Mediterranean Coastal Journey Spain, France & Italy

Overnight Flight

You're on your way to the Mediterranean coast for a journey connecting the Spanish, French and Italian Rivieras. From chameleonic Barcelona to sun-kissed Nice; from glamorous Monaco to the rolling hills of the Chianti countryside, embark on a coastal journey combining rich scenery, art, culture, food, and wine.

Barcelona, Spain

Welcome to the Mediterranean coast. Begin your journey in the spirited city of Barcelona, famed for its exceptional architecture and vibrant culinary scene. Settle in for a 3-night stay in this cosmopolitan city. Tonight, meet your fellow travelers over a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Barcelona

This morning, explore the ever-changing Catalonian capital as it was meant to be explored - on foot. Ramble along the bustling La Rambla boulevard, famous for its street artists and performers. Wander along the Gothic Quarter's labyrinthine streets and delve into one of Barcelona's lively food markets pausing to savor a traditional paella lunch. The afternoon is yours. Perhaps you'll venture to the hilltop Park Guell or join an optional food tour of the Eixample district, interlacing Modernist architecture with tasty tapas.

Barcelona

Gain a different perspective on Barcelona during a panoramic tour showcasing the expansive Placa de Catalunya, the Columbus Monument, and Antoni Gaudi's Batllo House and Casa Mila building (UNESCO). Then, it's your choice! Visit Catalunya's National Museum of Art in company of a local guide -OR- hop on a cable car* and ascend the Montjuic Castle for bird-eye views over the bustling port. This afternoon, visit the awe-inspiring La Sagrada Familia** (UNESCO). Work on Gaudi's visionary basilica began in 1882, and is scheduled to be completed in 2026, on the 100th anniversary of the architect's death. As the day draws to a close, dine on traditional Catalan specialties at a farmhouse turned restaurant.

Barcelona - Girona - Costa Brava

Set out for Girona, a medieval town known for its atmospheric Old Quarter. Explore the Barri Vell in company of a local guide and enjoy some free time to stroll along its riverbanks. Admire Girona's colorful houses before heading to the Catalonian coast for a 2-night stay at a seaside hotel. Costa Brava is an incredibly alluring place, and the perfect region to spend your days relaxing in your sea-view room or exploring its secluded coves and beaches.

Costa Brava - Figueres - Besalu

Take in the Spanish coastline during a coastal walk between the charming villages of Calella de Palafrugell and Llafranc. Then, travel to nearby Figueres, where the surreal outside architecture of the Dali Theatre-Museum matches the artist's legendary works inside. After taking in the mind-boggling art of Salvador Dali, you'll continue on to the medieval village of Besalu. This evening, relax over dinner at your hotel.

Costa Brava - Winery Visit - Marseille, France

Bid adios to Spain this morning as you cross into France during a full-day transfer. Along the way, pause at the Abbey of Fontfroide founded almost 10 centuries ago. Explore its tumultuous history during a guided visit that concludes with lunch and a taste of its locally produced wine. Check into your hotel in the early evening and make yourself at home in multicultural Marseille, France's second-largest city.

Marseille

Founded over 26 centuries ago, Marseille is France's oldest city. In the company of an expert guide, explore Le Panier district, the city's eminently walkable old town. Narrow lanes lined with flowers and street-art embellished facades suddenly open onto the blue waters of the Old Port, the city's museum and cultural hub. The area was entirely rejuvenated when Marseille was elected European Capital of Culture in 2013. Then, it's your choice! Delve into the area's prehistoric past with a visit to the Cosquer Cave, an outstanding example of primitive rock art admirably replicated in the Villa Mediterranee Museum -OR- hop on a local ferry and discover one of the city's heritage trades during a visit to the museum of "Marseille" soap, which has been crafted in the area for over 600 years. The afternoon is yours. Perhaps you'll venture to the hilltop cathedral of Notre Dame offering panoramic views of the city or take a scenic cruise of the Calanques National Park, or maybe you'll join an optional excursion to a winery to learn about local production and sample their vintages. This evening's Impact Moment comes in the form of dinner at a socially responsible restaurant that uses its profits to provide meals to the impoverished for a symbolic cost.

Marseille - Aix-en-Provence - Nice, French Riviera

Let the colors and light of southern France captivate you as you explore Aix-en-Provence. Perhaps you'll visit the atelier (artist studio) of Paul Cezanne, frozen in time since the painter's death in 1906. Or acquaint yourself with the Provencale lifestyle browsing the town's food shops in search of the perfect olive tapenade. An afternoon transfer takes you to Nice, a coastal pearl known for its legendary opulence and balmy beaches. Join an orientation walk of the old town before setting off for an evening at leisure.

Nice

The day is yours to explore Nice. Perhaps you'll stroll along the lively seafront Promenade des Anglais before finding your favorite cafe and soaking in the local life. Or join an optional tour to historic St. Paul de Vence. After exploring this charming walled medieval village, continue to Grasse, the capital of French perfume. Learn the secrets of perfume making during a hands-on workshop led by an expert perfumer, affectionately referred to as nez (nose) before returning to Nice for an evening at leisure.

Nice - Monaco - Monte Carlo - Genoa, Italy

Bid au revoir to France this morning as you head to Monaco, the second smallest country in the world. On a walking tour, view the changing of the guards and visit the Cathedral of Monaco - the permanent resting place of Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace. Explore the tiny Principality on a panoramic Little Train*** tour taking you across to Monte Carlo for views of its famous Casino. Take in the coastal views as you cross into Italy during an afternoon-long transfer to the bustling port city of Genoa. In the early evening, settle into your hotel for a 3-night stay in the Italian Riviera.

Genoa - Portofino - Genoa

Taste your way across Genoa's old town during a walking tour of this ancient Maritime Republic, once so affluent that it rivalled Venice. Pause for a taste of the Italian Riviera at a local restaurant renowned for its cheese-filled focaccia and home-made pesto sauce. This afternoon, board a boat**** to one of the most glamorous spots on the Italian Riviera. Spend time in Portofino and take in the colorful harbor, dotted with fishing boats and yachts set against a backdrop of pastel-colored buildings.

Genoa - Cinque Terre - Genoa

Spend the day exploring the colorful cliff-side villages of Cinque Terre.***** Take in the picturesque, rugged coastline dotted with terraced vineyards as you travel by rail. Make your way through this seemingly inaccessible string of fishing villages, nestled between the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea.

Genoa - Florence - Tuscan Countryside

A morning-long transfer takes you to Florence, the 'Cradle of the Renaissance'. Home to Italy's best art and architecture, Florence is a work of art all on its own. Marvel at Ghiberti's 'Gates of Paradise' and Brunelleschi's imposing dome at the Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral complex. Take in the towering Palazzo Vecchio - the center of power of the Medici dynasty, before concluding your guided walking tour in the expansive Piazza Santa Croce. Enjoy an hour at leisure before savoring Tuscan specialties for dinner at a local restaurant. In the early evening journey further into the surrounding hills for a 2-night stay in the Tuscan countryside.******

Tuscan Countryside - Truffle Hunting - San Gimignano

Let a memorable epicurean adventure commence with a truffle hunt,******* led by a local expert and trained, truffle-sniffing dogs. Set out on foot through rolling hills and silvery olive groves in search of the elusive tuber-shaped fungi before sampling the results for lunch. Then spend time in San Gimignano, whose slender medieval towers stand tall over the surrounding vineyards. As the sun begins to set, gather with your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner at your hotel.

Tuscan Countryside - Tour Ends

Say arrivederci to Italy as your journey along the Mediterranean coast comes to an end today.