Trip Itinerary
Depart USA
Arrive Madrid: After checking into your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to explore the Spanish capital. This evening meet your Contiki Tour Manager and fellow travellers at 6pm in the hotel. (D)
Madrid Sightseeing: Our morning sightseeing includes a guided tour of the Royal Palace. The rest of the day is free for you to discover this amazing city. Perhaps a visit to the Bullring or the famous Prado Musuem. Tonight a chance to try fabulous traditional Spanish cuisine. (B)
Madrid to Barcelona: The first stop today is Zaragoza. See the impressive Basilica de Nuestra Senora del Pilar. A chance for lunch in this city of 4 cultures. We travel east arriving in Catalonia?s most famous city, Barcelona. (B,D)
Barcelona Sightseeing: Our city orientation takes in Gaudi?s amazing art nouveau cathedral, a real ?must see,? and the 1994 Olympic Games complex. Later our walking tour takes us to the Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas. A chance to shop for Spain?s famous Lladró porcelain, Majorica Pearls and leather. An opportunity to try Paella and maybe a flamenco show. Tonight you are free to check out Barcelona?s lively night scene. (B)
Barcelona to Avignon: We say goodbye to Spain today as we head for France. We visit Carcassone for lunch, a perfect example of a medieval walled defence. Travelling along the Canal du Midi we arrive in Avignon, City of the Popes. (B,D)
Avignon to Nice: This morning time to explore Avignon. See the Papal Palace before continuing to Aix-en-Provence for lunch. Leaving the home of Paul Cezanne, we make a stop in Grasse, to visit a French Perfumery, before continuing to our hotel in Nice. Tonight we visit magnificent Monaco, to see the Royal Palace and Monte Carlo Casino.(B)
French Riviera at Leisure: Relax this morning and soak up the atmosphere of the capital of the Riviera. A last chance to shop in France or simply enjoy the beach. An opportunity to visit the medieval hilltop town of St Paul du Vence. (B,D)
Nice to Pisa: An early start as we travel to Italy. We drive past Genoa (Christopher Columbus? birthplace) before entering the unspoilt Cinque Terre Region. At Monterosso we take a cruise to Riomaggiore to view this picturesque village. The boat continues to Portovenere where you can enjoy a coffee and a bite to eat. We then continue to our overnight hotel in Pisa. (B,D) NB: Winter departures WWMDA, the Cinque Terre region will be discovered by train.
Pisa to Florence: First we visit Pisa, home of the famous Leaning Tower, then on to the Renaissance city of Florence. This afternoon our local guide in Florence takes us on a walking tour of the Duomo, Giotto?s Belltower, Basilica of Santa Croce and Piazza della Signoria. Enjoy a demonstration of Florentine leathercraft before your opportunity tonight to sample traditional Tuscan hospitality. (B)
Florence at leisure: Your day to discover this amazing city. Why not see Michaelangelo?s David or the famous Uffizzi Gallery. Cross the Arno River by way of the famous Ponte Vecchio and maybe visit the Pitti Palace. Don?t forget to try Italian gelati and sample the unique atmosphere of the capital of Tuscany. (B,D)
Florence to Rome: We head south to the eternal city of Rome. We head south to the eternal city of Rome. Walk the ancient streets this evening passing the famous Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. (B)
Rome Sightseeing: Today why not discover the ancient ruins of Rome with a local guide and in your free time leisurely discover the secrets of the Vatican City and the Sistine Chapel. Tonight get together for a last night meal! (B)
Depart Rome: Your tour finishes after breakfast this morning. Time to swap addresses and say goodbye.(B)
