Mediterranean Flavors

Mediterranean Flavors

155 Views
14 Days From

$3007

$2850

Mediterranean Flavors

14 Days Starting in Madrid, Spain and ending in Rome, Italy

Visiting: Arrive In Madrid, Spain, Madrid, Cuenca, Valencia, Peñíscola, Barcelona, Collioure, France, Marseille, Cassis, French Riviera, French Riviera. Excursion To Èze, Cinque Terre, Italy-La Spezia, La Spezia, Verona, Venice Area, Venice, Assisi, Rome

Tour operator:

Cosmos

Tour code:

6840-2025

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $3007 $2850 Operator discount: -$157

NB: Prices correct on 24-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

From Spain to France to Italy, this affordable tour along the Western Mediterranean Coast, designed by a team of Tour Directors, features vibrant cities, historic sites, and amazing scenery. Visit Madrid, Valencia, Barcelona, Marseille, Venice, and Rome, and experience the stunning Cinque Terre, named after its five medieval fishing villages by the sea. This area is noted for its natural beauty with terraces built into the mountainside on cliffs that drop down into the sea and for its breathtaking views. Spend time on glamorous French Riviera, where you have the chance to visit a perfume workshop in Èze. Plus, enjoy picture-perfect scenery as you drive through the most fascinating landscapes and visit cameo villages such as Cuenca, Collioure, Cassis and iconic cities like Verona and Barcelona! Local Guides will reveal the must-see sights on your city tours of Madrid, Valencia, Barcelona, and Rome. See Rome’s iconic landmarks on the guided orientation tour, such as the Vatican and the Colosseum. Get a taste of Venice with a boat ride to world-famous St. Mark's Square. In Assisi, marvel at St. Francis Basilica, burial place of the saint and home to beautiful medieval frescos by Giotto. This tour to Spain, France, and Italy is perfectly planned for value-minded travel lovers wanting a wonderful, yet affordable, Mediterranean vacation.

Highlights

  • Arrive in Madrid, Spain and explore the capital city.

  • Discover the main sights of Madrid and enjoy tapas in Barrio de La Latina.

  • Visit Cuenca and its famous "hanging houses" before heading to Valencia.

  • Explore Peñíscola Castle and continue to Barcelona.

  • Sightseeing in Barcelona includes Montjuïc, Plaza Catalunya, and Gaudi’s architectural masterpieces.

  • Cross into France and visit the picturesque village of Collioure.

  • Explore Marseille’s Vieux Port and the coastal town of Cassis.

  • Visit a perfume workshop in Èze and enjoy leisure time in Nice.

  • Travel along the French and Italian Rivieras to the Cinque Terre.

  • Visit the romantic city of Verona and continue to Venice.

Show all

Places You'll See

Hotel Chamartin The One

Port Feria Valencia

Catalonia Sagrada Familia

Ibis Marseille Centre Euromed

Ibis Styles Nice Vieux Port

Cdh La Spezia

Poppi

American Palace Eur

The Colosseum, Rome

Sagrada Familia, Spain

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive In Madrid,Spain

Location: Arrive In Madrid, Spain

Meals Included: Dinner

Check into your hotel. Start discovering the city with the help of the CosmosGO app, and tonight, meet your Tour Director and travel companions.

Day 2: Madrid

Location: Madrid

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 to explore the splendid setting of this old walled city, made famous in El Greco’s painting. Today, Toledo resembles a great open-air museum of Spanish history and art.

Day 3: Madrid,Cuenca,Valencia

Location: Madrid, Cuenca, Valencia

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Travel southeast to Cuenca, perched high above the precipices of the Jucar and Huecar Rivers, famous for the “hanging houses”, 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: Valencia, Peñíscola, Barcelona

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

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: Barcelona, Collioure, France, Marseille

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, Cassis, French Riviera

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. Tonight, rub elbows with high-rollers and roll the dice with an optional “Monte Carlo by Night” excursion to experience the glitz and glamour of Monaco. Today’s Distance: 143 mi/ 230 km

Day 8: French Riviera. Excursion To Èze

Location: French Riviera. Excursion To Èze

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. Today’s Distance: 19 mi/ 30 km

Day 9: French Riviera,Cinque Terre,Italy-La Spezia

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Location: French Riviera, Cinque Terre, Italy-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

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Location: La Spezia, Verona, Venice Area

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. Do you believe in magic? An optional evening boat ride on Giudecca Canal, dinner in a local restaurant, and St. Mark’s square at night will remove all doubt!Today’s Distance: 236 mi/ 380 km

Day 11: Venice

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Location: Venice

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.

Day 12: Venice Area,Assisi,Rome

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Location: Venice Area, Assisi, Rome

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

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Location: Rome

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.* When in Rome...! Tonight, do as the Romans do and enjoy an optional farewell dinner at a traditional Roman restaurant. * For operational reasons, changes to the Rome program cannot be excluded.

Day 14: Rome

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Location: Rome

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

What's Included

  • 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.

  • Meals

    Buffet breakfasts daily and 5 dinners are included.

  • Guided Tours

    Included guided city tours in Madrid, Valencia, and Barcelona.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • Optional Excursions

    Optional trips such as a visit to Toledo, Monte Carlo by Night excursion, and a gondola trip in Venice are not included.

  • Entrance Fees

    Entrance fees to certain attractions like the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona are not included.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.

  • Flights

    International and domestic flights to and from the starting and ending points of the tour are not included.

Meals

Buffet breakfasts daily, 4 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|Pyren?es|Works of Antoni Gaudi in Barcelona (See only)

Accommodation

Madrid:Hotel Chamartin The One
Valencia:Port Feria Valencia
Barcelona:Catalonia Sagrada Familia
Marseille:Ibis Marseille Centre Euromed
Nice:Ibis Styles Nice Vieux Port
Cinque Terre Area:CDH La Spezia
Venice Area:Poppi
Rome:American Palace Eur

Notes

Rome - the 2025 Jubilee Year events may necessitate changes in the sequence of activities or the omission of certain events/places. Every effort will be made to follow the itinerary, but it may be subject to change.

This tour requires navigating stairs to board the Cinque Terra train which may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs.

For operational reasons, changes to the Rome program cannot be excluded.

Check out our Q&As

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • What meals are included in the tour package?

    The tour package includes buffet breakfasts daily and 5 dinners.

  • 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).

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1961

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Reviews of this operator

Mrs Susan Hyland  

We have just returned from a Cosmos…

28-Sep-2022

We have just returned from a Cosmos tour- Gourmet Tuscany. We stayed in Montecatini Terme and traveled from there to many wonderful places, in towns and the fabulous Tuscan countryside. We visit Vineyards for wine tastings, farms for cooking lessons and lunches and dinners in authentic Italian restaurants. All assisted by a friendly, informative tour director. First class holiday

Trustpilot
Rick  

Excellent in every respect

08-Dec-2022

I recently did a 2-week "best of Italy" tour with this company. Our guide, Daniella, was fantastic, the itinerary was excellent and they catered for my rather difficult dietary requirements really well. Really happy and will certainly book with them again

Trustpilot
John Lomanno  

A wonderrful experience

09-Nov-2022

WE saw so much. The tour director Mladin was very knowledgeable and made the experience so enjoyable. The bus driver Paul was so nice and helpful. A couple of the hotels had no refrigerators to keep the water cold. We had to carry our own luggage to and from the rooms. There should have been porters to help us. Over all we had a great time.

Trustpilot
Bruce  

Old South &Florida tour

27-Oct-2022

Great organisation, tour guide(Kris) and driver(Tony) who went extra mile and good group of people from all over world. The hotels were excellent in New Orleans and Nashville and very good in other cities. The itinerary was well thought out with visits to Gracelands and Grande ole Oprey topping the bill. We added 3extra nights in New Orleans (giving us 6nights) which was absolutely fab and would advise anyone doing this tour that they consider some extra nights to see and do as much as you can

Trustpilot
Francine Ramos  

The tour director expertise and…

18-Dec-2022

The tour director expertise and personality made the trip all the more pleasant. No stress. The local guides as well added to the beauty of this trip. They were knowledgeable and personable. I also have to mention the travelers (the group of 21). The people were friendly an accommodating. This is my third trip with this tour company and I will continue to travel with this company due to excellent planning and customer service. Thank you

Trustpilot

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Operator discount: -$157

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Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.