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

Journey from Civitavecchia to the Eternal City and discover Rome's most iconic landmarks on this panoramic and walking excursion designed to showcase the highlights in a single unforgettable day.

Upon arrival in Rome, your first stop will be Vatican City, the heart of the Roman Catholic Church. From St. Peter's Square, admire the impressive exterior of St. Peter's Basilica, one of the world's most renowned Renaissance churches. Please note that this tour does not include entry into the Basilica. During the Vatican stop, you will admire St. Peter's Basilica from the outside, with explanations provided by your guide. At this stop, you will also have some free time at a souvenir shop.

Back aboard your coach, enjoy panoramic views of several historic sites as you drive through the city, including Tiber Island, Trastevere, Circus Maximus, and the Palatine Hill.

Arriving at the Colosseum, you will stop to admire this world-famous ancient amphitheater from the outside. Built between 70 and 80 AD, the Colosseum is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and remains a powerful symbol of Imperial Rome. Take advantage of excellent photo opportunities while your guide shares fascinating insights into its history.

From here, your guided walking tour begins. Stroll along Via dei Fori Imperiali with views over the Roman Forum, once the political, religious, and commercial center of ancient Rome. Continue to Venice Square to admire the impressive Victor Emmanuel II Monument, also known as the Altar of the Fatherland.

Your walk will continue to the Trevi Fountain, the largest and most famous Baroque fountain in the city. Be sure to toss a coin into the fountain to ensure your return to Rome. You will then pass by the magnificent Pantheon, one of the best-preserved monuments of Ancient Rome. Originally built as a temple to all the gods and later converted into a church, it is renowned for its impressive dome and central oculus. Your tour continues to the lively Piazza Navona, where elegant fountains and stunning Baroque architecture provide the perfect backdrop to soak in the atmosphere of the Eternal City. Free time for lunch (not included) will be scheduled by your guide either near the Trevi Fountain or in the Piazza Navona area. At the conclusion of your Roman adventure, your guide will escort you back to the bus, where you can sit back and relax on the scenic drive to Civitavecchia.

Please Note: 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.