Mediterranean Flavors (6840)

14 Day Tour from Madrid to Rome

2024 Tour Details View 2025 Tour Details »

From Spain to France to Italy, this affordable tour along the Mediterranean Coast, designed by our 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 for its five medieval fishing villages by the sea. The 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 the glamorous French Riviera, where you have the chance to visit a perfume workshop in Èze. Plus, enjoy picture-perfect scenery as you drive along 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.

Adventure is knocking with everything you need for perfectly affordable touring. Cosmos includes hand-selected accommodations, guided sightseeing, and seamless transportation between destinations—with value-minded travel lovers in mind. Explore with expert Cosmos Tour Directors and Local Guides, complimentary headsets, private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi, a canal boat ride in Venice and a train ride Levanto-La Spezia. Enhance your free time to explore like a local with your CosmosGO mobile app!

* For operational reasons, schedule changes for the Rome program cannot be excluded.

Special departures:
December 21 Departure – Christmas in Barcelona and New Year's Eve festive dinner in Venice

Dates & Prices Book Online
800.646.5374
Save $150 per couple on select Cosmos 2024 Europe and North America Tours*
Mediterranean Flavors map

 Photo Highlights

 Meals

 Meals & Itinerary

Buffet breakfasts daily, 4 Dinners

 Itinerary

Day 1 ARRIVE IN MADRID, SPAIN

Check into your hotel. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and travel companions.

DinnerDinner

Day 2 MADRID

Not only is Madrid the capital of Spain, but because it is situated 2,180 feet above sea level, the Spaniards rightly say it’s the nearest thing to Heaven. On the included guided city tour, discover the main sights and end the tour with a walk in the Barrio de La Latina and stop in one of the many bars to taste the typical tapas. Consider an optional trip to Toledo. The splendid setting of this old walled city was made famous in El Greco’s painting and, even now, it’s like a great open-air museum of Spanish history and art.

Breakfast Breakfast

Day 3 MADRID–CUENCA–VALENCIA

Travel southeast to Cuenca, perched high above the precipices of the Jucar and Huecar Rivers, famous for its “hanging houses” that are suspended over the ravine. On to Valencia, Spain’s third-largest city, for a guided sightseeing tour.
Today’s Distance: 230 mi/ 370 km

Breakfast Breakfast
DinnerDinner

Day 4 VALENCIA–PEÑÍSCOLA–BARCELONA

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

Breakfast Breakfast

Day 5 BARCELONA

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.

Breakfast Breakfast

Day 6 BARCELONA–COLLIOURE, FRANCE–MARSEILLE

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

Breakfast Breakfast
DinnerDinner

Day 7 MARSEILLE–CASSIS–FRENCH RIVIERA

Capital of Provence, Marseille was founded by the Greeks in 600 BC. See the city’s bustling ancient heart—the picturesque Vieux Port (old port), where elegant markets and handsome townhouses surround the boat-filled harbor. Follow the coastal route toward Cassis, a small fishing port lined with cafés and restaurants, and stop to explore the town before reaching Nice. Later, why not join the optional Monte Carlo by Night excursion?
Today’s Distance: 143 mi/ 230 km

Breakfast Breakfast

Day 8 FRENCH RIVIERA. EXCURSION TO ÈZE

Start the day with a visit to a perfume workshop in Èze. Continue to Nice and spend time at leisure to do as you please! Dabble in the Mediterranean Sea, stroll along the famous Promenade des Anglais, or join our optional excursion to the artists’ town of St. Paul de Vence.
Today’s Distance: 19 mi/ 30 km

Breakfast Breakfast

Day 9 FRENCH RIVIERA–CINQUE TERRE, ITALY-LA SPEZIA

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

Breakfast Breakfast

Day 10 LA SPEZIA–VERONA–VENICE AREA

Travel through the agricultural areas of culinary excellence in the Po plains to reach the romantic city of Verona to visit the city centre at leisure. Continue to the Venice area.
Today’s Distance: 236 mi/ 380 km

Breakfast Breakfast

Day 11 VENICE

Venice is a city of unparalleled beauty and a feast of wonderful sights. Your included orientation starts with a boat ride to St. Mark’s Square and is followed by time at leisure and a chance to watch Venetian glassblowers create their delicate objects as they did centuries ago. Don’t miss out on the optional gondola trip, gliding along the picturesque canals with a local troubadour to serenade you.

Breakfast Breakfast
DinnerDinner

Day 12 VENICE AREA–ASSISI–ROME

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

Breakfast Breakfast

Day 13 ROME

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.*

* For operational reasons, schedule changes for the Rome program cannot be excluded.

Breakfast Breakfast

Day 14 ROME

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

Breakfast Breakfast

 Tour Director

With COSMOS, there’s no better way to get to know your destination than through the eyes of a Tour Director. We’d like you to meet one of our Tour Directors, who average over a decade of experience and are representative of the type of expert that will be with you on your vacation.

ESTEFANIA CORTES ESCLAPEZ

Escorting tours for more than 5 years

“I didn't know what to do with my life till I met a man at University who brought me the light. I wanted to be like him, and he was a TD. I am from the southeast of Spain and I love to feel the breath of the Mediterranean Sea on my face, wandering aimlessly to anywhere and passionate about history and gastronomy. Being a Tour Director is a way of life - meeting new people from all over the world, doing my best to show them the wonders of this world and to turn their vacation into something unforgettable. Vamos?”

Tour Director - ESTEFANIA CORTES ESCLAPEZ

 Accommodations

 Optional Excursions

No matter what you’re into: food, wine, history, art, music or anything else, we give you the freedom to personalize your vacation with optional excursions that speak to your interests.

When you book your excursions with us, you can be assured that every optional excursion that we offer coordinates with the free time that you'll have in your destination, so you'll never have conflicts between included and optional activities. Our team of travel experts carefully selects each optional excursion that we offer to ensure that you receive the highest quality at a great value. Our tried-and-true partners have a finger on the pulse of the city in which they operate so they deliver the very best experiences. We offer experiences you cannot create on your own and because you’re booking with us, we coordinate all your transportation and timing needs.

The following optional excursions are examples only for this vacation. These may or may not be offered, and availability is subject to days of operation and seasonality. Please select a departure date to view optional excursions and pricing for a specific date (due to currency fluctuation, pricing shown is subject to change until purchased). Optional excursions are available for purchase on our MyCosmos site 90 days prior to the tour start date.

Price Ranges

$ ($50 USD and under)
$$ ($51 - $100 USD)
$$$ ($101 - $150 USD)
$$$$ (Over $150)


Madrid
Barcelona
French Riviera
Venice
Verona
Rome

Madrid

Discover Toledo

Discover Toledo

Discover majestic Toledo, an incredible melting pot of Jewish, Islamic, and Christian influence over the centuries, making it one of Europe's most interesting and unique walled medieval cities!

Price Range: $$

Barcelona

Flamenco

Flamenco

Experience the passion and spirit of Spain's most traditional music and dance at this delightful evening of traditional Spanish Flamenco entertainment.

Price Range: $$

Beautiful Barcelona

Beautiful Barcelona

The treasures of Barcelona await your discovery on this sightseeing excursion!

Price Range: $

French Riviera

Monte Carlo by Night with Dinner

Monte Carlo by Night with Dinner

Drive along the exquisite French Riviera to dazzling Monte Carlo for a delicious French dinner, drinks with the jet set at a famous café, and free time to gamble or explore as you like!

Price Range: $$

French Riviera with Saint-Paul de Vence

French Riviera with Saint-Paul de Vence

Discover the wonders of the French Riviera on this exciting half-day excursion to Saint-Paul de Vence.

Price Range: $

Venice

Venetian Dinner

Venetian Dinner

The magic of Venice comes to life as you enjoy an unforgettable evening at one of the city's most celebrated local restaurants.

Price Range: $$$

Venetian Lagoon Cruise with Burano Visit

Venetian Lagoon Cruise with Burano Visit

Experience the floating city from the water as you cruise along the lagoon to charming Burano Island for free time to explore on your own.

Price Range: $

Gondola

Gondola

When in Rome, do as the Romans -- and when in Venice, head right for the gondolas! Hop aboard a traditional gondola for a ride through the magical Venetian canals

Price Range: $$

Verona

Magic of Verona

Magic of Verona

Discover Verona by coach and by foot on this guided introduction to the city forever tied to ancient Rome and Shakespeare's "Romeo & Juliet".

Price Range: $

Rome

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

A tour around the Vatican Museums to admire the beautiful tapestry gallery and the Sistine Chapel with masterpieces by Botticelli and Signorelli. See the "Genesis" and Michelangelo's "Last Judgment".

Price Range: $$

Arrivederci, Roma - Farewell Dinner

Arrivederci, Roma - Farewell Dinner

Immerse yourself in "la dolce vita" as you enjoy a memorable Italian dinner with wine.

Price Range: $$

 Private Touring

Private Touring: Cosmos European Private Touring enables you to experience all of the attractions, sights and highlights of your selected Cosmos tour as a private experience - delivered just for you and your traveling party. With Private Touring, you'll have your own dedicated Tour Director, your own private transportation and driver, and your own professional local guides. All with greater flexibility in pace and your experience. For your selected tour, there will be additional per-person cost for the size of your party - from 1 to 24. This additional supplement is reduced with each traveler you add to your party. Here's a sample of the additional cost:

6 guests in a party: $2,981*
18 guests in a party: $769*

Contact Cosmos or your preferred travel agent for pricing for your specific party size as well as any other information on Cosmos Private Touring.

*Supplement pricing is per person (USD) and will be added to the standard published price for your given departure date and is based on availability. Supplement price is valid for 2021 travel year. Occasionally some included and optional activities & excursions may be operated with other guests. Additional restrictions may apply. Not applicable for custom groups. No Group allowances or promotions are available on Private Touring. Published itineraries only. Note that blackout dates may exist where the Private Touring option is not available.


The "Starting at" or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per passenger based on double occupancy and does not include International airfare; additional fees/charges are not included. If a price is crossed out, the new price includes a limited time promotional offer(s) – please review current promotions or deals for additional information. Some tours require intra-vacation flights (and in some cases intra-vacation segments must be purchased from Cosmos).

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