Winter Riviera & Madrid Cruise Tour
£4,849pp
Itinerary
Luxuriate in the unhurried pace of the Riviera’s off-season and immerse yourself in the magic of Madrid. Docking in some of world’s most iconic coastal cities – Rome, Nice, Florence, and Barcelona – you’ll have the rare opportunity to explore landmarks such as the Roman Coliseum, the Piazzale Michelangelo and the Sagrada Familia unfettered by crowds, while enjoying quiet moments in intimate cafés, trendy eateries, artisan shops, and galleries tucked away on cobblestone streets. Traveling Comfort Class via high-speed train between Barcelona and Madrid, you’ll have two full days and four nights to take in the capital’s vibrant culture and rich history, with a gorgeous 5-star hotel as your home base. Exclusive experiences such as early entry to the renowned Prado Museum, a flamenco dinner show at Spain’s only Michelin-starred tablao restaurant, and daytrips including a visit to a 450-year-old winery in the beautiful Penedés region complete this unforgettable journey.
Day to Day Itinerary
| Date | Country | Port | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Italy | Rome | |
|
In this enchanting city the past and present intersect in perfect harmony. Casually intermingled among ancient ruins and majestic cathedrals are the trappings of a modern metropolis: Skyscrapers,cafes, boutiques selling designer footwear. But of course what you seek first in the heart of Rome is its breathtaking history. A good place to begin is the Vatican, with its Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica. Works by Bernini, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, and Raphael are just a few of those on display, any one of which is worth hours of contemplation. Then the ancient ruins—Colosseum, Forum, Circus Maximus. And of course the Trevi Fountain for the obligatory coins promising your return to the Eternal City. |
|||
| Day 2 | Italy | Livorno | |
|
Known for its amazing seafood, modern harbor, Renaissance-era architecture and lovely Tuscany countryside, Livorno is the gateway to both Florence and Pisa, not to mention the numerous wineries full of delicious wines to tempt your palate. Stroll the waterside promenade or take a canal ride in the Venezia Nuova quarter. |
|||
| Day 3 | Italy | Livorno | |
|
Known for its amazing seafood, modern harbor, Renaissance-era architecture and lovely Tuscany countryside, Livorno is the gateway to both Florence and Pisa, not to mention the numerous wineries full of delicious wines to tempt your palate. Stroll the waterside promenade or take a canal ride in the Venezia Nuova quarter. |
|||
| Day 4 | Italy | Genoa | |
|
Nestled along Italy's northwest coast, Genoa is brimming with rich maritime history, vibrant culture, and architectural elegance. It is famous for its many examples of medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, and Gothic architecture as well as its multiple luxurious palaces. From its stunning medieval old town to its vibrant contemporary art scene, Genoa offers a captivating blend of the past and the present, inviting travelers to immerse themselves in its enchanting atmosphere and explore its diverse cultural offerings. As the birthplace of pesto, Genoa has an active food scene and is home to many food markets worth exploring. |
|||
| Day 5 | France | Nice | |
|
With its flower-lined streets, flourishing markets, and interesting museums (the Musée Chagall and Musée Matisse are highlights), Nice is a charming introduction to the spirit of the Riviera. Pull up a chaise bleu on the wide sunny Promenade des Anglais and watch the world sail by. Or stop for bouillabaisse, a specialty of the area, in a local restaurant. |
|||
| Day 6 | France | Nice | |
|
With its flower-lined streets, flourishing markets, and interesting museums (the Musée Chagall and Musée Matisse are highlights), Nice is a charming introduction to the spirit of the Riviera. Pull up a chaise bleu on the wide sunny Promenade des Anglais and watch the world sail by. Or stop for bouillabaisse, a specialty of the area, in a local restaurant. |
|||
| Day 7 | Spain | Barcelona | |
|
The old meets the new in this sunny Catalan metropolis, where narrow alleyways contrast with grand boulevards, trendy cuisine meets homemade tapas, and everywhere you're greeted by the warm, welcoming smiles of the fashionable locals. Don't miss UNESCO sites like the mind-boggling architecture of Antoni Gaudí or La Sagrada Familia Cathedral, with its eight decorative spires soaring hundreds of feet into the sky. |
|||
| Day 8 | Spain | Barcelona | |
|
The old meets the new in this sunny Catalan metropolis, where narrow alleyways contrast with grand boulevards, trendy cuisine meets homemade tapas, and everywhere you're greeted by the warm, welcoming smiles of the fashionable locals. Don't miss UNESCO sites like the mind-boggling architecture of Antoni Gaudí or La Sagrada Familia Cathedral, with its eight decorative spires soaring hundreds of feet into the sky. |
|||
| Day 8 | Spain | Barcelona | |
|
The old meets the new in this sunny Catalan metropolis, where narrow alleyways contrast with grand boulevards, trendy cuisine meets homemade tapas, and everywhere you're greeted by the warm, welcoming smiles of the fashionable locals. Don't miss UNESCO sites like the mind-boggling architecture of Antoni Gaudí or La Sagrada Familia Cathedral, with its eight decorative spires soaring hundreds of feet into the sky. |
|||
