Spain France & Italy 2009
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.
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
Free airport transfers Transfers on Day 2 at Madrid Airport will operate at 09.30, 12.30, 15.00 and 17.30. Passengers arriving later should make their own way to the first hotel. Return transfers on the last touring day will arrive at Rome Fiumicino Airport at 07.00 and 09.30.
|
