Day 1: Arrive in Madrid, Spain.
Check into your hotel. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers. Meals included: Dinner
Day 2: Madrid.
Not only is Madrid the capital of Spain, but because it is situated 2,180 feet above sea level, the Spaniards rightly say it’s the nearest thing to Heaven. On the included guided city tour, discover the main sights and end the tour with a walk in the Barrio de La Latina and stop in one of the many bars to taste the famous tapas. Consider an optional trip to Toledo. The splendid setting of this old walled city was made famous in El Greco’s painting and, even now, it’s like a great open-air museum of Spanish history and art. Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3: Madrid - Cuenca - Valencia
Travel southeast to Cuenca, perched high above the precipices of the Jucar and Huecar Rivers, famous for its “hanging houses” that are suspended over the ravine. On to Valencia, Spain’s third-largest city, for a guided sightseeing tour.
Today’s Distance: 230 mi/ 370 km. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4: Valencia - Peñíscola - Barcelona
Today gives you a good introduction to Oslo, the country’s hub of trade and industry. Sightseeing with a Local Guide features the National Theater, considered the home for Ibsen’s plays; the unique Storting building, seat of Parliament; and the Royal Palace, residence of Norwegian monarchs since 1849. Stroll through magnificent FROGNER PARK with Gustav Vigeland’s extraordinary sculptures; and visit the CITY HALL, where the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony is held each year. Interesting optional excursions are available. Meals included: Breakfast
Day 5: Barcelona.
Trace the King’s Road, an ancient trade link between the northern capitals connecting Oslo, Stockholm, Turku, Helsinki, and St. Petersburg. Cross the Swedish border to scenic Värmland, beautifully described in Selma Lagerlöf’s Gösta Berlings Saga. Pass the ancient garrison town of Örebro and modern Eskilstuna, known for its stainless steel, and proceed to Stockholm. Meals included: Breakfast
Day 6: Barcelona - Collioure - France - Marseille
Leave Spain today and cross the border into France to visit Collioure. This picturesque village is nestled in an idyllic place on the rocky Mediterranean coastline and is sheltered by the Pyrenees. Painters such as Matisse, Derain and Picasso, have drawn inspiration for their paintings from these stunning views. Carry on to the oldest city in France, Marseille. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7: Marseille - Cassis - French Riviera.
Capital of Provence, Marseille was founded by the Greeks in 600 BC. See the city’s bustling ancient heart—the picturesque Vieux Port (old port), where elegant markets and handsome townhouses surround the boat-filled harbor. Then, head for the hilltop Basilica Notre Dame de La Garde, affording stunning views of the city. Follow the coastal route toward Cassis, a small fishing port lined with cafés and restaurants, and stop to explore the town before reaching Nice. Later, why not join the optional Monte Carlo by Night excursion? Meals included: Breakfast
Day 8: French Riviera. Excursion to Èze
Start the day with a visit to a perfume workshop in Èze. Continue to Nice, and spend time at leisure to do as you please! Dabble in the Mediterranean Sea, stroll along the famous Promenade des Anglais, or join our optional excursion to the artists’ town of St. Paul de Vence. Meals included: Breakfast
Day 9: French Riviera - Cinque Terre Area, Italy
Enjoy the wonderful coastal scenery along the French and Italian Rivieras as you travel toward the Cinque Terre. Take the train in Levanto and stop in some of the most enchanting villages of the spectacular Cinque Terre region, where the beauty of rugged cliffs and romantic fishing villages once inspired Lord Byron. There are several breathtaking trails carved into the rocks connecting the villages, affording dramatic sea views. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10: Cinque Terre Area - Verona - Venice Area
Travel through the agricultural areas of culinary excellence in the Po plains to reach the romantic city of Verona to visit the city center at leisure. Continue to the Venice area Meals included: Breakfast
Day 11: Venice.
Venice is a city of unparalleled beauty and a feast of wonderful sights. Your included orientation starts with a boat ride to St. Mark’s Square and is followed by time at leisure and a chance to watch Venetian glassblowers create their delicate objects as they did centuries ago. Don’t miss out on the optional gondola trip, gliding along the picturesque canals with a local troubadour to serenade you. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12: Venice Area - Assisi - Rome.
Cross the Po Delta and head into the verdant Apennines to medieval Assisi. Enclosed by ramparts, little has changed since the Middle Ages. This is the town of the deeply mystical and poetic St. Francis. Visit the Upper and Lower Basilicas with the beautiful frescoes by Giotto, then head for Rome. Meals included: Breakfast
Day 13: Rome.
The “Eternal City” is steeped in history, vibrantly alive, exciting, and absolutely unique! Start the included introduction to Rome’s landmarks from St Peter’s Square with a Local Guide. Enjoy a drive along the iconic landmarks of the city: the Tiber River, the Caius Cestius Pyramid, the Aurelian Walls and the Caracalla Baths, and complete the experience with a walk back in time from the Circus Maximus to the Arch of Constantine and to the fascinating Colosseum, symbol of the Roman Empire. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit the treasures of the Vatican museum and the Sistine Chapel on our optional excursion. Meals included: Breakfast
Day 14: Rome.
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Meals included: Breakfast
December 21 Departure – Christmas in Barcelona and New Year's Eve festive dinner in Venice
