| Countries Visited:
Italy France Spain |
Tour Type: Coach Tour
Tour Duration: 19 Days (18 Nights)
From: Rome to Madrid
Tour Code: 6330
Operator: Cosmos |
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 Click Map To Enlarge
Tour Description
From Rome to Madrid this exciting new tour encounters countless gems as it meanders through Italy, France and into Spain. First is Rome where your guided sightseeing includes a visit to the Roman Forum and impressive Colosseum. Enjoy the spa town of Montecatini and iconic sights of Florence with its Piazza Santa Croce and Piazza del Duomo. Next are the Emilia-Romagna region and the marvels of Venice with its lattice work of canals, vibrant gondolas, sumptuous palaces and quaint Piazzas. See Juliet's balcony in medieval Verona followed by a short sightseeing in the capital Milan. Travel along the Italian and French Riviera, stop in Avignon and UNESCO World Heritage Lyon. In Paris see the iconic Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and Notre Dame cathedral. Through the Loire Valley and the Champagne wine-growing area, via Bordeaux and Biarritz you'll arrive in the Basque capital Bilbao. Catalonia's beautiful city of Barcelona is next where you'll marvel at Gaudi's architectural masterpieces at the Paseo de Gracia. Pass through fragrant orange groves on the way to Valencia, stop in historical towns of Cuenca and Aranjeuz to arrive in Madrid. Your guided sightseeing provides a panoramic view of this bustling capital city. Included Features
- INDIVIDUAL HEADSETS
- SIGHTSEEING: Visits to Montecatini, Venice, Verona, Eze, Avignon, Amboise, Bordeaux, Biarritz, Pamplona, Bilbao, Valencia, Cuenca, Aranjuez
- SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS: Emilia-Romagna region, Po Valley, Italian & French Rivieras, Loire Valley, Landes region, Basque Country
- GUIDES: Local Guides for city sightseeing in Rome, Florence, Parma, Milan, Lyon, Paris, Barcelona, Madrid. Services of a professional Tour Director while touring
- TRANSPORTATION: Touring by private first-class air-conditioned motorcoach. Canal boat ride in Venice
- HOTELS: Rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes, porterage, tips, and service charges
- OPTIONALS: Choice of optional excursions available at reasonable prices to customise your own experience
Hotels
- Hotel Classifications: First Class (F), Superior Tourist Class (ST)
- Rome Park dei Massimi (F), Montecatini Plaza (F) or Bellavista (F), Venice
area Poppi at Mira (F) or Smart Holiday (F) at Mestre, Milan Ibis (ST), French
Riviera Park Inn (F) at Nice, Lyon area Park Inn (ST) or Park Inn Mâcon (ST), Aris Forest Hill at La Villette (ST), Bordeaux Mercure Meriadeck (ST), Bilbao Abba Parque (ST), Barcelona Porta Fira (F), Valencia Abba Acteon Plaza (F), Madrid Rafael Ventas (F)
Tour Meals
- Buffet breakfasts (B); 8 dinners (D)
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Day
1 |
Arrive In Rome, Italy.
Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore this ancient capital. In the afternoon, meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers.
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Day
2 |
Rome.
Rome, the "Eternal City," is a city steeped in history, vibrantly alive and exciting, and absolutely unique! Included sightseeing with a Local Guide starts in St. Peter's Square, followed by a visit to the Roman Forum and iconic Colosseum. (B)
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Day
3 |
Rome - Florence - Montecatini.
Travel to Florence, "Cradle of the Renaissance" and city of the powerful Medici dynasty. The included walking tour with a Local Guide features most of the city highlights. You will see the Piazza Santa Croce, beautiful Piazza Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, the Loggia dei Lanzi, and the impressive Piazza del Duomo with its cathedral housing the Giotto Campanile, and the magnificent East Door of the Baptistry, known as the "Gate of Paradise." Later, a short drive delivers you to the spa town of Montecatini for an overnight. (B/D)
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Day
4 |
Montecatini - Parma - Venice Area.
This morning, by way of Cisa Pass, head for Parma in the Emilia-Romagna region, made famous by its ham and parmesan cheese. Included sightseeing with a Local Guide introduces you to the city's hidden treasures. Later, continue into the farmland of the Po Valley for two overnights in the Venice area. (B)
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Day
5 |
Venice Area.
Venice is more like a marvellous film set than a real live city, with its criss-crossing canals, gondolas and water buses, arched bridges, palaces, and quiet little piazzas. The 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 fashion their delicate objects as they did centuries ago. Don't miss out on the quintessential Venice experience: an optional gondola ride along the picturesque canals with a local troubadour to serenade you. (B/D)
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Day
6 |
Venice Area - Verona - Milan.
Stop in Verona, medieval setting of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. See Juliet's house and balcony, and stroll around the picturesque market square. Then, on to vibrant Milan, hub of Italy's economic miracle and the capital of fashion. Enjoy a short city sightseeing tour with a Local Guide. (B)
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Day
7 |
Milan - Italian Riviera - Eze,france - French Riviera.
An early start this morning as you journey south with views of the Italian Riviera. Continue to France for a visit to a perfume workshop in Eze before travelling along the celebrated Cote d'Azur. An optional Monte Carlo by Night excursion with dinner is available. (B/D)
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Day
8 |
French Riviera.
Take the opportunity today to enjoy all that the delightful French Riviera has to offer. Maybe join an optional excursion to the picturesque hilltop town of St. Paul de Vence. (B)
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Day
9 |
French Riviera - Avignon - Lyon.
First, head to Avignon today for an included visit of the magnificent Palace of the Popes (audio-guide included). Then, on to Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for an overnight. (B/D)
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Day
10 |
Lyon - Paris.
Start the day with included guided sightseeing. Then, travel through the picturesque Burgundy vineyards and fields toward Paris, the French capital and "City of Light." Tonight, don't miss the optional cabaret outing-a true Parisian spectacle! (B)
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Day
11 |
Paris.
Included sightseeing with a local expert starts with an inside visit to incomparable Notre Dame Cathedral and then takes in many of the must-see Parisian sights: the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Opera, La Sorbonne, Madeleine, the Pyramid near the Louvre, the Invalides, and Champs Elysees. Optional excursions to other famous Parisian sights are also available. (B)
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Day
12 |
Paris - Loire Valley - Bordeaux.
Start the day by motoring south along the Loire River to Amboise for a visit to its splendid 11th-century castle that was a favourite of French kings. Continue through the Grand Champagne wine-growing area and head towards Bordeaux on the banks of the Garonne. (B/D)
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Day
13 |
Bordeaux - Biarritz - Bilbao,spain.
Leave the Landes region. Visit Biarritz, an ancient fishing village turned trendy seaside resort, before crossing the border into Spain. Overnight in the Basque capital and port town of Bilbao. (B/D)
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Day
14 |
Bilbao - Pamplona - Barcelona.
Depart Bilbao this morning and stop in Pamplona, capital of the ancient Kingdom of Navarra, before reaching Barcelona, Catalonia's lively and beautiful capital. (B)
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Day
15 |
Barcelona.
This morning's included sightseeing with a Local Guide features a drive around Montjuic to see the Olympic Stadium and a great panoramic view of the port and city. You arrive at the city centre's Plaza Catalunya and to Paseo de Gracia to marvel at Gaudi's architectural masterpieces in the Houses Batllo and Mila and the Sagrada Familia (entrance fees not included). (B/D)
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Day
16 |
Barcelona - Valencia.
Pass through fragrant orange groves and charming seaside resorts past Tarragona and on to Valencia, known for having hosted the America's Cup in 2005. Join the optional excursion drive along wide avenues lined with fig and palm trees, and along the old quarter's narrow streets past fine gothic houses and typical patios. (B)
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Day
17 |
Valencia - Cuenca - Aranjuez - Madrid.
Leave the coast and head inland, stopping in the historical towns of Cuenca and Aranjuez, situated on the Castilian Plain. Travel on to Madrid, the Spanish capital, with time to enjoy a relaxed evening. (B)
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Day
18 |
Madrid.
Situated 665 metres (2,180 feet) above sea level, the Spaniards say Madrid is the nearest thing to heaven. Guided sightseeing starts with a full panoramic drive by way of the Avenida Mayor, Puerta del Sol, Parliament Square, and a picture stop outside the Royal Palace. The optional trip to Toledo is most rewarding, too! The splendid setting of this old walled city above the Tagus was made famous in El Greco's painting, and even now it's like a great open-air museum. (B/D)
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Day
19 |
Madrid.
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
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Itinerary above is based on 2013 departures. Click on the icon if you would like to view an electronic version of the brochure online. |
19 Day Gems Of Italy, France & Spain Reviews
Tour reviews from past clients of Global Journeys.
1 Reviews,
Average Rating 4.0
of 5.
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It was a very good tour covering places we enjoyed very much. In big cities like Paris where there is a lot to see, it would be much better if the tour could stop there for at least 2 full days or more.
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Feifei & Hao He (Australia)
Tour Date 15/12/2012 |
Tour Prices
Tour prices are per person. Please request a quote for tour availability. |
EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER
2013 Season Sale! Save up to $540 per couple. Exclusive to Global Journeys. Deposit this month only to qualify!
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| START DATE |
END DATE |
BROCHURE
(Twin Share) |
BROCHURE
(Single) |
OUR
SAVINGS |
OUR
PRICE |
| 26 May 2013 |
13 Jun 2013 |
AU $2,667 |
AU $3,594 |
AU $265 |
AU $2,402 | | 02 Jun 2013 |
20 Jun 2013 |
AU $2,708 |
AU $3,635 |
AU $270 |
AU $2,438 | | 09 Jun 2013 |
27 Jun 2013 |
AU $2,708 |
AU $3,635 |
AU $270 |
AU $2,438 | | 16 Jun 2013 |
04 Jul 2013 |
AU $2,708 |
AU $3,635 |
AU $270 |
AU $2,438 | | 23 Jun 2013 |
11 Jul 2013 |
AU $2,708 |
AU $3,635 |
AU $270 |
AU $2,438 | | 30 Jun 2013 |
18 Jul 2013 |
AU $2,708 |
AU $3,635 |
AU $270 |
AU $2,438 | | 07 Jul 2013 |
25 Jul 2013 |
AU $2,646 |
AU $3,573 |
AU $265 |
AU $2,381 | | 14 Jul 2013 |
01 Aug 2013 |
AU $2,646 |
AU $3,573 |
AU $210 |
AU $2,436 | | 21 Jul 2013 |
08 Aug 2013 |
AU $2,646 |
AU $3,573 |
AU $265 |
AU $2,381 | | 28 Jul 2013 |
15 Aug 2013 |
AU $2,646 |
AU $3,573 |
AU $265 |
AU $2,381 | | 04 Aug 2013 |
22 Aug 2013 |
AU $2,646 |
AU $3,573 |
AU $265 |
AU $2,381 | | 11 Aug 2013 |
29 Aug 2013 |
AU $2,646 |
AU $3,573 |
AU $265 |
AU $2,381 | | 18 Aug 2013 |
05 Sep 2013 |
AU $2,646 |
AU $3,573 |
AU $265 |
AU $2,381 | | 25 Aug 2013 |
12 Sep 2013 |
AU $2,646 |
AU $3,573 |
AU $265 |
AU $2,381 | | 01 Sep 2013 |
19 Sep 2013 |
AU $2,687 |
AU $3,614 |
AU $270 |
AU $2,417 | | 08 Sep 2013 |
26 Sep 2013 |
AU $2,687 |
AU $3,614 |
AU $215 |
AU $2,472 | | 15 Sep 2013 |
03 Oct 2013 |
AU $2,687 |
AU $3,614 |
AU $270 |
AU $2,417 | | 22 Sep 2013 |
10 Oct 2013 |
AU $2,687 |
AU $3,614 |
AU $270 |
AU $2,417 | | 29 Sep 2013 |
17 Oct 2013 |
AU $2,687 |
AU $3,614 |
AU $270 |
AU $2,417 | | 06 Oct 2013 |
24 Oct 2013 |
AU $2,656 |
AU $3,583 |
AU $265 |
AU $2,391 | | 13 Oct 2013 |
31 Oct 2013 |
AU $2,656 |
AU $3,583 |
AU $265 |
AU $2,391 | | 20 Oct 2013 |
07 Nov 2013 |
AU $2,656 |
AU $3,583 |
AU $265 |
AU $2,391 | | 03 Nov 2013 |
21 Nov 2013 |
AU $2,574 |
AU $3,501 |
AU $255 |
AU $2,319 | | 17 Nov 2013 |
05 Dec 2013 |
AU $2,574 |
AU $3,501 |
AU $255 |
AU $2,319 | | 15 Dec 2013 |
02 Jan 2014 |
AU $2,543 |
AU $3,470 |
AU $255 |
AU $2,288 |
Note: The majority of departures above will proceed or are guaranteed to depart. We will outline the status of your departure date in your quote along with all applicable discounts and specials.
Tour Discounts & Options:
Tour options, extras, upgrades and discounts! |
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Click on the descriptions below for more detail. We will apply all valid discounts automatically to your quote to provide you with the best possible price. Terms & Conditions apply to the discounts below.
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Flights:
Book your tour and flights together to SAVE! |
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The prices on our site are land only prices. If you would like to include flights with your quote, then we have some amazing specials for you to take advantage of!
Flight specials only apply for clients booking this tour from Global Journeys. Terms & Conditions apply and full details will be provided in your quote.
   
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General Information
The information below relates to this itinerary only. |
Tour Operator: Cosmos Tours
Cosmos holidays combine the freedom of independent travel with the benefits of group travel, all at an unbelievable value. If you have never taken a package holiday, consider this: travelling with Cosmos is less expensive, more comfortable and far easier than going it alone. Our expertly planned tour packages combine all the benefits of group travel with much of the freedom of an independent tour to create a balanced experience for each and every traveller. You travel hassle-free knowing that we've taken care of all the details. Once you have discovered the special advantages of Cosmos, you'll never want to travel any other way again. Cosmos turns your dreams into reality.
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For the last two years Global Journeys have been awarded the 'Top Agency Australia' Award from Cosmos Tours. Our close relationship with one of Australia's top coach tour operators ensures our clients enjoy unparalleled service and the lowest pricing Australia wide. Book your next Cosmos Tour, safe in the knowledge that you are dealing with their No. 1 Travel Agency! |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Our famous value with complete travel packages including hotel, transportation, sightseeing and services of a professional Tour Director
- Visits to major and must-see sights included in the vacation price
- Expert Tour Directors share their unique stories and knowledge of destinations
- Cosmos hotels are selected with care - three star or better hotels with private facilities, so you can relax in a comfortable, clean, and attractive environment
- Optional excursions at an unbeatable value - diverse enough for unique interests and at reasonable prices
- A dynamic blend of transportation, including first-class motorcoach, rail, air, and cruise - we make getting there part of the fun
- Plenty of leisure time to explore on your own or to sit back and take it all in
- Porterage included - not handling your own bag really makes you feel like you are on a holiday
- Cosmos budget travel packages receive a 93% satisfaction rating on our customer's post-vacation surveys
Travel documents, including any air tickets, tour itinerary, hotel lists, and helpful hints and other information are sent approximately 20-30 days prior to your tour departure. Your Global Journeys Tour Consultant can organise these earlier if you are travelling before your holiday starts.
Cosmos attracts a wide range of clientele of many ages from all over the English speaking world. Cosmos offers an affordable way to travel and as such the size of the Cosmos group can vary from departure to departure. A Cosmos coach can carry up to 51 passengers however on many tours the number of passengers is below 50 people.
Your Cosmos coach is a quiet smooth-riding high cruiser, equipped with soft, semi-reclining lounge seats, huge pan windows, a high-fidelity sound system, and air-conditioning. There is a no smoking policy enforced on the coach, but there are plenty of opportunities to smoke during the frequent stops. Cosmos uses the custom of daily seat rotation which gives every tour member a variety of vantage points to see the passing countryside and city scenery.
Our experienced hotel contractors carefully select hotels that provide the best value for money. Of course, different countries have different standards, but Cosmos endeavours to provide our clients with the best available in cleanliness and comfort. They are mainly 'superior tourist' and 'tourist' class establishments that follow the standards set by the independent Official Hotel Guide (OHG) or by national tourist boards.
When Cosmos selects its hotels, it does so with you in mind. A great deal of effort goes into ensuring that the hotels are suitably located to meet the needs of the tour. Some hotels are more centrally located than others. In bigger cities (particularly in Europe), we sometimes use hotels that are located in the suburbs rather than using overpriced hotels or hotels in less desirable areas. In these instances, we make every attempt to locate hotels near public transport and with good access to shopping and/or meals.
On Cosmos European tours a daily continental breakfast is provided. In London and on the Continent, you can expect to start the day with cereal, croissant, yoghurt, bread, butter, jam, cold cuts (cheese, ham, salami) and juice, coffee, tea or hot chocolate. Elsewhere in the United Kingdom, a fully cooked breakfast is provided. Included meals are outlined in the itinerary.
The number of dinners provided varies from tour to tour, check your itinerary for details. Where dinners are on offer, they tend to have an 'international' flavour. For clients wanting to sample some of the 'local' fare, there are optional excursions which feature dining out at local restaurants. Alternatively, clients can discover the local cuisine when there are free evenings without scheduled meals. Included meals are outlined in the itinerary.
Your tour director will accompany you from the start to the end of your tour, educating you on the places and the history of the destination. Local guides are included in many cities to give you in-depth information on the culture, history and attractions of the city. Both Tour Director and Local Guides have a passion for travel, people and the destination and look forward to sharing their passion with you.
Have you considered pre or post tour accommodation? We offer fantastic rates hard to find elsewhere and this may enable you to select sequential tours with minimal disruption to your intended travel plans.
Our packages take in each destinations's most popular highlights. They are carefully planned to include visits to places of interest and panoramic drives through areas of natural beauty. There's so much for you to look forward to!
It is customary worldwide to pay tips to Tour Directors and Drivers on all international vacations and these are not included in your quote. The option to prepay these tips prior to departure is possible however. Please ask your consultant to include this in your quote. You will receive Gratuity vouchers with your travel documents and all you need to do is give this to the Tour Director, Driver, Cruise Director and ship's crew at the end of the vacation.
In addition to included sightseeing, we offer a rich program of optional excursions, all full of interest and very reasonably priced. Optional activities can be booked through your Tour Director. Many optional excursions are mentioned in the package descriptions. Your pre-vacation literature will specify cost and content of the optional highlights that may be offered during your trip. This enables you to budget accordingly before you leave home.
More than one third of Cosmos' clients travel alone. We can provide clients with a 'guaranteed share' facility. This means that we charge singles the basic price and match up singles of the same gender in twin-bedded rooms. If we cannot find a roommate for a tour member who has booked on a 'guaranteed share' basis, we will absorb the single room supplement. For mutal comfort, we do adopt a no-smoking rule in shared rooms. Please note that 'guaranteed share' cannot be offered for pre and post tour accommodation.
We have a dedicated section on our website providing more detailed information on Cosmos including FAQ's on what you need to know before, during and after your travel; as well as information on their 'Touring Styles', and a comprehensive search facility to enable you to easily find more of their tours. Read more> (NB: This link will take you away from this tour itinerary page).
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Airport Transfer Information
Cosmos tour members may reserve our airport transfer service at AU$ 25 per person one way on the tour start and end date of the tour and are available for flights arriving/departing, within certain times (your tour consultant will outline these to you in your quote). Please see travel documents for full details regarding set pick-up times at designated airport locations. For very early departures, please note that breakfast cannot be included.
Note: Airport transfers can be arranged when you purchase extra nights before or after the tour only if the extra accommodation is booked in conjunction with Global Journeys & Cosmos.
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Terms & Conditions:
Yep, all the boring small print! We still recommend you read it though, as no one likes surprises!
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