Mediterranean Highlights

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 dinner and orientation drive past some of Madrid's most iconic sites.

Join a Local Specialist this morning for a sightseeing tour of the Spanish capital, during which you’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.

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.

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 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.

Cross into France via the foothills of the Pyrenees and travel to the historic city of Avignon. See the impressive Gothic Papal Palace and the iconic bridge celebrated in the song 'Sur le Pont d’Avignon’. With free time to explore its atmospheric center, you can wander the medieval streets and settle into a cozy spot for lunch. Later, continue to the coastal city of Marseille, where you’ll stay overnight.

Travel through the landscapes of Provence, once captured on canvas by Van Gogh and Cézanne, and visit Aix-en-Provence, a town founded by the Romans. Here, enjoy a leisurely exploration and Dive into Culture as you browse for local specialties such as wine, olive oil, herbes de Provence and saffron. Then journey along the Côte d’Azur to the radiant Principality of Monaco, where you’ll visit the cathedral that hosted the wedding of Prince Rainier and Grace Kelly, then stroll the cobbled lanes of Le Rocher. Continue to Nice, your home for the night.

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.