Pyrenees Mountains in the background. Tonight, perhaps head out for dinner with the group.

Today, enjoy stunning views from a cogwheel train ride into the Nuria Valley. This train line was first opened in the 1930s and connects Ribes de Freser with Queralbs, making a spectacular and magical snaking journey up to the small ski town and pilgrimage site of Nuria. It crosses viaducts, travels past dramatic cliffs, through tunnels, forest and waterfalls, finally arriving at 2000 metres above sea level after one of the most magnificent rides in the Pyrenees. Along with the cogwheel train journey, you will find time to stretch your legs on a hike in the scenic surrounds. Take to the hills for a day of hiking in the Pyrenees and be prepared for some steep ascents. Climb up through the forest to a fantastic viewpoint of the mountain peaks (weather permitting). Don't forget your camera, as the alpine scenery is spectacular. Return to Ribes de Freser in late afternoon. Tonight it's time for an included paella dinner.

Continue your adventure across the French border today with a combination of a train journey and private transfer to the medieval Carcassonne – this UNESCO World Heritage-listed fortress is the second most visited tourist site in France after the Eiffel Tower! This French city looks like it's straight out of a classic fairytale, famous for its 53 watchtowers and double-walled fortifications. The first walls were built in Gallo-Roman style with later additions made in 13th and 14th centuries, making it the biggest and most beautiful medieval construction in Europe. There’ll be plenty of time to explore the castle, ramparts and winding streets at your own pace – maybe see Chateau Comtal, a 12th-century fortress within Le Cite, for archaeological exhibits. Or take a tour of the inner ramparts. Tonight, if weather permits, watch the golden sun set over the landscape.

Leave Carcassonne behind and take the train into the French region of Provence, through heartland scenery that has long attracted the brushes of Impressionist painters, settling in the town of Arles. Once a provincial capital of ancient Rome, Arles is now famed for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh, which can be seen at the local gallery that takes his name. When you arrive, take a walk around the town and soak in the picturesque landscapes. Then, see the double rows of arches of the Arles Amphitheatre – an ancient Roman arena still in use after 1000 years. Later, maybe round off the day with a coffee or ‘pastis’ at the shaded terraces of the outdoor cafe that once paid host to the famous painter!

Enjoy a free day in the town of Arles. Perhaps follow the Van Gogh trail to see sites that the artist drew on as subjects for his paintings, finishing at the Vincent Van Gogh Foundation to browse the changing exhibitions of the Post-Impressionist painter. Maybe spend your day wandering through the Gothic architecture in the walled city where the Pope once took refuge, uncover an ancient Roman necropolis and theatre, or stroll past the multi-storey aqueduct. You could also head outside of the town to the Camargue Nature Park and cycle among pink flamingos in the sandy reed beds. The Antiques Museum, Arlaten Ethnographic Museum and Reattu Museum back in town also provide lots of culture to discover. Otherwise, simply relax by the Rhone River and watch the world go by. A wander around the town at night becomes an art history lesson, with scenes recognisable from famous artworks like ‘Cafe Terrace at Night’.

Take the train to Nice today – the star of the Riviera and a great base from which to explore the rest of the Cote d'Azur. Nice boasts both public and private beaches, with countless opportunities to relax. Your afternoon and evening are free but try not to miss the flower and evening markets on Place Saleya. Take some time to explore Nice’s Old Centre, walking its maze of staircases and lanes, Baroque churches and the famous Promenade des Anglais – a hot spot for street theatre and local artists.

This morning after breakfast, spend the day travelling by combination of public transport means across the Italian border to the once important naval base of La Spezia, now the gateway to the gorgeous Cinque Terre (the five lands). The name comes from the five tiny villages – Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore – whose position, wedged into a series of coves between sheer cliffs, makes it one of the highlights of the whole of Italy. When you arrive in La Spezia, there won't be too much time to explore, but after checking into your hotel you could get your bearings with a short walk around the pedestrian zone on Via del Prione to the gardens along the harbour, or head out for dinner with the group. After, you might like to relax and rest up before the walk along the famous Cinque Terre route tomorrow.

This morning you’ll venture out on the footpaths of Cinque Terre. These paths run between the villages and were once the only way to travel in the region. Walk through olive groves and vineyards and soak in the gorgeous scenery at every turn. After working up an appetite, take advantage of the foods of the Liguria region with a pesto class – focaccia is also a speciality in this area and makes a great start to lunch. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy at your own leisure. In the evening, there's no better way to recover from your day of walking with more indulgence in delicious Mediterranean food.

Depart Cinque Terre today and catch a train to Pisa – divided in two by the River Arno, the heart of Pisa is the Santa Maria quarter on the north bank. There'll be ample time for you to visit the world-famous Leaning Tower, as well as the Duomo (Piazza dei Miracoli, once the largest in Europe) and Pisa Baptistry. The tower was built in the 12th century, but its foundation was on shifting sand and clay, meaning that it now leans at an angle of 4 degrees (after restoration and stabilising work). Wander the shopping streets, from high-end boutiques to speciality book and antiques stores, and maybe have lunch and an aperitif in a backstreet restaurant before returning to the station in the afternoon and taking the train to Florence. After checking in to your hotel, join your leader for quick orientation walk. The rest of your evening is free to explore the city of the Renaissance.

Head out into Florence – one of the most culturally rich and beautiful cities in Italy, known to many as the beating heart of Tuscany. The Medicis, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Brunelleschi, Machiavelli, Donatello and Michelangelo all lived in Florence at the height of their creative reign. It's impossible to see everything in this Renaissance wonderland, so take your time and enjoy it. Maybe visit the Uffizi – one of the world's oldest art galleries – or walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo, set on a hill on the south bank of the Arno River, to take in beautiful views of the city. You could visit Michelangelo's David, housed in the Galleria dell'Accademia, and tonight, join the locals for passeggiata (a leisurely socialising stroll) between piazza Beccaria and piazza della Repubblica.

Leave Florence early in the morning by train for a day tour to Siena. Surrounded by olive groves and the vineyards of Chianti, Siena is one of the most beautiful cities of Tuscany. Wander the tiny alleyways and lively piazzas and search out the unique Piazza del Campo – a grand fan-shaped piazza built on the site of the old Roman forum, where the Palio horse race takes place (twice annually in mid-July and the end of August). Maybe visit the small but stunning Siena Cathedral and see the statue of the Capitoline Wolf, which was brought here by Romulus and Remus – the mythical founders of Rome. You’ll be back in Florence for the evening, which is free to enjoy as you please. Food is also a major part of the city's identity, so maybe explore some of the culinary delicacies on offer from across Tuscany. Regional specialities are noted for their simplicity and fine flavour, and the use of high-quality olive oil, cannellini beans and fresh herbs.

In the morning, take the train to Rome. ‘When in Rome,’ join your leader on an orientation walk around the city, where you can see some of the iconic sites like the Colosseum (one of the Seven Wonders of the World) and Arch of Constantine, the Forum (centre of ancient Rome), the Victor Emmanuel Monument, the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, Spanish Steps, Via Dei Condotti and Piazza Venezia. No visit would be complete without a trip to Vatican City and St Peter's Basilica, so check with your leader for options and tips on how to fit that in. Rome is packed full of restaurants and trattorias that cater to every taste and budget, too. Eating in trattorias will give you a chance to sample some Italian wines, usually very affordable and of a high quality. You may like to head out with your group for an optional farewell celebration this evening.

Your adventure comes to an end this morning. There are no activities planned for today and you're free to depart the accommodation at any time. As there is so much to see in Rome, it’s recommended that you stay a little longer. If you need to book additional accommodation, just speak to your booking agent at the time of booking.