Barcelona to Rome
Experience Overview
Lose yourself in three of Europe's most enchanting countries on this 15-day adventure from Barcelona to Rome. Arrive in the vibrant streets of Barcelona, then travel into the heart of the Spanish Pyrenees. Discover Provencal food and world-class wines as you frolic with Europe’s high rollers in the French Riviera, then feast on breathtaking sights in the cliff-top towns of the Cinque Terre. See master works of art in Florence and get your iconic pic at the leaning Torre de Pisa. Call into beautiful Siena before ending it all in the ancient city of Rome.
Highlights
- Spend your free time in Barcelona visiting Gaudi's modern basilica, La Sagrada Familia – a Gothic masterpiece that embodies the city’s artistic and progressive heart.
- Hike in the scenic Spanish Pyrenees mountains, taking in the fresh air, panoramic views and an exhilarating sense of freedom.
- Explore the Provencal landscapes of southern France and gain an understanding as to why this part of the world is so adored by artists.
- See The Leaning Tower for Pisa’s most iconic image, then discover The Piazza dei Miracoli and Pisa Baptistry for masterpieces in medieval-Italian architecture.
- Enjoy plenty of free time in Rome to discover the ancient Colosseum, stroll through Vatican City and gaze up towards the gods inside St Peter's Basilica.
Trip Details
Product Code: 3238
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Bus,Cog wheel railway,Metro,Public bus,Train
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: ZMSC
Starts: Barcelona, France
Finishes: Rome, France
Duration: 15 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (12), Dinner (1)Accommodation: Hotel (14 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $6,660 ($444 /day)
Itinerary
Hola! Welcome to Spain. Your adventure begins in Barcelona, famed for delicious Catalan cuisine, a ground-breaking art scene, Gothic architecture, and a non-stop nightlife. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm today. If you arrive early, there are plenty of galleries, cafes and historic corners to keep you busy. Gaudi's bizarre La Sagrada Familia Basilica is not be missed. As there's not much time in Barcelona, it’s recommended that you arrive a few days early. The heart of Catalonia prides itself as a gastronomic centre, so tonight, maybe head out for dinner with your group or go on a tapas crawl through rustic Catalan dishes in the neighbourhood of El Born.
Optional Activities:
- Barcelona - Museum of Gaudi (6 EUR)
- Barcelona - National Art Museum of Catalonia (12 EUR)
- Barcelona - Ethnological and World Cultures (5 EUR)
- Barcelona - Old Santa Creu Hospital (16 EUR)
- Barcelona - Picasso Museum (14 EUR)
- Barcelona - Casa Batllo (advance booking required) (29 EUR)
- Barcelona - Museum of City History (7 EUR)
- Barcelona - Guell Palace (12 EUR)
- Barcelona - Barcelona Cathedral (11 EUR)
- Barcelona - Tapas Tour in El Raval Urban Adventure (99 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Travel north by train and climb into the Spanish Pyrenees, which form a barrier between the Iberian Peninsula and the rest of Europe, to the small town of Ribes de Freser – your base for next two days, this low-key town sits at the confluence of three different rivers, Freser, Rigard and Segadell. The town is not only an important tourist centre in this part of Pyrenees, but it’s also well known for its mineral water and milk products. It’s also a great place to relax with the views of beautiful Pyrenees Mountains in the background. Tonight, perhaps head out for dinner with the group.
Included Activities:
- Ribes de Freser - Orientation walk
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, enjoy stunning views from a cogwheel train ride into the Nuria Valley. This train line was first opened in the 1930s and connects Ribes de Freser with Queralbs, making a spectacular and magical snaking journey up to the small ski town and pilgrimage site of Nuria. It crosses viaducts, travels past dramatic cliffs, through tunnels, forest and waterfalls, finally arriving at 2000 metres above sea level after one of the most magnificent rides in the Pyrenees. Along with the cogwheel train journey, you will find time to stretch your legs on a hike in the scenic surrounds. Take to the hills for a day of hiking in the Pyrenees and be prepared for some steep ascents. Climb up through the forest to a fantastic viewpoint of the mountain peaks (weather permitting). Don't forget your camera, as the alpine scenery is spectacular. Return to Ribes de Freser in late afternoon. Tonight it's time for an included paella dinner.
Included Activities:
- Pyrenees - Cogwheel Railway to Nuria Valley
- Pyrenees - Hiking in Nuria Valley
- Ribes de Freser - Paella Dinner
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Continue your adventure across the French border today with a combination of a train journey and private transfer to the medieval Carcassonne – this UNESCO World Heritage-listed fortress is the second most visited tourist site in France after the Eiffel Tower! This French city looks like it's straight out of a classic fairytale, famous for its 53 watchtowers and double-walled fortifications. The first walls were built in Gallo-Roman style with later additions made in 13th and 14th centuries, making it the biggest and most beautiful medieval construction in Europe. There’ll be plenty of time to explore the castle, ramparts and winding streets at your own pace – maybe see Chateau Comtal, a 12th-century fortress within Le Cite, for archaeological exhibits. Or take a tour of the inner ramparts. Tonight, if weather permits, watch the golden sun set over the landscape.
Optional Activities:
- Carcassonne - Chateau Comtal Entrance (11 EUR)
- Carcassonne - Saint Nazarius Basilica - Free
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Leave Carcassonne behind and take the train into the French region of Provence, through heartland scenery that has long attracted the brushes of Impressionist painters, settling in the town of Arles. Once a provincial capital of ancient Rome, Arles is now famed for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh, which can be seen at the local gallery that takes his name. When you arrive, take a walk around the town and soak in the picturesque landscapes. Then, see the double rows of arches of the Arles Amphitheatre – an ancient Roman arena still in use after 1000 years. Later, maybe round off the day with a coffee or ‘pastis’ at the shaded terraces of the outdoor cafe that once paid host to the famous painter!
Included Activities:
- Arles - Amphitheatre Visit
- Arles - Orientation walk
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Enjoy a free day in the town of Arles. Perhaps follow the Van Gogh trail to see sites that the artist drew on as subjects for his paintings, finishing at the Vincent Van Gogh Foundation to browse the changing exhibitions of the Post-Impressionist painter. Maybe spend your day wandering through the Gothic architecture in the walled city where the Pope once took refuge, uncover an ancient Roman necropolis and theatre, or stroll past the multi-storey aqueduct. You could also head outside of the town to the Camargue Nature Park and cycle among pink flamingos in the sandy reed beds. The Antiques Museum, Arlaten Ethnographic Museum and Reattu Museum back in town also provide lots of culture to discover. Otherwise, simply relax by the Rhone River and watch the world go by. A wander around the town at night becomes an art history lesson, with scenes recognisable from famous artworks like ‘Cafe Terrace at Night’.
Optional Activities:
- Arles - Reattu Museum (8 EUR)
- Arles - Arlaten Ethnographic Museum (8 EUR)
- Arles - Musee de Arles Antique (8 EUR)
- Arles - Vincent Van Gogh Foundation (10 EUR)
- Arles – LUMA Art Gallery - Free
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Take the train to Nice today – the star of the Riviera and a great base from which to explore the rest of the Cote d'Azur. Nice boasts both public and private beaches, with countless opportunities to relax. Your afternoon and evening are free but try not to miss the flower and evening markets on Place Saleya. Take some time to explore Nice’s Old Centre, walking its maze of staircases and lanes, Baroque churches and the famous Promenade des Anglais – a hot spot for street theatre and local artists.
Included Activities:
- Nice - Orientation Walk
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is free for you to further explore Nice at your own pace. You could head out on a daytrip to Cannes, which only costs around EUR 16 by train. The famed film festival host is a place of sun, sand, style and shopping, while the Old Town still maintains a Provencal feel. You might like to visit the cliff-top village of Eze, known as 'The Eagles Nest,' just a few kilometres outside of Nice. This medieval town is a true gem – it’s vaulted, narrow streets are filled with art galleries, workshops and gastronomic restaurants and at the top is a ruined medieval castle commanding one of the most beautiful panoramas on the Cote d'Azur. Back in Nice there are museums to explore, tiny shops in the retro neighbourhood of Vieux to browse, beaches to lounge on, scenic gardens to discover and delicious French food to feast on.
Optional Activities:
- St Tropez - Day Trip (by boat) (75 EUR)
- Cannes - Day Trip (by train) (16 EUR)
- Nice - Matisse Museum (10 EUR)
- Monaco - Day Trip (by train) (10 EUR)
- Eze - Day Trip 9by local bus) (4 EUR)
- Eze - Exotic Garden (7 EUR)
- Grasse – Fragonard Factory Visit - Free
- Nice - Museum of Modern & Contemporary Art (10 EUR)
- Nice - St Nicolas Cathedral (3 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning after breakfast, spend the day travelling by combination of public transport means across the Italian border to the once important naval base of La Spezia, now the gateway to the gorgeous Cinque Terre (the five lands). The name comes from the five tiny villages – Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore – whose position, wedged into a series of coves between sheer cliffs, makes it one of the highlights of the whole of Italy. When you arrive in La Spezia, there won't be too much time to explore, but after checking into your hotel you could get your bearings with a short walk around the pedestrian zone on Via del Prione to the gardens along the harbour, or head out for dinner with the group. After, you might like to relax and rest up before the walk along the famous Cinque Terre route tomorrow.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning you’ll venture out on the footpaths of Cinque Terre. These paths run between the villages and were once the only way to travel in the region. Walk through olive groves and vineyards and soak in the gorgeous scenery at every turn. After working up an appetite, take advantage of the foods of the Liguria region with a pesto class – focaccia is also a speciality in this area and makes a great start to lunch. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy at your own leisure. In the evening, there's no better way to recover from your day of walking with more indulgence in delicious Mediterranean food.
Included Activities:
- Cinque Terre - Day Trip, including Cinque Terre Pass
Optional Activities:
- Cinque Terre - 'Il Laboratorio del Pesto' Making & Demonstration (25 EUR)
- Cinque Terre - Sea Kayak Hire (10 EUR)
- Cinque Terre - Church of St Andrea in Levante - Free
- Cinque Terre - Coastal Cruise (41 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Depart Cinque Terre today and catch a train to Pisa – divided in two by the River Arno, the heart of Pisa is the Santa Maria quarter on the north bank. There'll be ample time for you to visit the world-famous Leaning Tower, as well as the Duomo (Piazza dei Miracoli, once the largest in Europe) and Pisa Baptistry. The tower was built in the 12th century, but its foundation was on shifting sand and clay, meaning that it now leans at an angle of 4 degrees (after restoration and stabilising work). Wander the shopping streets, from high-end boutiques to speciality book and antiques stores, and maybe have lunch and an aperitif in a backstreet restaurant before returning to the station in the afternoon and taking the train to Florence. After checking in to your hotel, join your leader for quick orientation walk. The rest of your evening is free to explore the city of the Renaissance.
Included Activities:
- Pisa - Orientation walk
- Florence - Orientation Walk
Optional Activities:
- Pisa - Leaning Tower of Pisa (27 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Head out into Florence – one of the most culturally rich and beautiful cities in Italy, known to many as the beating heart of Tuscany. The Medicis, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Brunelleschi, Machiavelli, Donatello and Michelangelo all lived in Florence at the height of their creative reign. It's impossible to see everything in this Renaissance wonderland, so take your time and enjoy it. Maybe visit the Uffizi – one of the world's oldest art galleries – or walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo, set on a hill on the south bank of the Arno River, to take in beautiful views of the city. You could visit Michelangelo's David, housed in the Galleria dell'Accademia, and tonight, join the locals for passeggiata (a leisurely socialising stroll) between piazza Beccaria and piazza della Repubblica.
Optional Activities:
- Florence - Medici Chapels (17 EUR)
- Florence - Bargello Museum (16 EUR)
- Florence - Brunelleschi 3 Days pass - Baptistry, Museo Opera del Duomo, Giotto Bell Tower and Brunelleschi Dome (30 EUR)
- Florence - Pitti Palace, Gallery of Modern Art & Palatine Gallery (19 EUR)
- Florence - Aperitivo Time! Urban Adventure (77 EUR)
- Florence - Foodies Walk Urban Adventure (79 EUR)
- Florence - Palazzo Vecchio (12 EUR)
- Florence - Pitti Palace (Boboli Gardens, Museo Argenti, Costume Gallery, Porcellain Museum) (22 EUR)
- Florence - Uffizi Gallery (29 EUR)
- Florence - Accademia (20 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Leave Florence early in the morning by train for a day tour to Siena. Surrounded by olive groves and the vineyards of Chianti, Siena is one of the most beautiful cities of Tuscany. Wander the tiny alleyways and lively piazzas and search out the unique Piazza del Campo – a grand fan-shaped piazza built on the site of the old Roman forum, where the Palio horse race takes place (twice annually in mid-July and the end of August). Maybe visit the small but stunning Siena Cathedral and see the statue of the Capitoline Wolf, which was brought here by Romulus and Remus – the mythical founders of Rome. You’ll be back in Florence for the evening, which is free to enjoy as you please. Food is also a major part of the city's identity, so maybe explore some of the culinary delicacies on offer from across Tuscany. Regional specialities are noted for their simplicity and fine flavour, and the use of high-quality olive oil, cannellini beans and fresh herbs.
Included Activities:
- Siena - Day Trip
Optional Activities:
- Siena - Duomo di Siena (15 EUR)
- Siena - Torre del Mangia Climb (10 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
In the morning, take the train to Rome. ‘When in Rome,’ join your leader on an orientation walk around the city, where you can see some of the iconic sites like the Colosseum (one of the Seven Wonders of the World) and Arch of Constantine, the Forum (centre of ancient Rome), the Victor Emmanuel Monument, the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, Spanish Steps, Via Dei Condotti and Piazza Venezia. No visit would be complete without a trip to Vatican City and St Peter's Basilica, so check with your leader for options and tips on how to fit that in. Rome is packed full of restaurants and trattorias that cater to every taste and budget, too. Eating in trattorias will give you a chance to sample some Italian wines, usually very affordable and of a high quality. Head out in the evening with the group for a final farewell gastronomic celebration.
Included Activities:
- Rome - Orientation Walk
Optional Activities:
- Vatican City - Vatican Museum (25 EUR)
- Rome - Galleria Borghese (17 EUR)
- Rome - Venezia Palace (17 EUR)
- Vatican City - St Peter's Dome Climb & Elevator (10 EUR)
- Rome - Christian Catacombs (10 EUR)
- Rome - Castel Sant'Angelo (19 EUR)
- Rome - Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill (19 EUR)
- Rome - Keats-Shelley Memorial House (6 EUR)
- Rome - Pantheon (5 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Your adventure comes to an end this morning. There are no activities planned for today and you're free to depart the accommodation at any time. As there is so much to see in Rome, it’s recommended that you stay a little longer. If you need to book additional accommodation, just speak to your booking agent at the time of booking.
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Zhiming - Traveled, October 2023
Most amazing 2 weeks of vacation I have had, my go-to choice for traveling outside North America.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/25/2023
Grace - Traveled, October 2023
Great mix of traditional and modern restaurants, stunning architecture, historic sites and scenic train travel. Fun and intersting activities, included meals were wonderful. For reference I am 23 and my mum is 63 - we have differing interests and fitness levels, but both loved this tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/18/2023
Megan - Traveled, September 2023
This was a fun and memorable trip! We had a great leader and the itinerary was a well balanced mix of crowds, history, culture and physical activity.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/01/2023
Marilyn - Traveled, September 2023
Amazing trip. Guide was great and fellow travellers so friendly. Would recommend this trip
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/01/2023
Anthony - Traveled, June 2023
Thoroughly I joyed the Intrepid tour. Well organised and visited some amazing sites. The tour guides knowledge of the sites was amazing. Highly recommended.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/08/2023
Jodie - Traveled, June 2023
Intrepid always puts a great trip together, including outside the box activities that tourists wouldn’t normally know about. Highly rate & would do this trip & others on offer any day.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/03/2023
Priyadharshini - Traveled, May 2023
This tour is for those that want to be with a group and like the itinerary. It's not for those that are looking for help from group leader in booking optional activities or learning more about them.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/11/2023
Betty - Traveled, May 2023
First rail/Intrepid trip for my husband and me- involved a good bit of walking to/from hotels/train stations- but doable and happily didn’t require early AM departures. Enjoyed the small-group, having a knowledgeable guide with us all the way but options for independence in each area.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/10/2023
Zoe - Traveled, May 2023
I wish we had known that by early May many of the main attractions would be sold out and "special" tickets were only available with a guide at 5-10 times the cost for entrance. We missed Parc Guell in Barcelona, the Forum and Colliseum in Rome. In the end I was very glad to have our trip leader's guidance and help in everything.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/22/2023
duncan - Traveled, March 2023
Trains, Spain, France, Italy. Hikes, walks, food. It took a while to find this tour online but it checked a lot of boxes for me. With logistics handled we were free to soak it all in. We were so lucky to have Sebastian lead this crew. His love of life and food shined thru.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/04/2023
Katherine - Traveled, August 2023
Emi was amazing.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/09/2023
Andrea - Traveled, August 2023
Excellent trip with good accommodation; centrally located hotels, comfortable bedding but rooms are often small. Great breakfasts. Travel and orientation walks fill the days and lots to do on free days. There is a lot of walking and stairs, so limit luggage. Recommend moderate fitness. Overall, highly recommended.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/23/2023
Wendy - Traveled, August 2023
We had a great time & would highly recommend this trip which covers a variety of very different cities/towns. Emi, our tour leader, was a lot of fun & well organised.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/20/2023
Tomislav - Traveled, August 2023
we all enjoyed exploring the foods and historical events of the cities visited . most of all we had a amazing experience every day seeing something new these memories will never be forgotten it’s a must for everyone to get out there and travel with intrepid .
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/02/2023
alan - Traveled, June 2023
We had a wonderful 15 tour that included all the highlights plus some hidden gems along the way. a great way to tour this part of the world.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/08/2023
Erin-Marie - Traveled, May 2024
Having done other trips before, I was surprised by how much this trip exceeded my expectations. Claudia was a phenomenally supportive leader and we visited location after location with perfect weather and great experiences. Even when there were some challenges for other group members, these were managed professionally and sensitively. I was excited in the lead up and now I’m excited to tell people about what a great trip it was!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/12/2024
Stefanie - Traveled, August 2022
Had a perfect time. ??
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/22/2022
Jennifer - Traveled, August 2022
This is a great tour to visit the main sites. PLEASE only bring a small bag as you have lots of trains and buses where large luggage does not fit, and is hard to move around or store. Backpacks are best. Intrepid does interesting, clean and value for money accommodation. The tour leaders are knowledgeable and interested in making a good trip for you! They are invaluable! Lovely villages and huge cities are part of this trip so be prepared with good hiking boots, hats and some data on your phone! Enjoy!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/22/2022
Connie · Traveled May 2022 - Traveled, May 2022
This was my first trip with a tour group and I could not have asked for a better experience. The small group made it the best way to experience a tour group. Our guide, Lorenzo, was so knowledgeable and passionate about what we saw and did. The trip was well organized and went smoothly. I would definitely book with them again.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/09/2022
Shelley - Traveled, March 2023
From Melbourne, Australia. Europe is waiting for you!! I'm very well travelled, but with COVID entry rules for each country, and constantly changing country-specific COVID restrictions, it was overwhelming trying to plan and execute a solo overseas adventure. Booking this trip meant I was not Googling for hours each day to find the rules, accommodation at each location and could instead just focus on really enjoying Europe. Having a guided tour from point A to B to C .ect, with plenty of free time to explore suited me perfectly. We were spoilt to have Lorenzo as our tour guide. I felt very safe and knew with language barriers, if things went pear shaped, he could assist and support. He was calm, knowledgeable, street smart, friendly and also supremely knowledgeable on the ancient history of the locations we visited. It was beautiful to see Europe in Spring and I wouldn't hesitate in recommending the experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/23/2022
Share a personalized trip brochure!
Why Choose Us?
We Work for You
Our goal to make you happy! That means ensuring our travel consultants have the best product knowledge and excellent customer service. A positive customer experience is our #1 goal!
Our Products
We offer an broad selection of travel products, including all-inclusive vacation packages, pre-packaged tours, custom travel itineraries, destination weddings, and luxury vacations.
Escapes Cares
We believe in giving back. When you book with us, you are contributing to tree planting through our partners at Veritree, as well ocean conservation though Oceana Canada.
