On arrival at Barcelona airport make your way to the arrival's hall, to meet our Vantage Explorations representative. Transfer to our group hotel. Please visit our hospitality desk in the hotel lobby to collect your luggage cabin tags and to speak with our ground operations team, who will share information with you about your time in Barcelona and pre-embarkation procedures. You will receive Vantage Explorations cabin tags for your luggage. Please clearly label the tags with your name and ship cabin number.
Accommodation: Hilton Diagonal Mar Barcelona (or similar)
Socially, culturally, and economically, Barcelona shines as a beacon of difference in Spain. Proudly identifying first and foremost as Catalonian its people are free-spirited, liberal thinkers with a passion for their freedom. The Catalonian flag flies proudly not only on civil buildings but on many apartment balconies. In the last 30 years Barcelonans have sculpted their city into one of Europe’s most venerated travel destinations. Its main boulevard, Las Ramblas, is the name on every travellers lips, and Barcelona’s sunny disposition is as sought after as it was during the Spanish empires monarchal peak. A palatial stronghold of the 15th century power couple, Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand, Barcelona greeted a jubilant Christopher Columbus in 1493. The rest, as they say, is history.
We tour Barcelona with an emphasis on the artists and authors who have venerated its streets as a work of art. Famed for its vibrant arts scene, Barcelona shows off its style with works scattered in its plazas and parks. Miro, Picasso, Vidal and Montaner all called Barcelona home. But it is the name Antonio Gaudi which attracts 21st century art aficionados worldwide. We start our exploration at his masterpiece of modernist architecture – La Sagrada Familia. One can only wonder the number of times Antonio Gaudi has ‘turned in his grave’ in recent years, as only a quarter of it was finished at his untimely death in 1926. Near on 100 years later, queues of admirers line the streets outside his apartments daily, but while he was alive Gaudi was a pious soul, befriended mainly by the men of his church. When he was run over by a tram, his body lay unrecognized by the general populous. We explore the Sagrada Familia’s intricate interior and eccentric exterior with our specialist guide and learn about the history and symbolism of this ongoing construction project, before descending to Plaza de España, Gran Via and the surroundings streets. Next up is the elegant avenue of Paseo de Gracia, home to Barcelona’s most inspired modernist architecture.
Lunch will be taken at a local restaurant, before we visit Gaudí’s parkland masterpiece – Park Guell. Originally designed as a suburban experiment, Gaudi's concept was a little too ahead of its time. Reinvented as a public park it is now one of Barcelona’s most beloved places to be seen. Wander the colorful mosaics, enjoy the serpentine bench, and take in the panoramic views of Barcelona like a local.
We celebrate the start of our journey at a dinner with the stars. The astronomical stars that is. Built in 1904 the Fabra Observatory is an Art Nouveau masterpiece. We observe the solar system from the dome, through the 1904 telescope, one of the largest and oldest in Europe that is still in operation, before dining in the observatory itself. Pre-dinner drinks are served on the terrace overlooking the city as it lights up for the night.
Accommodation: Hilton Diagonal Mar Barcelona (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Choose one of our Your Choice morning experiences, shop like a star at Barcelona’s many boutiques, or wander the city’s eclectic streets.
Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences
Option 1- Morning experience: Picasso Museum and Gothic Quarter
At only 14 years of age, Pablo Picasso arrived to the Ribera neighbourhood of Barcelona with his family. Home to artisans and craftspeople, Ribera left an indelible mark on the young Picasso, who formed artistic friendships that would last a lifetime. At the Museu Picasso, we encounter the master’s formative works, with over 5,000 pieces held in the collection. This fascinating gallery showcases a historical image of Barcelona at the beginning of the 20th century as seen through the eyes of a young Pablo Picasso. Gritty and honest, the works paint a picture of hardship framed by community and family, affording us an insight into Picasso’s formulative years as a young man and an artist on the verge of greatness. (Please note that this will now be an afternoon tour)
Option 2- Morning experience: The art of food Catalonian style
Discover Barcelona’s ‘foodie’ side on a flavourful journey through the heart of the Gothic Quarter. From Spanish vermouth and pintxos, to hot-off-the-grill Catalan specialties and finger food treats, each bite unveils a tale of the city's unique appetite. This locally guided walking tour not only fills your palate, it connects you to Barcelona's rich history. The distinctive art of ‘cocina’ has shaped these narrow streets at the city’s heart, where every stop tells a delicious story. (Please note that this will now be an afternoon tour)
Mid-afternoon we gather at our hotel and transfer to the port to board Sylvia Earle. Please ensure that your luggage is fitted with cabin tags clearly labelled with your name and cabin number. Any valuables or personal items should be kept on you throughout the day. Your luggage will be delivered to your cabin ahead of your arrival on board.
After boarding, there is time to settle into your cabin before our important safety briefings. This evening, meet your expedition team and crew at a celebratory Welcome Dinner.
The intimate village of Port Vendres provides access to inland treasures today giving us the opportunity to walk the streets of surrealist-style Figueres, wander the lanes of Ceret, or scale the walls, in true Robin Hood style, of Hollywood's favourite fortified town – Carcassonne. Well, perhaps stand in the shade of its turrets. Those choosing to visit Figueres will have the morning free to enjoy Port Vendres which hosts a vibrant Saturday morning market.
Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences
Afternoon experience: The curious case of Salvador Dali
Our day starts with a visit to the home of one of the world's great surrealists. Few artists struck an exotic pose as well as Salvador Domingo Felipe Jacinto Dalí i Domènech. Famed for his dripping clocks, dream-induced flying tigers, and emotive spherical portraits, Dali flaunted the artworlds most artistic moustache, a persistently surprised expression and the mind of a genius. True to his unique style Dali roamed his hometown of Figueres wearing a baked bread hat, leopard prints and stripey suits. It is no wonder that his museum is topped by a series of sculpted boiled eggs. This theatre like gallery is a ‘stand and wonder’, raise one eyebrow, laugh out loud style of museum. We leave with more questions than answers, but we also leave wanting to go back.
As the timing for this experience and the Ceret Museum overlap we ask that you choose only one of these options.
Morning experience: Ceret – the home of modern art
Today is market day in Ceret, when stalls of fresh produce, flowers and collectables crowd the streets. The stall owners call out to customers, while the people of the Pyrenees shop for bargains. These are the scenes that inspired so many 20th century artists and made this town a magnet to modernists. Ceret became an enclave for artists in the years leading up to the first world war, and later was a place of temporary refuge for Chagall, Dubuffet and Tzara, when they were forced to flee the Nazi’s in World War II. Created in 1950, the Musée d’art moderne de Ceret showcases collections that concentrate on art from the 20th century and the artists who lived there: Picasso, Herbin, Gris, Manolo, Masson, Chagall, Matisse, Miró and Dali to name a few. This gem of a gallery holds many works donated by the artists themselves, with Picasso gifting 57 works alone. Our time at the museum gives us an insight into the lives of the artists who gathered here as an artistic community to create some of the artworlds greatest modernist pieces.
Full day experience: The Prince of Walled Cities – Carcassonne.
Poised as a medieval poster-girl, surrounded by turreted walls and a deeply dug moat, Carcassonne has attracted moviemakers since the Lumiere brothers showed people moving on film. The setting for Charles Perrault’s classic tale of ‘Puss in Boots’ Carcassonne’s fortified wall offers a fairy tale ambience. Of course, life here was anything but fictional men in tights. Flaming arrows, grapnels, catapulted stones and mobile towers full of French soldiers shattered the peace as the town braced itself for invasion, providing a true tale of life in the Middle Ages for modern day visitors. Carcassonne is also a port on one of the world's most successful architectural endeavours. The Canal du Midi passes nearby as an engineering marvel. Running 150 miles from Toulouse to the coast the canal opened the Mediterranean to barge traffic from the Atlantic, an important economic miracle at the time.
The old port of Marseille grants us access to the inspirational fields, streetside cafes and hilltop villages of Provence. Many shoes have trodden its soils but none as famous as the clogs of Van Gogh, the slip-ons of Picasso and the boots of Roman engineers. We spend a day in their shoes with a palette of experiences to choose from.
Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences
Half-day experience: An artist’s impression - Aix en Provence
‘Aix’, as it is simply known to its inhabitants, abounds with leafy boulevards, publics squares and grand avenues – a sign of its wealth and status. Considered to be one of the most influential artists of the 19th century, Paul Cézanne remains the favourite son of Aix. This morning we are introduced to the private world of the artist, when we visit Cézanne’s studio and private residence, before moving onto the Terrain de Peintres. Cézanne often painted here in the later part of his life. As a centennial celebration of his work, these terraced gardens were converted into an open-air museum featuring reproductions of the artwork painted by the man himself at this very spot. Returning to the centre of Aix we walk the popular pedestrian-only avenue of Cours Mirabeau. A verdant tunnel of foliage, this classic boulevard showcases the aristocratic facades of the city’s opulent hotels and Belle Epoque villas with their wrought iron balconies and intricately carved doorways inviting visitors to stop and admire. There’s time to explore Aix further before we return to Marseille and reboard for lunch.
Option 1 - Full day experience: An artist’s impression - Aix en Provence and Lourmarin
Our Aix experience, as outlined above, is followed by lunch at a local bistro before we head to the hills and the provencal village of Lourmarin. Touted as one of the ‘Most beautiful Villages in France’ this hilltop gem affords us an insight into life in the Provencal countryside, which inspired so many artists and authors. Lourmarin's favourite scribe was the Nobel prize-winning author, Albert Camus, whose L'Etranger (The Stranger) is considered one of the great texts of the 20th century. It opens memorably: "Mother died today. Or maybe yesterday, I'm not sure." Lourmarin’s honey-coloured, pastel shuttered homes, winding cobblestoned streets and Michelin star restaurants cry out Provence as we meander its winding streets, fringed by cafes and patisseries, before returning to Marseille in the late afternoon.
Option 2 - Full day experience: Van Gogh’s Arles and Carrières de Lumières
The most prolific ancient Roman architecture of Provence sits in Arles. We explore its Roman amphitheatre, the forum square and Roman circus before leaping forward a few centuries to meet the town’s most tortured soul. Treading the quaint cobbled streets of Arles, one can only wonder what made Vincent Van Gogh so miserable. Inspired by the Provencal light, Van Gogh produced over 300 paintings during his 15 months here. Many of his paintings depict classic sights dotted around town, which we recognise as we follow in his footsteps while the city bares its soul through his paintings. Lunch is enjoyed at a typical Provencal bistro enroute to the spectacle that is Carrières de Lumières. Literally translated as the Quarry of Light, this abandoned quarry hosts a tribute to the numerous artists who once called this region home. A visual display of world-famous paintings envelop us in the world of art, accompanied by musical overtures which match the era.
Option 3 - Full day experience: The art of Provencal markets
Famed for its daily flea market the village of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue also hosts one the regions popular Sunday produce markets and this being Sunday - we’re invited. This eclectic market derived from the strong presence of a Jewish community which settled here under the personal protection of the Pope in the 14th and 15th centuries. An artform in and of themselves, Provencal village markets paint a palette of stalls filled with gourmet foods and wines, vegetables plucked fresh from the fields, bouquets of lavender, strings of garlic and endless antiques and decorative gems. Bring your suitcase there are plenty of temptations.
This afternoon we continue to the vine covered Alpilles Mountains to explore the town of St Remy de Provence, where we walk the streets once trodden by of the philosopher Nostradamus who was born here in 1503. Three centuries later a tormented Vincent Van Gogh sought refuge in St. Remy where he freed his creativity and painted many of his best-known works. In tribute you may wish to visit the Centre d’Art Presence Van Gogh. This gallery hosts art exhibitions and has a permanent display of Van Gogh reproductions and letters (at own expense). Inspired by the potpourri of resident artists, St Remy is full of art galleries and artisanal shops. It is a charming place to spend our afternoon.
The super yacht harbour of Monaco plays host to our tender ashore as we come ashore from the Sylvia Earle today, granting us a millionaire's access to the French Riviera. To most travellers this name depicts the shoreline connecting Antibes to Nice. Its wide Promenade des Anglais, named after the English upper class who placed Nice at the top of their Grand Tour bucket list, follows the Mediterranean coast past an array of Belle Epoque hotels, Art Deco apartments and sun umbrellaed beaches. At the limit of the ruling House of Savoy both physically and politically, the people of the riviera voted to join France in the 1860s rather than the new Kingdom of Italy, making this region a unique blend of both cultures. The angle of light, relaxed lifestyle and extravagant parties attracted as many artists and members of the literary alumni in the 20th century as it had pasty-faced aristocrats the century before. From Monet, Chaplin and Valentino, in Antibes, to Bonnard at Le Cannet, and Picasso, well just about everywhere, it became the place to be seen for the avant-garde. This pocket of sunshine and decadence still attracts artists, authors and actors, who paint its vistas, scribe its stories and come to Cannes to be adored.
Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences
Option 1 - Full day experience: Picasso and St Paul de Vence
As creative, colourful and surreal as his works Pablo Picasso is one of artworld's most beguiling characters. Although Spanish by birth his spiritual home was the French Riviera and its hinterland. The seven years spent in the popular potters-town of Vallauris were amongst his favourites. During the post-war years of excess, Picasso’s pals came with money. At home with the daily grind of swimming, painting, partying and painting, Picasso took to the Riviera as a duck to water. Françoise Gilot loved him, his fellow artists loved him and most of all the man loved himself – making his story as intriguing as the art for which he is famous. We view his most personal pieces, including ‘War & Peace’, at the National Picasso Museum, before driving inland to the medieval village of Saint Paul de Vence. This hilltop villages’ vibrant Provençal colours attracted Picasso, Modigliani, Dufy, and Matisse, who all lived here at some stage in their life. Upon his return from exile during World War II Marc Chagall remained in the village for 19 years and is buried in the local cemetery. The work of many of the artists who were inspired by Saint-Paul de Vence is on display at the nearby Foundation Maeght. Designed by Catalan architect Josep Lluís Sert, the foundation boasts one of the largest collections of 20th century art in Europe. Many of the Maeghts’ artist friends collaborated with them, creating eye-catching works woven into the museum’s landscape – from Joan Miró’s sculpture and Chagall’s mosaic mural to Alberto Giacometti’s peaceful courtyard and Georges Braque’s pool and stained-glass windows. (Note: Castle Grimaldi has extended its Monday closure through May. As a result, this excursion will now include a visit to Vallauris and the National Picasso Museum in place of Antibes. If you'd like to view more of Picasso's masterpieces, a visit to the Picasso Museum Barcelona is offered amongst our ‘Your Choice’ experiences.)
Option 2 - Full day experience: A Nice place to paint
The grand dame of the French Riviera is undoubtably Nice. ‘A-listers’ came here in abundance - Queen Victoria, the Russian Tsarinas, old money, new money and the entire Hollywood studios. Waiting in the wings to paint them, write about them and design their clothes, swimwear and perfumes were the artists and authors. We search the old town for Queen Victoria’s favourite chocolate shop, find the church the Czar built so he had somewhere to pray, and soak up the ambience that is Nice. Our visit is topped off with your choice of Nice’s top galleries. Considered one of Judaism's greatest artist, Marc Chagall escaped Vichy France thanks to an American journalist, Varian Fry, and the organization that would become the International Rescue Committee. After the war he returned with his artwork, some of which is displayed in his museum in Nice. A museum dedicated to his fellow follower of Fauvism, Henri Matisse* sits nearby.
We follow the Basse Corniche along the waterline to the private enclave of St Jean de Cap Ferrat. This afternoon we tour and enjoy a light lunch at one of the Rivieras real treats. Synonymous with the word ‘exclusive’ Cap Ferrat is the home to generations of wealth. With a phone book full of famous names, there are a few stand outs. One being Rothschild. The imitation Renaissance style palazzo of Villa Rothschild must be seen to be believed. Surrounded by exotic, Provencal, Japanese and Florentine gardens it was built in 1905 by Baroness Beatrice Rothschild to showcase her passion for all things art. Without an heir the Baroness bequeathed the seven hectares of land and some 5,000 works of art to the Academy of Fine Arts giving ‘commonfolk’ the chance to immerse themselves in her lifestyle. If only for an afternoon.
Morning experience: The principality of Monaco
From the days of its early Genoese rulers, the ever-expanding principality of Monaco has been a political curiosity on the map of southern Europe. Ruled as a business rather than a country by the Grimaldi family, this exclusive enclave offers an insight into the lives of the ‘filthy rich’. Ferraris replace Fiats, designer dogs are carried in handbags and champagne flows like water, all thanks to an economy which has earnt the respect of, rather than robbed from, the rich. The opulent attitude of the world’s second smallest country is its greatest attraction. Smaller than New York’s Central Park, Monaco’s 500 acre size, boasts the second highest GDP per capita in the world. Although the 9,500 native Monégasque are banned by law from gambling, it is the nation’s foreign-born citizens with their bulging bank accounts, multi-million Euro apartments and high-roller habits who boost their income, with over 30 per cent of the principality's residents listed as millionaires.
We step ashore aside the superyachts as Grace Kelly did herself. In town to film To Catch a Thief, Grace met Prince Ranier during a visit to Monaco suggested by a friend. Within a year they were wed and Grace Kelly became a princess, with 140 official titles. The country continues to mourn her tragic passing, with her face, name and favourite things found scattered throughout the principality as a reminder of her never-ending legacy. Our guided walk visits the palatial precinct known locally as ‘the rock’, Saint Nicholas Cathedral where the couple were married and now laid to rest.
Afternoon experience: The art of perfumery
An artform in itself, France’s top perfumeries rate alongside its top fashion houses. Its artistic creators, known as the ‘Nose ’, must study for seven years as an apprentice, and are amongst the most sought-after artists in France. We travel to the ancient hilltop village of Eze, to Galimard. Founded in 1747 Galimard is one of Frances oldest perfume houses in France. Its headquarters in Grasse sit with the elite of the cosmetic industries in a town considered to be the perfume capital of France, if not of the entire world.
This afternoon we visit the Studio des Frangrance's at the house of Galimard where our perfumer transforms us into a perfume creator. Our ‘scent organ,’ as our perfumery kit is called, contains 123 basic ingredients used in the creation of scents. We discover the different work processes, and methods used to refine our sense of smell, before working as an artist to create our own perfume, taking our creation home as a bottle bearing our chosen name.
Grab your easel as we slip quietly into Italian waters with daybreak finding us at the ancient port of Genoa. This naval powerhouse lies as a guardian of Italy’s northern coastline. The old port leads visitors through steep and narrow streets past medieval houses and churches which stand witness to the city’s maritime history. Above the port is Renaissance Genoa, where Genoese merchants built fine palaces which rivalled even Venice.
Art aficionados will be enthusiastic to visit two of Genoa’s finest galleries today, with bookworms enjoying a day amongst the villas and towns which inspired so many to put pen to paper.
Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences
Option 1 - Full day experience: Genoa’s greatest galleries
Genoas old town gifts us streets of palaces, churches and fountains. Each telling a tale of the city’s opulent past. We will tour two distinctly different forms of art. The 16th and 17th centuries saw a flurry of artistic activity in this wealthy shipping city. The impetus was provided by several Flemish artists including Rubens and Van Dyck, who were invited to Genoa by its merchant families, primarily painting portraits. Listed amongst the 42 Genoese palaces labeled UNESCO World Heritage sites, the stunning 16th-century residence Musei di Strada Nuova on Via Garibaldi offers a glimpse into Genoa’s opulent past. Once home to the city’s elite, Strada Nuova is a treasure trove of art, featuring works by Caravaggio, Paganini, Van Dyck, and more. With over 75 rooms to explore, your tour will include beautiful courtyards, loggias, gardens, and terraces that provide breathtaking views of the city and its historic centre.
Whilst sponsorship for the cultural arts was popular, the dominant pastime of the wealthy Genoese was exploration. After all, Christopher Columbus was born here. Genoa was a maritime giant, with much of its wealth due to ‘the new world’ and its trade of exotic wares. We tour the Galata Maritime Museum. Opened in 2004 “the Galata” is steeped in history. Three centuries earlier, the ground floor was the workshop where the galleys of the Republic of Genoa were built and the building was part of the Arsenal, the most important military and maritime complex of the city. We mingle amongst historical artifacts, works of art and life-size replicas of Genoese vessels as we discover the maritime trade which funded much of Genoa’s artwork. (Note: The Palazzo Spinola, originally scheduled as our first stop, has recently updated its closure day and is now closed on Tuesdays.)
Option 2 - Full day experience: The Italian Riviera
A haven for artists, writers, actors, and the odd ‘royal’ for over 200 years, the shoreline of Liguria continues to attract Hollywood greats and 'modern day celebrities’. Grand mansions stand shoulder to shoulder with humble homes in the seaside towns made immortal by the presence of DH Lawrence, Aubrey Herbert and Elizabeth von Arnim. Rustic and elegant, provincial yet chic, the sun-drenched blend that is so signature of the Italian Riviera is defined by the striking array of yellow, red, pink, ochre and green terratettos and waterfront trattorias that cling to the vine covered cliffs, accompanied by the classic colours of pesto Genovese washed down with glass or two of Rosé Rosa di Albenga.
The Roman engineered Via Aurelia runs along the shoreline, passing through coastal towns and villages even today. Considered by many to be the pearl of the Italian Riviera, Portofino was originally a small fishing village enclosed by a bay. Beloved by British authors and socialites on the Grand Tour it grew into an exclusive resort, which retains its charm today due to strict zoning laws. Sadly, it is just south of here that the literary world lost a beloved son. Headed for his home on the Gulf of Spezi, Percy Bysshe Shelley drowned when his boat capsized in 1822. His body, found washed ashore, was burned on a funeral pyre by his wife and companions. This romantic and tragic event is marked at the town of Lerici attracting pilgrims year-round.
The port of La Spezia is our base today for two of the region's favourite experiences. One, a series of towns collectively seen as works of art. The other, the source of art's most cherished material.
Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences
Option 1 - Full day experience: The villages of the Cinque Terre
Literally translated as ‘the five lands’, these 'poster-girl' villages traverse a series of coastal ravines and rugged ridges along a nine-mile stretch of the Ligurian coast. The steep coastal landscape of the Cinque-Terre has afforded them an idiosyncratic lifestyle for centuries, as they staved off pirates, fought off floods and resisted invasions. The UNESCO World Heritage sites of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore retain their authentic determination, preserving individual dialects, traditional trades and communal ties. Almost inaccessible until the 1870s, the Cinque Terre represent a microcosm of Italian coastal life. They showcase sun and sea, good food and wine, and a relaxed charm. Guaranteed to make any traveller smile.
Option 2 - Half day experience: Carrara Marble Quarry
The nearby town of Carrara has for centuries been connected to the artists of the Renaissance. It is from these cliff-side quarries that artists gleaned their marble. Formed when limestone is transformed by heat and pressure, Carrara marble is thought to be the finest in the world, with no or few stains, though natural stains can be incorporated into the work itself. Artists such as Michelangelo came here to select the marble they would sculpt into masterpieces. Extremely hands-on by nature, he spent prolonged periods on-site at the marble quarries in Carrara, where he not only chose marble but gave precise orders regarding the sizes and shapes of the blocks and even became involved with the building of roads to transport the stone. Our 4WD tour takes us to an altitude of 1,000 metres where we visit the quarrying site while our guide speaks of ancient and modern methods of excavation. This is a working site and we see marble cut from the quarry bench and loaded as marble blocks ready for transportation. We also capture breathtaking views over the Apuan-Versilian coastline, the Cinque Terre villages and the Gulf of La Spezia.
When Italians give birth they use the phrase, “dare alla luce” which literally means to “give to the light.” It is no coincidence that the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, widely acknowledged as having dragged Europe from the dark days of the Middle Ages into the light, was synonymous with the Rennaissance – The Rebirth. Rising from the ruins of the Roman Empire, Tuscany flourished into a wealthy trading and banking centre becoming Europe's first capitalist state. The Duchy’s ruling family, the Medicis, sponsored its artistic scene with fervour. Artists transitioned from tradespeople to celebrities overnight, with Da Vinci playing lute at their private parties and Michelangelo befriended by men who would become Popes. The ruling classes commissioned works of art such as Donatellos Penitent Magdalene, Cellini’s Medusa, Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and Raphael’s Maddona del Cardellino. Throughout the Duchy art was showcased in piazzas, scattered throughout the streets and placed at the townhall steps. A form of propaganda and sign of power for all to see.
We head into Tuscany with the fervour of an artist at their easel, with two exceptional experiences to choose from.
Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences
Option 1 - Full day experience: The rebirth of Florence
Accessible to all those who visit, Florence’s works of art are scattered throughout its streets as statues, fountains, chapels and bell towers and all looked down upon by Brunelleschi's magnificent domed cathedral. Even the gelato is sculpted in Florence. Carved from a single slab of marble, Michelangelo’s David is the ultimate Renaissance man, commissioned as the centrepiece for the city’s main square. Today it sits in its own gallery, but a replica at its original location tells its story almost as well. Our locally guided tour walks us through a day in the life of Renaissance man as we tread the streets where the early artists plied their trade, sought wealthy patrons and huddled in backstreet studios to learn from the masters.
Option 2 - Full day experience: San Gimignano
When film makers look to Italy for locations, they need look no further than the Tuscan gem of San Gimignano. Tea with Mussolini, A Portrait of a Woman, Gladiator, Life is Beautiful, The English Patient and Under the Tuscan Sun all shot scenes here. San Gimignano itself is a work of art. The town’s medieval architecture serves as a backdrop for everything Tuscan, with artisan shopfronts displaying everything that is superb about Italian food and cafes offering everything that is wonderous about Italian cuisine. Even its streets and cobbled stone alleys wind in a way that makes every corner worthy of exploration. And did we mention its towers. For it is the town’s 14 remaining Medieval towers which proudly rise above its skyline as palaces preserving the towns feudal appearance which confirm San Gimignano as the supermodel of Tuscan towns.
Originally named Domiziana by its wealthy Roman inhabitants, this marina fronted town rebuilt much of its colourful terraced homes, after 95 per cent of the town was heavily by allied forces in World War II. Today the gentle waters of the Mediterranean lap at a popular promenade, and a harbour of leisure craft which provide a calmer atmosphere. Our Your Choice experience takes us inland to the story laden town of Pitigliano and the warm waters of the Saturnia Springs. Prefer a day of solo exploration? Why not enjoy a day at the picturesque seaside resort of Santo Stefano. Our small ship size allows us to moor in the harbour providing easy access to the town and its nearby bays.
Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences
Full day experience: The hilltop enclave of Pitigliano and the Saturnia hot springs
We visit Pitigliano to hear a unique story. Nicknamed Little Jerusalem, Pitigiano tells a tale of tolerance. In the 1600s, Ferdinando I, Grand Duke of Tuscany, encouraged the Jewish population of his dukedom to settle in the town, as a 'privileged place of refuge' for Jews exiled from the Rome. Although limited to life in a ghetto the townspeople permitted the building of a synagogue and many integrated into the community. By 1938 after Nazi racial laws took effect, only 60 members of the community remained, with many escaping capture thanks to farming families in the valley. The town of Pitigliano sided strongly against deportation and in 2002 the Yad Vashem Institute in Jerusalem conferred the honor of the "Righteous Among the Nations" on some Pitigliano families. Traces of the Jewish presence is still felt in the streets of this ancient town, which sits atop its hill as a Medieval masterpiece and one of Tuscany’s most authentic towns.
Our afternoon is spent at a work of art carved by a warm spring thought to have flowed here for over 3,000 years. The Saturnia thermal hot springs are one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. A collection of blue water springs, heated by the nearby volcano, the water naturally replenishes every four hours and flows through a series of tiered pools. The small but powerful stream of water keeps the water flowing, ensuring it has a constant temperature of 37 degrees. Forgotten for centuries, the springs regained their popularity 150 years ago when a local family thought to create a spa centre, with the nearby town of Saturnia now a favoured spa resort.
Full day experience: The medieval charm of Magliano paired with a farm-to-plate vineyard lunch.
Full day experience: The medieval charm of Magliano paired with a farm-to-plate vineyard lunch.
Nestled amidst sprawling fields of olive trees and endless acres of vineyards, the medieval charm of Magliano beckons travelers to savor an unhurried glimpse of authentic Tuscany. Originally two separate villages, Montiano and Perata, united to fortify themselves against the encroaching Sienese Republic, who having conquered the villages, fused them into the fortified haven of Magliano, encircled by formidable city walls that still stand. Perched atop one of the region's gentle rolling hills, this quaint village remains a hidden gem, yet to be overrun by the crowds, offering a true immersion into the Tuscan way of life.
We’ll hear stories from a local guide and spend time strolling its streets independently, before being lured by the vine-covered hills to a nearby winery, where we enjoy a quintessential farm-to-table experience. Here, we'll indulge in Tuscan delicacies artfully paired with IGT classified wines. Embracing international flair while honoring regional heritage, these wines offer a delightful departure from tradition, infusing our palates with an eclectic mix of flavours. On our return to Santo Stefano, there is time to explore the town as our small ship will be alongside at the harbours’ pier.
Disembarking at the port of Civitavecchia, we transfer to Rome for a two-night stay in this ancient city.
On arrival at Rome, we meet our Rome guides and visit St Peters, the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel when we spend time at The Vatican City. A former circus where Nero staged barbaric spectacles to entertain the masses, the Vatican City became consecrated ground when Rome’s first Christian emperor, Constantine declared the land to be ‘the hill of the martyrs’. This sovereign state, gifted independence from Italy in 1929, encapsulates St Peters Cathedral, the Vatican museums and a labyrinth of corridors, apartments and gardens housing the Pope and his staff.
Christendoms largest church, St Peters Cathedral, is another Michelangelo masterpiece. At 72 he designed the cupola to cover the sky above the bones of the first apostle, St Peter, and his successors – the Popes. Yet it is his sculpture of the Virgin Mary cradling the body of her son, the Pieta, which he created at only 22 years of age, that so succinctly distils the grandeur of St Peters to a personal experience so succinctly.
Next door, the 55 gallerias that make up the Vatican Museum, house the world's greatest artistic treasure chest. Ranging from the Vatican library with its 65,000 manuscripts including the original love letter from Henry VIII to Anne Boleyn, to the sarcophagus of Saint Helen, Constantine’s mother. Each sala builds on the wonders of the previous. There are rooms decorated by Raphael, barrel vaulted ceilings covered with ancient maps, endless halls lined by statuesque marble sculptures and corridors of secret souvenirs collected by various Popes over centuries of rule - capped off by Michelangelo’s masterful frescoes of the Sistine Chapel. When viewed in real life, The Sistine Chapel will take your breath away.
2025 is a Jubilee year in the Vatican calendar. Celebrated every 50 years, this event attracts pilgrims from around the world. The Vatican have yet to release their intentions for ticketing at their sites during this time. Tickets and opening times may be limited and due to high demand may not be available.
In the late afternoon we check-in at our hotel. This evening there is time to relax and enjoy dinner at one of the local trattorias (own expense).
Accommodation: Starhotels Metropole Rome Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
An intriguing combination of historical facts and legendary myths make Rome a culture buff’s dream. Scandalous and sanguine, Roman lifestyle swung from one extreme to another: democratic to autocratic, slavery to liberation, paganism to Christianity. The Roman empire’s public relations machine stamped its sovereignty with triumphant arches and fluted columns, monolithic mausoleums, statue-ridden stairways and masterfully engineered temples. Enhanced by the wealth of the Catholic Church, the city added to its opulence and grandeur with Baroque fountains, obelisk-centred piazzas and Christendom’s domed cathedrals. The story of ancient Rome’s insurmountable empire, its dramatic demise and the rise of the powerful Catholic Church is one of Europe’s most compelling stories.
A walking tour of Rome is a highlight of any visit to Italy, especially for those of us whose homeland is anything other than ancient. Imperial ruins rekindle the era of the republic and the empire when Rome’s population of one million surpassed any other city worldwide. Our local guides merge the city’s past and present through their stories on every street corner, along every alley and in every piazza.
Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences
Morning experience: walking & driving tour of Rome
Rome is a 'walkers’ city. If this is not your preference this locally guided tour cuts walking to a minimum whilst focussing on the city’s unmissable sights. We see the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Circus Maximus but as a drive by. To gain a greater perspective of Rome’s greatest sporting complex and ancient city centre, we view them from a nearby terrace while our guide inspires us with stories of Rome’s past. Gifted to the 15th century people of Rome as a museum to house the generous number of sculptures and statues left scattered throughout the city, the Capitoline Museum was the brainchild of Pope Sixtus IV. We visit the museum with our art historian guides to piece together the city’s past throughs its numerous artworks. The she-wolf depicting the legend of Rome’s beginning, the delicate 1st century Spinario and the bronze statue of Camillus, sit along the colossal, marble head of the emperor Constantine and the panels with the deeds of Marcus Aurelius, as treasures from the city’s former life. Our journey continues with a drive to our drop off point near the Spanish Steps. We walk to the Trevi fountain to ensure you have the chance return to Rome – do not forget your coin, before strolling to the obelisk centred Piazza Popolo, with the possibility of viewing Caravaggio’s magnificent canvases at the church of Santa Maria del Popolo, where we reboard our vehicle and return to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure.
Full day experience: Roaming Rome
Lace up your walking shoes, slip on a hat and slap on sunscreen to join this comprehensive locally guided tour. Established in an era when few Romans owned transportation, the centre of historical Rome is perfect for walking. With every square foot offering an historical fact, the list of sites we experience is limitless. Architectural highlights include the chariot stadium of Circus Maximus, the underground excavations of Nero’s golden house and ancient sites such as the Colosseum, the Forum, Trajan's column, the Arch of Constantine and the engineering marvel; the Pantheon. Artistic gems and political sites include the Trevi fountain, the Piazza Venezia, Vittoria Emanuelle 11 Monument, Spanish Steps, via Condotti and the Piazza Navona, along with the plethora of ‘souvenirs’ housed in the Capitoline Museum with its artworks, statues and oddities collected from across the city. Each site tells a story as we take time to witness its place in the past with our expert guides. (Please note: tickets for sites in Rome are in high demand, with authorities yet to release the permitting rules for 2025. Although we try our best to obtain tickets for major sites, we may not be successful and cannot guarantee entrance into all listed sites.)
Lace up your walking shoes, slip on a hat and slap on sunscreen to join this comprehensive locally guided tour. Established in an era when few Romans owned transportation, the centre of historical Rome is perfect for walking. With every square foot offering an historical fact, the list of sites we experience is limitless. Architectural highlights include the chariot stadium of Circus Maximus, the underground excavations of Nero’s golden house* and ancient sites such as the Colosseum, the Forum, Trajan's column, the Arch of Constantine and the engineering marvel; the Pantheon. Artistic gems and political sites include the Trevi fountain, the Piazza Venezia, Vittoria Emanuelle 11 Monument, Spanish Steps, via Condotti and the Piazza Navona, along with the plethora of ‘souvenirs’ housed in the Capitoline Museum with its artworks, statues and oddities collected from across the city. Each site tells a story as we take time to witness its place in the past with our expert guides. (Please note: tickets for sites in Rome are in high demand, with authorities yet to release the permitting rules for 2025. Although we try our best to obtain tickets for major sites, we may not be successful and cannot guarantee entrance into all listed sites. *The Domus Aurea has recently changed management. At present we will not be able to visit this site as a result – Oct 24.
This evening we farewell our journey with an event of ancient proportions. The only example of a masonry athletics stadium outside of the Greek world, the Stadium of Domitian languished under the relative anonymity of the church of St Agnese until 1936. Hosting 30,000 spectators the stadium held weekly events under the emperor Domitian's rule. One of the empires more controversial rulers, Domitian was known for his harshness, luxurious lifestyle, and scandalous behaviour. We hear tales of this rebellious ruler from the stadium's front seats this evening as we dine amongst the ruins of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Accommodation: Starhotels Metropole Rome Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
After breakfast, check-out of your room and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Meals: Breakfast
