Mediterranean Journey - Start London, Classic Group

Mediterranean Journey - Start London, Classic Group

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18 Days From

$6250

$6240

Mediterranean Journey - Start London, Classic Group

18 Days Starting in London, England and ending in Rome, Italy

Visiting: London, Paris, Bordeaux, Madrid, Barcelona, Avignon, Nice, Monaco, Florence, Rome

Tour operator:

Insight Vacations

Tour code:

T915MZN20

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Luxury

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $6250 $6240 Operator discount: -$10

NB: Prices correct on 23-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on the "Mediterranean Journey - Start London, Classic Group" tour, a captivating exploration of Europe's most iconic destinations. Begin your adventure in London, traveling in style on the high-speed Eurostar to Paris, where you can indulge in the city's culinary delights and historic landmarks. Continue through the picturesque landscapes of France, Spain, and Italy, visiting Bordeaux, San Sebastián, Madrid, and Barcelona. Experience the elegance of the French Riviera in Nice and the glamour of Monaco. Marvel at the architectural wonders of Pisa and Florence, and conclude your journey in the eternal city of Rome. Enjoy luxurious accommodations, authentic dining experiences, and the comfort of Insight's air-conditioned coach, ensuring a memorable and relaxing journey through the Mediterranean's rich cultural tapestry.

Highlights

  • Paris: Explore iconic sights such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Arc de Triomphe.

  • Chateau Chenonceau: Visit the elegant 16th-century 'Ladies' Château' in the Loire Valley.

  • Bordeaux: Discover the Grand Theater and the Esplanade des Quinconces with a Local Expert.

  • San Sebastián: Enjoy a guided walking tour of the Old Quarter, including Plaza de la Constitución.

  • Barcelona: Witness Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the Sagrada Família, in the Eixample district.

  • Monaco City: Drive along part of the Grand Prix circuit and explore the Royal Palace and yacht-filled harbor.

  • Florence: View the multi-colored marble cathedral and Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise in Signoria Square.

  • Rome: Visit the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica with a Local Expert.

Places You'll See

The Leaning Tower Of Pisa

The Eiffel Tower

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Welcome To London

Location: London

Accommodation: Park Plaza Victoria, London.

Accommodation Name: Thistle Marble Arch, 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: London To Paris By Eurostar

Location: Paris

Accommodation: Le Méridien Etoile, Paris.

Accommodation Name: Marriott Rive Gauche, Paris

Meals Included: Breakfast

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: Paris, The City Of Light

Location: Paris

Accommodation: Le Méridien Etoile, Paris.

Accommodation Name: Marriott Rive Gauche, Paris

Meals Included: Breakfast

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: Onto Bordeaux

Location: Bordeaux

Accommodation: Novotel Bordeaux Gare St Jean

Accommodation Name: Novotel Gare St Jean, Bordeaux

Meals Included: Breakfast

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 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 in-land port of Bordeaux with its unique 18th century character.

Day 5: Bordeaux And San Sebastián

Location: Bordeaux

Accommodation: Barceló Costa Vasca, San Sebastián.

Accommodation Name: Barceló Costa Vasca, San Sebastián

Meals Included: Breakfast

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 contributed to Bordeaux earning 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: On To Madrid Relaxed Start

Location: Madrid

Accommodation: Hotel Riu Plaza España, Madrid.

Accommodation Name: Riu Plaza España, Madrid

Meals Included: Breakfast

Continue through the mountains and gorges of the north and emerge from the tunnel in the Sierra de Guadarrama onto 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: Madrid

Location: Madrid

Accommodation: Hotel Riu Plaza España, Madrid.

Accommodation Name: Riu Plaza España, Madrid

Meals Included: Breakfast

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: Madrid And Beautiful Barcelona

Location: Barcelona

Accommodation: Hilton Barcelona.

Accommodation Name: Hilton, Barcelona

Meals Included: Breakfast

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: Barcelona, City Of Gaudi

Location: Barcelona

Accommodation: Hilton Barcelona.

Accommodation Name: Hilton, Barcelona

Meals Included: Breakfast

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: Avignon, The City Of Popes

Location: Avignon

Accommodation: Novotel Avignon Center

Accommodation Name: Novotel Center, Avignon

Meals Included: Breakfast

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: On The Shores Of Nice

Location: Nice

Accommodation: Hotel Apollinaire

Accommodation Name: Apollinaire, Nice

Meals Included: Breakfast

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: Monaco And Pisa

Location: Monaco

Accommodation: NH Firenze, Florence.

Accommodation Name: NH Firenze, Florence

Meals Included: Breakfast

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: Pisa And Florence

Location: Florence

Accommodation: NH Firenze, Florence.

Accommodation Name: NH Firenze, Florence

Meals Included: Breakfast

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. Continue through Tuscany to the captivating city of Florence.

Day 14: Florence Sightseeing Relaxed Start

Location: Florence

Accommodation: Radisson Blu GHR Rome.

Accommodation Name: NH Firenze, Florence

Meals Included: Breakfast

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 15: The Eternal City Of Rome

Location: Rome

Accommodation: Radisson Blu GHR Rome.

Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu GHR, Rome

Meals Included: Breakfast

2025 marks a Jubilee Year, a momentous Roman Catholic event celebrated every 25 years, turning Rome into a center of celebration. As festivities unfold, itineraries may be adjusted to ensure you make the most of your time as you visit the Eternal City. 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 16: Exploring Papal Rome

Location: Rome

Accommodation: Radisson Blu GHR Rome.

Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu GHR, Rome

Meals Included: Breakfast

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 17: Rome At Leisure Relaxed Start

Location: Rome

Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu GHR, Rome

Meals Included: Breakfast

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 18: Arrivederci Roma

Location: Rome

Meals Included: Breakfast

Bid farewell to the glories of Italy.

What's Included

  • Meals

    The tour includes 16 breakfasts and 4 dinners with wine.

  • Activities

    Choose between two carefully selected activities in Paris, including a walk through a local food market or exploring the Montorgueil district.

  • Personal Radio Headsets

    Personal radio headsets are provided to give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights without missing any commentary.

  • Hotel and Restaurant Tips

    Hotel and restaurant tips are included, along with all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.

  • Luggage Handling

    Your bags are carried for you and promptly delivered to your hotel door.

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

    Stay connected with complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi where available.

  • Transfers

    Transfers are available at scheduled times if your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates.

  • Luxury Coach

    Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.

  • Hand Sanitizer

    Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

What's Not Included

  • Flights

    Flights to and from the start and end locations are not included.

  • Optional Experiences

    Optional experiences such as a visit to Pompeii are not included and can be purchased separately.

  • Transfers Outside Scheduled Times

    Transfers outside the scheduled times or for flights not aligned with the itinerary start and end dates are not included.

Dining Summary

17 Breakfast (B)4 Dinner with Wine (DW)

Additional Included Highlights

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.From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.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.

Insight Experiences

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.

Well-being

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.Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of dining experiences can I expect on the Mediterranean Journey tour?

    The tour offers a variety of authentic dining experiences, including a delightful dinner with wine in Paris, an evening of pintxos in San Sebastián, a farm-to-table dinner in Avignon, and a farewell dinner with Italian cuisine and wine in Rome.

  • What are some of the unique activities included in the tour?

    The tour includes unique activities such as a guided walking tour of the Old Quarter in San Sebastián, a visit to the majestic Château de Chenonceau in the Loire Valley, and an exclusive after-hours visit to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes in Rome.

  • How does the tour ensure comfort during travel?

    The tour ensures comfort with high-speed Eurostar travel from London to Paris and a luxurious, air-conditioned coach with double the standard legroom for journeys across Europe. Additionally, personal radio headsets are provided for guided tours.

  • Are there any special experiences related to art and history on this tour?

    Yes, the tour includes visits to significant art and historical sites such as the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel in Rome, and the Reina Sofía Museum in Madrid to see Picasso's Guernica.

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    The tour offers accommodation in renowned hotels such as Park Plaza Victoria in London, Marriott Rive Gauche in Paris, and Radisson Blu GHR in Rome, ensuring a comfortable and luxurious stay throughout the journey.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1978.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

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1 Select your preferred date

Friday - Monday

May 16, 2025 - Jun 02, 2025
$6625 $6615

Operator discount: -$10

Friday - Monday

Jul 11, 2025 - Jul 28, 2025
$6595 $6585

Operator discount: -$10

Friday - Monday

Jul 25, 2025 - Aug 11, 2025
$6250 $6240

Operator discount: -$10

Friday - Monday

Sep 05, 2025 - Sep 22, 2025
$6650 $6640

Operator discount: -$10

Friday - Monday

Sep 26, 2025 - Oct 13, 2025
$6650 $6640

Operator discount: -$10

Prices last published on 23-Dec-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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