Italian Riviera, Côte d'Azur, and Barcelona

Cinque Terre, or “five lands,” is a series of five traditional fishing villages strung along the cliffs of the Italian Riviera. Colourful houses and stunning views line the road between Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, where winemaking, olive farming, and anchovy fishing still occupy most residents.

Step into glamorous Monaco, a tiny principality on the French Riviera famed for its luxury, history, and royal connections. Visit the Prince’s Palace, home to Monaco’s ruling family, and see why this city-state became a playground for royalty and movie stars. Then travel to the medieval hilltop village of Èze to visit a traditional parfumerie, where expert perfumers have crafted scents since the 1700s.

The Côte d'Azur's largest city spills down the hillsides to pebble beaches that line the shore. Your Tour Director will show you around the narrow pedestrian streets and tiny squares of "Le Vieux Nice" (Old Town), which is sprinkled with old palaces and mansions. Stroll down the Promenade des Anglais, which runs parallel to the water. Backed by Nice's grand hotels, the Promenade was built in the 19th century for the British who flocked here en masse.

Wander through the charming hilltop village of St. Paul de Vence, where artists and writers have found inspiration for centuries. Explore stone lanes lined with galleries and enjoy views of the Provençal countryside. Stop at Confiserie Florian to see how traditional sweets and jams are handmade using local ingredients.

Take interactive learning to another level with a Tour Director-led scavenger hunt on Las Ramblas, Barcelona’s most famous pedestrian street. Complete exciting activities and solve fun clues, each designed to maximize experiential learning on tour.

Discover Barcelona with a licensed guide as you explore its mix of Gothic charm and modernist brilliance. Visit Plaza de España, then marvel at Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia, the soaring church that defines the city’s skyline. Wander through Park Güell with its colourful mosaics and sweeping views, and journey to Montjuïc Hill, home to historic fortresses and the 1992 Olympic grounds.

Immerse yourself in the art that captures the passion of Spain. Compare the techniques and meanings in the works of artists from El Greco to Salvador Dalí and Pablo Picasso. Deepen your understanding of art history as you debate how these and other masters defined and shaped Spanish culture.

Originating from gypsy music and dance in Southern Spain, flamenco dancing has become a Spanish institution. Dancers use intricate footwork and elaborate arm gestures to convey the mood of the music, which can range from lamentation to celebration.

Montserrat is famous for its monastery, its caves, its weirdly shaped crags of rock and its amazing mountain. It is home to the Shrine of Our Lady of Montserrat, a popular pilgrimage destination outside of Barcelona.