Barcelona, Provence & the Italian Riviera

Our trip starts in Barcelona, the cosmopolitan capital of Catalonia. Barcelona has a unique charm with its eclectic mix of modernist and Gothic architecture, Mediterranean shores and Catalan cuisine.

The Tour Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 7pm for the welcome meeting and, slightly later, a trip to a local bar to try some tapas, wine and to get to know your fellow travellers. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you will need to arrive into Barcelona Airport (BCN), which is a 20-minute drive from the hotel. If you miss the briefing, your Tour Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up. Stay: Catalonia Park Putxet (Comfortable)

This morning we have a two hour orientation walk of the city with our Tour Leader. We stroll through the cobbled streets of the old city home to the impressive Cathedral of Barcelona, built between the 13th and 15th centuries. Visit the La Boqueria market, Placa d'Espanya and then up to Montjuic Park for views of the city.

This afternoon you are free to explore more of this fascinating 2,000-year old city at your own pace. We recommend you make a tour of the Gaudi monuments on foot or join a guided bike tour. Stay: Catalonia Park Putxet (Comfortable) (B)

Today we leave Spain and take the train (3hrs 30mins) to our first stop in France, Carcassonne. Carcassonne is a medieval hill top town with a maze of winding alleyways, one of this region's most visually spectacular settings. We arrive after lunch and take a 2 hour tour of the imposing fortress, one of the most perfectly preserved towns of its kind anywhere in France. The city holds a wealth of delights, from the twin towers of the Porte Narbonnaise, to the spectacular Chateau Comtal in the heart of La Cite, whilst at the Basilique St-Nazaire you can find examples of some of the best medieval stained glass in the Midi. Once one of the most important and powerful cities in the south, before the all-consuming Albigensian Crusade against the Cathars saw the town fall to the notorious onslaught of the forces of Simon de Montfort. This evening we are free to enjoy dinner in one of the many restaurants just a short walk from our hotel. Stay: Hotel du Pont Vieux (Comfortable) (B)

This morning we drive east in our bus to the Languedoc vineyards. Languedoc is one of the largest and oldest vineyards in France. Nourished by the Mediterranean sun, Languedoc wines all have their own personality, whether they are reds, whites, rosés or sparkling wines. They are part of the rich cultural and culinary heritage of the region. We tour the vineyard and of course have the opportunity to sample a few before moving on to the Camargue. We drive through the Camargue Natural Park a UNESCO designated biosphere reserve, wetland and home to thousands of bird species including flamingos. We stop to stretch our legs and walk about two kilometres around the pretty fishing village of Les Saintes Maries de la Mer, built on an island in the heart of the Camargue, where the Petit Rhone meets the sea. We end our day in Avignon, the historic heart of Provence. Stay: Hotel Le Medieval (Comfortable) (B)

The appeal of Avignon goes beyond its impressive UNESCO World Heritage Sites as the city is also known as a centre of art and culture. This morning our Tour Leader takes us on a walk through Avignon's medieval streets and see its historic buildings that inspired Catholic popes who fled here in the 14th century to escape the corruption in Rome. We visit the UNESCO awarded Palace of Popes which has the world's largest Gothic edifice, Avignon Cathedral and the impressive Pont d Avignon bridge.

This afternoon you have the opportunity to take the train to Arles, once home of gladiators and chariot races, and follow the Van Gogh trail, inspiration to many of his most famous works of art and also where he is said to have mutilated his own ear! Stay: Hotel Le Medieval (Comfortable) (B)

This morning we hop back on the train (3hrs 30mins), next stop Nice, the heart of the French Riviera. We are met at the station by our bus and taken to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula, known as the peninsula of billionaires. Its warm climate and tranquility attracts European aristocracy and international millionaires. As we walk the two kilometres around the peninsula we can see lavish villas dotted between pristine beaches where we can stop for a swim in the inviting waters. After checking in to the hotel later this afternoon you are free to explore Nice old town. Stay: Ibis Styles Central Gare (Comfortable) (B)

Spend today how you choose, perhaps take a break from travelling and wander the historic streets of Nice and enjoy a coffee and pastry in one of the many street cafes while watching the world go by. Perhaps visit Musée Matisse or Musée National Marc Chagall. For lunch why not try the regional salad Niçoise, a classic found on many menus originated in this city. Alternatively you could take the 20 minute train ride to Monaco and visit the Prince's Palace or walk the world famous Grand Prix circuit or Musée océanographique de Monaco, once directed by captain Jacques-Yves Cousteau. Stay: Ibis Styles Central Gare (Comfortable) (B)

Our next stop is the Italian Riviera! It's a long day on the train (6 hrs) leaving France and going into Italy to arrive at our base for the next two nights, La Spezia. This busy coastal city is the staging point for the Cinque Terre, a string of five old fishing villages perched high on the Italian Riviera, which until recently were linked only by mule tracks and accessible only by rail or water. Tonight you have the option to take the local bus to Portovenere, a picturesque coastal village for a meal in one of its many excellent seafood restaurants. Stay: NH Hotel La Spezia (Comfortable) (B)

We spend the entire day exploring the Cinque Terre villages. First off a short train ride to Vernazza. After a walk to see the colourful houses that surround the small marina we walk four kilometres on a stunning coastal route through hillsides cultivated with lemons, vines and olives to the next village, Monterosso. Monterosso is the largest of the five coastal villages that make up the Cinque Terre. Known for its crystal clear waters, you may wish to cool off and have a swim here. After lunch we take a boat to our third and final village Riomaggiore. The boat ride lets us view the villages from the water giving another perspective allowing us to truly appreciate these picture perfect villages dotted along the Ligurian coast. We explore Monterosso's narrow medieval streets, castle ruins and church. There is another opportunity to swim here. At the end of the day we can either take the train back to La Spezia or choose to stay in Monterosso for dinner and watch the pastel buildings glow at sunset. Stay: NH Hotel La Spezia (Comfortable) (B)

Taking to the train to Pisa, we leave our luggage at the station and walk 2 kilometres to the city's famous leaning tower and beautiful Campo del Miracoli, stunning testaments to a time when Pisa was one of the Mediterranean's major maritime powers. After lunch we continue by train to our final destination of the holiday, the fabulous city of Florence. The spiritual home of the Renaissance, Florence is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful cities in Italy. Tonight there is the opportunity to join a food focussed walking tour and sample many of the regions gastronomic highlights including salamis, cheese paired with best local wines and visit some of the cities oldest bakeries. Stay: C-Hotel Ambassadors (Comfortable) (B)

This morning our leader will take us on a 2 hour orientation walk with the rest of the day left free to explore further. Highlights include the Ponte Vecchio, the oldest and most famous bridge in Florence and the only one that was not demolished during the German retreat of 1944 and the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore with its giant dome that dominates the city skyline. We will also stop for a coffee in one of Florence's traditional café bars; quality coffee has long been a thriving scene in Florence and the whole of Italy. Early evening is the perfect time to walk up to the Piazzale Michaelangelo for a great view over the city. If you have visited Florence before you may wish to hop on a train to Lucca this afternoon, known for the well-preserved renaissance walls its historic centre and cobblestone streets. Those who stay in Florence may wish to visit the iconic Duomo and Giotto's bell tower for amazing views. We also suggest a visit to the Uffizi Gallery which needs to be pre booked using the following link https://www.uffizi.it/biglietti. Stay: C-Hotel Ambassadors (Comfortable) (B)

The trip ends after breakfast this morning at our hotel in Florence.

There are no activities planned for today and you are free to depart at any time. If you are departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel.

If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from either Pisa Galileo Galilei International Airport (PSA) or Florence Peretola Airport (FLR). If departing from Pisa Airport your trip leader will brief you and arrange the transfer , providing you with tickets for the train direct from Florence Centrale Railway Station to Pisa Centrale Station and then on to the airport on the Pisa Mover rail shuttle. A taxi transfer from our hotel to the shuttle bus departure point will also be provided for you. The total journey time is around 90 minutes. If you are departing from Florence Airport you will be transferred from our hotel to the airport by taxi, a journey of around 30 minutes. (B)