ITALY - FRANCE - SPAIN
March 16 - 24, 2012 $2625 all-inclusive cost
Tuscany - Provence - Barcelona - Madrid
Enjoy a trek through three culturally diverse countries along the beautiful Mediterrean coast. Experience Volterra, my favorite Tuscan hilltown for a taste of Italian cuisine, rich history and authentic locals. In Nice, enjoy the lifestyles of the rich and famous in this chic and swanky Côte d' Azur town. The provincial towns of Arles and Carcassonne will round out your tour experience in France. Madrid and Barcelona are sure to present a varied look at culturally diverse Spain. All this, laced with fine food, great sights, and a comfortable bus are sure to provide an educational and entertaining tour experience.
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Watch a video presenting the highlights of this tour.
Friday, March 16, 2012: Overnight flight to Rome, Italy. Flight from Jacksonville and Orlando, FL included in the tour price. Additional USA gateway cities available for a small supplement.
Saturday, March 17: Rome — After airport formalities, jump right into a quick tour of Rome’s famous sights. Join a local historian for a guided walking tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Then, enjoy a walk through the Baroque city followed by lunch. Then, take a “gelato-licking” stroll from the Pantheon to the Trevi Fountain. Later, travel directly to Volterra for hotel check in and dinner.
Sleep 2 nights in Volterra.
Sunday, March 18: Volterra — Join an informative walking tour of Volterra this morning. The remainder of the day is free to explore this medieval hilltown. Relax in a café, get in some shopping, enjoy a museum, take a country walk, dig around in the Roman ruins, and still have time to take a nap at your hotel! Enjoy a gourmet dinner tonight at Ristorante Del Duca, my favorite restaurant in all of Italy
Monday, March 19: Florence to France — Travel directly to Florence for a quick look at this Renaissance city. Starting at the Duomo, we’ll lace together the 15th century Piazza Signoria, Ponte Vecchio, and finally take a look at Michelangelo’s masterpiece statue of David. Later, hop on the bus and head toward France. Sleep 1 night in Nice.
Tuesday, March 20: Provence — We will leave the Riviera behind and head into the heart of Provence. Enjoy a stop for lunch and shopping in the quaint little town of Aix en Provence. Later, visit the famous Roman aqueduct known as the Pont du Gard. Tonight, settle in Arles for a little sightseeing and dinner. Sleep 1 night in Arles.
Wednesday, March 21: Carcassonne — Experience one of Europe’s best preserved medieval walled-cities as we explore Carcassonne. You’ll have plenty of time to hike the walls, get in some shopping or just take in the ambiance of this historic town.
Sleep 1 night in Carcassonne.
Thursday, March 22: Barcelona — Leaving France, drive along the coast to colorful Barcelona. After an orientation bus tour of Barcelona’s famous sights, we’ll check in to our hotel. Enjoy your first taste of Catalonian cuisine with dinner and a stroll down Las Ramblas. Sleep 1 night in Barcelona.
Friday, March 23: Barcelona— Enjoy a visit to La Sagrada Familia. This masterpiece of twisting spires and colorful mosaics was designed by famed artist and architect Antonio Gaudi who estimated it would take two hundred years to complete. Enjoy lunch and a bit of free time to explore on your own. Later, we will fly to MADRID for our grand tour finale with a whirlwind look at the city and a tapas dinner experience. Sleep 1 night in Madrid.
Saturday, March 24: Fly Home — Your tour ends today. Transfer to the airport for your flight back to the USA.
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE TOUR COST?
-Transportation by modern tour bus from your arrival airport to your departure airport in Europe.
· Enjoy an amazing travel experience laced with cultural insights, good food, unique destinations, and plenty of educational content.
· An Exploring Europe guide and local experts dedicated to bringing to life the art, history and culture of Europe.
--Twin/Triple accommodations each night in clean and safe European-style hotels with private bath.
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All breakfasts and five dinners.
· Amazing dining experiences at some of David's personal favorite restaurants. You can expect fine regional fare, and plenty of it at all our dining experiences.
- Round trip airfare from Jacksonville or Orlando, Florida to Europe.
-Additonal departure gateways offered for a small fee.
- All tips and gratuities to guides, drivers and hotel staff.
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Full time services of a travel-savvy Exploring Europe guide and local experts dedicated to bringing to life the art, history, and culture of Europe.
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Emergency medical insurance, trip delay insurance, baggage loss or damage insurance, and limited tour cancellation insurance (a $100 value).
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-David McGuffin's Exploring Europe Tour Handbook covering the major sights and destinations visited on this tour itinerary.
· All tours and admissions to these cultural and sightseeing opportunities: Guided tour of Rome ▪ Walking tour of Florence ▪ Accademia entrance (Michelangelo’s David) ▪ walking tour of Volterra ▪ Gourmet dining experience in Volterra ▪ Nice orientation walk ▪ Aix-en-Provence overview walk ▪ Pont du Gard entrance ▪ Walking tour of Arles ▪ Guided tour of Barcelona including La Sagrada Familia ▪ Scenic bus tour of Barcelona ▪ Madrid city center orientation walk ▪ Madrid tapas dining experience ▪ and much more (itinerary specifics are subject to change).
- Our Unconditional Tour Price Guarantee that will not change for any reason.
