Barcelona, Provence and the Italian Riviera
Barcelona, Provence and the Italian Riviera
Barcelona, Provence and the Italian Riviera
12 Days Starting in Barcelona and ending in Florence
Visiting: Barcelona, Carcassonne, Camargue Regional Natural Park, Avignon, Nice, La Spezia, Cinque Terre, Vernazza, Monterosso al Mare, Riomaggiore, Pisa, Florence
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BF
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 18
Physical rating:
Medium, FullOn
Age range:
16-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
A Grand Tour through Spain, France and Italy that arcs around the Mediterranean coastline and brims with bucket-list stopovers. Kick things off in sun-soaked Barcelona, track north to France to sip the tipples of Languedoc's vineyards, walk in the Camargue, and marvel at Avignon's Popes Palace. Then it's into Italy, for a tour of the postcard-pretty Cinque Terre fishing villages, a chance to prop up the leaning tower of Pisa and a grand-finale stroll along the famed Ponte Vecchio in Florence.
Cinque Terre villages - Walk, boat and train between the colourful fishing villages
Saint Jean Cap Ferrat peninsula - Explore the so called 'billionaires' playground'
Regional cuisine - Enjoy fresh seafood and artisan coffee
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Trip Starts In Barcelona
Location: Barcelona
Accommodation: Catalonia Park Putxet
Our trip starts in Barcelona, the cosmopolitan capital of Catalonia. Barcelona has a unique charm with its eclectic mix of modernist and Gothic architecture, Mediterranean shores and Catalan cuisine.
The Tour Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 7pm for the welcome meeting and, slightly later, a trip to a local bar to try some tapas, wine and to get to know your fellow travellers. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you will need to arrive into Barcelona Airport (BCN), which is a 20-minute drive from the hotel. If you miss the briefing, your Tour Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.
Day 2: Morning Barcelona Orientation Walk. Afternoon Free
Location: Barcelona
Accommodation: Catalonia Park Putxet
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we have a two hour orientation walk of the city with our Tour Leader. We stroll through the cobbled streets of the old city home to the impressive Cathedral of Barcelona, built between the 13th and 15th centuries. Visit the La Boqueria market, Placa d'Espanya and then up to Montjuic Park for views of the city.
This afternoon you are free to explore more of this fascinating 2,000-year old city at your own pace. We recommend you make a tour of the Gaudi monuments on foot or join a guided bike tour.
Day 3: Train To Carcassonne. Afternoon Walking Tour Of Carcassonne
Location: Carcassonne
Accommodation: Hotel, du Pont Vieux
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we leave Spain and take the train (3hrs 30mins) to our first stop in France, Carcassonne. Carcassonne is a medieval hill top town with a maze of winding alleyways, one of this region's most visually spectacular settings. We arrive after lunch and take a 2 hour tour of the imposing fortress, one of the most perfectly preserved towns of its kind anywhere in France. The city holds a wealth of delights, from the twin towers of the Porte Narbonnaise, to the spectacular Chateau Comtal in the heart of La Cite, whilst at the Basilique St-Nazaire you can find examples of some of the best medieval stained glass in the Midi. Once one of the most important and powerful cities in the south, before the all-consuming Albigensian Crusade against the Cathars saw the town fall to the notorious onslaught of the forces of Simon de Montfort. This evening we are free to enjoy dinner in one of the many restaurants just a short walk from our hotel.
Day 4: Languedoc Vineyard Visit, The Camargue Natural Park And On To Provence
Location: Camargue Regional Natural Park
Accommodation: Hotel, Le Medieval
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we drive east in our bus to the Languedoc vineyards. Languedoc is one of the largest and oldest vineyards in France. Nourished by the Mediterranean sun, Languedoc wines all have their own personality, whether they are reds, whites, rosés or sparkling wines. They are part of the rich cultural and culinary heritage of the region. We tour the vineyard and of course have the opportunity to sample a few before moving on to the Camargue. We drive through the Camargue Natural Park a UNESCO designated biosphere reserve, wetland and home to thousands of bird species including flamingos. We stop to stretch our legs and walk about two kilometres around the pretty fishing village of Les Saintes Maries de la Mer, built on an island in the heart of the Camargue, where the Petit Rhone meets the sea. We end our day in Avignon, the historic heart of Provence.
Day 5: In Provence - Walking Tour Of Avignon, Optional Trip To Arles
Location: Avignon
Accommodation: Hotel, Le Medieval
Meals Included: Breakfast
The appeal of Avignon goes beyond its impressive UNESCO World Heritage Sites as the city is also known as a centre of art and culture. This morning our Tour Leader takes us on a walk through Avignon's medieval streets and see its historic buildings that inspired Catholic popes who fled here in the 14th century to escape the corruption in Rome. We visit the UNESCO awarded Palace of Popes which has the world's largest Gothic edifice, Avignon Cathedral and the impressive Pont d Avignon bridge.
This afternoon you have the opportunity to take the train to Arles, once home of gladiators and chariot races, and follow the Van Gogh trail, inspiration to many of his most famous works of art and also where he is said to have mutilated his own ear!
Day 6: Tgv Train To The French Riviera, Nice And Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat Peninsula
Location: Nice
Accommodation: Ibis Styles Central Gare
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we hop back on the train (3hrs 30mins), next stop Nice, the heart of the French Riviera. We are met at the station by our bus and taken to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula, known as the peninsula of billionaires. Its warm climate and tranquility attracts European aristocracy and international millionaires. As we walk the two kilometres around the peninsula we can see lavish villas dotted between pristine beaches where we can stop for a swim in the inviting waters. After checking in to the hotel later this afternoon you are free to explore Nice old town.
Day 7: Free Day In Nice, Option To Visit Monaco By Train
Location: Nice
Accommodation: Ibis Styles Central Gare
Meals Included: Breakfast
Spend today how you choose, perhaps take a break from travelling and wander the historic streets of Nice and enjoy a coffee and pastry in one of the many street cafes while watching the world go by. For lunch why not try the regional salad Niçoise, a classic found on many menus originated in this city. Alternatively you could take the 20 minute train ride to Monaco and visit the Prince's Palace or walk the world famous Grand Prix circuit.
Day 8: Travel By Train To La Spezia, On The Italian Riviera
Location: La Spezia
Accommodation: Hotel, NH La Spezia
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our next stop is the Italian Riviera! It's a long day on the train (6 hrs) leaving France and going into Italy to arrive at our base for the next two nights, La Spezia. This busy coastal city is the staging point for the Cinque Terre, a string of five old fishing villages perched high on the Italian Riviera, which until recently were linked only by mule tracks and accessible only by rail or water. Tonight you have the option to take the local bus to Portovenere, a picturesque coastal village for a meal in one of its many excellent seafood restaurants.
Day 9: The Cinque Terre - Vernazza, Monterosso And Riomaggiore
Location: Cinque Terre, Vernazza, Monterosso al Mare, Riomaggiore
Accommodation: Hotel, NH La Spezia
Meals Included: Breakfast
We spend the entire day exploring the Cinque Terre villages. First off a short train ride to Vernazza. After a walk to see the colourful houses that surround the small marina we walk four kilometres on a stunning coastal route through hillsides cultivated with lemons, vines and olives to the next village, Monterosso. Monterosso is the largest of the five coastal villages that make up the Cinque Terre. Known for its crystal clear waters, you may wish to cool off and have a swim here. After lunch we take a boat to our third and final village Riomaggiore. The boat ride lets us view the villages from the water giving another perspective allowing us to truly appreciate these picture perfect villages dotted along the Ligurian coast. We explore Monterosso's narrow medieval streets, castle ruins and church. There is another opportunity to swim here. At the end of the day we can either take the train back to La Spezia or choose to stay in Monterosso for dinner and watch the pastel buildings glow at sunset.
Day 10: Train To Pisa And On To Florence
Location: Pisa
Accommodation: Hotel, C- Ambassadors
Meals Included: Breakfast
Taking to the train to Pisa, we leave our luggage at the station and walk 2 kilometres to the city's famous leaning tower and beautiful Campo del Miracoli, stunning testaments to a time when Pisa was one of the Mediterranean's major maritime powers. After lunch we continue by train to our final destination of the holiday, the fabulous city of Florence. The spiritual home of the Renaissance, Florence is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful cities in Italy. Tonight there is the opportunity to join a food focussed walking tour and sample many of the regions gastronomic highlights including salamis, cheese paired with best local wines and visit some of the cities oldest bakeries.
Day 11: Florence Orientation Tour On Foot. Afternoon Free
Location: Florence
Accommodation: Hotel, C- Ambassadors
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning our leader will take us on a 2 hour orientation walk with the rest of the day left free to explore further. Highlights include the Ponte Vecchio, the oldest and most famous bridge in Florence and the only one that was not demolished during the German retreat of 1944 and the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore with its giant dome that dominates the city skyline. We will also stop for a coffee in one of Florence's traditional café bars; quality coffee has long been a thriving scene in Florence and the whole of Italy. Early evening is the perfect time to walk up to the Piazzale Michaelangelo for a great view over the city. If you have visited Florence before you may wish to hop on a train to Lucca this afternoon, known for the well-preserved renaissance walls its historic centre and cobblestone streets. Those who stay in Florence may wish to visit the iconic Duomo and Giotto's bell tower for amazing views. We also suggest a visit to the Uffizi Gallery which needs to be pre booked using the following link https://www.uffizi.it/biglietti.
Day 12: Trip Ends Florence
Location: Florence
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip ends after breakfast this morning at our hotel in Florence.
There are no activities planned for today and you are free to depart at any time. If you are departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel.
If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from either Pisa Galileo Galilei International Airport (PSA) or Florence Peretola Airport (FLR). If departing from Pisa Airport your tour leader will arrange the transfer, providing you with a ticket for the public shuttle bus service direct from Florence Centrale Railway Station to Pisa Airport. A taxi transfer from our hotel to the shuttle bus departure point will also be provided for you. The total journey time is around 70 minutes. If you are departing from Florence Airport you will be transferred from our hotel to the airport by taxi, a journey of around 30 minutes.
What's Included
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Accommodation
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Fully Guided
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Meals – Breakfast Only
What's Not Included
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International Travel
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Tipping and Gratuities
Check out our Q&As
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I'm going on a walking/cycling trip-do I need to train?
It will depend on the grade and how fit you already are. Check the trip page for details of the walking or cycling grade and how far you’ll be walking/cycling each day. For moderate or challenging trips in particular we’d recommend doing some walks or cycles before you leave to build up your fitness and prepare you for the distances being covered.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have a wide range of ages nationalities on our small group trips and they come from all walks of life.
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Should I get travel insurance?
Yes–it is a condition of booking that you are fully insured when travelling with us
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How long has the tour company been trading?
At Explore, we're the experts in adventure travel. Our small group adventure holidays have been running since 1981. Today, Explore is one of the most trusted travel companies in the UK with over 500 trips to more than 120 countries.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, but there are no concessions for doing so, and we must have a record in your booking advising as such before the trip departs.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Being a responsible company is a large statement, something that has to be entwined within the very fibre of a company. Discover the charities and partnerships we support as part of this at https://www.explore.co.uk/about/sustainability/charities-and-partners
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
We want to be as clear as and as honest as possible about what happens if you decide to that you no longer wish to travel on your trip. Our booking conditions have details of the costs you’ll incur when you cancel-these charges depend on how long it is before your planned departure.
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What is the accommodation like?
We choose comfortable accommodation in the best locations possible. We opt for small, local and family-run accommodation where we can, as opposed to large chain hotels. We typically use hotels that are the equivalent of European 3-star, and you’ll usually have an en suite room. Occasionally, where we want to get off the beaten trail we may stay in more basic accommodation.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Sustainability is embedded within the fibre of Explore, it emanates from the inside out. But as we enter a new decade it is clearer than ever that our world needs help, and Explore has created a sustainability strategy based on the 2015 UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Our flexible booking and safety policies mean you're protected before and during your travels with us. Receive a full refund if your trip is cancelled, transfer your trip free of charge up to 10 days before departure minus any irrocoverable costs.
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Do I need to be very fit to book with you?
All our trips require some level of active participation. This could be on a cultural trip, trek, safari, expedition or voyage. It is in the interests of all members of the group that everyone should be capable of fully participating in the activities of their chosen trip.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Final documents will include a comprehensive trip itinerary, climate and country information, budgeting and packing advice visa and passport information and details on optional activities available.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes on most of our trips. Most trips are based on customers sharing twin-bedded rooms. If you book a group trip as an individual, you will share a room with someone of the same sex. However, on many trips we offer the opportunity to pay a supplement to pre-book a single room, known as our single room option. On some trips a single room will be provided every night, on others it will be provided o
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Do we have to be vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel
It’s now a condition of booking a trip with us that customers should have one of the following before they travel - — Be vaccinated against COVID, having received the full recommended course, and allowing enough time for immunity to take effect. Full vaccination includes any booster required to keep the vaccine valid. — Have taken a negative test (rapid antigen or PCR) within 72hrs of departure.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Explore will only offer hotels that have specific COVID-19 protocols in place and comply with local government guidelines. We will ensure these measures include; enhanced room cleaning, ventilation, social distancing, regular cleaning and disinfection of high frequency touch points in public areas, food safety, staff re-training and minimising contact within the properties.
Reviews of this Operator
Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Explore! allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Explore! requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of explore! charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 13 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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