Barcelona to Rome Quest

Good morning travellers, rise and shine!   Meet up with your Trip Manager this morning and your new Contiki Squad today as we say farewell to the home of Gaudi, sangria and year-round sunshine!   You're not a real celebrity until you've frolicked on the French Riviera, and who are we to keep you off the A-List? Sapphire waters & endless glamour await on this glitzy coastline, with an included dinner to kick things off. (D) Stay: Beach Hostel (or similar)

Missing an opportunity to see this part of the world up close and personal would be criminal. Speaking of things you shouldn't miss, this region is famous for lavender honey, aioli & rosé wine; all 3 in one meal should be your mission.  Please tell us you didn't throw away all of your pennies on perfume today? Because you're going to want a few spare coins tonight so you can play fancy. We're visiting the Monte Carlo Casino & the Royal Palace in Monaco.

After a night on the blackjack table it's back to the coast and to bed, the next part of the adventure starts tomorrow. (B) Stay: Villa Saint Exupery Beach (or similar)

Having exhausted all our hilarious Nice puns, we'll head south in search of the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Cinque Terre.

Welcome to Cinque Terre, the sexiest collection of fishing villages on the planet. Armed with your rail pass, spend the day absorbing the dramatic beauty of this place, but we suggest you get out for a hike, a food crawl, some vino or all of the above. (B) Stay: B&B Hotel (or similar)

Have an extra coffee before we make tracks this morning, the extra energy hit will serve you well as we're gallivanting around Italy swooping from one wow moment to another. As if we were going to leg it to Florence without a sneaky side trip to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Depriving you of the chance to perfect the holding-up-the-tower shot would be down right criminal. 

Explore the city's markets complete with gelato in hand; marvel at artworks from the likes of legends like Michelangelo; and be impressed by the skilful art of leather at an included demonstration. These are the sorts of activities likely to fill your Florence agenda. (B) Stay: A conveniently located hostel

After farewell-ing Florence this morning we will journey along the boot of Italy until we reach the globally adored town of Sorrento for some blissed out coast hangs.  "So so so so in love with Sorrento" are about the only words you'll muster up tonight as you sit seaside watching the sunset in this town of beauty. (B) Stay: Sisters Hostel (or similar)

It simply wouldn't be a trip to Sorrento without a side note to... We'll head over to the island of Capri for the day. With its gorgeous cragged coastline and opulent cafes, it's easy to see why this is such a playground for the rich and famous. If you'd like to spend some time on the water, opt for a cruise, with swim stops & great views of the coastline. Back in Sorrento, we'll stroll along the plunging cliffs, explore the impossibly pretty historical centre and taste some local gnocchi. (B)

Another glorious Italian day awaits us. Iconic sites and ancient history will keep our jaws at floor level until our heads hit our pillows. After less than an hour gazing lovingly out of our windows at the Amalfi Coast, it will be time for a stop. Here in the ancient city of Pompeii you will have the chance to partake in a guided walking tour taking in Roman city remains. Today's roadtrip beauty is never-ending as we take in the volcanic beauty of Mt. Vesuvius en route to Rome.

On arrival in the open time capsule that is Italy's capital, your Trip Manager will get you straight into the sightseeing. The Roman Forum and Colosseum can both be ticked off your list should you be in the mood for a little history. (B/D) Stay: The Yellow (or similar)

Rome wasn't built in a day - so get up and get going early to make the most of this ancient city an hit the streets for your own discoveries. Snap pink azaleas by the Colosseum, throw coins in fountains and sip espresso in a pretty street watching Italian life float by. (B)

The best 2 weeks of your life has come to an end - you have our complete sympathy. If anyone understands the pain of ended travels, it's us (and your new Contiki collective). Hug it out after breakfast & make plans to reunite outside of Rome. (B)