Southern France and the Italian Riviera by Sea – with Smithsonian Journeys

This program is carefully curated to give you a taste of the treasures of Rome and to introduce you to some of its most important monuments. The visit to Castel Gandolfo on the second day is a special treat, immersing you in the beauty of the countryside and in the relaxed atmosphere along the shore of Lake Albano.

 

Day 1 – Disembark |Civitavecchia | Rome

After breakfast aboard, drive into Rome, where your exploration of the Eternal City begins with a panoramic tour of its major monuments—the Caracalla Baths, Tiberina Island, Circus Maximus, and Villa Borghese Park. Then, leaving the coach behind, follow your guide on a walking tour of some of the most famous piazzas and fountains in Rome, including the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and Navona Square.

 

After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Forum, the heart of ancient Rome, and walk the Via Sacra, the route followed by generations of Romans as they worshipped their emperors and celebrated their triumphs when Rome considered itself the center of the world, “Caput Mundi." Stroll among the monuments of Palatine Hill, erected to memorialize grand victories, and of course, marvel at the Colosseum, symbol of the Roman Empire. A masterpiece of classical architecture, the Colosseum is an enormous amphitheater in which some 50,000 spectators could watch as gladiators battled to the death, wild beasts were unleashed on human prey, and whatever other entertainments were organized for their amusement.

 

Rejoin your coach for a short ride to the historic Sina Bernini Bristol Hotel, your home for the next two nights. The evening is at leisure and dinner is independent.

 

Day 2 – Rome

Today's excursion is to the resort town of Castel Gandolfo, about an hour south of Rome on the shores of Lake Albano. Toward the end of the 1st century CE, the Roman emperor Domitian built an enormous residence here, some remains of which are still visible. But the focus of your visit will be on the Papal enclave, which served as the Pope's summer retreat from the 17th century.

 

Begin your tour of this spectacular 135-acre property with a drive through the estate's magnificent gardens, including a stop at the Papal farm, where organic produce is grown on site. Continue to the Apostolic Palace, the former Papal residence, converted to a museum by Pope Francis in 2016, for a guided tour, including access to the Pope's private apartments. At the end of your visit, enjoy time at leisure to browse the charming town of Castel Gandolfo before sitting down to lunch at a local restaurant with views over the lake.

 

On your return to Rome and the Hotel Bernini Bristol, the balance of the day is at leisure. Dinner is independent.

 

Day 3 – Rome | Depart

After breakfast at the hotel and check out, transfer to the airport for flights homeward.

 

Your hotel:

Located in heart of Rome, the historic Sina Bernini Bristol is one of the most famous 5-star hotels in the Eternal City. Once the hotel of choice for Russian Tsars, Princes of Wales, the Rockefellers, and the Vanderbilts, the Bernini Bristol enjoys a privileged location between Piazza Barberini and Via Veneto, just a few minutes’ walk from the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. The bedrooms are well appointed in classic and contemporary style. Each room features an Italian marble tile bathroom, satellite TV, a safe, minibar, and hairdryer. The hotel has a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views, as well as a spa and fitness center.

 

Your program includes:

·        2 nights at the Sina Bernini Bristol (or similar).

·        Transfer and luggage handling from the pier to the hotel on Day 1.

·        Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the airport on Day 3.

·        Lunch on Days 1 and 2.

·        Breakfast on Days 2 and 3.

·        Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary.

·        Local English-speaking guide.

·        Gratuities for the drivers and local guides.

 

Your program does not include:

·        Transfer from the hotel to the airport on any day other than the scheduled program departure day.

·        Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program.

 

Please note:

·        Late check-out is available depending on availability and at a supplement. An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please, contact reservations or your travel agent for further details.

·        This program involves a lot of walking over uneven surfaces, cobblestones, and steps, and is not suitable for guests with mobility issues.

·        The official currency is the Euro. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.

·        This post-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.

·        Program is offered on a space available basis.

·        Program is subject to change without notice.

 

Hotel contact information:

Sina Bernini Bristol

Piazza Barberini 23,

00187 Rome

Italy

Telephone: +39 855-516-1090

 

Catalonia enjoys one of the richest cultural heritages in Spain. This specially designed program introduces you to two fascinating elements of that heritage: the 12th-century Benedictine monastery on Montserrat and the modernist marvels of Barcelona.

Day 1 - Barcelona, Spain

Arrive in Barcelona, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel for the next two nights. A local representative will be present at the hospitality desk in the afternoon to welcome you and offer suggestions for dining and independent exploration.

This evening, join your fellow travelers for a cocktail reception at the hotel to kick off your journey. Dinner is on your own.

Day 2 - Barcelona | Montserrat

After breakfast, set out on a full-day excursion to the astonishing Monastery of Montserrat. A scenic drive north of Barcelona brings you to the charming town of Monistrol de Montserrat, where you’ll board a cog railway for the steep climb up the serrated limestone mountains to the monastery perched near the summit.

Your guided visit includes the ornate basilica, home to the beloved wooden statue of the Virgin that has drawn pilgrims since the 12th century, and the Montserrat Museum, which houses works by masters such as Monet, Picasso, Casas, and Rusiñol.

Enjoy a traditional Catalan lunch at the Abat Cisneros Restaurant, once the monastery’s stables, followed by free time to further explore this spiritual site on your own. Return to Barcelona in the afternoon, where the rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 3 - Barcelona | Embark

After breakfast and check-out, set off on a guided tour showcasing Barcelona’s architectural treasures and historic heart. Begin with a leisurely walking tour through the Gothic Quarter, passing by the grand Cathedral, Plaça Reial, Plaça Sant Jaume, and Plaça del Rei. Continue to the Born district for a glimpse of the beautiful Santa Maria del Mar and some free time to explore.

Enjoy lunch at Brisa Restaurant, then board your coach for a panoramic drive passing the Arc de Triomf en route to La Sagrada Familia, Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece. Begun in 1884 and still unfinished, this extraordinary basilica continues to awe visitors from around the world. Your guided tour will bring Gaudí’s visionary architecture and the ongoing work to life.

Following the visit, transfer directly to the port to embark your ship in the late afternoon.

Your hotel:
The NH Collection Barcelona Gran Hotel Calderón is a premium 4-star hotel, perfectly situated on Rambla Catalunya, just steps from top restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions. Guests can enjoy modern rooms, a rooftop pool with panoramic city views, a fitness center, and a welcoming lobby bar.

Your program includes:
2 nights at NH Calderón Hotel (or similar)
Transfers and luggage handling from the airport on Day 1
Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the pier on Day 3
Welcome cocktail reception on Day 1
Breakfast on Days 2 & 3
Lunch on Days 2 & 3
Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary
Local English-speaking local guide
Gratuities for drivers and local guides

Your program does not include:
Transfers from the airport on days other than the scheduled program arrival day
Personal expenses and any services or meals not mentioned as included

Please note:
It is imperative that your flight arrival details are communicated at least 90 days prior to the program start to secure your transfer.
Early check-in and/or late check-out are available subject to availability and at a supplement. Extra nights can be arranged upon request.
The official currency is the Euro. Credit cards are widely accepted.
This pre-cruise program is sold as a package. No refunds will be made for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.
Program is subject to change and offered on a space-available basis.

Hotel contact information:
NH Collection Barcelona Gran Hotel Calderón
Rambla Catalunya, 26
Barcelona 08007, Spain
Telephone: +34 93 301 0000