Mediterranean Flavors
Mediterranean Flavors
Mediterranean Flavors
14 Days Starting in Madrid, Spain and ending in Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Italy
Visiting: Madrid, Valencia, Barcelona, Marseille, French Riviera, Cinque Terre, Verona, Venice, Rome
Tour operator:
Tour code:
6840-2024
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 43
Age range:
5-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
From Spain to France to Italy, this affordable tour along the Mediterranean Coast, designed by our team of Tour Directors, features vibrant cities, historic sites, and amazing scenery. Visit Madrid, Valencia, Barcelona, Marseille, Venice, and Rome, and experience the stunning Cinque Terre, named for its five medieval fishing villages by the sea. The area is noted for its natural beauty with terraces built into the mountainside on cliffs that drop down into the sea and for its breathtaking views. Spend time on the glamorous French Riviera, where you have the chance to visit a perfume workshop in Èze. Plus, enjoy picture-perfect scenery as you drive along the most fascinating landscapes and visit cameo villages such as Cuenca, Collioure, Cassis and iconic cities like Verona and Barcelona! Local Guides will reveal the must-see sights on your city tours of Madrid, Valencia, Barcelona, and Rome. See Rome’s iconic landmarks on the guided orientation tour, such as the Vatican and the Colosseum. Get a taste of Venice with a boat ride to world-famous St. Mark's Square. In Assisi, marvel at St. Francis Basilica, burial place of the saint and home to beautiful medieval frescos by Giotto. This tour to Spain, France, and Italy is perfectly planned for value-minded travel lovers wanting a wonderful, yet affordable, Mediterranean vacation.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In Madrid,Spain
Location: Madrid
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Senator Barajas Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Check into your hotel. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and travel companions.
Day 2 : Madrid
Location: Madrid
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Senator Barajas Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Not only is Madrid the capital of Spain, but because it is situated 2,180 feet above sea level, the Spaniards rightly say it’s the nearest thing to Heaven. On the included guided city tour, discover the main sights and end the tour with a walk in the Barrio de La Latina and stop in one of the many bars to taste the typical tapas. Consider an optional trip to Toledo. The splendid setting of this old walled city was made famous in El Greco’s painting and, even now, it’s like a great open-air museum of Spanish history and art.
Day 3 : Madrid-Cuenca-Valencia
Location: Valencia
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: NH Ciudad De Valencia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel southeast to Cuenca, perched high above the precipices of the Jucar and Huecar Rivers, famous for its “hanging houses” that are suspended over the ravine. On to Valencia, Spain’s third-largest city, for a guided sightseeing tour. Today’s Distance: 230 mi/ 370 km
Day 4 : Valencia-Peñíscola-Barcelona
Location: Barcelona
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Catalonia Sagrada Familia
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, visit Peñíscola Castle in Castellon, 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. Today’s Distance: 227 mi/ 365 km
Day 5 : Barcelona
Location: Barcelona
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Catalonia Sagrada Familia
Meals Included: Breakfast
Sightseeing with a Local Guide includes a drive around Montjuïc to see the Olympic Stadium and a great panoramic view of the port and city. Continue to the city centre 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). Spend the afternoon at leisure.
Day 6 : Barcelona-Collioure,France-Marseille
Location: Marseille
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ibis Marseille Centre Euromed
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Leave Spain today and cross the border into France to visit Collioure. This picturesque village is nestled in an idyllic place on the rocky Mediterranean coastline and is sheltered by the Pyrenees. Painters such as Matisse, Derain, and Picasso, have drawn inspiration for their paintings from these stunning views. Carry on to the oldest city in France, Marseille. Today’s Distance: 342 mi/ 550 km
Day 7 : Marseille-Cassis-French Riviera
Location: Marseille
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ibis Styles Nice Vieux Port
Meals Included: Breakfast
Capital of Provence, Marseille was founded by the Greeks in 600 BC. See the city’s bustling ancient heart—the picturesque Vieux Port (old port), where elegant markets and handsome townhouses surround the boat-filled harbor. Follow the coastal route toward Cassis, a small fishing port lined with cafés and restaurants, and stop to explore the town before reaching Nice. Later, why not join the optional Monte Carlo by Night excursion? Today’s Distance: 143 mi/ 230 km
Day 8 : French Riviera. Excursion To Èze
Location: French Riviera
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ibis Styles Nice Vieux Port
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start the day with a visit to a perfume workshop in Èze. Continue to Nice and spend time at leisure to do as you please! Dabble in the Mediterranean Sea, stroll along the famous Promenade des Anglais, or join our optional excursion to the artists’ town of St. Paul de Vence. Today’s Distance: 19 mi/ 30 km
Day 9 : French Riviera-Cinque Terre,Italy-La Spezia
Location: Cinque Terre
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: NH La Spezia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy the wonderful coastal scenery along the French and Italian Rivieras as you travel toward the Cinque Terre. Take the train in Levanto and stop in some of the most enchanting villages of the spectacular Cinque Terre region, where the beauty of rugged cliffs and romantic fishing villages once inspired Lord Byron. There are several breathtaking trails carved into the rocks connecting the villages, affording dramatic sea views.Today’s Distance by coach: 169 mi/ 272 km
Day 10 : La Spezia-Verona-Venice Area
Location: Verona
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Poppi
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel through the agricultural areas of culinary excellence in the Po plains to reach the romantic city of Verona to visit the city centre at leisure. Continue to the Venice area. Today’s Distance: 236 mi/ 380 km
Day 11 : Venice
Location: Venice
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Poppi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Venice is a city of unparalleled beauty and a feast of wonderful sights. Your included orientation starts with a boat ride to St. Mark’s Square and is followed by time at leisure and a chance to watch Venetian glassblowers create 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.
Day 12 : Venice Area-Assisi-Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Pineta Palace
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cross the Po Delta and head into the verdant Apennines to medieval Assisi. Enclosed by ramparts, little has changed since the Middle Ages. This is the town of the deeply mystical and poetic St. Francis. Visit the Upper and Lower Basilicas dedicated to the Saint, featuring beautiful frescoes by Giotto, then head for Rome. Today’s Distance: 317 mi/ 510 km
Day 13 : Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Pineta Palace
Meals Included: Breakfast
The “Eternal City” is steeped in history, vibrantly alive, exciting, and absolutely unique! Start the included introduction to Rome’s landmarks from St Peter’s Square with a Local Guide. Enjoy a drive along the iconic landmarks of the city: the Tiber River, the Caius Cestius Pyramid, the Aurelian Walls, and the Caracalla Baths, and complete the experience with a walk back in time from the Circus Maximus to the Arch of Constantine and to the fascinating Colosseum, symbol of the Roman Empire.* * For operational reasons, schedule changes for the Rome program cannot be excluded.
Day 14 : Rome
Location: Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
What's Included
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Meals
Buffet breakfasts daily and 5 dinners are included.
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Fully Guided
The tour includes a fully guided experience with a Tour Director and local guides.
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Transport
Travel in comfort with a private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach equipped with free Wi-Fi.
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Accommodation
Stay in a variety of comfortable hotels with modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and air-conditioned rooms.
What's Not Included
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Airport Transfers at Destination
Airport transfers at the destination are not included.
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Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.
UNESCO Sites
Assisi (the Basilica of San Francesco)|Cinque Terre|City of Verona|Historic Centre of Rome - various properties Vatican City|Historic walled town of Cuenca|La Lonja de la Seda de Valencia|Paseo del Prado and Buen Retiro, a landscape of Arts and Sciences|Pyrenées|Venice and its Lagoon|Works of Antoni Gaudi in Barcelona
Meals
Buffet breakfasts daily; 5 dinners
Accommodation
Stay in a variety of comfortable hotels including the Hotel Chamartin The One in Madrid, NH Ciudad de Valencia, Catalonia Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Ibis Marseille Centre Euromed, Ibis Styles Nice Vieux Port, CDH La Spezia, Hotel Poppi in Venice, and BV Oly Hotel in Rome. Each hotel offers modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and air-conditioned rooms.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with a private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach equipped with free Wi-Fi, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey between destinations.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is provided during the tour?
Travel in comfort with a private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach equipped with free Wi-Fi, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey between destinations.
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What kind of accommodations can I expect on this tour?
You will stay in a variety of comfortable hotels including the Hotel Chamartin The One in Madrid, NH Ciudad de Valencia, Catalonia Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Ibis Marseille Centre Euromed, Ibis Styles Nice Vieux Port, CDH La Spezia, Hotel Poppi in Venice, and BV Oly Hotel in Rome. Each hotel offers modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and air-conditioned rooms.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, buffet breakfasts are provided daily, and there are 5 dinners included as detailed in the itinerary.
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What are some of the key highlights of the tour?
Some key highlights include spending time on the glamorous French Riviera, visiting cameo villages such as Cuenca, Collioure, and Cassis, and iconic cities like Verona and Barcelona. You will also see Rome’s iconic landmarks on a guided orientation tour and enjoy a boat ride to St. Mark's Square in Venice.
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What activities are available in Barcelona?
In Barcelona, sightseeing with a Local Guide includes a drive around Montjuïc to see the Olympic Stadium and a great panoramic view of the port and city. You will also visit the city center of Plaza Catalunya and Paseo de Gracia to admire Gaudi’s architectural masterpieces in the Houses Batllò and Mila and the Sagrada Familia. The afternoon is free for leisure activities.
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What can I expect during the visit to the French Riviera?
During the visit to the French Riviera, you will start the day with a visit to a perfume workshop in Èze. You will then continue to Nice and have leisure time to explore, dabble in the Mediterranean Sea, stroll along the famous Promenade des Anglais, or join an optional excursion to the artists’ town of St. Paul de Vence.
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What is included in the guided tour of Rome?
The guided tour of Rome includes an introduction to Rome’s landmarks from St Peter’s Square with a Local Guide. You will enjoy a drive along the iconic landmarks of the city, including the Tiber River, the Caius Cestius Pyramid, the Aurelian Walls, and the Caracalla Baths. The tour also includes a walk from the Circus Maximus to the Arch of Constantine and the Colosseum.
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Are there any optional excursions available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional excursions available, such as a trip to Toledo from Madrid, a Monte Carlo by Night excursion from Nice, and a gondola trip in Venice.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1961
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.
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Low Deposit
Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.