Destination Country: Italy France Spain
Regions/Cities include: Rome Assisi Florence Nice St Paul de Venice Carcassonne San Sebastian Guggenheim Barcelona	Activities include: Explore Ancient Rome and the Borghese Gallery Wine tasting near Orvieto Visit the Uffuzi and Academia Galleries in Renaissance FLorence View the legendary Leaning Tower in Pisa Experience the French Rivier Discover the Musee Picasso and Sagrada Famila in

AN ART LOVER’S TASTE OF EUROPE WITH PETRA BAGUST

Join Petra Bagust, New Zealand television presenter, radio host and podcaster on this light hearted exploration across Italy, France and Spain. Focussing on some of the most iconic art galleries and museums in the world, Petra will share her knowledge, expertise and some fun experiences along the way. You'll journey in style from Rome to Barcelona, experiencing art and architecture as well as some great local food and breathtaking scenery.  

For culturally curious travellers, limited spaces available.

 

ITINERARY

Day 1: Welcome to Rome

Friday, May 1, 2026 / Rome - Italy

Welcome to Rome. One group arrival transfer included. Tonight meet your Travel Director at a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

MEAL(S):Welcome Dinner

ACCOMMODATION:Radisson Collection Roma Antica Hotel

 

DAY 2:Ancient and Renaissance Art

Saturday, May 2, 2026 / Rome - Italy

This morning, visit the Borghese Gallery, featuring masterpieces by Caravaggio, Raphael, Titian and more. Later, meet your Local Specialist for a visit to the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel (subject to availability). Continue to admire St Peter's Basilica. This evening is free.

Note: Depending on timings these could be changed around - foodie tour in the afternoon, Vatican in the morning. 

MEAL(S):Breakfast

ACCOMMODATION:Radisson Collection Roma Antica Hotel

 

DAY 3: Classical Art in Rome

Sunday, May 3, 2026 / Rome - Italy

Spend the afternoon touring Ancient Rome with a Local Specialist. See the Roman Forum, Circus Maximus and the Colosseum.  This evening is free.

MEAL(S):Breakfast

ACCOMMODATION:Radisson Collection Roma Antica Hotel

 

DAY 4: Journey to Assisi

Monday, May 4, 2026 / Assisi - Italy

Travel to Perugia first where you will indulge in a wine tasting at a local winery. Continue your journey to the peaceful town of Assisi, nestled on the slopes of Mount Subasio and renowned for its medieval churches, vibrant frescoes and sun-dappled courtyards. In the valley, see the Church of St. Mary of the Angels, revered as the place of St. Francis’ passing. Then ascend to the upper town to meet your Local Expert. Step inside the monumental Basilica of St. Francis, a 13th-century marvel whose frescoes by Giotto marked a turning point in European art. Enjoy free time to soak up the serenity of Assisi. You might choose to stroll along Via San Francesco, lined with quaint stone buildings offering artisan foods, devotional keepsakes and locally crafted wares.  This evening dinner is at a local restaurant.

MEAL(S):Breakfast, Dinner

ACCOMMODATION:BV Grand Hotel Assisi

 

DAY 5: Continue to Florence

Tuesday, May 5, 2026 / Florence - Italy

Continue our journey to Renaissance Florence. On arrival, walk with a Local Specialist and visit the Piazza della Signoria before marveling at Michelangelo's David at the Accademia Gallery (subject tot availability) This evening dinner is at a local restaurant,

MEAL(S):Breakfast, Dinner

ACCOMMODATION:Albani Hotel FLorence or similar

 

DAY 6: Renaissance Masterpieces

Wednesday, May 6, 2026 / Florence - Italy

Visit the Uffuzi Gallery with a Local Specialist, home to works by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci and Caravaggio. There's free time to explore at your leisure before participating in a life drawing class this evening.

MEAL(S):Breakfast

ACCOMMODATION:Albani Hotel FLorence or similar

 

DAY 7: FLorence to Nice

Thursday, May 7, 2026 / Nice - France

Travel first to Pisa to view the legendary Leaning Tower. Continue across the border to the French Riviera and onto Nice. Dinner this evening is at a local restaurant.

MEAL(S):Breakfast, Dinner

ACCOMMODATION:Mercure Nice Promenade Des Anglais

 

DAY 8: Art in Nice and St Paul de Vence

Friday, May 8, 2026 / Nice - France

Start today with a visit to the Musee Matisse, which houses a significant collection of Henri Matisse's works. An in-house guide is included. This afternoon travel to the charming town of St Paul de Vence where there is free time to explore. Return to Nice where this evening is free. 

MEAL(S):Breakfast

ACCOMMODATION:Mercure Nice Promenade Des Anglais

 

DAY 9: Journey to Carcassonne

Saturday, May 9, 2026 / Carcassonne - France

Travel to the charming town of Aix en Provence where there is free time to explore.  Continue to Carcassonne. This evening dinner is in a local restaurant.

MEAL(S):Breakfast, Dinner

ACCOMMODATION:MGallery De La Cite Hotel Carcassonne or similar

 

DAY 10: Medieval Art and architecture and onto San Sebastian

Sunday, May 10, 2026 / San Sebastian - Spain

This morning, visit the Musee des Beaux-Arts for regional art and artifacts in Carcassonne. Farewell France as we travel to Spain and the resort town of San Sebastian, our home for a relaxing three nights. On arrival check into the hotel and freshen up. enjoy a dinner of local flavours tonight.

MEAL(S):Breakfast, Dinner

ACCOMMODATION:Mercure Monte Igueldo San Sebastian

 

DAY 11: San Sebastian Free time

Monday, May 11, 2026 / San Sebastian - Spain

A full free day to relax and enjoy San Sebastian.

MEAL(S):Breakfast

ACCOMMODATION:Mercure Monte Igueldo San Sebastian

 

DAY 12: Guggenheim and San Sebastian

Tuesday, May 12, 2026 / San Sebastian - Spain

A relaxed start – later travel to Bilbao to visit the Guggenheim Museum and explore this architectural masterpiece at your leisure. Later return to San Sebastian where the rest of the day free. 

MEAL(S):Breakfast

ACCOMMODATION:Mercure Monte Igueldo San Sebastian

 

DAY 13: Onto Barcelona

Wednesday, May 13, 2026 / Barcelona - Spain

Farewell San Sebastian and travel to our final destination, Barcelona today. On arrival, check into our hotel and the evening is free for you to explore.

MEAL(S):Breakfast

ACCOMMODATION:Melia Hotel Barcelona Sarria

 

DAY 14: Barcelona Sightseeing

Thursday, May 14, 2026 / Barcelona - Spain

Start the day with a visit to the Picasso Museum. Then with your local guide explore the city including a visit to renowned architect Antonio Gaudi's famed Sagrada Familia (Subject to availability). This evening, a farewell dinner to celebrate your time in Europe.

MEAL(S):Breakfast, Farewell dinner

ACCOMMODATION:Melia Hotel Barcelona Sarri

 

DAY 15: Farewell

Friday, May 15, 2026

Your tour concludes after breakfast. One group airport transfer is included. 

MEAL(S):Breakfast

 

 

What's Included

• 13 breakfasts, & 7 dinners.
• Audio Headsets for flexible sightseeing
• Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries
• Hotel porterage of 1 bag per person.
• An expert Travel Director and separate Driver.
• Hotel tips, restaurant tips for included meals, and local taxes.
• Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted (Hotels listed to be used as a guide only and are subject to availability. If the quoted hotel is unavailable, we will secure another hotel in the same category).

Twin share basis with a solo supplement available.