Mediterranean Flavors
Mediterranean Flavors
Mediterranean Flavors
14 Days Starting in Madrid, Spain and ending in Rome, Italy
Visiting: Madrid, Valencia, Barcelona, Marseille, French Riviera, Cinque Terre, Verona, Venice, Rome
Tour operator:
Tour code:
6840-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through the Mediterranean with our "Mediterranean Flavors" tour, exploring the rich cultural tapestry of France, Italy, and Spain. Begin in Madrid, Spain's vibrant capital, and traverse through historic cities like Cuenca and Valencia, marveling at their architectural wonders. Discover the medieval charm of Peñíscola and the artistic allure of Barcelona. Cross into France to visit the picturesque village of Collioure and the bustling port city of Marseille. Experience the elegance of the French Riviera, including a visit to a perfume workshop in Èze. In Italy, explore the breathtaking Cinque Terre, the romantic city of Verona, and the timeless beauty of Venice. Conclude your adventure in Rome, the Eternal City, with its iconic landmarks and rich history. Enjoy comfortable accommodations and savor local cuisines along the way, making this an unforgettable Mediterranean adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Madrid,Spain
Location: Madrid
Accommodation Name: Hotel Chamartin The One
Meals Included: Dinner
Check into your hotel. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and travel companions.
Day 2: Madrid
Location: Madrid
Accommodation Name: Hotel Chamartin The One
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 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 Name: NH Ciudad de Valencia
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 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 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 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 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 Name: CDH 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 Name: 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 Name: 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 Name: BV Oly Hotel
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 Name: BV Oly Hotel
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.
Day 14: Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation Name: BV Oly Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay at various hotels including Hotel Chamartin The One, NH Ciudad de Valencia, Catalonia Sagrada Familia, Ibis Marseille Centre Euromed, Ibis Styles Nice Vieux Port, CDH La Spezia, Poppi, and BV Oly Hotel.
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Meals
Buffet breakfasts daily and 5 dinners are included.
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Guided Tours
Included guided city tours in Madrid, Valencia, and Barcelona.
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Transport
Travel by coach through various cities and regions including Madrid, Cuenca, Valencia, Peñíscola, Barcelona, Collioure, Marseille, Cassis, French Riviera, Cinque Terre, Verona, Venice, Assisi, and Rome.
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UNESCO Sites
Visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Assisi, Cinque Terre, City of Verona, Historic walled town of Cuenca, La Lonja de la Seda de Valencia, Paseo del Prado and Buen Retiro, Pyrenees, Venice and its Lagoon, and Works of Antoni Gaudi in Barcelona.
What's Not Included
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Optional Excursions
Optional trips such as a visit to Toledo, Monte Carlo by Night excursion, and a gondola trip in Venice are not included.
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees to certain attractions like the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.
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Flights
International and domestic flights to and from the starting and ending points of the tour are not included.
Meals
Buffet breakfasts daily; 5 dinners
UNESCO Sites
Assisi (the Basilica of San Francesco)|Cinque Terre|City of Verona|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 (See only)
Accommodation
The tour features stays at various comfortable hotels including 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, 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 between destinations is primarily by coach, offering scenic views of the Mediterranean coastline and countryside. The tour also includes a boat ride in Venice and a train journey through the Cinque Terre region.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
The tour includes stays at various hotels such as Hotel Chamartin The One in Madrid, NH Ciudad de Valencia in Valencia, Catalonia Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Ibis Marseille Centre Euromed in Marseille, Ibis Styles Nice Vieux Port in Nice, CDH La Spezia in La Spezia, Poppi in Venice, and BV Oly Hotel in Rome. These hotels offer amenities like air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and on-site restaurants.
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Are there any optional excursions available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional excursions available during the tour. For example, on Day 2 in Madrid, you can consider an optional trip to Toledo. On Day 7, there is an optional Monte Carlo by Night excursion, and on Day 8, you can join an optional excursion to the artists' town of St. Paul de Vence. Additionally, on Day 11 in Venice, there is an optional gondola trip with a local troubadour to serenade you.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes buffet breakfasts daily and 5 dinners.
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What are some of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites visited during the tour?
The tour visits several UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Basilica of San Francesco in Assisi, Cinque Terre, the City of Verona, the historic walled town of Cuenca, La Lonja de la Seda de Valencia, Paseo del Prado and Buen Retiro in Madrid, the Pyrenees, Venice and its Lagoon, and works of Antoni Gaudi in Barcelona (view only).
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What activities are planned for the day in Barcelona?
In Barcelona, the sightseeing includes a drive around Montjuïc to see the Olympic Stadium and a panoramic view of the port and city. The tour continues to the city center of Plaza Catalunya and Paseo de Gracia to admire Gaudi’s architectural masterpieces such as the Houses Batllò and Mila and the Sagrada Familia (entrance fees not included). The afternoon is free for leisure activities.
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What can I expect during the visit to Cinque Terre?
During the visit to Cinque Terre, you will enjoy the coastal scenery along the French and Italian Rivieras. You will take a train in Levanto and stop in some of the most enchanting villages of the Cinque Terre region, where you can explore the beauty of rugged cliffs and romantic fishing villages. There are several breathtaking trails carved into the rocks connecting the villages, offering dramatic sea views.
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What is included in the guided city tour of Madrid?
The guided city tour of Madrid includes discovering the main sights of the city and ends with a walk in the Barrio de La Latina, where you can stop in one of the many bars to taste typical tapas. There is also an optional trip to Toledo available.
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What are the highlights of the visit to Marseille?
In Marseille, you will see the city’s bustling ancient heart, the picturesque Vieux Port (old port), where elegant markets and handsome townhouses surround the boat-filled harbor. The tour also follows the coastal route toward Cassis, a small fishing port lined with cafés and restaurants.
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What can I do during the leisure time in Nice?
During your leisure time in Nice, you can 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 the itinerary for the last day of the tour in Rome?
On the last day of the tour in Rome, you will start with an introduction to Rome’s landmarks from St Peter’s Square with a Local Guide. The tour includes a drive along the iconic landmarks of the city such as the Tiber River, the Caius Cestius Pyramid, the Aurelian Walls, and the Caracalla Baths. The experience is completed with a walk from the Circus Maximus to the Arch of Constantine and the Colosseum.
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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.