
Discover Europe: Italy, France & Spain
13 days · 6 cities
Worry-free booking
Book for only $99 down and get 30 days to change your mind, no-cost rebooking up to 99 days before travel, and interest-free payment plans.
Why go?
Meet Europe as it’s meant to be. Explore ancient Rome and Renaissance Florence, soak up the sun on the French Riviera, paddle through the turquoise waters of the Verdon Gorge, and lose yourself in the color and energy of Barcelona. Along the way, you’ll eat very well, see some seriously iconic sights, and collect the kind of stories that make you want to book your next trip before this one’s even over.
What you'll get
- All transportation while on the trip (Note: flights to/from your tour’s starting/ending cities are not included, but you can add them)
- 12 nights in handpicked accommodations
- Meals: 11 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 2 dinners
- Guides: Expert Tour Director & 3 insider city tours with a local guide
- Metro passes in Rome and Barcelona
- 24/7 support from our travel experts
Picture yourself
- Tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain in Rome (right hand over left shoulder)
- Questioning all the other pasta you’ve ever eaten before this
- Kayaking through the turquoise waters of the Verdon Gorge
- Sipping rosé under the Mediterranean sun in Nice
- Gazing up at Gaudí’s surreal Sagrada Família
Chat with a Trip Expert!
Call or text: 1-617-917-5039
Monday–Thursday, 9am–9pm ET
Friday, 9am–8pm ET
Saturday, 10am–6pm ET
Itinerary

Day 1: Overnight flight to Rome
You better brush up on your romance languages—Italian, French, and Spanish—because you’re about to fall in love with three iconic European countries. First stop: Italy.
Day 2: Arrive in Rome + Welcome Dinner
Welcome to Rome, Italy’s capital city that is bursting at the seams with energy. Locals fill the streets, day and night, usually doing something that involves eating or drinking. And how can you blame them when pasta, pizza, gelato, coffee, and wine are everywhere you go?
In the evening, break the ice at an included Welcome Dinner of local food (pasta pasta pastaaa) and drinks with fellow travelers at a true neighborhood spot.
- Land at the airport and meet up with your Tour Director and other travelers in your group.
- Transfer to your hotel, located in the center of one of Rome’s trendiest neighborhoods, to check in and get settled in your room.
- Get familiar with the area around your hotel with an introductory walk with your Tour Director.
- Get to know your group and your Tour Director at an included Welcome Dinner.
Day 3: Tour Rome + optional pizza cooking class
They say all roads lead to Rome, but once you’re there, it’s pretty easy to see why so many of them lead to food. Start the day walking the heart of Imperial Rome, from the Colosseum and Roman Forum to lively piazzas and the historic Jewish Ghetto. Then spend the afternoon your way: people watch, grab an espresso, shop, or opt into a hands-on pizza cooking class.
- See the Colosseum up close and walk along Via dei Fori Imperiali, a grand boulevard lined with the ruins of ancient Roman forums.
- Take in some of Rome’s most iconic landmarks, including Piazza Venezia and Teatro Marcello, an ancient open-air theater that predates the Colosseum.
- Explore the historic Jewish Ghetto, one of Rome’s oldest neighborhoods, with your local guide and hear the stories behind its centuries of history.
Trevi Fountain: Rumor has it, if turn your back to the Trevi Fountain and toss a coin over your shoulder, it guarantees you’ll return to the Eternal City. Throw in a second coin, and you’ll not only come back, but also find love. Fine print: Significant other not guaranteed by EF Ultimate Break.
Shopping on Via del Corso: Walk down the longest pedestrian street in the city for some prime shopping. Populated by both locals and tourists, there’s room for everyone on the narrow store-filled street.
Day 4: Travel to Florence
Leave Rome behind and head north to Florence, the postcard-perfect city where Renaissance masterpieces, terracotta rooftops, and narrow cobblestone streets make every corner feel ridiculously photogenic. After arriving, check into your accommodations, located within walking distance of all the trending spots, and then spend the afternoon exploring at your own pace.
Ask your Tour Director:
- Where to have a golden hour picnic in Florence.
- Their favorite wine window—and the fascinating history behind these quirky Florentine features.
- Where to enjoy an aperitivo with a view—Florence’s rooftop bars are truly iconic.
- Where to find the vintage photo booths you’ve seen all over TikTok.
- For women-owned boutiques and beloved family-run restaurants in the heart of the city.
- About an optional day trip to see Pisa’s famous Leaning Tower (extra cost, seasonal).
- How and when to visit the Uffizi Gallery without the crowds (extra cost).
- Tips for visiting Michelangelo’s David at La Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze (extra cost).
- How and when to visit Florence’s iconic Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, nicknamed the Duomo (extra cost).
Day 5: Tour Florence + optional pasta making class
Florence is OLD, founded in 59 B.C.E. by some guy you may have heard of named Julius Caesar. Fast forward to today, when you’ll learn some of its long history on a tour with a local Florentine guide. Along the way, discover tucked-away gems like wine windows, silver ateliers, and stories carved into the city’s stones.
*Note: There is no included entry to the Duomo during the guided sightseeing on this day, but you will have free time to return if you so choose.
- Join a local guide for a walking tour of Firenze. Cross the Ponte Vecchio, the oldest bridge in Florence spanning the Arno River, home to many of Florence’s jewelers and art merchants.
- Stroll the Piazza della Signoria, home to Florence’s seat of power, the Palazzo Vecchio, as well as several intricate sculptures.
- Stand in awe of the Duomo Cathedral and maybe come back during your free time and challenge yourself to climb the 463 steps to the top for stunning views of the city.
Santo Spirito: This beautiful basilica designed by Brunelleschi (who also did the Duomo nbd) is one of the most iconic examples of Renaissance architecture.
The Duomo: This huge cathedral isn’t just an important religious site and architectural masterpiece—it’s also home to works by Michaelangelo, Donatello, and Giotto.
Boboli Gardens: If you wanna see the blueprint for all those other fancy European gardens (cough Versailles), stroll the streets, caves, and fountains of Boboli.
Day 6: Free day in Florence or optional Cinque Terre day trip
Buongiorno tutti! Firenze is a city of firsts—the first gelato, the first piano, the first Gucci store, even the first Negroni. It’s also the first full free day of your trip, and what should you do first? Un cappuccino, certo.
The Ultimate Wine Window Trail: Florence’s wine windows are a quirky, historic way to sip your way through the city—tiny stone openings once used for plague-era wine service, now the most underrated “bar crawl” around.
The Uffizi: Wander the galleries and find yourself face-to-face with Botticelli’s Birth of Venus. one of the world’s most iconic Renaissance paintings, housed in a building that started life as a Medici office block.
Statue of David: You can’t leave Florence without seeing Michelangelo’s 17-foot David at Florence’s Accademia Gallery, carved from a single block of marble in 1501.
Day 7: Travel to Nice via Monaco
Bienvenue à Nice, land of pink wine, pebbly beaches, an eclectic art scene, and superyachts. This Mediterranean gem gets about 300 days of sunshine per year, a breezy playground where chill coastal vibes meet high-end luxury. Since the 1800s, it’s been a hotspot for the ultra-rich and famous (please note the massive boats in the port). The Riviera, or Côte d’Azur as the French call it, also drew legendary artists like Henri Matisse and Marc Chagall, who painted its vibrant markets, sparkling waters, and dramatic hillsides.
- Board your private coach and cruise south toward the French Riviera, taking in the changing landscapes as you leave Italy behind.
- Stop in Monaco for lunch and soak up the ultra-luxe atmosphere of the world’s second-smallest country, where superyachts crowd the harbor and glamorous Monte Carlo is just around the corner.
- Arrive in Nice and get your first taste of the Côte d’Azur, from its colorful streets and pebbly beaches to the sparkling Mediterranean and palm-lined Promenade des Anglais.
- Start exploring at your own pace, whether that means grabbing a glass of rosé, wandering the Old Town, checking out the local art scene, or simply finding a spot by the water and doing absolutely nothing.
Ask your Tour Director
- When’s the best time to hit Cours Saleya Market for snacks, flowers, and peak people-watching.
- Where locals actually go for socca (aka the chickpea pancake you’ll crave daily).
- How to use the tram and bus system to get around the city (which is also super walkable).
- Which souvenir shops sell cool, locally made goods—not the usual fridge magnets.
- The best spot and time for golden-hour along the Promenade des Anglais.
- How to get up to Castle Hill for the “oh mon Dieu” views (and whether the elevator is worth it).
- Where to swim or chill at a nearby beach or cove that feels less touristy.
- Which nearby towns (Antibes, Èze, Villefranche) make the best half-day side quest.
- Where to grab sunset drinks with Med views.
Day 8: Walking tour of Nice + optional French Riviera food tour
Get to know Nice on foot as you explore the colorful streets, sunny waterfront, and historic heart of this Riviera icon. Walk the famous Promenade des Anglais, wander through the Old Town, and see the ornate Russian Orthodox Cathedral as your Tour Director shares the stories behind the city’s French, Italian, and Mediterranean influences.
Castle Hill: Colline du Château, as it’s called in French, has the best views in Nice of the ocean and the Old Town.
Promenade des Anglais: Stroll along Nice’s iconic seaside boardwalk lined with palm trees and cafes.
Day 9: Travel to Montpellier
Leave the French Riviera for one of southern France’s most spectacular natural wonders: the Verdon Gorge. Often called the “Grand Canyon of Europe,” this massive limestone canyon cuts through the Provencal landscape, with turquoise waters winding between towering cliffs. Stop for lunch in a nearby town or village, then get out on the water for some canoeing or kayaking before relaxing along the shores of Lac de Sainte-Croix.
- Discover the Verdon Gorge, a dramatic limestone canyon stretching nearly 15 miles through Provence. A moment for the gorge, truly one of Europe’s most stunning landscapes.
- Grab lunch in a nearby town or village and get a taste of the Provencal countryside before heading to the water.
- Paddle through the famously turquoise waters of the Verdon by canoe or kayak.
- Kick back on the shores of Lac de Sainte-Croix, a gorgeous lake at the mouth of the gorge, and soak up some sunshine before continuing on to Montpellier.
Place de la Comédie: Hang out in Montpellier’s lively central square, grab a café or glass of wine, and people-watch from one of the many outdoor terraces.
Écusson: Get lost in the winding streets of Montpellier’s historic center, packed with cute cafés, boutiques, hidden squares, and photogenic architecture.
Promenade du Peyrou: Stroll through this elegant hilltop park, check out the Arc de Triomphe, and take in sweeping views of the city and surrounding countryside.
Marché du Lez: Eat, drink, shop, and browse this creative riverside hangout filled with food spots, boutiques, galleries, and a laid-back local vibe.
Day 10: Travel to Barcelona + optional tapas tour
Trade the laid-back charm of Montpellier for the energy of Barcelona, where Gaudí’s architecture, buzzing plazas, and late-night tapas bars give the city a personality unlike any other. After the ride south, stretch your legs on a walking tour through Las Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter.
- Settle in for the drive to Barcelona, taking in the changing scenery as you make your way from southern France into Spain.
- Get your first taste of Barcelona on a walk through the iconic Las Ramblas and the atmospheric Gothic Quarter, where winding medieval streets open onto lively plazas, shops, and cafes.
- Spend the evening your way, whether you’re ready to explore Barcelona’s nightlife or join an optional tapas tour to sample some of the city’s local flavor.
Day 11: Barcelona Old Town walking tour
See the Barcelona that looks almost too good to be real on a walking tour through the city’s historic streets, iconic neighborhoods, and Gaudí-inspired skyline. From the Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas to the Sagrada Família and waterfront Barceloneta, you’ll get a feel for the many sides of this wildly colorful city. Want even more angles? Add the optional panoramic ride, with a stop at Montjuïc and a visit to Park Güell.
- See the Sagrada Família, Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece and one of Barcelona’s most recognizable landmarks.
- Wander through the Gothic Quarter and along Las Ramblas, taking in centuries-old streets, lively plazas, shops, and cafés along the way.
- Get a taste of Gaudí’s Barcelona with views toward Park Güell, where the architect’s colorful, surreal style transformed a hillside into one of the city’s most iconic public spaces.
La Boqueria: Follow your nose to Barcelona’s famous market on Las Ramblas, where colorful produce, jamón, cheese, seafood, and ready-to-eat bites make it dangerously easy to “just grab a snack.”
Barceloneta Beach: Trade sightseeing for sunshine at Barcelona’s city beach, where you can stretch out on the sand, take a dip in the Mediterranean, or grab a drink along the waterfront.
El Born: Wander the cobblestone streets of this effortlessly cool neighborhood, packed with independent boutiques, galleries, cocktail bars, and restaurants tucked into historic buildings.
Bunkers del Carmel: Hike up to these former anti-aircraft bunkers for one of Barcelona’s best panoramic views, especially around sunset.
Day 12: Free day in Barcelona + optional Sagrada Familia tour & sangria + Farewell Dinner
A whole day in Barcelona? Me oh my. Grab your included Metro pass and take your pick from Gaudí masterpieces, sunny beaches, vintage boutiques, and tapas-filled streets, or slow things down with a long lunch and an even longer night out. Want to see Barcelona’s most famous landmark from the inside? Opt for a visit to the Sagrada Familia, then toast the experience with a glass of sangria.
In the evening, it’s time for your Farewell Dinner. Hosted by your Tour Director, this dinner is your chance to relive the best stories, the funniest inside jokes, and all the unforgettable moments you’ve shared with new friends.
Casa Batlló: Step inside one of Gaudí’s most imaginative creations, where colorful mosaics, curved walls, and a roof inspired by a dragon make a 1900s townhouse feel like another world.
Gràcia: Wander the leafy streets of this former village-turned-Barcelona neighborhood, where independent boutiques, low-key bars, and lively plazas make it easy to spend a few unplanned hours.
Tapas crawl: Skip the formal dinner plans and make your own food tour with a few rounds of patatas bravas, croquetas, jamón, and whatever else catches your eye.
Day 13: Fly home
¡Adios, amigos! Translation: Goodbye, friends. Your next destination awaits—home. But this isn’t goodbye. It’s “See you later.” The only question is, where?
Accommodations
During your trip, you’ll stay at accommodations handpicked by our team of local experts. Each property is centrally located, so the sights, shops, restaurants, and nightlife you came to experience are right in the neighborhood. Get your own bed in a room with only EF travelers. Typically 2–6 per room, with an en suite bath.
B&B Trastevere
This hotel is centrally located close to the historic city center in the Trastevere neighborhood of Rome. Guests will enjoy a communal space, a breakfast area and comfortable accommodations. Nearby, you’ll find the Piazza di...
Yellow Square Florence
This posh & lively hostel is located in Florence’s San Lorenzo district. Guests will enjoy a rooftop pool, 2 thoughtfully designed bars, and trendy community spaces. Nearby, you’ll find the world famous art gallery where the...

Ozz Hostel
This modern hostel is located in the heart of Nice. Guests will enjoy free WiFi, gaming room, and onsite bar. Nearby, you'll find a variety of cafés and Basilique Notre-Dame de l’Assomption.

Generator Barcelona
This trendy hostel is located in the vibrant Gràcia district of Barcelona. Guests will enjoy amenities like an on-site bar, restaurant & thoughtfully designed communal spaces. Nearby, you’ll find the Sagrada Familia, La Pedrera...
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Customize with excursions
Enhance your experience with hand-picked optional excursions—designed to add adventure, culture, and unforgettable moments to your journey.
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Flights
When you include flights with your trip, our dedicated team of experts will handle all the details, so your travel experience is as seamless as possible. Just select your dates and airport to see pricing.
Perks of booking flights with us
- Airport transfers to and from accommodations
- Ability to pay for flights over time, interest free
- Convenience of travel plans all in one booking
- 24/7 guidance through flight changes or delays
- Free delayed and lost bag tracking with Blue Ribbon Bags
- Locked-in price (barring post-booking changes)
- Flexibility for pre- or post-trip travel
- Major international airlines only
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FAQ
Well, ideally, 5 minutes ago. But we get it takes some time to figure out the best trip for you. We do recommend booking as soon as possible, this not only secures your spot on the trip, it also allows you the most time to pay for your trip. The closer we get to departure the more challenging securing your reservation becomes. If you’re booking under 99 days prior to departure, give us a call to book your trip. For more information on the late reservations process, visit our Help Center.
You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you'll visit on your trip here. Simply type in the name of the tour and you'll see all of the entry requirements including passport validity, visas, and electronic transit authorizations.
Note that this information will default to US passport holders. If you hold a passport from outside the US, please make sure to consult your country's immigration and travel site to determine the best documentation needed for your travels.
Not necessarily! While most people on this trip will be between 20-28, these trips are designed – from pacing and destinations to accommodations and activities – for either the age you are or the age you feel. Age is just a number, after all.
Groups can vary in size (often between 20–44 travelers) but are guaranteed to leave you with memorable friendships that often last a lifetime. With a group of adventurers who are game to tackle a new sidequest every day, there’s sure to be an energetic and supportive group atmosphere for whatever you’re looking for. Check out our Rules of the Road and the role all travelers play in creating a fun and inclusive group.
Traveling solo? Have no fear! Over 60% of our travelers join an Ultimate Break tour solo. It doesn’t matter if you’re an introvert, an extrovert, or anything in between, our tours are designed to build connections that will last a lifetime. You get to know the rest of the group through the EF Ultimate Break app before you even depart, and our EF Tour Director expertly helps the group get to know each other and bond during experiences like the Welcome Dinner, excursions, and throughout the tour. First time traveling with us? Check out our resources for first time travelers here.
That’s up to you! Prices default to booking without flights but we are happy to take one more thing off your plate and book your roundtrip airfare.
When you book flights with us you’ll get:
- The ability to roll the cost of your airfare into our interest-free monthly payment plan.
- One checked bag per traveler included.
- Expert guidance on how to work with the airline when flight delays and cancellations occur.
- Transfers to and from the airport on your tour’s arrival and departure dates.
- Flexible rebooking options if your itinerary changes.
- Flexibility around your arrival and departure airports. You’ll have the option to fly in or out of most airports if you want to add any independent travel before or after your tour.
- Assurance that you will only be booked on airlines that meet our rigorous safety standards.
If you have preferences regarding an airline or are traveling with someone and wish to be on the same flight as them, you can read more about flying with your friend here. We’re always happy to look into it however we can’t guarantee we will always be able to accommodate.
Flight details are released for preview 60 days before departure and your e-ticket and confirmation number will be available 30 days before you depart.
If you choose to book flights yourself, keep in mind that you’ll be responsible for transfers to and from the airport. For more information about choosing your own flights, including general arrival and departure times, visit our help center.
During your trip, you’ll stay at accommodations handpicked by our team of local experts. Each property is centrally located, so the sights, shops, restaurants, and nightlife you came to experience are right outside your door.
Rooms are exclusively for EF Ultimate Break travelers and are group share style, separated by gender. Everyone gets their own bed and rooms include an en suite bath.
Your Tour Director is with you during your entire trip. They’re part logistics master, making sure you get to see all that we have planned; part rockstar, sharing with you local hotspots; and part guru, sharing and inviting you into the culture. Our Tour Directors are fully trained and ready to support you in making your journey safe, seamless, and unforgettable!
In some locations you will be met by a local guide who will lead you through our traveler-inspired walking tour. You’ll get some local history and culture while also making sure you hit the photo stops. You’ll walk away with an insider’s perspective and some great pictures.
We recommend budgeting $80-$100 per day to cover tipping, food, and shopping. You know your spending habits best, if you want to do it all budget on the higher end.
On this trip you'll use the Euro. We strongly advise that you take debit and credit cards (ideally with a chip), which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed. Make sure to check with your bank or credit card company about withdrawal fees and/or foreign exchange fees. While better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, ordering currency from your local bank may be an option.
Excursions are available for purchase at a discounted rate prior to departure. Some excursions may be available for purchase while you are on tour directly through your mobile app but are subject to availability and will be more expensive.
We recommend purchasing excursions at least 3 days prior to your tour departure. Please note some excursions have advance booking deadlines. Check your tour itinerary for more information to ensure you don’t miss the deadline to add them.
We categorize this trip as a low activity level. This means you’re ready to choose your own adventure. You may spend more time on a bus or vehicle but there will be some walking and activities as well. There’s also some free time for you to enjoy at your own pace. On these tours, be prepared to:
- Walk a minimum of 7,500k steps per day (more if you add excursions)
- Use public transportation
- Climb on and off a motor coach or vehicle unassisted
- Manage your own luggage (including carrying luggage upstairs if no elevator)
- Climb occasional stairs, hills and navigate various terrains (think cobblestones) to different sites
- Stand for periods of time during guided commentary and photo stops
With over 60 years of experience, our travelers safety is a top priority. Our expert teams are constantly review national and international travel guidelines to ensure your trip will meet our rigorous safety—and satisfaction—standards. While our destinations are safe, it’s always important to stay aware of your surroundings and follow basic safety guidelines. Pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded areas or tourist hotspots. Keep your belongings secure and be cautious with strangers offering unsolicited help or deals.
Here are a few additional points:
- Health and safety: Talking with your healthcare provider about any vaccinations or medication you may want to consider. Here are some additional tips for traveling with medication and traveling with allergies.
- International data plan: In the event you need to get in touch with your Tour Director or Ultimate Break while abroad, it’s important to invest in an international data plan. Call your cell phone provider to understand their plans or look into purchasing a sim card.
- Transportation safety: Keep your belongings close and stay alert. At the end of a night out, use trusted transportation like a licensed taxi, Uber of Uber like service, and always have cash on hand.
You can learn more about our safety commitment here.
Ultimate Break trips are a welcome environment for all. While we work hard to cultivate an inclusive environment in our groups, we recognize some people may have additional reservations based on their identity that they need to consider while traveling. Check out some resources on our identity and international travel page and reach out if you have any questions.
When you travel with Ultimate Break, you’ll make a positive impact on the places you visit and the people and animals you meet along the way. That’s because our three core Responsible Travel commitments—protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and promoting animal welfare—are at the heart of every tour we offer.
Learn more about EF’s Impact approach here.
Your safety is priority #1
Our parent company EF has been ensuring the safety of travelers abroad since 1965 with:
- 24/7 global on-call support
- Highly trained Tour Directors
- Quality & safety checks on accommodations
- 50,000 EF staff on the ground in 50 countries

