Mediterranean Flavors (68002026)

Day 1:
ARRIVE IN MADRID, SPAIN Check into your hotel. Start discovering the city with the help of the CosmosGO app, and tonight, meet your Tour Director and travel companions. (D)



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 typical tapas. Consider an optional trip to Toledo to explore the splendid setting of this old walled city, made famous in El Greco 's painting. Today, Toledo resembles a great open-air museum of Spanish history and art. (B)



Day 3:
MADRID-CUENCA-VALENCIA Travel southeast to Cuenca, perched high above the precipices of the Jucar and Huecar Rivers, famous for the “hanging houses,” suspended over the ravine. On to Valencia, Spain 's third-largest city, for a guided sightseeing tour.
Today 's Distance: 260 mi/ 420 km (B,D)



Day 4:
VALENCIA-PEÑÍSCOLA-BARCELONA Today, visit Peñíscola Castle in Castellon, built by the Knights Templar in the 14th century. The promontory on which the castle and town are located is a fine reminder of medieval times. Continue your journey through orange groves and seaside resorts past Tarragona to Catalonia 's lively and beautiful capital, Barcelona.
Today 's Distance: 224 mi/ 360 km (B)



Day 5:
BARCELONA Sightseeing with a Local Guide includes a drive around Montjuïc to see the Olympic Stadium and a great panoramic view of the port and city. Continue to the city centre of Plaza Catalunya and to Paseo de Gracia to admire the greatness and eccentricity of Gaudi 's architectural masterpieces in the Houses Batllò and Mila and the Sagrada Familia (entrance fees not included). Spend the afternoon at leisure. (B)



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.
Today 's Distance: 351 mi/ 565 km (B,D)



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. Follow the coastal route toward Cassis, a small fishing port lined with cafés and restaurants, and stop to explore the town before reaching Nice. Tonight, rub elbows with high-rollers and roll the dice with an optional “Monte Carlo by Night” excursion to experience the glitz and glamour of Monaco.
Today 's Distance: 146 mi/ 235 km (B)



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, and browse the charming stores.
Today 's Distance: 19 mi/ 30 km (B)



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.
Today 's Distance: 180 mi/ 290 km (B)



Day 10:
CINQUE TERRE AREA-SIENA A scenic drive into the celebrated Italian region of Tuscany, with its olive groves and vineyards that extend over the rolling green hills. Reach Siena and join your Local Guide for a fascinating sightseeing walk. The focal point of the town is Piazza del Campo, a special square, famed all over the world for its medieval-style Palio horse race.
Today 's Distance: 140 mi/ 225 km (B,D)



Day 11:
SIENA-ORVIETO-ROMA Journey into Umbria, the “green heart of Italy.” Stop in the charming hill town of Orvieto, perched dramatically on a plug of volcanic rock and dominated by the striking black basalt and travertine cathedral, an excellent example of Italian Gothic architecture. Enjoy free time to explore Piazza del Duomo and the surrounding narrow streets. Continue south to Rome, Italy 's iconic capital.
Today 's Distance: 155 mi/ 250 km (B)



Day 12:
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.* When in Rome...! Tonight, do as the Romans do and enjoy an optional farewell dinner at a traditional Roman restaurant. (B)

* For operational reasons, changes to the Rome program cannot be excluded.



Day 13:
ROME Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)