This tour is fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader who will accompany you throughout the tour. If your tour includes multiple countries, you will be met by a new tour leader in each country and any internal flights included will be unescorted.
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
Experience a superior level of comfort. Our Small Group tours have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Travel with no more than 26 people, allowing for a more personalised and immersive experience. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for the exact group size.
✓ Incredible sightseeing including guided visits in Madrid, Seville, Granada, Barcelona, Carcassonne, Avignon, Venice, Rome and more throughout the itinerary
✓ Small, intimate group experience - no more than 24 people
✓ Entry into the famous Sistine Chapel to view Michelangelo’s masterpiece The Last Judgment
✓ Entry fees to Mérida’s Roman Theatre and Granada’s mighty Alhambra
✓ 25 nights in centrally located, 4 and 5-star premium accommodation
✓ Breakfast daily, 4 lunches & 6 dinners
✓ Travel in comfort with luxury coach transportation
✓ Benefit from the expertise of an English-speaking Tour Director throughout the journey
✓ Private arrival and departure airport transfers
✈ Needing international airfares to accompany your Inspiring Vacation? You will be able to access our flight portal after securing your package to add international airfares to your booking.
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Bienvenidos a España!
On arrival into Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD), you will be privately transferred to your accommodation.
This evening at 7:00pm you will meet your Tour Director in the hotel reception, where you will meet your fellow travellers.
Arrival airport transfers are included as part of your package. You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.
Please note: if you are arriving early and have made your own arrangements prior to your tour commencing, airport transfers will not be included. However, if you are purchasing pre-nights accommodation as part of your Inspiring Vacations package, airport transfers will still be provided to the starting hotel.
Embark on a morning adventure to uncover the treasures of Madrid, one of the world's most thrilling cities. Witness its iconic attractions and immerse yourself in the inherent passion that defines this vibrant metropolis.
The afternoon is yours to leisurely delve deeper into the city's enchanting marvels.
Your first stop en route to Seville is the ancient capital of the Lusitania Province, Mérida. Now, the capital of Extremadura, in western Spain, was founded by the Romans in the 1st century BC. There are still remains of the ancient city, such as the spectacular Roman Theater (entrance included). Spend some time at your leisure before departing for Seville.
On arrival into the famous Andalusian capital, check-into your hotel and have the remainder of the day at your leisure.
Today you’ll explore romantic Seville on a city tour.
Visit such notable sights as; the picturesque Plaza de España, Royal Alcázar of Seville, Catedral de Sevilla and La Giralda.
Spend some time navigating the narrow streets of the Jewish Quarter as this labyrinth dates back to the time of Moorish rule.
Enjoy the evening at your leisure in the ‘City of Light’.
Depart to Cordoba, a landmark of enormous heritage from a splendorous past. You´ll visit its impressive Mosque, now a Christian Cathedral, and its narrow Arabian-style streets.
Bond for Granada, most magic city in Spain, driving through endless olive oil groves.
In the early evening, join your fellow travellers to experience the most authentic Gypsy Flamenco show in Spain, including dinner - an evening not to forget.
It’s time to explore the famous Alhambra and Generalife Gardens. Given the vastness of this sprawling complex, this involves approximately three hours walking – don’t forget your walking shoes! Your transfer will take you to La Alhambra for you to complete this visit on an audio-guided tour.
The Alhambra is the contemporary history of Granada’s Arab past. Its buildings, towers, palaces, patios and gardens make this palace and fortress complex one of the most visited monuments in Spain. It towers over Granada’s historic Arabic quarter. Within the fortress you’ll find exquisite palaces and serene pathways weaving through amazing gardens and courtyards. The detail is next level – sumptuous interiors, beautiful Islamic geometric patterns, exquisitely carved wood, incredible ornamental features. First built by the Moors as a fortress during the Muslim rule of Spain, the complex is testament to their decadent lifestyle.
The rest of the day is free for you to see more of Granada at your own pace. The city is home to a huge number of tapas bars – what better way to pass the time?
Walk around the Albaicín (the old Arab Quarter), a labyrinth of crooked alleys, fountains, plazas and whitewashed houses. Visit the Alcaiceria, the big bazaar in the centre of the city that was the original Moorish silk market, and peruse craftworks on sale like ceramics, marquetry and leather goods.
Climb the steep streets up to the popular viewpoint Mirador de San Nicolas for sunset views over the Alhambra, the jewel in Granada’s crown.
Today you depart for Valencia with a stop in Ubeda on the way.
Ubeda is often considered the Spanish olive oil capital. Enjoy a pleasant walk through this historical gem and taste their unique extra virgin olive oil before having a light lunch.
Some notable sights worth seeing here include Plaza Vázquez de Molina (where you will most likely have lunch), a marvel of Renaissance architecture the Sacra Capilla del Salvador, the beautiful chain-decorated façade of Palacio de las Cadenas and the now luxury hotel, Hospital de Santiago.
This afternoon you will arrive in Valencia where the afternoon will be at your leisure.
Today you’ll explore Valencia´s old town and the exterior of the most avant-garde complex: Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias.
Continue your journey in the early afternoon towards Catalunya. Reach Barcelona, main Mediterranean Spanish city and home to world famous architect Gaudí, symbol of Catalonian modernism.
We highly recommend, whilst in Barcelona, enjoying a drink at the W Hotel for its amazing vistas.
Begin your day in Barcelona with a city discovery. See the Barcelona Pavilion, a study in minimalism built for the 1929 International Exposition. Then explore the Sagrada Familia (entrance not included), a still-unfinished cathedral designed by Catalan architect Antoní Gaudí.
The afternoon is free to explore the city at your own pace.
Today you are Girona bound - one of the most underrated but most exciting cities in Spain.
Since much of the old quarter of this ancient city has been preserved, it has become a popular destination for tourists and film productions - most notably Game of Thrones. Whilst here, enjoy some free time to explore the fortifications and riverside walks.
From here, continue north, saying adios to Spain and entering into France with Carcassonne your first stop.
Your day kicks off with a guided stroll through the Citadel, also referred to as the Cité de Carcassonne. This medieval stronghold, which traces its origins to the Gallo-Roman era and underwent restoration in 1853, offers a captivating journey back in time. Its remarkable preservation and meticulous restoration efforts earned it a coveted spot on UNESCO's World Heritage Sites list in 1997.
The remainder of the afternoon is yours to savour the charm of this picturesque medieval town in Southern France at your leisure.
After breakfast, your itinerary is Nîmes, renowned as the most Roman city outside of Italy. Nîmes boasts a wealth of famous monuments, including the impressive Arena of Nîmes and the iconic Maison Carrée. Thanks to its rich Roman heritage, Nîmes is often affectionately dubbed the "French Rome."
Our Roman adventure continues with a visit to the Pont du Gard, an ancient Roman aqueduct bridge constructed in the first century AD to transport water over a distance of 50 kilometers. Recognized for its outstanding preservation, historical significance, and architectural brilliance, the Pont du Gard earned its place on UNESCO's list of World Heritage sites in 1985.
Today, embark on a journey to explore the renowned capital of Provence, Avignon. Your first stop is the Palais des Papes, a monumental Gothic masterpiece of medieval Europe. Originally a fortress and palace, this papal residence played a pivotal role in Western Christianity during the 14th century. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its remarkable architecture and historical significance in the Papacy, it stands as a testament to the past. Your visit also includes a chance to admire the famous Pont d'Avignon.
Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure.
Today, discover the enchanting town of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, celebrated for its exquisite wines. This picturesque region produces approximately 100,000 hectoliters each year, equivalent to an impressive 13 million 0.75-liter bottles.
Following this, we'll embark on an exclusive tour, complete with wine tasting and a delightful light lunch, at one of Provence's most stunning wine cellars.
A full-day excursion awaits you, allowing you to bask in the splendour of the Côte d'Azur.
Notably, this region serves as the heart of the French perfume industry, responsible for more than two-thirds of France's natural aromas, used both in perfumes and food flavourings. An exceptional opportunity presents itself as you explore the art of fragrance creation at a captivating perfume school, where you'll craft and keep your very own unique scent.
Your journey then leads us to the vibrant city of Nice.
Prepare to cross yet another European border as we journey to Milan, the vibrant northern Italian capital.
Milan has earned its place as one of the world's four fashion capitals and offers a captivating city tour. The Milan Cathedral, ranking as the fifth-largest cathedral globally, stands as a quintessential masterpiece of Gothic architecture in Italy. Moreover, the city is home to the illustrious La Scala opera house, renowned as one of the world's most prestigious venues.
Kick off the day with an early departure to the picturesque Lake Garda. Here, you'll relish a breathtaking boat excursion and savour a delightful light lunch in one of Europe's most enchanting settings.
Our journey will then take us to Verona, renowned as the city of Romeo and Juliet. You'll have free time to explore the town at your own pace.
Ultimately, our destination is Venice, famously known as the City of Canals.
Begin our exploration with a guided city tour, and our first stop is the iconic Piazza San Marco, commonly referred to as St. Mark's Square. This grand public square in Venice has earned the unofficial title of "the drawing room of Europe," often attributed to Napoleon, although historical proof of his utterance remains uncertain.
In the early evening, join your fellow travellers for an amazing Gondola trip to our dinner at a local restaurant.
After breakfast, our journey southward takes us to Bologna, renowned for its striking towers, magnificent churches, and extensive porticoes. Bologna boasts a meticulously preserved historical centre that we'll explore during our city tour, including a visit to the Archiginnasio.
The Archiginnasio of Bologna stands as one of the city's most significant landmarks. Once the central building of the University of Bologna, it now serves as the home to the Archiginnasio Municipal Library and the Anatomical Theatre.
Our next destination is Florence, the illustrious capital of Tuscany and a city synonymous with the Italian Renaissance.
Today, you'll embark on an immersive walking tour of Florence, where you'll have the opportunity to discover its captivating landmarks, including Piazza Signoria, the Duomo, Battistero, Campanile Giotto, Ponte Vecchio, and the charming old markets. Florence, once a bustling hub of medieval European trade and finance, has earned the prestigious designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a title it received in 1982 in recognition of its historic significance.
The afternoon is yours to savour at your leisure, allowing you to relish the beauty and artistry of this remarkable city.
Spend today at your leisure.
We'll set off on a journey along "The Road of Chianti." Chianti wine, crafted in the Chianti region of central Tuscany, predominantly features the Sangiovese grape variety. Delight in a splendid wine tasting experience at one of the finest vineyards and cellars in the area.
Our next destination is Siena, a city of immense historical significance in medieval Europe. Explore its UNESCO-designated historic center with the guidance of a local expert. Siena is renowned for its thrilling horse race, "The Palio," held biannually in Piazza del Campo.
Following our exploration, we'll gather for an "Aperitivo," a light lunch, at Piazza del Campo, featuring delectable local products and wines.
After our satisfying lunch, we'll continue our journey towards Perugia.
Today, we will uncover the rich history of Perugia, a city with roots dating back to the Etruscan era. It was a prominent city in ancient times and is also renowned as a hub of education with its many universities.
Our next stop is Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, the founder of the Franciscan religious order in 1208, and St. Clare, who co-founded the Poor with St. Francis. The Franciscan structures of Assisi, bearing immense historical and spiritual significance, were collectively designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.
In the early afternoon, we'll continue our journey towards Rome, often referred to as the "Head of the World."
Embark on a morning exploration of Rome, one of the most historically significant cities in the world. Our tour concludes at Saint Peter's Square, positioned directly in front of St. Peter's Basilica, situated within Vatican City, the papal enclave within Rome.
Following our visit to Saint Peter's Square, we will proceed to the renowned Sistine Chapel, where entrance is included. The Sistine Chapel's primary claim to fame lies in its breathtaking frescoes that adorn the interior, notably Michelangelo's masterpieces, including the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel ceiling and The Last Judgement.
Spend today at your leisure.
In the early evening, join your fellow travellers for a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant.
Today you will be transferred to Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FOC) in time for your departure flight.
Departure transfers are included as part of your package. You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time and transferred to the airport to meet your flight.
If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.
Secure your trip with a $99.00 deposit per person.
Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options.
Instalment Schedule:
This is a land only package.
This package does not include international airfares. If you would like to add airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub. The flight portal will allow you to search for all available airfares to your destination. The function works like most general flight search engines allowing you to select your preferred airline, book different cabin classes (eg. Business class) and view flight durations and transit times to your destination.
The flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub once the following criteria has been met:
Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.
Some of our packages will include airport transfers in either one or both directions when arriving or departing from your destination. To know if transfers are included please view the ‘inclusions’ section of your selected package. If airport transfers are stated, transfers will be included as advised.
If transfers are not included, we also offer the option to book your airport transfers using our online portal. Access to this portal is available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. Transfers are readily available and do not need to be booked until your final hotel list has been confirmed. Once you have made a transfer booking, please refer to your confirmation email for all transfer details including a local contact number for the transfer company.
If you book pre and/or post-tour accommodation on your own arrangement, and the tour includes transfers, note that these will be forfeited. The transfers are only provided in line with the tour dates and pre and/or post-tour accommodation purchased through Inspiring Vacations when available.
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return. Visas may be required for your destination. For further visa information, click here.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a”3”
Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. While tipping is not customary, it's of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many destinations.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, but we can’t guarantee your request will be available at all properties.
Single travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with two options:
1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional $2,742.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your own room throughout the entire trip.
2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with him/her and avoid paying a single supplement.
You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking, gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), make separate payments and have individual access to our Traveller’s Hub
During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for this tour to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
Group Size
Minimum: 4
Maximum: 24
Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Tour Style
To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:
Please note: groups under 8-10 passengers will be operated with an English-speaking driver-guide.
Venice has implemented an access fee charged to day trip visitors who are not staying overnight in the municipality of Venice, during specific high season dates. The calendar of dates is available here.
If you are staying in an accommodation in the municipality of Venice, then you are exempt from this fee. However, to avoid paying the fee you must register for an exemption by filling out an exemption request here. The exemption form will provide you with a QR code you can show on your phone.
If required for your travel dates, you may pre-book once you have received your final documents confirming your hotel. The exemption must be completed before entering the city, but can be done while traveling.
All participants must be in good physical condition to fully engage in this journey. For the safety and welfare of yourself and fellow travellers, if you are feeling unwell prior to departure, we advise staying home and contacting us to arrange alternate plans.
Prior to selecting your trip, carefully review the itinerary to assess your ability to comfortably manage our travel style. Please be aware that if, based on evaluation by our leader or local representative, a participant is deemed unable to safely complete the itinerary, we retain the right to exclude them from all or part of the trip without reimbursement.
It is advisable to consult your physician for current medical travel advisories and any required vaccinations before embarking. We recommend carrying a first aid kit and any necessary medications in their original packaging, as they may not be readily available during travel. For those carrying medication, it's essential to check your government's foreign travel guidelines for local restrictions or regulations.
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