Contiki - Mediterranean Highlights (Start Rome) 13 days

Day 1 - Arrive Rome

Make your own way to the hotel, then the day is free to explore at leisure. This evening meet your Tour Manager and enjoy an evening sightseeing tour.

Day 2 - Rome

Ancient and modern Rome await your discovery. Why not take a guided tour of the Imperial Forum and walk in the footsteps of Gladiators? In your free time explore the Vatican City and Sistine Chapel, snap up Italian fashions or just watch the world go by with a gelato (or two). (B)

Day 3 - Rome to Florence

We head north through the hills of Tuscany. En-route we stop in the Chianti region where you will have the opportunity to sample some of the local wines and olive oil. From here it's on to the beautiful Renaissance city of Florence. (B,D)

Day 4 - Florence

The day includes a walking tour of the Piazza della Signoria, the Duomo and Santa Croce, and a chance to shop for leather, gold and silver. In your free time maybe visit one of the city's many museums or galleries and this evening enjoy the colourful Florentine nightlife. (B)

Day 5 - Florence to La Spezia

This morning we visit Pisa, home of the famous Leaning Tower, then enter the unspoilt Cinque Terre Region. (B,D)

Day 6 - La Spezia to French Riviera

Discover the scenic Cinque Terre region. From La Spezia, we stop at Portovenere, time to enjoy a coffee before continuing to the picturesque village of Riomaggiore. We arrive at Levanto where we join our coach to leave Italy and head for France and the French Riviera. (B,D)

Day 7 - French Riveria

Rub shoulders with the rich and famous on the Nice promenade, shop for French fashion or laze the day away on the sun-drenched beaches. Tonight we visit Monaco! Why not join us for an elegant meal, view the Royal Palace and take the opportunity to try your luck at the casinos of Monte Carlo? (B)

Day 8 - French Riviera to Avignon

A visit to a French perfumery before continuing to Aix-en-Provence, home of Paul Cezanne, for lunch. This afternoon time to explore Avignon, City of the Popes. (B,D)

Day 9 - Avignon to Barcelona

We leave France and head to Catalonia's most famous city, Barcelona. Our drive takes us along the Mediterranean coast and past the Pyrénées mountain ranges. (B,D)

Day 10 - Barcelonea

Our included sightseeing tour is a great introduction to this celebrated city. See Gaudi's Sagrada Familia Cathedral, the 1992 Olympic Complex and the Gothic district. A chance to experience Barcelona's famed shopping street La Rambla and discover some of Spain's specialties. Tonight why not experience the passion of Flamenco dancing? (B)

Day 11 - Barcelonea to Madrid

We travel west to Zaragoza. See the impressive Basilica de Nuestra Senora del Pilar. A chance to lunch in this city of four cultures. Then it's on to Madrid! (B,D)

Day 12 - Madrid

Our morning sightseeing includes a guided tour of the Royal Palace. The rest of the day is free for you to discover this amazing city. Perhaps see the Bullring or visit the famous Prado Musuem. Tonight a chance to try fabulous traditional Spanish cuisine. (B)

Day 13 - Depart Madrid

Time to swap addresses and say farewell to your new-found friends as your tour ends after breakfast. (B)