Lather up, the beach is the agenda today at the resort town of Biarritz on the Atlantic coast, where European royals once sunned themselves. Watch surfers catch the perfect wave then travel to Pamplona, the capital of the old Kingdom of Navarre. The city is famous for the San Fermín festival, commonly known as the Running of the Bulls.
Join a Local Specialist on an Optional Experience and see the city's ancient walls and Plaza del Castillo, the heart of the city where markets and tournaments have taken place. A special treat will see you savour tapas and sangria at Hemingway's favourite watering hole. (B) Stay: Ibis Styles Noain
Traverse the splendid landscapes to Madrid, Europe's highest capital. It won't take long for Madrid to get under your skin. This graceful capital was spruced up several centuries ago thanks to King Charles III and it remains an elegant city to this day. Your Local Specialist will reveal all the sights, including the Royal Palace and Retiro Park, originally built as a retreat for the royal family.
When the sun sets, head out onto the streets to watch this football-mad metropolis come to life. You'll soon discover why the city's vibrant nightlife keeps its hot-blooded residents up all hours of the night. (B) Stay: Chamartín The One
The legacy of 'Madrid's Best Mayor' can be seen on the city's streets: The Cibeles Fountain, imposing Puerto de Alcalá and even the forerunner of the Prado Museum, which today houses one of the greatest collections of European art, featuring such masters as Velázquez, Rubens, Goya and El Bosco. You'll have a full free day to uncover his many gifts or consider joining an Optional Experience to Toledo, the ‘City of Three Cultures'.
Explore the influences of Christians, Muslims and Jews when you join a Local Specialist for a captivating walking tour. Then return to Madrid for a second chance to discover the city's vibrant nightlife, with an optional dinner and discover an old and new Madrid. (B)
This is your chance to get fully acquainted with Barcelona. You'll have a free day to see the fanciful façades of Spanish Art Nouveau architect Antoni Gaudí, stroll through the shadowy lanes of the Gothic quarter or perhaps join an Optional Experience to the monastery in the mountains of Montserrat to see the beloved Black Madonna.
After a busy day of sightseeing, maybe join an Optional Experience to see the whirling skirts and fiery passion of a flamenco show with dinner. This foot-tapping extravaganza is not to be missed. (B)
The shimmering Mediterranean coastline stretches ahead. Keep your cameras at the ready as you drive along elegant boulevards and attempt to capture the sophistication that seems to ooze from every corner. You'll stop in Arles with its honey-coloured façades, Roman ruins and Camargue culture. See first-hand where Van Gogh sought inspiration for his masterpieces, then continue to the French Riviera. (B) Stay: Apogia Nice
See how Florence has paved its way to a modern age when you embark on an orientation tour through its historic centre. Learn about the quality and workmanship of one of this city's historic industries at a demonstration of Florentine leathercraft. Perhaps, savour views of the façades of Ponte Vecchio, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto's Bell Tower and the Baptistery.
On your own, maybe visit the Piazza della Signoria, the city's main square where many of the political and artistic treasures of the city can be seen, then head to Rome, the 'Eternal City'. You could choose to join a Local Specialist for a guided stroll through Rome's piazzas. Linger at a piazza enjoying a scoop or three of the local gelato and soak up the effervescent energy of a city that knows how to enjoy life. (B) Stay: Ergife Palace
With so much to see and do, you could explore Rome for an eternity without getting bored. Join an Optional Experience to Michelangelo's famous Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums or start your day the Italian way – slow and relaxed. Join a Local Specialist and stand in St. Peter's Square, sharing your space with devoted pilgrims and pigeons.
Visit St. Peter's Basilica and view Michelangelo's greatest work, the sorrowful Pietà. Cross the Tiber next, to view the mighty Colosseum and the countless other ancient sites which featured prominently in the days of the powerful Roman Empire. Later you'll have some time to explore on your own or join a light-hearted Optional Experience revealing all the flavours that would make any Italian mamma proud. (B)
The Bay of Naples beckons and you'll head south past the Abbey of Monte Cassino, the site of fierce battles during World War II, to Napoli. Arrive just in time to spend the afternoon taking an optional drive along the picture-perfect Amalfi Coast, with a visit to the artist hub of Positano and its pastel-hued houses that seem to tumble into the Tyrrhenian Sea.
This evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel. (B/D) Stay: La Panoramica
Journey to the charismatic calle of Venice, once a maritime powerhouse and republic whose influences can be seen across the Eastern Mediterranean. Next, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, the exquisite art of glassblowing for which Venice is justifiably famous is your introduction to the 'Queen of the Adriatic'.
You'll see master craftsmen engaged in the centuries-old craft that their forefathers passed down from generation to generation. Later, maybe choose an optional Gondola ride – grand palazzi, churches and ornate bridges lining your journey. There's a further opportunity later to visit the colourful fishermen's island of Burano for an optional meal with drinks. (B) Stay: Best Western
There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.
Costsaver Tours