Part II - Mediterranean Highlights
Eurostar zipped Pat from London to Paris. Then it was off to Madrid for his first leg with Contiki! Contiki Holidays guided him for the next 14 days from Spain to the French Riviera then down to Rome...
Spain, France and Italy
Patrick flew into London where he boarded Eurostar, which is famous for its rapid travel to Paris. He arrived in just over two hours then flew to Madrid - where the first tour of the World Traveler Internship 08 began!
Pat experienced Madrid’s best highlights before being whisked off to the Mediterranean coast, where he flamenco danced in Barcelona! From there:
- French Riviera, where discovered the beautiful beaches of Nice. (he liked the, um, view)
- Florence, where he experienced the postcard-perfect life of Tuscany.
- Rome, where he walked in the footsteps of emperors and discovered his untapped passion for pizza and pasta.
Here's the trip:
| Day | Where | What You'll Do |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | in transit | Trip begins |
| 2 | Arrive Madrid | Check into hotel. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring. Tonight, meet Contiki Tour Manager and fellow travelers. |
| 3 | Madrid | Morning sightseeing with a guided tour of the Royal Palace. Then more free time to discover more this am azing city. Maybe see the Bullring or visit the famous Prado Musuem. Tonight, fabulous traditional Spanish dinner. |
| 4 | Madrid to Barcelona | The first stop today is Zaragoza, to see the impressive Basilica de Nuestra Senora del Pilar. A chance for lunch in this city of four cultures. Then head east to Catalonia's most famous city, Barcelona. |
| 5 | Barcelona | Sightseeing tour, including 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? |
| 6 | Barcelona to Avignon | Adios to Spain as you head for France. Travel through Provence to arrive at overnight stop, Avignon, City of the Popes. |
| 7 | Avignon to French Riviera | Continue to Aix-en-Provence, home of Paul Cezanne, for lunch. Visit a French Perfumery in Grasse before continuing to your hotel in Nice. Tonight, visit magnificent Monaco to see the Royal Palace and Monte Carlo Casino. |
| 8 | French Riviera | 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 - the choice is yours! |
| 9 | French Riviera to Pisa | An early start as you travel to Italy, passing Genoa (Christopher Columbus's birthplace) before entering the unspoiled Cinque Terre Region to visit the various villages along this stunning coast. The hotel for tonight is in Pisa. |
| 10 | Pisa to Florence | From the home of the famous Leaning Tower, continue on to the Renaissance city of Florence. This afternoon enjoy a demonstration of Florentine leathercraft and shop for gold and silver. |
| 11 | Florence | Walking tour of the Piazza della Signoria, the Duomo and Santa Croce. Use free time to visit one of the city's many museums or galleries and this evening enjoy the colorful Florentine nightlife. |
| 12 | Florence to Rome | Off to San Gimignano for free time, then leave Tuscany and make way to Italy's capital, Rome. This evening enjoy first taste of this amazing city on sightseeing tour. |
| 13 | Rome | Ancient and modern Rome await discovery. Why not take a guided tour of the Imperial Forum and walk in the footsteps of gladiators? Use 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). |
| 14 | Depart Rome | Time to swap addresses and e-mail addresses and say 'Arrivederci Roma' as the tour ends after breakfast. |
| BOOK YOUR SPOT TODAY! Call (800) 497.0236 or visit your local STA Travel store. |
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