Ultimate Tuscany & Mediterranean Icons Tour: May 2025

February 28, 2025

Imagine exploring the rolling hills of Tuscany, sipping world-class wines, and cruising through the Mediterranean’s most breathtaking ports—all in one luxurious trip. Our carefully curated May 2025 tour combines Italy’s countryside charm with an elegant Azamara cruise, taking you from Rome to Lisbon with stops in France, Spain, and beyond.


If you’re looking for the perfect blend of culture, gourmet food, and luxury travel, here’s everything you need to know about this unforgettable journey.



 


Tour Highlights




1. Rome & Tuscany: A Perfect Start


Your adventure begins in Rome, followed by an immersive stay in Tuscany.

  • Explore Rome – Guided city stroll through historic piazzas and free time to enjoy lunch at a trattoria.
  • Stay in a Tuscan Villa – A countryside resort surrounded by vineyards and olive groves.
  • Winery Tour & Tasting – Visit Monteverano Winery, overlooking the sea, to sample Italy’s finest wines.
  • Tuscan Cooking Class – Hands-on experience with a local chef to prepare authentic dishes.
  • Olive Orchard Tour – Learn about olive oil production and sample fresh-pressed oils.


Each evening, enjoy a relaxing dinner at the villa, embracing the best of Italian hospitality.


2. Boarding the Azamara Mediterranean Icons Cruise


Set sail on the Azamara Onward, a luxury small-ship cruise departing from Civitavecchia, Rome’s port city.

  • Small-Ship Luxury – Intimate and refined, with only 600 passengers.
  • Welcome Reception – Exclusive private group meet-up with drinks.
  • World-Class Dining – All-inclusive gourmet meals and specialty restaurants.


3. Pisa & Florence: Italy’s Art & Architecture


  • Optional Excursions:
  • Visit Pisa and capture the classic photo at the Leaning Tower.
  • Explore Florence, home to Michelangelo’s David, the Duomo, and the Ponte Vecchio.
  • Choose your own adventure—museum-hopping in Florence or a relaxed café lunch in Pisa.


4. Cinque Terre: Italy’s Coastal Gem


  • The Colorful Villages of Cinque Terre – Experience five charming seaside villages along rugged cliffs.
  • Walking & Hiking Options – Choose a scenic stroll, a boat ride, or a relaxed wine-tasting afternoon.



5. The Best of Irish Food & Drink



For those not interested in racing, enjoy a leisurely seaside walk or a café lunch in Monaco’s glamorous setting.


6. Barcelona: A City that Never Sleeps


  • Explore the Iconic Sights – Visit La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and Las Ramblas.
  • Flamenco Show & Tapas Night – Experience authentic Spanish dance and Catalan cuisine.
  • Beach Time – Relax on Barcelona’s Mediterranean coastline.


7.  Palma de Mallorca: A Hidden Mediterranean Gem


  • Visit Bellver Castle – One of Europe’s only circular castles.
  • Seaside Promenade Tour – Bike or walk along the scenic coastline.
  • Local Wine & Tapas Tastings – Enjoy Mallorca’s renowned food scene.


8.  A Day at Sea: Pure Relaxation


  • Pool & Spa Time – Unwind with a massage or a cocktail on deck.
  • Exclusive Wine Tastings & Cooking Classes – Participate in onboard culinary experiences.
  • Live Music & Entertainment – Enjoy piano bars, Broadway-style shows, and more.


9.  The Rock of Gibraltar


  • Step into a Unique Crossroads of Cultures – A British territory on Spain’s coast.
  • Meet the Famous Barbary Macaques – Europe’s only wild monkey population.
  • Explore the Great Siege Tunnels – A military marvel built into the rock.


10. Lisbon: A Grand Finale in Portugal


  • Ride a Historic Tram – Discover Lisbon’s colorful neighborhoods.
  • Taste Portugal’s Famous Wines – Savor port wine and pastel de nata (custard tarts).
  • Final Night in Lisbon – Enjoy a last gourmet dinner on board or in the city.



What’s Included?


  • 4 nights in a Tuscan Resort with all meals included
  • Luxury Azamara Cruise with ocean-view or suite options
  • All guided tours, excursions, and private transportation
  • Winery visits, cooking classes, and cultural experiences
  • Onboard dining & entertainment, including the White Night Party
  • Dedicated travel hosts & local expert guides


What Sets Our Tours Apart?


  • Small-Group Luxury – Travel with just 20–25 people for a more immersive experience.
  • Food & Wine Focused – Winery tours, gourmet tastings, and hands-on cooking classes.
  • Boutique-Ship Cruising – No crowds, just relaxed, upscale travel.
  • Breathtaking Destinations – Every stop is carefully curated for maximum enjoyment.
  • Stress-Free Planning – We handle all logistics so you can fully relax and enjoy.


Why Choose this Tour?



  • Exclusive wine tastings and culinary experiences
  • Handpicked historic and cultural sites
  • Boutique, small-ship luxury cruising
  • Breathtaking Mediterranean destinations
  •  Stress-free travel—everything is planned for you



FAQs


Do I need a passport or visa?

Yes, a valid passport is required. No visa is needed for U.S. travelers.


What’s the refund policy?

Deposits are non-refundable 60 days before departure. Travel insurance is highly recommended.


How do I book excursions?

Excursions can be selected closer to departure—some exclusive experiences may sell out.


What’s the weather like in May?

Expect pleasant 60-75°F (15-24°C) temperatures, perfect for sightseeing.




Plan Your Mediterranean Escape!

If Tuscany, the French Riviera, and Spain’s coastline are calling your name, this is your perfect trip.




Crown Princess cruise ship transiting the Panama Canal locks surrounded by tropical rainforest
By Anna Fiala July 16, 2026
Sail from Fort Lauderdale to Los Angeles through the Panama Canal with Excite Experiences. 18 days, flights included. Cartagena, Costa Rica, Puerto Vallarta. April 2027.
Emerald Caya luxury superyacht docked in a Croatian coastal port with medieval stone buildings in th
By Anna Fiala July 16, 2026
Sail the Croatian coast aboard the Emerald Caya luxury superyacht with Excite Experiences. 9 days, 7 ports, all-inclusive, flights included. July 2027. (153 chars) Excerpt: The Croatia superyacht cruise 2027 takes you from Venice to Dubrovnik aboard the Emerald Caya — 80 crew for 100 guests, all-inclusive, 7 UNESCO-lis
By Anna Fiala July 16, 2026
At Excite Experiences, we know that life does not always go according to plan. A family situation comes up. Your health changes. Something unexpected gets in the way of a trip you have been looking forward to for months. That is exactly why we created the Payment Protection Plan. Effective for all tours booked on or after February 20, 2026, the Payment Protection Plan is a simple, optional add-on that gives you the freedom to cancel your trip for any reason and receive a full refund — right up until 24 hours before departure. No questions asked. Here is everything you need to know. What Is the Payment Protection Plan? The Payment Protection Plan (PPP) is an optional add-on available when you book any Excite Experiences tour. When you purchase it, both your deposit and all payments made toward your trip are fully refundable if you need to cancel — for any reason up to 24 hours before your departure date. Without the PPP, our standard cancellation policy applies. That policy is outlined below so you know exactly where you stand either way. How the Cancellation Policy Works Without the PPP If you choose not to add the Payment Protection Plan, the following cancellation schedule applies to your booking: 90 days before departure: Your deposit becomes non-refundable. 60 to 31 days before departure: 50% of all payments made are non-refundable. 30 days or less before departure: 100% of all payments made are non-refundable. This is a standard policy in the group tour industry and is in place because Excite Experiences commits to hotels, transportation, guides, and vendors well in advance of your trip date. The PPP exists precisely so that guests who want more flexibility have a clear, affordable way to get it. Learn more at: https://www.excitemytravel.com/payment-protect-program-travel-insurance . How the Payment Protection Plan Works Purchase the PPP at the time of booking, or within 10 days of your initial deposit. After that 10-day window, the PPP can no longer be added or removed, and the cost is non-refundable. Once you have the PPP on your booking, you are covered. If you need to cancel for any reason, you will receive a full refund of your deposit and all payments made — as long as you cancel at least 24 hours before your departure. If cancellation happens within 24 hours of departure, all payments are non-refundable regardless of PPP status. What Does the PPP Cost? The cost of the Payment Protection Plan is based on the total price of your trip and is priced per person. What About Travel Insurance? The Payment Protection Plan is not the same as travel insurance, and we want to be clear about the difference. The PPP is an Excite Experiences product that protects your payments if you cancel. It covers cancel for any reason, and it is managed directly by us. Travel insurance is a separate, optional product we offer through our partner Redion (TripMate). It covers unexpected events that can happen during your trip — things like medical emergencies, trip interruptions, lost or delayed baggage, travel delays, and more. Travel insurance does not cover cancel for any reason. Redion insurance is available in Basic and Deluxe plans, and you have up until 30 days before your departure date to add it. Both products can be purchased together, and many travelers choose to do exactly that - PPP for cancellation flexibility, TripMate for protection once the trip is underway. Frequently Asked Questions Do I have to purchase the PPP? No. The Payment Protection Plan is completely optional. If you choose not to add it, the standard cancellation policy outlined above applies to your booking. When do I need to purchase the PPP? You can add the PPP at the time of booking or within 10 days of your initial deposit. After that window closes, it can no longer be added. Can I add the PPP to a trip I already booked? If you booked a trip after February 20, 2026 and are still within 10 days of your initial deposit, yes. If you are outside that window, the PPP can no longer be added to your booking. Contact our team and we will walk you through your options. What if I booked my trip before February 20, 2026? If your booking was made before February 20, 2026, the previous cancellation policy applies to your reservation. This new policy and the PPP apply only to tours booked on or after February 20, 2026. What counts as a cancellation under the PPP? Any cancellation made at least 24 hours before your scheduled departure date qualifies for a full refund under the PPP, regardless of the reason. Cancellations made within 24 hours of departure are non-refundable. Does the PPP cover travel insurance events like medical emergencies or baggage loss? No. The PPP covers your payments in the event of a cancellation before departure. For coverage of events that happen during your trip — medical emergencies, interruptions, lost baggage, and more, we recommend adding a TripMate travel insurance plan alongside your PPP. Book with Confidence We want every Excite Experiences traveler to feel good about booking not just about the destination, but about the decision to commit. The Payment Protection Plan is our way of making sure that if life gets in the way, your investment is protected. Questions about the PPP or any of our tours? Our team is happy to walk you through it. Call us at 402-293-9282, email info@excitemytravel.com, or visit excitemytravel.com to learn more.