Mediterranean Highlights

Settle into the passionate embrace of fiery Madrid, your launch pad to an epic journey through Spain, France and Italy, filled with unforgettable flavours and soul-stirring encounters. This evening, join your fellow travellers and Travel Director for a dinner and orientation drive past some of Madrid's most iconic sites. (D) Stay: Rafael Atocha

Join a Local Specialist this morning for a sightseeing tour of the Spanish capital, during which you'll see the Royal Palace, the former residence of the Spanish royal family and the Cibeles Fountain. Enjoy an afternoon on your own exploring the world's best collection of Spanish art at the Prado Museum and shopping on Gran Vía, or consider joining an Optional Experience to the imperial city of Toledo. (B)

Leave Europe's highest capital behind, bound for the Costa Dorada and the sun-kissed shores of Barcelona. We venture to the pretty banks of the Ebro River and to mystical Zaragoza, whose centuries of heritage have been shaped by the Romans, Moors and Christians. Continue to Barcelona and enjoy some time to recharge siesta style.

Later, dive into the indelible sights, sounds and flavours of this enchanting city on your free evening. (B) Stay: Hotel Barcelona Condal Mar, Affiliated By Meliá

Join your Local Specialist this morning for a sightseeing tour, soaking up the Mediterranean atmosphere of Catalunia's capital city. See the monument to Christopher Columbus before stopping outside Antonio Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece, La Sagrada Família to admire its unique architecture.

Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure indulging in the fantasy world of Gaudí or strolling through the hidden lanes and peaceful squares in the city's Gothic Quarter. You could consider joining an Optional Experience to the mountain-top monastery of Montserrat, home to the mystical Black Madonna, the patron saint of Catalonia. (B)

Cross into France via the foothills of the Pyrenees and travel to the historic city of Avignon. See the impressive Gothic Papal Palace and the iconic bridge celebrated in the song 'Sur le Pont d'Avignon.' Continue through the landscapes of Provence, once captured on canvas by Van Gogh and Cézanne. In Aix-en-Provence, a town founded by the Romans, enjoy a leisurely exploration and Dive into Culture as you browse for local specialities such as wine, olive oil, herbes de Provence and saffron.

Your day ends in the coastal city of Marseille, where you'll stay overnight. (B) Stay: Mercure Marseille Centre Vieux Port, Mercure Marseille Canebière Vieux-Port, Novotel Marseille Centre Prado

Journey along the Côte d'Azur, where sun-drenched shores and azure seas have long drawn artists, royalty and film stars. Arrive in the radiant Principality of Monaco, where you'll visit the cathedral that hosted the wedding of Prince Rainier and Grace Kelly, then stroll the cobbled lanes of Le Rocher. As evening falls, Monaco's charm comes alive – from sleek yachts in the harbour to elegant boulevards.

Tonight, enjoy a memorable dinner with your fellow travellers in this glamorous coastal haven. (B/D) Stay: Novotel Nice Centre Vieux

Today, kick back and enjoy a well-deserved morning at leisure on the glorious French Riviera. Soak up the holiday atmosphere at the beach, or perhaps join an Optional Experience to hilltop Saint-Paul-de-Vence, one of the oldest towns on the French Riviera. (B)

Cross the border into Italy and join a Local Specialist for a visit of the dramatic UNESCO-listed Cinque Terre, a series of centuries-old seaside villages which cling impossibly to rugged cliffs that plunge into the Ligurian Sea. Admire the expanse of pastel pink, yellow and orange façades that jostle for sea views. Continue to Pisa where you can relax over dinner at your hotel. (B/D) Stay: NH Pisa

View Pisa's Square of Miracles, where we'll see the famous Leaning Tower. Next, your introduction to Tuscany is a Be My Guest experience where you'll Connect With Locals over traditional lunch fare and the warm hospitality for which the region is renowned. Continue to the birthplace of the Renaissance and savour dinner served at your hotel while you reflect on the day's events. (B/L/D) Stay: FH55 Grand Hotel Mediterraneo

Join your Local Specialist this morning for a sightseeing tour of magical Florence. View the multi-coloured Duomo and the almost 700-year-old Ponte Vecchio. Then, walk through what was once the political hub of the city, the Piazza della Signoria, a veritable open-air treasure trove featuring wonderful sculptures and palazzi. Spend the rest of the day on your own exploration of Florence's iconic and unexpected sights. (B)

Journey through the rolling hills of Tuscany and Umbria, past the hilltop villages of Orvieto and Orte, before arriving in Rome, the 'Eternal City' – our home for the next two nights. (B) Stay: Precise House Mantegna

This morning, visit the Vatican City and see the imposing St. Peter's Basilica, where Michelangelo's sorrowful Pietà has been admired by millions. Venture into Ancient Rome with a Local Specialist and explore the remnants of Roman rule, enjoying views of the Colosseum.

On your final afternoon, enjoy some free time to indulge in la dolce vita. Perhaps sit on the Spanish Steps, visit the Vatican Museum and admire the exquisite frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel or toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain to secure your speedy return to Rome. Join your fellow travellers and Travel Director for an unforgettable dinner. (B/D)

For now it's a fond farewell to Rome and your newfound friends as your holiday through Spain, France and Italy comes to an end. (B)