Montserrat Morning Tour

Visit the jagged and serrated mountain of Montserrat and its Benedictine Monastery on this morning tour.

After departing from Barcelona, you will drive through the picturesque countryside dotted with little villages during the one-hour drive to the incomparable setting of the mountain of Montserrat. Rising majestically to 4,051 feet, the peaks of Montserrat can be seen long before you arrive. The curving road around the mountain will offer you incredible views out across the valley. Upon arrival, you will board the cogwheel train for a scenic ride up the mountain, allowing you to take in breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Upon arrival at the parking area, you will join your guide and climb several steps to reach the plaza of the Royal Basilica of Montserrat. Its cliff-side location and neo-Romanesque architecture is a scenic wonder, but it is perhaps the famous 12th-century Romanesque carving of Virgen Moreneta, the Black Virgin, that draws so many to this mountain location. According to legend, the figure of the Black Madonna and Child was discovered in the Santa Cova cave, and to this day, it remains housed in the church of the monastery. The Royal Basilica has been one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Spain for hundreds of years.

Follow your guide through the monastery grounds and learn about its Gothic and Renaissance architectural details. A community of 80 monks currently resides at the monastery, following the Rule of Saint Benedict. After an orientation tour of the grounds and description of the basilica, you will be given ample time to visit the sites that interest you the most.

On most weekdays, the Escolania de Montserrat, one of the oldest boys' choirs in Europe, performs in the monastery at midday. There is a museum, restaurants, and shops, as well as the opportunity to view the Black Virgin from a passageway that circles the altar where she is located. You will also be given the opportunity to taste some of the typical liquors of Montserrat. Additionally, you may choose to visit the market where local farmers offer agricultural and traditional products from the region.

At the appointed time, you will meet your transportation and begin the drive back to Barcelona.

Classical Rome Tour

The day begins with a journey from Civitavecchia to Rome, where you'll visit Vatican City, the seat of the Catholic Church. Upon arrival in Rome, you'll first see the entrance to Vatican City, which serves as the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church and is home to the Pope and a wealth of iconic art and architecture. Next, you'll proceed to the magnificent St. Peter's Basilica, allowing you to admire this Renaissance-style church from the outside. Following your visit to St. Peter's Basilica on St. Peter's Square, you'll have some free time to explore the Vatican souvenir shop and browse for gifts.

A view from the bus as it goes past the Tiberin Island, Trastevere, Circus Maximus and Palatin Hill, Caracalla Terme, Piramide, etc. Afterward, pause at the Colosseum. Proceeding from this point on, the walking tour will pass by the outside of the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, Venice Square, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and Navona Square.

Your journey through Rome will take you past the historic Roman Forum, a site that dates back to the city's founding in 753 BCE on the Palatine Hill. Nearby, you'll find the Circus Maximus, an ancient arena where thrilling chariot races once took place. Measuring an impressive 2,037 feet (621 meters) in length, the Colosseum is undeniably a marvel to behold. Your guide will then lead you past the Capitoline Hill and the Victor Emmanuel Monument, also known as the Altare Della Patria. This monument was erected in honor of Victor Emmanuel, the first king of a unified Italy, and features a statue of the king on horseback. Nearby, you'll see the Palazzo di Venezia, which served as the office for Fascist dictator Benito Mussolini, who delivered many of his speeches from its balcony, now named after him.

Next on the itinerary is a visit to one of Rome's most iconic symbols: the Colosseum. Constructed between 70 AD and 80 AD, the Colosseum holds the distinction of being one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Originally named the Amphitheatrum Flavium, or Flavian Amphitheater, it hosted gladiatorial contests, simulated naval battles, animal hunts, and even served as a venue for the execution of Christians. You will have opportunity to use your observation point to take breathtaking pictures of this Roman landmark.

Following your visit to the Colosseum, your group will embark on a walking tour led by your guide, passing by this iconic landmark. Continuing along Via dei Fori Imperiali, until you reach Venice Square, where you'll admire the stunning National Monument Altar of the Fatherland, erected between 1885 and 1935 to honor Victor Emmanuel II. Your walking tour will proceed from here, taking you to Trevi Fountain for a brief lunch break (lunch not included). Afterward, you'll pass by the Pantheon and Navona Square, where you'll encounter masterpieces of art at every turn, offering you multiple perspectives from which to discover and appreciate the beauty of Rome.

After an enlightening visit to Rome, you'll enjoy a scenic drive back to Civitavecchia, rounding off your unforgettable excursion in Italy. Don't miss out on this opportunity to explore the wonders of Rome - book your tour today!

This tour does not include visits to the interiors of any attractions or landmarks. This tour is intended for guests arriving in Civitavecchia. While guests staying in hotels are always welcome, they are responsible for arranging their own transportation to the meeting location on the day of the tour. This tour is available in Spanish upon request. Please select your preferred language above when placing your booking. The tour may be presented in both English and Spanish. This tour can accommodate guests who are disembarking their cruise ship with luggage. You may bring luggage on this tour and leave it on the bus while touring. If you are disembarking your ship and do not wish to ride back to the cruise pier, the tour will end at the Justice Palace, Piazza dei Tribunali. All guests planning to return to the port should check with the guide for the shuttle's final departure time and location.

Highlights of Marseille

Marseille is enjoying a cultural renaissance and you will see why during this 4-hour small tour. This city is the second largest one in France and was the European Capital of Culture in 2013.

Your adventure begins with a trip to Marseille's historical center. Walk along the Vieux Port dotted with shops and restaurants while your tour guide reveals the port's journey from a 6th century trade post to the area's hub of maritime activity in the 19th century. From there you will head to the colonnade-lined Palais Longchamp at the terminus of the Durance River. Inaugurated in 1869 as a monument to commemorate the connection of Marseille to a new waterway network, the combination large fountain-waterfall-water tower has two wings that house the city's natural history museum and Musee des beaux-arts.

Continue marveling at Marseille's highlights such as the stunning Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde. Situated on the foundation of an ancient fort, this building rests on the highest elevation in the city overlooking Marseille. Consecrated in 1864 to replace an 11th century church by the same name, the Basilique has a lower crypt built in the Romanesque style and an upper church that was built in the Neo-Byzantine style using green limestone from Florence. You'll have the opportunity to go inside the Basilique and explore the symbol of the city of Marseille for approximately thirty minutes.

Sign up today for your opportunity to step back into the history and culture of beautiful Marseille.

Please Note: The tour vehicle varies based on the size of the group.