Rome to Lisbon: Coasts & Countryside

Even 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.

Get 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.

The 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.

Take 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.

Follow a guide through this ancient underground cemetary.

Although 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!

Built 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.

Built 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.

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.

Enjoy 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!

The 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.

Walk along the Promenade des Anglais and take in the view of the glistening Mediterranean Sea.

Wander 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.

Take a visit to Nice's oldest, and most ornate church.

Hop 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.

Hop on a local bus and travel (about 1hr) from Nice to one of the most picturesque medieval towns on the Riviera, Saint Paul de Vence.

Get 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.

Head 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.

Wander 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.

Walk along the Promenade des Anglais and take in the view of the glistening Mediterranean Sea.

Visit Gaudí’s most famous life work, the cathedral of La Sagrada Familia, an inspiring, yet, bizarre testament to the artist’s unique vision.

Take 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.

Get 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.

Uncover a different side of Barcelona. Visit the old Gothic Quarter with its maze of dark streets, historic cathedral, medieval buildings, bars, and cafés.

Deemed the crowning architectural work of Antoni Gaudí, Casa Batlló is a must-visit on anyone's trip to Barcelona.

Visit Gaudí’s most famous life work, the cathedral of La Sagrada Familia, an inspiring, yet, bizarre testament to the artist’s unique vision.

Uncover a different side of Barcelona. Visit the old Gothic Quarter with its maze of dark streets, historic cathedral, medieval buildings, bars, and cafés.

Climb to the top of Montjuïc hill for fantastic city views and a visit to a 17th-century fortress, once used as a prison and execution site.

Take 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.

Deemed the crowning architectural work of Antoni Gaudí, Casa Batlló is a must-visit on anyone's trip to Barcelona.

See and be seen on Las Ramblas, a large tree-lined pedestrian boulevard perfect for people watching and window shopping that ends at the harbourfront facing the Mediterranean Sea.

Get 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.

Visit Gaudí’s most famous life work, the cathedral of La Sagrada Familia, an inspiring, yet, bizarre testament to the artist’s unique vision.

Uncover a different side of Barcelona. Visit the old Gothic Quarter with its maze of dark streets, historic cathedral, medieval buildings, bars, and cafés.

Take 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.

Get 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.

The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum displays an overview of art from the 13th century to the late 20th century.

Take in some culture with a trip to the Museo del Prado, one of the greatest art galleries in the world, and a definite highlight of any Madrid trip. Be inspired by its collections and exhibitions: the museum's main emphasis is 15th to 19th century Spanish, Flemish, and Italian art, but there is plenty of Goya and a wealth of paintings by Diego Velázquez.

Shop, stroll, and people watch on the capital's most exciting street, Gran Via. Go early or late, the street stays awake all hours.

The Reina Sofia is Spain's national museum of 20th-century art, and currently boasts an art collection of over 21,000 works.

Enjoy some spectacular people watching with a visit to the Plaza Mayor, the true heart of the city. Enjoy a coffee in one of the plaza’s many cafes and watch the world go by.

See how kings and queens live, with a visit to the Palacio Real, the official (and uninhabited) palace of the King of Spain. Wander the rooms to take in some of the most elaborately decorated and furnished rooms you'll ever see.

Shop, stroll, and people watch on the capital's most exciting street, Gran Via. Go early or late, the street stays awake all hours.

Enjoy some spectacular people watching with a visit to the Plaza Mayor, the true heart of the city. Enjoy a coffee in one of the plaza’s many cafes and watch the world go by.

Take in some culture with a trip to the Museo del Prado, one of the greatest art galleries in the world, and a definite highlight of any Madrid trip. Be inspired by its collections and exhibitions: the museum's main emphasis is 15th to 19th century Spanish, Flemish, and Italian art, but there is plenty of Goya and a wealth of paintings by Diego Velázquez.

See how kings and queens live, with a visit to the Palacio Real, the official (and uninhabited) palace of the King of Spain. Wander the rooms to take in some of the most elaborately decorated and furnished rooms you'll ever see.

Wander through the historic quarter of the Albaicin. Try to head there for sunset. With its narrow lanes and fantastic views back to the Alhambra, visitors are rewarded with a spectacular colour-washed skyline when the sun goes down.

Enjoy a guided visit of the Alhambra, one of the greatest accomplishments of Islamic art and architecture. Learn about Granada’s reign as one of the region’s most regal cities during the Muslim rule of Spain, which is captured in time within the Alhambra.

The Alhambra is divided into three sections: the Alcazaba, the Palacio Nazaries and Generalife. The Alcazaba is the Alhambra's Muslim 11th-century wing, offering spectacular views of the city from the tops of its towers. The Palacio Nazaries is the centre of the Alhambra, and is most famous for its detailed works and gardens. The Generalife was the summer palace of the sultans.

Relax in one of the many hammam baths around town. Ranging in services depending on the establishment, some offer massages and serve mint tea, but all have amazing architecture and are a perfect place to soak and unwind.

Explore the wonderful interiors and gardens of the Alcázar, a royal palace that was originally a Moorish fort. Arrive during the evening in the summer months (until mid-September) and enjoy a series of concerts in the beautiful setting of the Reales Alcázares.

Enjoy a flamenco performance in the city known for the energetic dance. Be swept away by the flamenco's passion, fire, and grit!

Climb the tower known as La Giralda, adjacent to the world's largest Gothic cathedral, for spectacular views and a walk among historic walls. The 76m (249 ft) Giralda was constructed by the Moors as a mosque between 1184 and 1197. In 1568, after the reconquest, Christians fit the minaret with its bell tower.

Visit the true heart of Seville, the Santa Cruz quarter. A charming area with winding alleys, picturesque lime-washed houses, flowery patios, and small squares, you can wander, shop, or just soak in the neighbourhood's quaint atmosphere while enjoying a refreshing drink (sangria, perhaps) at one of the local restaurants.

Enjoy a hike along the famous golden cliffs and sandy coves of the Algarve. Pack water, sunscreen, and a camera, and you're good to go!

Head to one of the five spectacular beaches around Lagos to spend some time floating in the waves. Dona Ana Beach is a golden sand oasis nestled between enormous rock formations boasts the best view, while Meia Praia and Batata Beach are near the town centre.

Don't feel like sitting in a kayak? No problem! Grab a longboard and a paddle and spend some time exploring along the coast.

Spend some time out on the water on a kayaking excursion.

Ask your CEO to recommend a provider for a scenic boat trip along the coast. Learn about the local way of life and fishing practices from locals or just enjoy the view.

Enjoy a hike along the famous golden cliffs and sandy coves of the Algarve. Pack water, sunscreen, and a camera, and you're good to go!

Head to one of the five spectacular beaches around Lagos to spend some time floating in the waves. Dona Ana Beach is a golden sand oasis nestled between enormous rock formations boasts the best view, while Meia Praia and Batata Beach are near the town centre.

Don't feel like sitting in a kayak? No problem! Grab a longboard and a paddle and spend some time exploring along the coast.

Spend some time out on the water on a kayaking excursion.

Ask your CEO to recommend a provider for a scenic boat trip along the coast. Learn about the local way of life and fishing practices from locals or just enjoy the view.

Discover Belém, a western suburb that's linked to Portugal’s Golden Age of Discoveries – it was the site where famous navigators once set sail to discover the world. While there, take some time to tour nearby must-see attractions: the Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, the Tropical Botanical Garden, and the Berardo Museum of contemporary art. Please note: most attractions in Belém are closed on Mondays.

Explore Lisbon’s past in Alfama, one of the city’s oldest quarters. Wander along narrow medieval streets lined with typical tile-covered façades and take a step back in time; the area largely survived the great earthquake of 1755, and still retains much of its original layout. Listen for Portugal's traditional music, fado, gracing the streets at night.

Stop in this lively square to get a taste of the local hustle and bustle.

Take a wander through this traditional open-air market, established in 1755.

Climb up to this Moorish castle for a wander around the impressive grounds on a guided tour, and a great view over Lisbon and Tagus River.

Loacted in the lively Belém district, find dozens of ornately decorated horse-drawn carriages (fit for the kings and queens they used to carry) at the National Coach Museum. Housed in an old riding school, it's one of the most popular museums in Lisbon today.

Take a ride up 147ft from the lowest to highest points of Portugal. Sit back and enjoy the views.

Visit one of Europe's most impressive private art collections at the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum. With an eclectic mix of Egyptian, Greco-Roman, Islamic, Armenian, and Far Eastern art, it's beloved by art critics and locals for a reason.

Stop in this lively square to get a taste of the local hustle and bustle.

Take a wander through this traditional open-air market, established in 1755.

Climb up to this Moorish castle for a wander around the impressive grounds on a guided tour, and a great view over Lisbon and Tagus River.

Discover Belém, a western suburb that's linked to Portugal’s Golden Age of Discoveries – it was the site where famous navigators once set sail to discover the world. While there, take some time to tour nearby must-see attractions: the Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, the Tropical Botanical Garden, and the Berardo Museum of contemporary art. Please note: most attractions in Belém are closed on Mondays.

Take a ride up 147ft from the lowest to highest points of Portugal. Sit back and enjoy the views.

Loacted in the lively Belém district, find dozens of ornately decorated horse-drawn carriages (fit for the kings and queens they used to carry) at the National Coach Museum. Housed in an old riding school, it's one of the most popular museums in Lisbon today.

Visit one of Europe's most impressive private art collections at the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum. With an eclectic mix of Egyptian, Greco-Roman, Islamic, Armenian, and Far Eastern art, it's beloved by art critics and locals for a reason.

Explore Lisbon’s past in Alfama, one of the city’s oldest quarters. Wander along narrow medieval streets lined with typical tile-covered façades and take a step back in time; the area largely survived the great earthquake of 1755, and still retains much of its original layout. Listen for Portugal's traditional music, fado, gracing the streets at night.