DAY 1 – BARCELONA, SPAIN
Visit the magnificent Gothic cathedral and the amazing La Sagrada Familia, Antoni Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece. Enjoy the lovely Montjuic Gardens, Gaudí’s other fabulous structures, the charming squares of the old Gothic Quarter and the Ramblas, Barcelona’s famed downtown promenade. Or visit beautiful Montserrat and its monastery in a breathtaking setting high in the mountains.
Meals Included: Dinner
DAY 2 – PALAMOS, SPAIN
Located on the eastern shores of Spain’s Costa Brava, Palamos is a small and walkable city with beautiful beaches and a lovely promenade lined with restaurants and cafés. Learn about the history and the art of fishing at the popular Fishing Museum. Travel outside the city to visit the renowned Dali Museum, where the museum itself is as much of an attraction as the works of Salvador Dali that adorn its walls.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3 – PROVENCE (MARSEILLE), FRANCE
See the sights and enjoy the views of historic old Marseille and visit the charming fishing port of Cassis. Or venture into the celebrated Provençal countryside with its fields of lavender and sunflowers. Explore lovely Aix or stroll through Avignon and its Papal Palace and the hilltop village of Les Baux.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4 – CANNES, FRANCE
The quintessential Côte d’Azur resort town, Cannes has long been a playground for the rich and famous. Its epicenter is La Croisette, a boutique-lined boulevard with a legendary seven-mile beach. While it’s easy to spend a day here people-watching, be sure to venture up Susquet Hill and wander the winding streets of the old town. The 12th century Chapel of St. Anne and the eclectic collection of art in the Museum of the Castre will be of interest. The hilltop also affords phenomenal views of Cannes and the Lérins Islands lying just offshore.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5 – SAINT-TROPEZ, FRANCE
Beyond the port, enjoy the exquisite hilly Provençal countryside and its charming villages with their narrow stepped streets, lovely churches and stunning scenic views. Visit a local winery or take a drive along the rugged coast and revel in the wonderful views of the beaches, the landscape, the islands and the magnificent forested ridges of the Massif des Maures.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6 – FLORENCE / PISA / TUSCANY (LIVORNO), ITALY
Spend a glorious day amidst the fabled architecture of this Renaissance city. See the Duomo with Brunelleschi’s dome, the famous baptistry, Michelangelo’s magnificent David, the bridge over the Arno and the astonishing Uffizi Gallery. Visit Pisa’s superb Campo dei Miracoli and its beautiful cathedral and famed campanile. Or enjoy the Tuscan countryside, Siena and San Gimignano, renowned for its medieval towers. Shopping: Find leather goods, lingerie, gold jewelry, Florentine mosaic, lace, marbled paper items, antiques and fine art. Dining: Savor the prosciutto, pecorino cheese and infinite variety of breads, cakes and salamis.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7 – PIOMBINO, ITALY
On the slopes of the promontory of Piombino overlooking the bay of Baratti, an archaeological park holds thousands of years of history in the remains of the ancient Etruscan town of Populonia. The historic center of Piombino seems relatively modern by contrast. Pass through the 13th century gateway and stroll along the Piazza Bovio, which stands on a picturesque cliff overlooking the Tuscan Archipelago. Hop a ferry to the nearby island of Elba to relax on the splendid beaches or take in the views from the garden villa where Napoleon was exiled.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8 – ROME, ITALY
Travel to Rome and revel in the magnificent monuments, from the ancient Roman Forum and Colosseum to the splendor of St. Peter’s Basilica with Michelangelo’s Pietà and his breathtaking frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. Or enjoy a drive through the lush farmlands of the Roman countryside to lovely medieval Castelgandolfo.
Meals Included: Breakfast
