Mediterranean Coastal Journey Spain, France & Italy - 2024
Overview
Highlights
- Dine on traditional Catalan specialties in a 17th-century farmhouse transformed into a local restaurant.
- Visit an ancient abbey turned winery for a tour of the cellars and a taste of their wine.
- Discover the flavors of the Italian at a local restaurant renowned for its cheese-filled focaccia and home-made pesto sauce.
- Take in the Spanish coastline during a walk between the villages of Calella de Palafrugell and Llafranc.
- Impact Moment: dine at a restaurant solidale (solidarity restaurant) in Marseille that uses its profits to give meals to the poor.
- Set out through the rolling hills and olive groves of Tuscany in the company of a truffle hunter and his truffle-sniffing dogs.
- Visit Antoni Gaudi’s final masterpiece, the awe-inspiring La Sagrada Familia.
- Discover the historic, charming streets of Aix-en-Provence.
- Explore the colorful cliffside villages of the Cinque Terre by local train.
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Activities
Itinerary
You’re on your way to the Mediterranean coast for a journey connecting the Spanish, French and Italian Rivieras. From chameleonic Barcelona to sun-kissed Nice; from glamorous Monaco to the rolling hills of the Chianti countryside, embark on a coastal journey combining rich scenery, art, culture, food, and wine.
Welcome to the Mediterranean coast. Begin your journey in the spirited city of Barcelona, famed for its exceptional architecture and vibrant culinary scene. Settle in for a 3-night stay in this cosmopolitan city. Tonight, meet your fellow travelers over a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
This morning, explore the ever-changing Catalonian capital as it was meant to be explored – on foot. Ramble along the bustling La Rambla boulevard, famous for its street artists and performers. Wander along the Gothic Quarter’s labyrinthine streets and delve into one ...
Gain a different perspective on Barcelona during a panoramic tour showcasing the expansive Plaça de Catalunya, the Columbus Monument, and Antoni Gaudí’s Batllo House and Casa Mila building (UNESCO). Then, it’s your choice! Visit Catalunya’s National Museum of Art in c...
Set out for Girona, a medieval town known for its atmospheric Old Quarter. Explore the Barri Vell in company of a local guide and enjoy some free time to stroll along its riverbanks. Admire Girona’s colorful houses before heading to the Catalonian coast for a 2-night ...
Take in the Spanish coastline during a coastal walk between the charming villages of Calella de Palafrugell and Llafranc. Then, travel to nearby Figueres, where the surreal outside architecture of the Dalí Theatre-Museum matches the artist’s legendary works inside. Af...
Bid adiós to Spain this morning as you cross into France during a full-day transfer. Along the way, pause at the Abbey of Fontfroide founded almost 10 centuries ago. Explore its tumultuous history during a guided visit that concludes with lunch and a taste of its loca...
Founded over 26 centuries ago, Marseille is France’s oldest city. In the company of an expert guide, explore Le Panier district, the city’s eminently walkable old town. Narrow lanes lined with flowers and street-art embellished facades suddenly open onto the blue wate...
Let the colors and light of southern France captivate you as you explore Aix-en-Provence. Perhaps you’ll visit the atelier (artist studio) of Paul Cézanne, frozen in time since the painter’s death in 1906. Or acquaint yourself with the Provençale lifestyle browsing th...
The day is yours to explore Nice. Perhaps you’ll stroll along the lively seafront Promenade des Anglais before finding your favorite café and soaking in the local life. Or join an optional tour to historic St. Paul de Vence. After exploring this charming walled mediev...
Bid au revoir to France this morning as you head to Monaco, the second smallest country in the world. On a walking tour, view the changing of the guards and visit the Cathedral of Monaco – the permanent resting place of Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace. Explore t...
Taste your way across Genoa’s old town during a walking tour of this ancient Maritime Republic, once so affluent that it rivalled Venice. Pause for a taste of the Italian Riviera at a local restaurant renowned for its cheese-filled focaccia and home-made pesto sauce. ...
Spend the day exploring the colorful cliff-side villages of Cinque Terre.***** Take in the picturesque, rugged coastline dotted with terraced vineyards as you travel by rail. Make your way through this seemingly inaccessible string of fishing villages, nestled between the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea.
A morning-long transfer takes you to Florence, the ‘Cradle of the Renaissance’. Home to Italy's best art and architecture, Florence is a work of art all on its own. Marvel at Ghiberti’s ‘Gates of Paradise’ and Brunelleschi’s imposing dome at the Santa Maria del Fiore ...
Let a memorable epicurean adventure commence with a truffle hunt,******* led by a local expert and trained, truffle-sniffing dogs. Set out on foot through rolling hills and silvery olive groves in search of the elusive tuber-shaped fungi before sampling the results fo...
Say arrivederci to Italy as your journey along the Mediterranean coast comes to an end today.
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Dates & Availability
Check current availability, prices, specials & more.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
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Tour Operator
True adventures go beyond incredible destinations or inclusive packages. Collette delivers a sense of possibility across all seven continents.
Since 1918, we have been sharing our love of travel. Today our worldwide travel collection features comprehensive land tours, river cruises, rail journeys, small group tours, family trips, garden holidays and more. With Collette, wake each morning on tour with a new experience in front of you, and when your head hits the pillow, you will know it has been an amazing day. Best of all - we seamlessly handle the details. All you have to do is enjoy the adventure.
Everyone at Collette believes travel is vital to a life well-lived and our executive team sets the tone. Drawing on a diverse set of skills that includes operations, sales, information technology, law and financial planning, they work across three offices to bring you the best experience possible.
Go Guided:
There are so many benefits to letting someone else take on all the details that come with having The Perfect Trip. See why more and more travelers choose to Go Guided — and why they never go back.
5 Reasons to Go Guided:
Go Tour Managers!
On Day 1 of your trip, you’ll meet a friendly person who sure does know a lot about your tour and the destinations you’re visiting. This highly skilled professional is your tour manage and from the moment you meet this key player on your tour, you’ll know you’re in good hands. With their rich travel backgrounds, as well as their useful information about language, currency, and all things local, you can relax and enjoy the ride.
Go Culture!
Visiting a destination gives you a taste of the local culture. But imagine actually becoming part of that culture. Staying overnight in an Irish castle like Old-World royalty…feeling the cool waters of the Great Barrier Reef envelop you as you snorkel in its turquoise paradise…or rolling dough with an Italian chef to make the perfect pizza. It’s not just about all the iconic spots that will make for the best photos, it’s about diving into another world that makes for the best memories.
Go Product Team!
Our product experts are probably on the road right now — scoping out the best of our worldwide destinations. They go, take it all in, and find the moments they love best. Those are the moments they create for you. Those experiences and sights comprise each itinerary and make each one extra-special. Best of all, you don’t have to plan a thing. You just need to choose which itinerary best suits you.
Go Social!
Travel is social by nature. Guided travel is extra social. Meet a cast of characters: your fellow travelers, tour manager, driver, local guides and more. The social aspect of guided travel is one of the best parts! Many travelers on our tours have forged lasting friendships. Think of all the wonderful people waiting to meet you out in the world.
Go Worry-Free!
Your peace of mind is the most important thing to us. And that starts with our roundtrip home to airport sedan service. Forget taxis, airport fees, or public transportation. We will get you there...and back. And if for any reason you need to cancel your tour, you can do so — right up until the day before departure — and receive a full refund (thanks to our travel protection plan).
There are many ways to experience the world:
Among Collette’s worldwide collection of tours we offer a variety of guided travel choices. No matter where (or how) you want to go, Collette can take you there.
Small Groups, Big Experiences
From vibrant cities to remote villages, immerse yourself in other worlds. As part of a small group, enjoy accommodations chosen to capture the spirit of the destination, savor spectacular local cuisine, and take the time to explore on your own. Along the way Explorations sets the stage for the unexpected moments that make travel so special. With just 12-24 passengers, these are the personal adventures that today’s cultural explorers dream about.
Amazing Family Moments Included
Collette's Family tours bring travelers of all ages together to experience the world’s greatest destinations. There’s no better classroom than the world, no better education than taking a walk through history. Today’s parents — and grandparents — want to share the riches of travel with their children and grandchildren. Each tour in our family line is specially crafted with the best local experiences, iconic must-see's, family-oriented hotels and immersive cultural activities. Children ages 14 and under enjoy substantially discounted rates.
Collette's Cancel for Any Reason Travel Protection Plan
The Traveling Well Experience
Our Commitment to Your Well-being and Enjoyment
There’s no denying that life and travel will likely look a little different for the foreseeable future, which is why we worked with our partners all over the world to create enhanced protective measures for our guests. These measures are intended to help safeguard guests’ health and well-being, while allowing for an enjoyable travel experience.
From flexible booking to more open space on the coach and much more – all aspects of travel have been considered. This is The Traveling Well Experience.
- Travel Protection Plan – cancel for any reason up until 24 hours before departure, plus provides numerous on-tour protections
- More Physical Space – on the coach, in restaurants, and more
- Wellness Protocols – for partners like motor coach operators, hotels, restaurants, and airlines
- Enhanced Tour Manager Training – our tour managers are destination experts and highly equipped to handle a variety of unexpected situations – including illnesses and emergencies
Before Your Tour
Cancel for Any Reason Waiver
Our Travel Protection Plan financially protects you in the event you need to cancel or move your trip to a different date. Learn more here
Pre-Tour Health Screenings
We will ask all travellers to complete a wellness declaration form before joining their tour.
Private Sedan Service
Your ride to and from the airport will be stocked with fresh water for every pickup and all surfaces will be disinfected daily and after every passenger.
Air Travel
Specific details will vary by airline, but standard operations typically include flight attendants wearing masks, sanitizing all surfaces between flights and physical distancing. For links to major airlines, head to the bottom of the page, or visit your airline’s website for specific information.
On Your Tour
Smaller Groups
Tours will operate with a number of empty seats to allow guests to space out for a more comfortable experience.
Your Tour Manager
We have employed new and enhanced hygiene & physical distancing protocols for tour managers. They are local experts and highly trained to handle a variety of unexpected situations — including illnesses and emergencies. They are also available 24/7 for guests throughout the tour should any situation arise.
Use of Face Coverings
Face coverings will be included with your pre-tour documents and will be required throughout many experiences on tour including the motor coach and air travel.
Motor Coach
All surfaces will be sanitized often, including regular cleaning of high-touch areas with disinfecting wipes. Hand sanitizer will be available at all times and drivers will wear protective gear when appropriate.
On-Tour Experiences
We work closely with our local partners to ensure adequate physical distancing during meals, experiences, and sightseeing. Guests may be rotated in smaller sub-groups when necessary.
On-Tour Insurance Coverages
When you purchase our Travel Protection Plan, you’ll have access to telehealth services should you need it, plus you’re covered on tour for emergency assistance, baggage loss, trip interruption, medical expenses, and more. Learn more here
Self-Screening
We will ask all travellers to monitor their health throughout their tour, with protocols in place in the event someone becomes ill.
Hotels
Specific protocols will vary from destination to destination, hotel to hotel. Overall, rooms and areas like restaurants, fitness centres, etc. will be deep-cleaned regularly, with rooms disinfected thoroughly between guests. High-traffic areas like lobbies and elevators will be cleaned hourly.
After Your Tour
Post-Tour Survey
After you get home, you’ll be able to share your opinions of your tour experience, allowing us to constantly improve for the benefit of future guests.
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Logistics
What's excluded
- The land price does not include air travel, airline fees, airport or departure taxes, transfers, visas, customary end-of-trip gratuities for your Tour Manager, driver, local guides, hotel housekeepers, cruise ship waitstaff, and any incidental charges.
Accommodation
Modernist Barcelona Walking & Tapas Tour - $135
Barcelona Explore Modernist Barcelona on a walking tour & “tapas” dinner. The Catalan Modernism, also called 'Catalan Art Nouveau,' was a movement in architecture, art, and literature that took place in Spain's Catalonia region, with Barcelona as the capital in the period from around 1885 to 1920. During your walking tour, visit 2 locally loved tapas bars and learn the unwritten rules of doing tapas like a local. Taste some of the city’s most beloved bites as you take in the vibrant atmosphere of the Eixample neighborhood. Duration approximately 3 hour(s). Transportation is not included The tour takes place entirely on foot. Seating is limited at the tapas bars visited, and some may require standing.A Day in St. Paul de Vence & Grasse - $99
Nice Explore historic St. Paul de Vence, an artists’ haven situated atop a hill overlooking the beautiful countryside. Wander along the narrow lanes of this charming walled medieval village, soaking in its distinctive light, said to have inspired artists such as Matisse and poet Jacques Prévert. Continue to Grasse, the capital of French perfume. Here, discover the secrets of perfume making during a hands-on workshop led by an expert perfumer, affectionately referred to as a "nez" (nose). Duration approximately 9 hour(s). Transportation is included.Wine Tasting in the Marseille Countryside - $50
Marseille Follow the wine route in Provence and get a taste of France’s oldest wine region. Settle in for a 40-minute drive across rocky mountain roads and take in sprawling, historic vineyards. Your destination? A local winery. You’ll find a chateau at the foot of Mount Sainte Victoire where you’ll get a deeper understanding of wine. With five tastings, there’s plenty of opportunity to find your new favorite vintage. Duration approximately 3 hour(s). Transportation is included.Become a member
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