Mediterranean Express: Rivieras & Railroads

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.