Winter Riviera & Madrid Cruise Tour

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

After breakfast at the hotel, you&rsquo;ll kick off your day with a visit to the world-famous Santiago Bernabéu stadium&mdash;host to Real Madrid CF since 1947. Fans of the football (aka American soccer) will go wild over the panoramic view of the inside of the renovated stadium, with admission to the Real Madrid CF Museum, where you&rsquo;ll learn about the history of the club and its members, take pictures next to famous trophies and watch the club&rsquo;s most iconic moments. Next, you&rsquo;ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. The tour continues to the Royal Palace, an awe-inspiring architectural wonder and the largest functioning palace in Europe. You&rsquo;ll learn about the site&rsquo;s rich history, capture pictures at Armoury Square, get a chance to walk the iconic marble Grand Staircase, and explore majestic rooms and spaces displaying sculptures, paintings, tapestries and jewels offering insight into the 18-century Spanish Monarchy. In the evening, you&rsquo;ll head to renowned tablao Corral de la Morería (Madrid&rsquo;s &ldquo;Cathedral of Flamenco) to see a fiery flamenco show performed by some of Spain&rsquo;s top dancers and musicians, while enjoying a three-course gourmet meal created by a Michelin Star chef.<br />
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(Includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and flamenco show, entrance to Bernabéu Stadium and Real Madrid CF Museum, overnight in Madrid hotel)

After breakfast at the hotel, you&rsquo;ll head right to the Prado Museum to take in the world&rsquo;s richest and most comprehensive collection of Spanish works from Spanish masters Valázquez, El Greco, Goya and El Bosco. Your early access allows you to skip the line and enter the museum one hour before they open. The museum also houses a vast collection of classical European paintings and sculptures, including the largest collections of Italian art outside of Italy. Next, you&rsquo;ll head to the famous &ldquo;El Retiro Park,&rdquo; a UNESCO World Heritage Site offering a vast green oasis in the heart of the city. Stroll through a variety of gardens with interesting monuments, view a nearly 400-year-old Mexican conifer, sit by the lake or rent a rowing boat, and explore the exhibitions halls, including the Glass Palace, a glass pavilion built in 1887, regarded as one of Spain&rsquo;s finest examples of cast-iron architecture. After enjoying the park, you&rsquo;ll have free time to explore and find lunch on your own. In the evening, you&rsquo;ll be immersed in a unique culinary experience at a boutique cooking school. You&rsquo;ll learn the art of preparing tapas, then enjoy them along with a chef-prepared entree and two desserts for a 5-course tasting menu served with a bottomless wine pairing of five different Spanish wines.<br />
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(Includes breakfast, dinner, early entrance to Prado Museum, cooking class, overnight in Madrid hotel)

You&rsquo;ll have breakfast at your hotel in Madrid before taking off for an incredible day in Segovia, a medieval city located in Castile and Leó, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You&rsquo;ll look back in time as you admire the incredible Roman Aqueduct winding its way around the edge of town. You&rsquo;ll visit Plaza Mayor, a town square framed by the beautiful pinnacles of the apse of the Cathedral, built in Castilian Late Gothic style, then head inside to meet your guide and tour the Cathedral, learning about its historical significance and architectural highlights that have earned it the name Lady of the Cathedrals. Next, you&rsquo;ll enjoy a classic Segovian lunch at a delightful restaurant, followed by a stop at the renowned Alcázar of Segovia, a medieval castle built in the 12^th century that has served as home for 22 kings and inspired the design of castles in shows and movies, including Cinderella&rsquo;s castle. Afterwards, you&rsquo;ll travel back to your hotel in Madrid and enjoy the evening at your leisure.

After breakfast at your hotel, you&rsquo;ll be driven to the Madrid-Barajas International Airport for your flight home.<br />
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(Includes breakfast and transfers to the airport)