Mediterranean Express: Rivieras & Railroads
7 days, Rome to Barcelona
Itinerary Notes
COMBO TRIP: Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travellers may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes.
ACCOMMODATION: Please note most of our 18-to-Thirtysomethings accommodation in Europe is multi-share. For more info, see the "About Accommodation" section under "Tour Details".
Itinerary
Day 1Rome
Arrive at any time.
“On an evening in Roma…” Venture out to a bar or pub with your CEO and fellow travellers for drinks and conversation. As you explore the winding cobblestone streets and sidewalks of The Eternal City, prepare for the endless excitement about to unfold on the rest of your journey.
We highly recommend arriving a day or two earlier to experience all that this amazing city has to offer.
Please note that if Vatican City is on your must-see list, we highly recommend purchasing your tickets online several weeks prior to your trip. Same-day entrance to St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums (including the Sistine Chapel) cannot be guaranteed without advance tickets.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.
Optional Activities - Day 1 HideShow
Roman Forum Visit
24EUR per personEven with the bustle of modern day Rome whizzing past on Vespas, you can still lose yourself in the fragmented columns and ancient ruins of this plaza, conjuring images of the rich Romans sauntering by in togas. Please note, this must be booked in combination with the Colosseum Visit and will include a visit to Palatine Hill.
Vatican City Visit
FreeGet ready to tick something off the bucket list. Visit the smallest country in the world—Vatican City! Stand in St Peter’s Square and be wowed by colossal colonnades, numerous statues, and the obelisk. Opt to take in the magnificence of St Peter’s Basilica, Michelangelo’s Pietá, and the Sistine Chapel while you are in the area.
Pantheon Visit
2-5EUR per personThe Pantheon is one of the most famous buildings in Rome. Originally built during the reign of Augustus (27 BC - 14 AD), the building was rebuilt under Hadrian in 126 AD. The roof is still the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome, and it contains a circular opening (an oculus). It is easily one of the best-preserved of all the ancient Roman buildings.
Colosseum Visit
24EUR per personEnjoy a guided tour of this famous spot, the scene of many bloody gladiator fights for the entertainment of ancient Rome's aristocracy. Learn from your expert guide and you wander the old venue—a UNESCO World Heritage site—and feel free to walk around on your own. No battles, please!
Borghese Gallery
25EUR per personTake a visit to the beautiful Borghese Gallery villa to indulge in a rich collection of ancient sculptures, relics, mosaics, and paintings. Pieces from Renaissance masters such as Bellini, Raphael, Bernini can be found here.
Christian Catacombs
8EUR per personFollow a guide through this ancient underground cemetary.
Sistine Chapel
20-25EUR per personAlthough the Sistine Chapel is always very crowded, it is a must-see for any visitor to the Vatican. The magnificent frescoed ceiling of the chapel painted by Michelangelo depicts over 300 figures from the Book of Genesis, the most well-known being “The Creation of Adam,” showing God touching the finger of Adam. “The Last Judgment” on the west wall depicts a scene from the Book of Revelations. Art aficionados, get ready to cross one of your list!
Trevi Fountain
FreeBuilt above an ancient water source, Trevi Fountain takes its name from the three streets (tre vie) that intersect at this world-famous fountain. Sculpted from travertine stone, the fountain as we know it today was completed in the 18th century. Work your way through the crowds to toss a coin in (with your right hand, over your left shoulder) for good luck - it's also your best chance to see the fountain's marvelous detail.
Spanish Steps
FreeBuilt to connect the hilltop Trinità dei Monti church with the Piazza di Spagna (or Spanish Square) below, the Spanish Steps are a colourful example of Baroque architecture from 18th century Rome. Opt to climb its 136 steps, or simply watch the crowds weave through this popular tourist attraction.
Trastevere Visit
Cross the Tiber river to reach the quaint medieval neighbourhood of Trastevere. This is a great opportunity to escape the crowds and get a glimpse into local life.
Vatican Museum Visit
20-25EUR per personThe Vatican Museums near St Peter's Basilica contain priceless works of art from ancient to modern times. There are many different museums to choose from, but two of the most well known are the Sistine Chapel and the Raphael rooms.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Roma Scout Center (or similar)
Day 2Rome/Rapallo
Stop at Pisa to check out the Leaning Tower en route to the beautiful Italian Riviera.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Pisa Visit
Stop off for a brief visit to Pisa and feast your eyes on the famous tower that leans at an angle of approximately four degrees due to an error made during construction—but don't worry, it's been stabilized since then. It's a fascinating sight and definitely photo-worthy. Get creative!
Local Train
Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.
Accommodation
Hotel Villa Marosa (or similar)
Day 3Rapallo
Walk the coastal path between Riomaggiore and Monterosso or opt to take the train. Visit charming, colourful towns along the way with an included national park pass and unlimited train ticket.
National Park Pass and Unlimited Train Ticket
Use the included park fee and train ticket for this trip. Opt to follow your CEO along centuries—old footpaths and mule tracks leading through olive groves, vineyards and orchards on an exhilarating hike, or hop on-and-off the train, experiencing each town on your own.
Accommodation
Hotel Villa Marosa (or similar)
Day 4Rapallo/Nice
Continue to the French Riviera and enjoy a free afternoon in Nice. Opt to go for a hike along the coast, or take a day trip to nearby beaches and villages.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Free Time
Get out and explore the beautiful French Riviera.
Optional Activities - Day 4 HideShow
Promenade des Anglais
FreeWalk along the Promenade des Anglais and take in the view of the glistening Mediterranean Sea.
Vieux Nice Visit
FreeWander Vieux Nice, or the Old Quarter, with its cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways. This is the best area to shop, eat, and people watch. Wander the market to witness daily life on the charming Riviera.
Cathedral of Sainte Reparate
FreeTake a visit to Nice's oldest, and most ornate church.
Day trip to St Paul de Vence
3EUR per personHop on a local bus (€1.50 each way) and take a day trip to St. Paul de Vence, a beautiful hilltop town with medieval walls, cobblestone streets and panoramic views of the French countryside. Stroll through the market square and discover what drew artists like Marc Chagall and James Baldwin to this quiet, peaceful refuge.
Museum of Modern & Contemporary Art
10EUR per personGet acquainted with modern art at Nice's Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, opened in 1990. Immerse yourself in Yves Klein's "blue" world at a permanent exhibit dedicated to this master of new realism. Wander the galleries to view an eclectic mix of pop art and sculptures, then head up to the museum's rooftop terrace for a stunning panorama of this city on the French Riviera.
Matisse Museum
10EUR per personHead out of the city centre to the picturesque neighbourhood of Cimiez, where visitors can explore the life and works of French master Henri Matisse. Find paintings, sketches, and scupltures in the main building, a restored 17th-century villa in an olive grove. Stop by the park across the museum to visit the artist's final resting place at the Notre Dame de Cimiez cemetery.
Accommodation
Villa Saint Exupery Beach (or similar)
Day 5Monaco Day Trip
Take a day trip by train to nearby Monaco. Get your bearings with your CEO and set off on foot to explore the world's second-smallest country (only the Vatican is smaller). What it may lack in size it more than makes up for in style.
Free Time
Enjoy free time to explore the Principality of Monaco.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow
Vieux Nice Visit
FreeWander Vieux Nice, or the Old Quarter, with its cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways. This is the best area to shop, eat, and people watch. Wander the market to witness daily life on the charming Riviera.
Promenade des Anglais
FreeWalk along the Promenade des Anglais and take in the view of the glistening Mediterranean Sea.
Accommodation
Villa Saint Exupery Beach (or similar)
Day 6Nice/Barcelona
Hop on a flight toward Barcelona. Join your CEO on an orientation walk of your surroundings before participating in a G Adventures supported tapas cooking class served and prepared by migrant students. Afterward, break off on your own to explore this amazing city. Enjoy a Big Night Out on the town.
Visit the old Gothic Quarter with its maze of dark streets, historic cathedral, medieval buildings, bars, and cafés. Stroll Las Ramblas, a large tree-lined pedestrian boulevard perfect for people watching and window shopping.
If popular sights like La Sagrada Família or Parc Güell are on your must-see list in Barcelona, we highly recommend purchasing tickets online several months prior to your trip. This is the only way to guarantee admission during your visit.
Please note that passenger luggage (up to 23kgs/50lbs per passenger) is included on your internal flight.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Your G for Good Moment: Mescladis Cooking Class
Espai Mescladis, Catalan for "Mixed Space" is a migrant training kitchen and cafe in the heart of Barcelona that features a unique feel that fuses old Catalan favourites and migrants' home recipes. Enjoy a tapas cooking class led by one of the trainees, accompanied by a discussion that promotes social reflection - with the kitchen and food at the centre of it all.
Free Time
Get out and explore the city today.
Your Big Night Out Moment:
Whether it’s a pub crawl, drink specials or a bonfire on the beach, celebrate late into the night with your new best friends.
Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow
La Barceloneta Visit
FreeTake a stroll on the boardwalk in the neighbourhood of La Barceloneta, an area known for its beaches and waterfront walkway. Visit local restaurants and nightclubs or check out the monuments while there.
Parque Güell Visit
10EUR per personGet away from it all with a visit to the imaginative Parque Guell. The fantastical works of Antoni Gaudí (1852–1926) are scattered throughout Barcelona, a grouping of these including Parque Guell, Casa Mila, and the Crypt of La Sagrada Familia were established as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. Stroll the tree-lined paths and admire Gaudi’s creative genius at play.
Gothic Quarter Visit
FreeUncover a different side of Barcelona. Visit the old Gothic Quarter with its maze of dark streets, historic cathedral, medieval buildings, bars, and cafés.
La Sagrada Família Visit
17-37EUR per personVisit Gaudí’s most famous life work, the cathedral of La Sagrada Familia, an inspiring, yet, bizarre testament to the artist’s unique vision.
Casa Batlló
25-30EUR per personDeemed the crowning architectural work of Antoni Gaudí, Casa Batlló is a must-visit on anyone's trip to Barcelona.
Accommodation
Generator Barcelona (or similar)
Day 7Barcelona
Depart at any time.
We recommend staying an extra day or two to fully experience all this lively city has to offer.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow
La Barceloneta Visit
FreeTake a stroll on the boardwalk in the neighbourhood of La Barceloneta, an area known for its beaches and waterfront walkway. Visit local restaurants and nightclubs or check out the monuments while there.
Gothic Quarter Visit
FreeUncover a different side of Barcelona. Visit the old Gothic Quarter with its maze of dark streets, historic cathedral, medieval buildings, bars, and cafés.
La Sagrada Família Visit
17-37EUR per personVisit Gaudí’s most famous life work, the cathedral of La Sagrada Familia, an inspiring, yet, bizarre testament to the artist’s unique vision.
Casa Batlló
25-30EUR per personDeemed the crowning architectural work of Antoni Gaudí, Casa Batlló is a must-visit on anyone's trip to Barcelona.
Parque Güell Visit
10EUR per personGet away from it all with a visit to the imaginative Parque Guell. The fantastical works of Antoni Gaudí (1852–1926) are scattered throughout Barcelona, a grouping of these including Parque Guell, Casa Mila, and the Crypt of La Sagrada Familia were established as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. Stroll the tree-lined paths and admire Gaudi’s creative genius at play.