Created by a team of experienced Cosmos Tour Directors, this delightful vacation travels along the Mediterranean Coast through Italy, France, and Spain. Start in Madrid with two overnights and guided sightseeing. Travel to Valencia, stopping first in Cuenca, famous for its “hanging houses.” Visit the Peniscola Castle, built by the Knights Templar in the 14th century, then enjoy two overnights and guided sightseeing in Barcelona. Cross into France and overnight in France’s oldest city, Marseille, before heading to Nice. A short train ride takes you into Italy’s spectacular Cinque Terre region with its beautiful, rugged cliffs and romantic fishing villages. On the way to Venice, where you’ll enjoy two overnights, stop in Verona to see Juliet’s balcony. Finally, travel to Rome—stopping first in St. Francis’ Assisi—where you’ll spend two nights and visit the Roman Forum and Colosseum.
Itinerary:
Day #1 Arrive in Madrid, Spain. Check into your hotel. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers. (D)
Day #2 Madrid. This morning, the optional trip to Toledo is very rewarding! The splendid setting of this old walled city above the Tagus was made famous in El Greco’s painting—even now, it’s like a great open-air museum of Spanish history and art. Later, join the included Madrid city sightseeing. Not only because it’s the capital of Spain but also because it is situated 2,180 feet above sea level, the Spaniards say it’s the nearest thing to heaven. This evening, why not join the optional Madrid by Night excursion with dinner? (B)
Day #3 Madrid–Cuenca–Valencia. Start the day traveling southeast to the magnificently located old town of Cuenca, which stands high above the precipices of the Rivers Jucar and Huecar. It is famous for its “hanging houses” that are suspended over the Huecar ravine. Journey on to Valencia to enjoy the sights of Spain’s third-largest city with a Local Guide. Also on the agenda: a visit to the magnificent Science Park, designed by architect Santiago Calatrava. (B,D)
Day #4 Valencia–Peniscola–Barcelona. Today, drive north to nearby Castellón for a visit of its Peniscola Castle, 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. (B)
Day #5 Barcelona. This morning’s sightseeing with a Local Guide includes a drive around Monjuïc to see the Olympic Stadium and a great panoramic view of the port and city. The drive continues to the city center 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). Afternoon at leisure—maybe join the optional excursion to Montserrat. (B)
Day #6 Barcelona–Collioure, France–Marseille. Leave Spain today and cross the border into France for a visit to Collioure. This picturesque village is nestled in an idyllic place on the rocky Mediterranean coastline and is sheltered by the Pyrenees. Later, head north to reach the oldest city in France—Marseille. (B,D)
Day #7 Marseille–Cassis–Grasse–Nice. Capital of the Provence, Marseille was founded by the Greeks in 600 BC and is France’s oldest city. Packed with fascinating sights, an orientation takes you to 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 for a visit and stunning views of the city. This afternoon, follow the coastal route toward Cassis, a small fishing port lined with cafés and restaurants. Visit a perfume workshop in Grasse before heading to Nice for an overnight. (B)
Day #8 Nice–Cinque Terre–La Spezia, Italy. Enjoy the wonderful coastal scenery along the French and Italian Rivieras as you travel toward Cinque Terre. Take a break in your journey by riding the train from Moneglia to La Spezia. The short train ride takes you to the spectacular Cinque Terre region, where the beauty of the rugged cliffs and romantic fishing villages once inspired Lord Byron. If you wish, you can walk along the famous Sentiero dell’Amore (Love Path), a breathtakingly beautiful trail carved into the rocks, affording dramatic sea views. Continue to La Spezia for an overnight. (B,D)
Day #9 La Spezia–Verona–Venice. Travel via Parma, known for its Parmesan cheese and ham, and Modena, famous for its balsamic vinegar, before reaching the romantic city of Verona. See Romeo and Juliet’s balcony, and enjoy some time at leisure. Continue to Venice, where you will spend two overnights. (B)
Day #10 Venice. Venice is more like a marvelous film set than a real live city, with its criss-crossing canals, gondolas and water buses, arched bridges, palaces, and piazzas. The included orientation starts with a boat ride and is followed by time at leisure and a chance to watch Venetian glassblowers fashion 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. (B,D)
Day #11 Venice–Assisi–Rome. An interesting drive southward across the Po Delta. Take a break in the journey in Assisi, enclosed by ramparts and little changed since the Middle Ages. This is the town of the deeply mystical and poetic St. Francis. See the upper and lower Basilica and the medieval castle, then head for Rome. (B)
Day #12 Rome. Rome, the “Eternal City,” is a city steeped in history, vibrantly alive and exciting, and absolutely unique! Included sightseeing with a Local Guide starts in St. Peter’s Square, followed by an optional visit to the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel. Later, enjoy an included visit to the Roman Forum and iconic Colosseum. Time for optional excursions or to continue exploring Rome at your own pace. (B)
Day #13 Rome. Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
