Mediterranean Journey (Classic, Start Paris, 16 Days)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable 16-day journey through the heart of Europe, exploring the cultural and historical treasures of France, Spain, and Italy. From the romantic streets of Paris to the vibrant energy of Barcelona, and the timeless beauty of Rome, this multi-day tour offers an immersive experience filled with iconic landmarks, exquisite cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes. Discover the charm of the French Riviera, the elegance of Madrid, and the artistic wonders of Florence, all while enjoying comfortable accommodations and expert guidance. Whether you're strolling through ancient squares, savoring local delicacies, or marveling at architectural masterpieces, each day promises new adventures and unforgettable memories. Join us on this extraordinary tour and experience the best of Europe's rich heritage and vibrant cultures.
Included
3 Dinner with Wine (DW)
15 Breakfast (B)
1 Dinner (D)
Paris: Join your Travel Director and fellow guests at a local restaurant in the heart of the city for a delightful dinner served with wine.
Paris: Join an avid local foodie on a walk through a local food market - Bastille Marché. Visit a variety of stalls and sample local treats and delicacies along the way.
San Sebastián: Enjoy an evening of pintxos, dining with locals in this Basque tradition. Your delicious dinner includes a wide variety of finger food delicacies, each with their own regional flavour, flair and presentation.
Rome: Toast your Mediterranean journey with delicious Italian cuisine and wine.
Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
2 nights at Paris Marriott Rive Gauche Hotel
1 night at Pullman Bordeaux Lac, Bordeaux
1 night at Barceló Costa Vasca, San Sebastian
2 nights at Hotel Riu Plaza De Espana, Madrid
2 nights at Hilton Barcelona
1 night at Cloître Saint-Louis, Avignon
1 night at Hotel West End, Nice
2 nights at NH Firenze, Florence
3 nights at Veneto Palace Hotel, Rome
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
Rome: During your orientation with your Travel Director see the medieval buildings, including Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches, scattered throughout the city.
Monaco City: Enjoy a drive along part of the Grand Prix circuit and wander the old town with your Travel Director to see the Royal Palace and the yacht-filled harbour.
Choose between two carefully selected activities
Paris: Join an avid local foodie on a walk through a local food market - Bastille Marché. Visit a variety of stalls and sample local treats and delicacies along the way.
Paris: We walk up and down the "quartier" and we see the school, the food stores, the housing situation, the heritage landmarks, the sports facilities and the theatres, in this car-free, pedestrianized, neighbourhood. Landmarks will include passages couverts, perhaps also Patrick Blanc's spectacular jardin vertical 'oasis d'Aboukir', the Napoleonic "Egyptian" district etc.
Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
Vatican: Visit the Vatican Museums, witness the genius of Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel and see St. Peter's Basilica.
Rome: Enjoy exclusive access to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes during an after-hours visit. This 9th-century basilica’s simple facade guards the world's best-preserved Byzantine mosaics. The history of the church springs to life as you admire the interior’s treasured collection, including Bernini's first sculpture and the renowned mosaics, illuminated for your visit. This once-in-a-lifetime experience is a rare and unforgettable insight into Rome and its religious history.
Chateau Chenonceau: Visit the majestic Château de Chenonceau, known as the 'Ladies' Château' it perfectly embodies the elegance of 16th century design in the Loire Valley.
Bordeaux: Your Local Expert will show you the quayside facades, Grand Theatre, Triangle d'Or and magnificent Esplanade des Quinconces.
San Sebastián: Led by your Local Expert, enjoy a guided walking tour of the Old Quarter including Plaza de la Constitucion.
Madrid: See the highlights of the city with your Local Expert. Visit the Old Town, travelling along the elegant Paseo de la Castellana, past the fountain in the Plaza de Cibeles, the Cervantes Monument and Royal Palace, before crossing the Puerta del Sol.
Barcelona: With your Local Expert, drive along the elegant Passeig de Gràcia to witness some of the finest Modernist architecture as you journey through the Eixample district to see Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the mesmerising Sagrada Família.
Florence: Join a Local Expert to view the Multi-coloured marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. Visit the political heart of the city, Signoria Square. See the area around Santa Croce Basilica, famous for the quality of its luxury goods.
Monaco City: Explore inside Monaco Cathedral.
Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Paris
- Paris - Arrival day
- More
- place de la Concorde
- Champ de Mars
- Louvre Museum
- Arc de Triomphe
- Eiffel Tower
- More
Arrive in the enchanting city of Paris and settle into your hotel, such as the Le Bristol Paris (or similar). Spend the afternoon exploring iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. In the evening, savor a delightful dinner at a local brasserie, immersing yourself in the vibrant Parisian atmosphere.
Day 2 – Day 2: Paris
- Paris
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- Musée de Montmartre
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Begin your day with a choice to explore the charming Montorgueil district or delve into the culinary delights of Paris with a local foodie. Spend your afternoon at leisure, wandering through the city's bustling streets and soaking in its unique charm.
Day 3 – Day 3: Loire Valley to Bordeaux
- Amboise
- Bordeaux
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- Castle of Chaumont-sur-Loire
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Travel south to the picturesque Loire Valley, renowned for its stunning gardens and majestic châteaux. Visit the elegant Chenonceau Castle before continuing to Bordeaux, a city celebrated for its 18th-century architecture and vibrant port life.
Day 4 – Day 4: Bordeaux to San Sebastián
- Bordeaux
- Donostia / San Sebastián
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- The big bell of Bordeaux
- place de la Bourse
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Join a guided tour of Bordeaux's architectural marvels, including the Grand Théâtre and Esplanade des Quinconces. Later, journey to the charming city of San Sebastián, where you'll enjoy a progressive dinner of pintxos, a Basque culinary tradition.
Day 5 – Day 5: San Sebastián to Madrid
- Madrid
- Donostia / San Sebastián
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Travel through the scenic landscapes of northern Spain, emerging onto the plateau of New Castile. Arrive in Madrid, Spain's elegant capital, and enjoy an evening drive through its illuminated streets, taking in the city's grandeur.
Day 6 – Day 6: Madrid
- Madrid
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- Naval Museum
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Embark on a sightseeing tour of Madrid's historic neighborhoods and iconic landmarks. Visit the Reina Sofía Museum to admire Picasso's masterpiece, Guernica. Spend your afternoon exploring the city's vibrant streets and cultural treasures.
Day 7 – Day 7: Madrid to Barcelona
- Madrid
- Barcelona
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Cross the Castilian plain and continue to the vibrant city of Barcelona. In the evening, indulge in local Catalan cuisine and enjoy panoramic views of the city from Montjuïc, with its twinkling lights stretching from the mountains to the sea.
Day 8 – Day 8: Barcelona
- Barcelona
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- Sagrada Família
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Explore the heart of Barcelona's Gothic Quarter with a local expert. Visit the awe-inspiring Sagrada Família and wander through the city's historic lanes and squares, discovering its rich architectural heritage.
Day 9 – Day 9: Barcelona to Nice
- Avignon
- Barcelona
- Nice
- More
Journey along the Mediterranean coast to the glamorous French Riviera. Arrive in Nice and relish the breathtaking views of the Bay of Angels. Stroll along the Promenade des Anglais and soak in the cosmopolitan ambiance of the Côte d'Azur.
Day 10 – Day 10: Nice to Monaco
- Nice
- Monaco
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- Marché provençal
- Marché Forville
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Spend your morning at leisure in Nice before heading to Monaco. Experience the thrill of the Grand Prix circuit and explore the historic Monaco-ville. Visit the Royal Palace and the cathedral, where the Grimaldi family rests.
Day 11 – Day 11: Monaco to Florence via Pisa
- Monaco
- Pisa
- Florence
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Cross into Italy and visit the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa. Explore the Square of Miracles before continuing through Tuscany to the captivating city of Florence, where Renaissance art and culture await.
Day 12 – Day 12: Florence
- Florence
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- Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence
- piazza della Signoria
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Discover Florence's artistic treasures with a visit to the marble-clad cathedral and Piazza della Signoria. Explore the area around Santa Croce Basilica, known for its luxury goods, and enjoy free time to shop or continue exploring.
Day 13 – Day 13: Florence to Rome
- Rome
- Florence
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Relax and enjoy the scenic landscapes of Tuscany and Umbria as you travel to Rome. Arrive in the Eternal City, a treasure trove of antiquities and architectural wonders, and celebrate your journey with a delightful Italian dinner.
Day 14 – Day 14: Rome
- Rome
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- Sistine Chapel
- Vatican Museums
- St Peter's Basilica
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Explore the grandeur of Rome with a visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. Marvel at Michelangelo's masterpieces and visit St. Peter's Basilica. Spend your afternoon shopping or relaxing at a cafe before an exclusive evening visit to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes.
Day 15 – Day 15: Rome
- Rome
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- Piazza Navona
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Enjoy a day at your own pace in Rome. Consider an optional excursion to Pompeii or explore the city's elegant boutiques. As night falls, unwind with a glass of prosecco at a sidewalk cafe in Piazza Navona, watching the world go by.
Day 16 – Day 16: Departure from Rome
- Rome - Departure day
- More
Bid farewell to the captivating landscapes and rich history of Italy as your unforgettable Mediterranean journey comes to an end.
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