Tour Mediterranean Journey (Classic, Start London, 17 Days) | Visit United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Italy

Meals

16 Breakfast (B) 4 Dinner with Wine (DW) 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 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.

Accommodation

16 nights accommodation included

Transport

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.

Guide

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.

Others

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: Visit 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 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 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, 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-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.

Hygieneprotocol

All guests travelling with Insight Vacations through December 31, 2022 are required to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, which may include a booster shot to keep the vaccination status current and valid, depending on the travel destination. Children not eligible for vaccination and/or booster at the time of travel must provide a verifiable and negative Covid-19 test result, taken within 72 hours prior to the start of the tour (taking time zones into consideration) for all tours departing until December 31, 2022. While highly recommended, COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters are no longer required for guests traveling with us from January 1, 2023 onward. It is your client’s responsibly to comply with specific vaccine and/or booster requirements imposed by airlines and/or authorities in the destinations visited, as well as requirements for accessing restaurants and venues, which may be more restrictive than the above. No refunds will be given if they are unable to undertake some or all of their vacation due to failure to comply with these requirements.

Not included:

Optional

Other activities and services are not included

Flights

International flights are not included

Insurance

Travel insurance is not included

Others

Other activities and services are not included

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Welcome To London
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Welcome To London

Welcome to London. After checking into your hotel, the afternoon is free to enjoy a city that is famous for its pomp and pageantry. Perhaps relax with a walk along the Serpentine in Hyde Park or window shop in the elegant boutiques of Knightsbridge? Alternatively, you may want to stroll along the Thames to the iconic Tower Bridge and Tower of London.
Day 2 Day 2: London To Paris By Eurostar
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: London To Paris By Eurostar

Meet your Travel Director and after a warm welcome, transfer to London’s St. Pancras Station to board the high-speed Eurostar. Your comfortable rail journey takes you via the Channel Tunnel to Paris where you can spend the afternoon as you please. During your time in Paris, see the impressive Eiffel Tower, the magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral and the imposing facades of the Louvre. Discover the banks of the River Seine with its many romantic bridges, see the obelisk in the center of the Place de la Concorde and drive along the Champs Elysées to the Arc de Triomphe. Later, join your Travel Director at a local restaurant in the heart of Paris for a fabulous Welcome Dinner.
Day 3 Day 3: Paris, The City Of Light
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Paris, The City Of Light

Your exploration of Paris today begins with an Insight Choice. Choose to explore community life in the picturesque Montorgueil district. Alternatively, join a Local Expert, an avid foodie, as you head into areas where Parisians go about their daily lives to explore small shops and sample local treats and delicacies. With the afternoon free, there are countless opportunities to enjoy the lively atmosphere of this glittering city.
Day 4 Day 4: Châteaux Country And Onto Bordeaux
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Châteaux Country And Onto Bordeaux

Head southwards towards Châteaux Country. Take a scenic drive along the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The region is known as the Jardins de France for the beautifully maintained gardens that were created on vast estates as outdoor living areas. Visit the majestic Chenonceau Castle, an elegant French château spanning the River Cher. Continue on to the bustling seaport of Bordeaux with its unique 18th-century character.
Day 5 Day 5: Bordeaux And San Sebastián
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Bordeaux And San Sebastián

Join a Local Expert for a guided tour of France’s best 18th-century architecture. The facades of the quaysides, the Grand Théâtre, Triangle d’Or and magnificent Esplanade des Quinconces all contribured to Bordeaux earn inclusion on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. Next, continue to picturesque San Sebastián where you will have the chance to dine with the locals in the evening. In small groups, wander through the Old Town for a progressive dinner, as you enjoy the gastronomic Basque tradition of pintxos. Similar to tapas, enjoy a variety of snack-sized treats to make your meal and be sure to try some of the local Txakoli wine.
Day 6 Day 6: On To Madrid Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: On To Madrid Relaxed Start

Continue along the Guadarrama Mountains to the plateau of New Castile and Spain’s elegant capital of Madrid. In the evening, why not see the city lit up it all its glory, with a drive along the grand avenues and past the spectacular fountains?
Day 7 Day 7: Madrid
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Madrid

Join your Local Expert for a sightseeing tour of the Old Town as well as, along the elegant Paseo de la Castellana and past the fountain in the Plaza de Cibeles. Enjoy sightseeing with your Local Expert, as they guide you through the most historic neighborhoods in the Spanish capital. Your drive continues through the Old Quarter to discover the origins of the city. Visit the Reina Sofía Museum with an art historian to see Picasso’s Guernica.
Day 8 Day 8: Madrid And Beautiful Barcelona
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Madrid And Beautiful Barcelona

Cross the Castilian plain, past Zaragoza, and continue to the vibrant port of Barcelona. In the evening, why not try delicious local Catalan cuisine and as night descends, view the city from the heights of Montjuic, with lights sparkling below from the mountains to sea.
Day 9 Day 9: Barcelona, City Of Gaudi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Barcelona, City Of Gaudi

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.
Day 10 Day 10: Avignon, The City Of Popes
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Avignon, The City Of Popes

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.
Day 11 Day 11: On The Shores Of Nice
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: On The Shores Of Nice

Journey along the French Riviera to the elegant town of Nice, where the rest of the day is at your leisure to stroll along the fabled Promenade des Anglais or relax on the beach.
Day 12 Day 12: Monaco And Pisa
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Monaco And Pisa

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, from which Galileo is said to have conducted experiments on velocity and gravity. Also see the splendid 11th century cathedral and baptistery, decorated with mosaics and designs in solid marble.
Day 13 Day 13: Florence Sightseeing Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Florence Sightseeing Relaxed Start

Walk with your Local Expert to the marble-clad cathedral and baptistery, 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.
Day 14 Day 14: The Eternal City Of Rome
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: The Eternal City Of Rome

Relax and enjoy the grand landscapes of the Chianti hills and Umbria, before passing the Apennine Mountains to arrive at the Eternal City, filled with classic antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches. In the evening, what better way to toast the culmination of your Mediterranean journey, than with delicious Italian cuisine and wine.
Day 15 Day 15: Exploring Papal Rome
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Exploring Papal Rome

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. 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 afternoon is yours to shop in the trendy boutiques or relax at a sidewalk cafe before an exclusive after-hours visit to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes.
Day 16 Day 16: Rome At Leisure Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: Rome At Leisure Relaxed Start

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?
Day 17 Day 17: Arrivederci Roma
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 17: Arrivederci Roma

Bid farewell to the glories of Italy.

+14

17 days tour

Mediterranean Journey (Classic, Start London, 17 Days)

This tour includes:

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Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Mediterranean Journey (Classic, Start London, 17 Days)

Day 1: Welcome To London

Day 2: London To Paris By Eurostar

Day 3: Paris, The City Of Light

Day 4: Châteaux Country And Onto Bordeaux

Day 5: Bordeaux And San Sebastián

Day 6: On To Madrid Relaxed Start

Day 7: Madrid

Day 8: Madrid And Beautiful Barcelona

Day 9: Barcelona, City Of Gaudi

Day 10: Avignon, The City Of Popes

Day 11: On The Shores Of Nice

Day 12: Monaco And Pisa

Day 13: Florence Sightseeing Relaxed Start

Day 14: The Eternal City Of Rome

Day 15: Exploring Papal Rome

Day 16: Rome At Leisure Relaxed Start

Day 17: Arrivederci Roma

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