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 very different elements of that heritage: the 12th-century Benedictine monastery on Montserrat and the modernist city of Barcelona.

Day 1 – Barcelona, Spain

 

Arrive in Barcelona, where you will be met and transferred to the Grand Hotel Central Barcelona. Check-in time is 3:00PM. A local representative will be present at the hospitality desk in the afternoon to welcome you and to offer suggestions for dining and independent exploration. Join fellow travelers this evening for a welcome reception at the hotel. Dinner is on your own.

 

Day 2 – Barcelona | Montserrat

 

After breakfast, meet your guide for an excursion to the astonishing Monastery of Montserrat. A scenic drive through the countryside north of Barcelona brings you to a chain of serrated limestone mountains, where you board a cog railway for the steep climb up the mountain to the Benedictine monastery on a terrace near the summit. Your guided tour includes the ornate basilica, whose highlight is a wooden statue of the Virgin that has attracted pilgrims since the 12th century. You will also visit the museum, displaying pieces of art collected in the last century and containing important works of Monet, Rusiñol, Casas, and Picasso. Lunch will be served in the restaurant located in what were once the monastery's stables before you return to the hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure with time for independent exploration. Dinner is on your own.

 

Day 3 – Barcelona, Spain | Embark

 

After breakfast at the hotel, join an excursion to the monuments and neighborhoods that define the extraordinary personality and vitality of Barcelona. Delve into the heart of Barcelona’s history by exploring Barrio Gótico, the oldest part of the city. Wander through its narrow, winding streets and discover hidden gems like the great 14th-century Cathedral and Plaça Sant Jaume. After some free time and lunch, immerse yourself in the spiritual and architectural wonder of Antoni Gaudi’s iconic Sagrada Familia. Begun in 1884 and still unfinished, this monument of spirituality awes and inspires visitors from around the world. Your guided tour will introduce you to Gaudí's vision and to the ongoing effort to achieve it. Then, drive along the elegant Passeig de Gràcia, a boulevard adorned with stunning modernist architecture. Admire the architectural marvels of Gaudí's Casa Batlló and Puig i Cadafalch's Casa Amatller, two iconic buildings that form part of the renowned "Block of Discord." End at the pier to embark your ship in the late afternoon.

Your hotel:

Your hotel, Grand Hotel Central, is a 5-star luxury hotel in Barcelona’s old town. It is located on via Layetana, between the historic Gothic neighborhood and only a few steps from Passeig de Gràcia, where you can find stylish shopping, restaurants, bars, and museums. The hotel itself houses two restaurants and bars, a rooftop pool and terrace, and fitness center.

 

Your program includes:

·        2 nights at the Grand Hotel Central (or similar).

·        Transfer and luggage handling from the airport to the hotel on the scheduled program arrival day.

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

·        Welcome cocktail reception on Day 1.

·        Breakfast on Days 2 and 3.

·        Lunch 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 airport to the hotel on any day other than the scheduled program arrival day

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

Please note:

·        It is imperative that your flight arrival details are communicated at least 90 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the airport to the hotel.

·        Early check-in and/or late check-out are 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.

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

·        This pre-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:

Via Laietana, 30, Ciutat Vella

08003 Barcelona

Spain

Telephone: +34 932 95 79 00