13-Day Spain, France and Italy Tour from Madrid to Rome: Barcelona, Florence and Nice | 5 Countries and 14 Cities | 12 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 5 Dinners

What you'll experience

Highlights

13 days

Day-by-day itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1 — Home - Madrid

   Settle into the passionate embrace of fiery Madrid, your launch pad to an epic journey through Spain, France and Italy, filled with unforgettable flavors and soul-stirring encounters. This evening, join your fellow travelers and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception and orientation drive past some of Madrid's most iconic sites.

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Rafaelhoteles Atocha Madrid
2. 2

   Day 2 — Madrid

   We join a Local Specialist this morning for a sightseeing tour of the Spanish capital, during which we'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.

   

   Royal Palace of Madrid

   

   Cibeles Fountain

   

   Gran Via

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Rafaelhoteles Atocha Madrid
3. 3

   Day 3 — Madrid - Barcelona

   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 flavors of this enchanting city on your free evening.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Barcelona Condal Mar Affiliated by Melia
4. 4

   Day 4 — Barcelona

   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 and vibrant Las Ramblas, 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.

   

   La Sagrada Familia

   

   Montserrat

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Barcelona Condal Mar Affiliated by Melia
5. 5

   Day 5 — Barcelona - Arles - Avignon

   We journey via the foothills of the Pyrenees into France. Stop in Arles, where Vincent Van Gogh found inspiration for so many of his paintings, before a visit to the UNESCO-listed Pont du Gard Aqueduct.
   Later this afternoon we arrive in the Provençal city of Avignon, where we'll view the Gothic Papal Palace and the bridge made famous in the song 'Sur le Pont d'Avignon'.

   

   Pyrenees

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Mercure Avignon Gare TGV
6. 6

   Day 6 — Avignon - Nice

   Our journey today takes us through the picture-perfect fields of Provence, immortalized in the works of Van Gogh & Cézanne. We'll Dive Into Culture in the Provençal town of Aix-en-Provence, founded by the Romans over natural hot springs. Here you can shop for local produce such as wine, olive oil, herbes de Provence and saffron.
   Later, we visit the tiny Principality of Monaco and see the cathedral where Prince Rainier and Grace Kelly were married. This evening, the glitz and glamour beckon as you join your new friends for a memorable dinner in this playground of the rich and famous.

   

   Aix-en-Provence

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Novotel Nice Center Vieux Nice
7. 7

   Day 7 — Nice

   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.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Novotel Nice Center Vieux Nice
8. 8

   Day 8 — Nice - Cinque Terre - Pisa

   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. Later, we head to Pisa where tonight, you'll dine in your hotel.

   

   Cinque Terre

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: NH Pisa
9. 9

   Day 9 — Pisa - Florence

   View Pisa's Square of Miracles, where we'll see the famous Leaning Tower. Next, your introduction to Tuscany is an exclusive Be My Guest experience where you'll Connect With Locals over traditional lunch fare and the legendary hospitality for which the region is renowned. Continue to the birthplace of where we'll dine at our hotel this evening.

   

   Square of Miracles

   

   Leaning Tower of Pisa

   Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: IncludedStay: Grand Hotel Mediterraneo Florence
10. 10

    Day 10 — Florence

    Join your Local Specialist this morning for a sightseeing tour of magical Florence. View the multi-colored 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.

    

    Ponte Vecchio, Florence

    

    Piazza della Signoria

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Grand Hotel Mediterraneo Florence
11. 11

    Day 11 — Florence - Rome

    2025 marks a Jubilee Year, a momentous Roman Catholic event celebrated every 25 years, turning Rome into a center of celebration. As festivities unfold, itineraries may be adjusted to ensure you make the most of your time as you visit the Eternal City.
    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.

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Precise House Mantegna Roma
12. 12

    Day 12 — Rome - Vatican City - Rome

    This morning, we'll visit the Vatican City and see the imposing St. Peter's Basilica, where Michelangelo's sorrowful Pietà has been admired by millions.
    We venture into Ancient Rome with a Local Specialist and explore the remnants of Roman rule, enjoying views of the Colosseum and Circus Maximus. On your final afternoon, enjoy some free time to indulge in la dolce vita. Join your fellow travelers and Travel Director for an unforgettable dinner.

    

    St. Peter's Basilica

    

    Colosseum

    

    Circus Maximus

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Precise House Mantegna Roma
13. 13

    Day 13 — Rome - Home

    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.

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: Excluded

What's included

Cancellation policy

Important info

Special notes

• Important info:
  - UNITED KINGDOM: Traveling or transiting through the UK & Northern Ireland after January 8, 2025. A new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is required for entry and transit. Applications open November 27, 2024. For more details and to apply for the ETA, visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta.
  - Passports with a minimum of 6 months validity after return date are required and are at your expense. 
  - Non-US citizens please check if visas are needed with your nearest consulate.
  - Day 1 is the start date and first hotel night included with the journey. Please arrange flights to arrive on or before Day 1. 
  - To give ample time for check-in and security, we recommend arriving at the airport 3 hours prior to your flight departure.
• Travel insurance:
  - We highly recommend guests purchase travel insurance prior to your trip.
  - Your insurance should cover trip interruption, personal injury, medical expenses, and evacuation and repatriation cover including during pandemic events.
• Luggage:
  - Travelling with the local operator entitles each guest to travel with one suitcase not exceeding 23kg (50lbs) in weight, with the dimensions of 76cm x 46cm x 25cm (30” x 18” x 10”). Carry-on/hand luggage is restricted to one piece per person, not exceeding 12”x11”x6” (30x28x14 cm) to fit under your coach seat or in the small overhead compartment. Telescopic handles or wheels not permitted.
  - Internal flights: Luggage allowance is limited to 1 piece per person (maximum of 20Kg/44lbs) and 1 hand luggage per person (maximum of 7Kg/15lbs).
  - We strongly recommend that you test the weight of your baggage prior to travel. You should be able to lift and comfortably transport it for short distances.
  - Baggage allowances vary from airline to airline and you should check with your chosen carrier for details prior to travel.
• Border crossings and visa requirements:
  - Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. Multiple-entry visas may be required if you are entering a country more than once on your holiday.
  - Guests are advised that only the countries you plan to visit can provide up-to-date information about their specific visa requirements. Guests should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the countries they plan to visit well in advance of travel. Please check your itinerary carefully. Remember that requirements vary based on a passport's place of issue and that the process can take time.
  - Check that multi-entry visas have the correct entry dates and destinations before you travel. Please be aware that with some itineraries, you may travel through a country without making an overnight stop. If this happens on your itinerary, you will still need a visa to enter/exit the country.
  - Please ensure that you carry proper identification with you at all times, as border crossings will need to see your entry documents and passports. Usually crossing borders is a very straightforward process that is managed by your Travel Director. However, be advised that you may be required to open your luggage and answer simple questions about the length of your stay, purpose of travel, etc.

Pricing notes (children, single supplement)

* Price for Single Occupancy applies when one person stays in one standard hotel room.
* Price for Double/Triple Occupancy applies when two/three people stay in one standard hotel room respectively.
* Maximum room capacity: 3 people including adult and child/infant.
* Triple room bookings are available on the majority of our tours, suitable for 2 adults and 1 child. When booking your trip, we define a child as somebody aged 5 – 17, we do not accept children under the age of 5. A triple room is not recommended for 3 adults, as the third bed is often a rollaway, which may not be comfortable for an adult. 
* If you're on a trip as a family of 5 (2 adults and 3 children), then you would require 1 triple room (for 1 adult and 2 children), and 1 double room (1 adult and 1 child).

Travel tips

Tour operator