Mediterranean Journey (Small Groups, Start London, 17 Days)

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Description

Summary

Starts
London
Duration
17 days
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy

Description

Embark on a 17-day journey through the heart of Europe, exploring the rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning landscapes of London, Paris, Bordeaux, San Sebastián, Madrid, Barcelona, Avignon, Nice, Monaco, Pisa, Florence, and Rome. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of guided activities and free time to explore on your own. From the pomp and pageantry of London to the romantic bridges of Paris, the architectural marvels of Bordeaux, the gastronomic delights of San Sebastián, the grand avenues of Madrid, the vibrant port of Barcelona, the medieval charm of Avignon, the beachside allure of Nice, the royal grandeur of Monaco, the leaning tower of Pisa, the Renaissance masterpieces of Florence, and the classic antiquities of Rome, this tour is a feast for the senses. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, delicious meals, and the expertise of knowledgeable local guides as you immerse yourself in the wonders of these iconic destinations.

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Included

16 Breakfast (B)

4 Dinner with Wine (DW)

Paris: Join your Travel Director and fellow guests at a local restaurant in the heart of Paris for a delightful Welcome 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 flavor, 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.

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16 nights in twin-share rooms at hand-picked hotels

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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 theaters, in this car-free, pedestrianized, neighborhood. 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: Gain fast-track access into the Vatican Museums, witness the genius of Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel and view the splendid dome of 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.

London: Relax on the smooth, high-speed Eurostar train as you journey from London to Europe via the revolutionary Channel Tunnel.

Paris: Explore the iconic sights and streets of Paris. See famous landmarks including Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower and the facades of the Louvre. Stroll the banks of the River Seine and admire romantic bridges, and enjoy a drive along the Champs Elysées to the Arc de Triomphe.

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 Theater, 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, traveling 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 down Las Ramblas and the elegant Passeig de Gràcia to witness some of the finest Modernist architecture. Journey through the Eixample district to see Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the mesmerizing 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, the colonnaded bell tower lurching behind the 11th century cathedral and of course, the famous Leaning Tower in the Square of Miracles.

Florence: Join a Local Expert to view the multi-colored 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.

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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 harbor.

Rome: During your orientation with your Travel Director see the medieval buildings, including Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches, scattered throughout the city.

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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.

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Map

Attractions

photo of Side View with the Bell Tower of the Basilica of San Clemente in the Center of Rome on a Background of Partly Cloudy Sky,Rome Italy.St. Clement Basilica
photo of Michelangelo Capitoline Steps to Piazza Campidoglio on Capitoline Hill, Rome, Italy.Capitoline Museums
Roman ruins in Rome, ItalyPalatine Hill
photo of Palace of the Popes (Palais des Papes), once fortress and palace, one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe, at morning, Avignon, France.Palais des Papes
Photo of beautiful summer view of Louvre Museum, one of the world's most important museums, historic monument and parisian landmark, Paris, France.Louvre Museum
Saint-Louis Roman Catholic Cathedral of Versailles - France .Versailles cathedral
photo of fairytale Chaumont-sur -Loire castle in Loire valley, France.Castle of Chaumont-sur-Loire
Photo of sagrada Familia in Barcelona, the most known building created by Antoni Gaudi.Sagrada Família
Photo of Eiffel Tower in Paris, France best Destinations in Europe.Eiffel Tower
Photo of Museum of the Marine in Madrid,Spain.Naval Museum
London StadiumLondon Stadium

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: London

  • London - Arrival day
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  • London Stadium
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Welcome to the vibrant city of London. After settling into your hotel, spend the afternoon at your leisure. You might choose to take a leisurely stroll through Hyde Park, window shop in the upscale boutiques of Knightsbridge, or explore the iconic Tower Bridge and Tower of London.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: London to Paris

  • Paris
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  • place de la Concorde
  • Louvre Museum
  • Arc de Triomphe
  • Eiffel Tower
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After a warm welcome from your Travel Director, transfer to London's St. Pancras Station to board the high-speed Eurostar to Paris. Spend the afternoon exploring the City of Lights, visiting iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre. Take a drive along the Champs Elysées to the Arc de Triomphe. In the evening, join your Travel Director for a delightful Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Paris

  • Paris
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Today, you have a choice of activities in Paris. You can explore the picturesque Montorgueil district, a vibrant area where Parisians go about their daily lives. Alternatively, join a Local Expert for a foodie tour, sampling local treats and delicacies. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy the lively atmosphere of this glittering city.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Paris to Bordeaux

  • Bordeaux
  • Paris
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Head south towards Châteaux Country, taking a scenic drive along the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Loire Valley, known as the 'Garden of France'. Visit the majestic Chenonceau Castle, an elegant château spanning the River Cher. Continue on to the bustling seaport of Bordeaux, renowned for its unique 18th-century character.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Bordeaux to San Sebastián

  • Bordeaux
  • Donostia / San Sebastián
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  • place de la Bourse
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Join a Local Expert for a guided tour of Bordeaux's best 18th-century architecture, including the facades of the quaysides, the Grand Théâtre, Triangle d'Or, and the magnificent Esplanade des Quinconces. Next, continue to picturesque San Sebastián. In the evening, wander through the Old Town for a progressive dinner, sampling the gastronomic Basque tradition of pintxos and local Txakoli wine.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: San Sebastián to Madrid

  • Burgos
  • Madrid
  • Donostia / San Sebastián
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Travel along the Guadarrama Mountains to the plateau of New Castile and Spain's elegant capital, Madrid. In the evening, take a drive along the grand avenues and past the spectacular fountains, seeing the city lit up in all its glory.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Madrid

  • Madrid
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  • Railway Museum
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Join your Local Expert for a sightseeing tour of Madrid's Old Town, the elegant Paseo de la Castellana, and the fountain in the Plaza de Cibeles. Continue through the Old Quarter to discover the origins of the city. Visit the Reina Sofía Museum with an art historian to see Picasso's famous painting, 'Guernica'.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: Madrid to Barcelona

  • Madrid
  • Barcelona
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Cross the Castilian plain, past Zaragoza, and continue to the vibrant port of Barcelona. In the evening, sample delicious local Catalan cuisine. As night descends, view the city from the heights of Montjuic, with lights sparkling below from the mountains to the sea.

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Day 9

Day 9 – Day 9: Barcelona

  • Barcelona
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  • Sagrada Família
  • Montjuïc Castle
  • Rambla De Mar
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Join your Local Expert to explore the heart of the Gothic Quarter. See the cathedral and walk through the Roman gate to tour the narrow lanes and old squares. Travel by the Ramblas and along the Passeig de Gràcia. Continue through the Eixample district to see Gaudi’s extraordinary masterpiece, the mesmerizing Sagrada Família.

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Day 10

Day 10 – Day 10: Barcelona to Avignon

  • Avignon
  • Barcelona
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  • Palais des Papes
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Journey to Avignon to see the famous Pont d'Avignon, once spanning the Rhône and immortalized in songs. Walk within the medieval narrow streets of the Old Town to stand in the shadow of the old Palais des Papes, resembling a fortress. Learn about olive oil and enjoy a tasting of the freshest produce. After, indulge in a Farm-to-Table dinner, a delicious insight into traditional French home-style cuisine.

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Day 11

Day 11 – Day 11: Avignon to 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 rest of the day at your leisure, strolling along the fabled Promenade des Anglais or relaxing on the beach.

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Day 12

Day 12 – Day 12: Nice to Monaco and Pisa

  • Monaco
  • Pisa
  • Nice
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  • Prince's Palace of Monaco
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Travel to Monaco where you are driven along part of the Grand Prix circuit, before walking with your Travel Director through the old town. See the Royal Palace where the Grimaldi family live, the yacht-filled harbor and visit the cathedral, housing the tombs of the late Prince Rainier and Princess Grace. Cross into Italy and follow the arc of the Italian Riviera before arriving in Pisa. In the Square of Miracles, stop to see the incredible Leaning Tower of Pisa with a Local Expert.

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Day 13

Day 13 – Day 13: Pisa to Florence

  • Florence
  • Pisa
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  • piazza della Signoria
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Walk with your Local Expert to the marble-clad cathedral and baptistery in Florence, where Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise have been recreated in all their glory. The next stop is Piazza della Signoria, still the political heart of Florence and an open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces. Spend time gazing at statues such as Neptune and David along the front of the Palazzo Vecchio. The area around Santa Croce Basilica is famous for the quality of its luxury goods of gold and leather and there's free time to shop or continue exploring.

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Day 14

Day 14 – Day 14: Florence to Rome

  • Rome
  • Florence
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Relax and enjoy the grand landscapes of the Chianti hills and Umbria, before passing the Apennine Mountains to arrive at the Eternal City of Rome, filled with classic antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces, and Baroque churches. In the evening, toast the culmination of your Mediterranean journey with delicious Italian cuisine and wine.

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Day 15

Day 15 – Day 15: Rome

  • Rome
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  • St. Clement Basilica
  • Capitoline Museums
  • Palatine Hill
  • Trajan's Market
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A Local Expert introduces the grandeur of the city, starting with the Vatican State, the richest community on the world. Visit the Vatican Museums, full of priceless treasures collected by the Popes. Insight provides special, fast-tracked entry to avoid the crowds, together with behind-the-scenes access to the Bramante Staircase - a marvel of Renaissance architecture normally off-limits to the general public. Once inside the Sistine Chapel, admire Michelangelo's famous ceiling. Next door, visit St. Peter's Basilica to admire Michelangelo's emotive 'Pieta' and see Bernini's intricately carved Papal Altar. The rest of the day is yours to shop in the trendy boutiques or relax at a sidewalk café.

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Day 16

Day 16 – Day 16: Rome

  • Rome
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  • Piazza Navona
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The day is yours to enjoy Rome at your own pace. Perhaps take an optional experience to the ill-fated town of Pompeii, frozen in time when it was engulfed by an eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. Alternatively, spend some time in the boutiques of the Via del Corso, the Via Nazionale or the elegant designer stores near the Spanish Steps. As night falls, why not sip on prosecco at a sidewalk cafe in Piazza Navona - the Living Room of Rome - and enjoy life's pageantry pass by?

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Day 17

Day 17 – Day 17: Departure from Rome

  • Rome - Departure day
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Bid farewell to the glories of Italy. Departure transfers arrive at Rome's Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport.

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