7 nights Rome to Barcelona

Discover the charming port town of Civitavecchia, the gateway to Rome and the treasures of the Eternal City. Venture through Civitavecchia, noted for its fine seafood and beautiful monuments. Then, travel to Rome, with more than 2,500 years of history and ancient landmarks that will leave you with memories for a lifetime. Archaeological remains from ancient Rome, art-rich churches, and the treasures of Vatican City vie for your attention, but Rome is also a wonderful place to practice the Italian-perfected il dolce far niente, the sweet art of idleness. Your most memorable experiences may include sitting at a caffè in the Campo de' Fiori or strolling in a beguiling piazza.

This cradle of the Renaissance owes its UNESCO status to the overwhelming influence the city and its museums, churches, architecture and artworks have had on Europe and, ultimately, the world. Vestiges of this enlightened period are everywhere today – at the Uffizi gallery, the Palazzos Pitta and Vecchio and throughout the city streets. Only a little over an hour away visit Pisa, known for its Gothic architecture, home to the vibrant University of Pisa, and of course, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, which remains famously tilted since construction finished in 1372. Florence glows from afar with red brick, teeming with cathedrals. You’ll be in good company among paintings and sculptures by da Vinci, Botticelli, Brunelleschi, Michelangelo, and others. 

Sea days are full of possibilities. Do as much or as little as you please—it's your choice. Choose blissful relaxation or from myriad experiences to learn a new skill, broaden your mind or fill your day with activity. Join a yoga class, advance your appreciation of wine, or indulge in their signature Afternoon Tea. 

Toulon sits on the sun-kissed Côte d’Azur, almost exactly between Marseille and St Tropez. From here, seek out chic beaches and Provençal landscapes of dry stone walls and swathes of lilac lavender. Toulon has associations with the French Navy that can be traced back to 1494 when Charles VIII established a naval shipyard here in the embrace of its natural harbour. It remains the home port of the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier; models of this and ships throughout the ages can be found at the National Naval Museum, which was founded a century ago. Against today’s harbour backdrop of colourful fishing boats, sleek yachts and larger vessels you can still find the historic docks and workshops of Porte de l'Arsenal that have been here

Sea days are full of possibilities. Do as much or as little as you please—it's your choice. Choose blissful relaxation or from myriad experiences to learn a new skill, broaden your mind or fill your day with activity. Join a yoga class, advance your appreciation of wine, or indulge in their signature Afternoon Tea. 

Palma de Mallorca, rich in monuments of many ages, was founded by the Romans more than 2,000 years ago. A magnificent rose-coloured Gothic cathedral dominates the palm-fringed waterfront of its urban centre. Mallorca, known as the "Island of Tranquillity," is the largest and most developed of the Balearic group. Steep mountains, serene valleys and wide plains form its varied landscape. If you look north of the cathedral (La Seu, or the seat of the bishopric, to Mallorcans) on a map of the city of Palma, you can see around the Plaça Santa Eulàlia a jumble of tiny streets that made up the earliest settlement.

Valencia is an exhilarating mix of history, art and intellectual activity. Brave the 200 steps up to the summit of the amphitheatre, for a giddying panorama of orange rooftops and blue-domed churches. Valencia’s rich Hispanic culture is visible everywhere in the city’s architecture, often reflecting Roman, Visigoth, Moorish, and Aragonese traditions.

The infinite variety of street life, the medieval Barri Gòtic, the ceramic tile and stained glass of Art Nouveau facades, the art and music, the throb of street life, the food (ah, the food!)—one way or another, Barcelona will find a way to get your full attention. The capital of Catalonia is a banquet for the senses, with its beguiling mix of ancient and modern architecture, tempting cafés and markets, and sun-drenched Mediterranean beaches. A stroll along La Rambla and through the waterfront , as well as a tour of Gaudí's majestic Sagrada Família and his other unique creations, are part of a visit to Spain's second-largest city.