LONDON TO ROME QUEST
Overview
France, Spain and Italy – a trio like no other. 16 days in perhaps the most alluring region of Europe will have you feeling right at home. Wine regions, boats to small islands and 9 World Heritage Sites will leave you hands down smitten.
Included/Excluded
Day 1London to Paris
London
Welcome to the first day of the best holiday of your life – we’re calling it early! After a few pleasantries in London we’ll get the show on the road with Paris in our sights.
Dover
A few hours in and your jaws are on the floor already. These chalk cliffs that edge the English coastline are known as the White Cliffs of Dover, the first of many natural beauties we’ll see on this trip.
Calais
After we ferry across the English Channel for France we’ll arrive in Calais, where we will take in the history of World War I battlefields in the Valley of the Somme.
Paris
Kicking off night one, we arrive in none other than the lust-worthy Paris! It’s straight down to business with a tour of the city lit up by the lights of night.
Day 2Paris
Paris
Drool over haute couture you can’t afford, admire the Notre Dame Cathedral whilst juggling coffee and crêpes, & get artsy at the Louvre. Just don’t wear yourself out, you will probably want to get involved with dinner and a cabaret show. Smitten and it’s only day two!
Day 3Paris to Bordeaux
Paris
Wipe away your tears sad travellers! Paris is not going anywhere, you can always come back and visit her again. You, on the other hand, are going somewhere, and it’s somewhere pretty magnificent…
Bordeaux
Wise folk tell us that wine has been produced in Bordeaux since the 1st Century – that’s a long time, which means they know what they’re doing. And it’s not just the vin that has dragged us here, it’s a pretty place to boot featuring its famous Miroir d’eau (water mirror).
Day 4Bordeaux to San Sebastian
Bordeaux
Breathe in your last breath of Bordeaux before we hit the road in search of the Spanish border. In just a few short hours we’ll be beach side and exploring San Sebastian.
Saint-Jean-de-Luz
Our stop will have you people watching in this cute little town on the French and Spanish border.
San Sebastián
With two nights in Spain’s coastal town of San Sebastian, it will be hard to wipe the smiles off our faces. Take a walk to the aquarium where you can get a closer look at Isla de Santa Clara. The night is yours.
Day 5San Sebastian
San Sebastián
We’ll be dropping lots of delicious sounding words today as we explore Parte Vieja, Playa de la Concha and Centro Romántico. Say it again: Romántico! Follow the cobblestone roads & soak up San Sebastian’s coastline.
Day 6San Sebastian to Barcelona
San Sebastián
Having settled into life with afternoon siestas, today will only be a departure from San Sebastian, don’t worry leaving Spain is not on the agenda. Sigh with relief.
Zaragoza
This town comes complete with a baroque Basilica, a perfect combination of Islamic and Gothic architecture and truly a sight to behold.
Barcelona
Hola Barcelona…The first dose of Mediterranean Sea! That’s if you can drag yourself away from the intoxicating city & get to the beach. Unique gothic architecture, round the clock parties & plenty of street life will leave you spellbound by Barcelona.
Day 7Barcelona
Barcelona
They say this sexy city sizzles and we couldn’t agree more. For a taste of what you can do, here’s just a start of the never-ending list. Channel Gaudi at Sagrada Familia, his greatest masterpiece, started in 1882. This labour of love is still not compete, but is one for the Instagram upload for sure. Parc Guell could be next on the list, followed by the beach, and of course taking to the backstreets for some endless tapas and paella. Washed down with sangria of course.
Day 8Barcelona to French Riviera
Barcelona
As smitten as we are by Barcelona, we have more of Europe to conquer. Much, much more…
French Riviera
You’re not a real celebrity until you’ve frolicked on the French Riviera, and who are we to keep you off the A-List? Discover sapphire waters & endless glamour as we roll along this glitzy coastline.
Day 9French Riviera
French Riviera
Missing an opportunity to see this glorious part of the world up close and personal would be criminal. Speaking of things you shouldn’t miss, this region is famous for lavender honey, aioli & rosé wine; all 3 in one meal should be your mission.
Monaco City
Please tell us you didn’t throw away all of your pennies on perfume today? Because you’re going to want a few spare coins tonight so you can play fancy. We’re visiting the Monte Carlo Casino & the Royal Palace in Monaco.
French Riviera
After a night on the blackjack table it’s back to the coast and to bed, the next part of the adventure starts tomorrow.
Day 10French Riviera to Pisa via Cinque Terre
French Riviera
Having exhausted all our hilarious Nice puns, we’ll head south in search of the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Cinque Terre.
Cinque Terre
Welcome to Cinque Terre, the sexiest collection of fishing villages on the planet. Armed with your rail pass, spend the day absorbing the dramatic beauty of this place, but we suggest you get out for a hike, a food crawl, some vino or all of the above. Then we’ll head to our home for the night – Pisa.
Pisa
Oh, what a long but beautiful day it has been! We’ll check into our hotel and get some well deserved rest.
Day 11Pisa to Florence
Pisa
As if we were going to leave Pisa without a trip to the Leaning Tower. Depriving you of the chance to perfect the holding-up-the-tower shot would be down right criminal.
Florence
Explore the city’s markets complete with gelato in hand; marvel at artworks from the likes of legends like Michelangelo; and be impressed by the skilful art of leather at an included demonstration. These are the sorts of activities likely to fill your Florence agenda.
Day 12Florence to Sorrento
Florence
After farewell-ing Florence this morning we will journey along the boot of Italy until we reach the globally adored town of Sorrento for some blissed out coast hangs.
Sorrento
“So so so so in love with Sorrento” are about the only words you’ll muster up tonight as you sit seaside watching the sunset in this town of beauty.
Day 13Sorrento
Sorrento
It simply wouldn’t be a trip to Sorrento without a side note to…
Capri
We’ll head over to the island of Capri for the day. With its gorgeous cragged coastline and opulent cafes, it’s easy to see why this is such a playground for the rich and famous. If you’d like to spend some time on the water, opt for a cruise, with swim stops & great views of the coastline.
Sorrento
Back in Sorrento, we’ll stroll along the plunging cliffs, explore the impossibly pretty historical centre and taste some local gnocchi.
Day 14Sorrento to Rome
Sorrento
Another glorious Italian day awaits us. Iconic sites and ancient history will keep our jaws at floor level until our heads hit our pillows.
Pompeii
After less than an hour gazing lovingly out of our windows at the Amalfi Coast, it will be time for a stop. Here in the ancient city of Pompeii you will have the chance to partake in a guided walking tour taking in Roman city remains.
Rome
Today’s roadtrip beauty is never-ending as we take in the volcanic beauty of Mt. Vesuvius en route to Rome. On arrival in the open time capsule that is Italy’s capital, your Trip Manager will get you straight into the sightseeing. The Roman Forum and Colosseum can both be ticked off your list should you be in the mood for a little history.
Day 15Rome
Rome
Rome wasn’t built in a day – so get up and get going early to make the most of this ancient city an hit the streets for your own discoveries. Snap pink azaleas by the Colosseum, throw coins in fountains and sip espresso in a pretty street watching Italian life float by.
Day 16End Rome
Rome
The best 2 weeks of your life has come to an end – you have our complete sympathy. If anyone understands the pain of ended travels, it’s us (and your new Contiki collective). Hug it out after breakfast & make plans to reunite outside of Rome.
