Mediterranean Journey (Small Groups, Start Paris, 17 Days)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable 17-day journey through Europe's most iconic cities and landscapes. From the romantic allure of Paris to the historic charm of Rome, this multi-day tour offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration, culinary delights, and breathtaking scenery. Discover the architectural wonders of Bordeaux, the vibrant streets of Barcelona, and the timeless beauty of Florence. With expert guides and carefully curated experiences, immerse yourself in the rich history and diverse cultures of France, Spain, and Italy. Enjoy comfortable accommodations and savor local flavors as you create memories to last a lifetime.
Included
4 Dinner with Wine (DW)
16 Breakfast (B)
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.
Avignon: At a local farm learn about olive oil and enjoy a tasting of the freshest produce before indulging in a farm-to-table dinner of traditional French home-style cuisine.
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.
Handpicked 4 & 5 star hotels in great locations
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
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.
Rome: During your orientation with your Travel Director see the medieval buildings, including Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches, scattered throughout the city.
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.
Avignon: View the Pont d'Avignon and walk the medieval narrow streets of the Old Town to the Palais des Papes.
Nice: Enjoy exploring the beautiful coastal town of Nice on the French Riviera.
Monaco City: Explore inside Monaco Cathedral.
Pisa: Your Local Expert will show you the baptistery bristling with marble spines, and the colonnaded bell tower lurching behind the 11th-century cathedral - the famous Leaning Tower in the Square of Miracles.
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.
Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Paris
- Paris - Arrival day
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- place de la Concorde
- Champ de Mars
- Louvre Museum
- Arc de Triomphe
- Eiffel Tower
- More
Welcome to the enchanting city of Paris, where your journey begins. Settle into your hotel, such as the Hilton or similar, and take some time to unwind. As the evening unfolds, explore iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. Later, savor a delightful dinner at a local brasserie, immersing yourself in the vibrant Parisian atmosphere.
Day 2 – Day 2: Discover Parisian Life
- Paris
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- Musée de Montmartre
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Embark on a journey through Paris's charming streets. Choose between exploring the vibrant Montorgueil district or indulging in a culinary adventure with a local expert. The afternoon is yours to explore the city's lively ambiance, with countless opportunities to experience its unique charm.
Day 3 – Day 3: From Châteaux to Bordeaux
- Bordeaux
- Paris
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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, a masterpiece spanning the River Cher. Continue to Bordeaux, a bustling inland port city with a unique 18th-century character.
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 local expert for a guided tour of Bordeaux's architectural marvels, including the Grand Théâtre and Esplanade des Quinconces. Later, journey to San Sebastián, where you'll enjoy a progressive dinner in the Old Town, sampling the Basque tradition of pintxos and local Txakoli wine.
Day 5 – Day 5: Journey 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, where you can explore the city's grand avenues and spectacular fountains illuminated at night.
Day 6 – Day 6: Explore Madrid
- Madrid
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- Naval Museum
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Join a local expert for a sightseeing tour of Madrid's historic neighborhoods, including the Old Town and Paseo de la Castellana. Visit the Reina Sofía Museum to admire Picasso's Guernica, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Spain's capital.
Day 7 – Day 7: Onward to Barcelona
- Madrid
- Barcelona
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Cross the Castilian plain and journey to the vibrant port city of Barcelona. In the evening, savor local Catalan cuisine and enjoy panoramic views of the city from Montjuic, with its twinkling lights stretching from the mountains to the sea.
Day 8 – Day 8: Barcelona's Gothic Quarter
- 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 cathedral, walk through the Roman gate, and admire Gaudi's extraordinary Sagrada Família. Stroll along the Ramblas and Passeig de Gràcia, soaking in the city's unique charm.
Day 9 – Day 9: Avignon's Historic Charm
- Avignon
- Barcelona
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- Remparts d'Avignon
- Palais des Papes
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Travel to Avignon, where you'll see the famous Pont d'Avignon and explore the medieval streets of the Old Town. Stand in the shadow of the Palais des Papes and enjoy a tasting of fresh olive oil. Conclude the day with a Farm-to-Table dinner, savoring traditional French cuisine.
Day 10 – Day 10: Relax in Nice
- Nice
- Avignon
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- Promenade du Paillon
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Journey along the French Riviera to the elegant town of Nice. Spend the day at your leisure, strolling along the famous Promenade des Anglais or relaxing on the beach, enjoying the sun and sea breeze.
Day 11 – Day 11: Monaco to Pisa
- Monaco
- Pisa
- Nice
- Florence
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- Prince's Palace of Monaco
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Explore Monaco, driving along part of the Grand Prix circuit and visiting the Royal Palace. Cross into Italy and arrive in Pisa, where you'll see the iconic Leaning Tower and the splendid 11th-century cathedral and baptistery.
Day 12 – Day 12: From Pisa to Florence
- Pisa
- Florence
- Nice
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Continue through the picturesque landscapes of Tuscany to the captivating city of Florence. Immerse yourself in the city's rich history and artistic heritage, exploring its iconic landmarks and vibrant streets.
Day 13 – Day 13: Florence's Renaissance Splendor
- Florence
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- piazza della Signoria
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Discover Florence's artistic treasures with a local expert. Visit the marble-clad cathedral and baptistery, and explore Piazza della Signoria, an open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces. Enjoy free time to shop or continue exploring the city's vibrant culture.
Day 14 – Day 14: Journey to Rome
- Rome
- Florence
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Travel through the scenic landscapes of Chianti and Umbria, arriving in Rome, the Eternal City. As festivities unfold for the Jubilee Year, immerse yourself in Rome's rich history and vibrant culture, enjoying a delightful Italian dinner in the evening.
Day 15 – Day 15: Rome's Timeless Wonders
- Rome
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- Capitoline Museums
- Palatine Hill
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Explore the grandeur of Rome with a local expert, starting with the Vatican State. Visit the Vatican Museums and admire Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling. Discover St. Peter's Basilica and enjoy free time to shop or relax at a sidewalk café.
Day 16 – Day 16: Leisure in Rome
- Rome - Departure day
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- Piazza Navona
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Enjoy a day at your own pace in Rome. Consider an optional visit to Pompeii or explore the city's boutiques and designer stores. As night falls, sip prosecco at a sidewalk café in Piazza Navona, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.
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