Best Mediterranean Tours

Parmesan and prosciutto. Ferraris and Fiats. Ruins and the Riviera. Some of Italy’s greatest indulgences can be found up north. Italy’s “Fabulous Five,” the pastel-hued cliffside fishing villages along the Mediterranean, start the count of the numerous joys you’ll experience on this Undiscovered Tour of Northern Italy. In addition to finding the freshest seafood along the coast, you’ll relish a balsamic vinegar tasting in the epicurean city of Modena, a parmesan cheese tasting near Verdi’s hometown of Busseto, a risotto lunch at a Vercelli rice factory, and a wine tasting in vineyard-dotted Gabiano. To spice things up, you’ll speed over to the Ferrari Museum in Maranello and strut your stuff down the streets of Milan. Leading you to the fabulous, the famous, and the fashionable, this tour is the way to see Northern Italy in style. PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Genoa so you can plan your day your way.

Enjoy a small group culinary journey to Rome, Sorrento, and Capri on this grand Southern Italy vacation. Spend three nights in Rome and two nights each in Capri and in the Sorrento area. Explore Italy’s southern charms at a leisurely pace: ancient historic sites, spectacular scenery, and authentic Mediterranean cuisine. Start your foodie adventure in Rome with an included cooking masterclass, where you’ll learn how to prepare an authentic sumptuous Italian meal—and get to enjoy it with your travel companions. On your way from Rome to Sorrento, visit a family-run wine cellar and indulge in an included lunch with wine tasting. In the laid-back town of Sorrento, take part in a gelato making experience and tasting in a local gelateria and see how real Italian ice cream is made. Enjoy an excursion to scenic Positano, on the Amalfi coast, and feast on spectacular views of the gulf. Following the natural course of the coastline, the winding road to Positano features dramatic cliffs plunging into the sea, inlets, and bays interspersed with picturesque towns—all with the deep-blue Mediterranean waters as the background. A short ferry ride separates Sorrento from the legendary island of Capri, where you will spend two nights. In the famous Capri “piazzetta” (little square), you may bump into some celebrities! Spend time discovering the island or gazing at the mesmerizing water and enjoying the Mediterranean climate. You may even be able to steal a chef’s secret “torta caprese” recipe to impress your friends back home. Leaving Capri by ferry, on the quest for the most authentic pizza and legendary espresso coffee, visit Naples and enjoy a pizza lunch before returning to Rome. This affordable Cosmos Gourmet Italy tour offers value-minded travel lovers a unique and unforgettable vacation along with the opportunity to learn about Mediterranean cuisine.

The mysteries of the Sphinx await on this off-season vacation in Egypt! Enjoy an escorted vacation in Cairo and Alexandria. Visit the incredible Grand Egyptian Museum and marvel at the Sphinx and the Great Pyramid of Giza—the oldest of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Visit Alexandria’s 4th-century Mediterranean harbor city founded by Alexander the Great. Guided sightseeing includes the Catacombs of Kom El Shogafa, Pompey’s Pillar, and the lush Montazah Gardens. Travel through the El Beheira desert en route to Wadi el Natrun to visit the Coptic Monastery. Return to Cairo and fly to Aswan to begin your 3-night cruise on the Nile, considered the longest river in the world. As you sail down the Nile, stop to visit fascinating temples and shrines dating back to the 2nd century. Your Nile River cruise concludes in Luxor with an overnight stay and free time to explore before returning to Cairo. This 11-day guided vacation in Egypt with Nile River cruise is even better with fewer crowds and more savings during off-season travel. A wondrous escape fit for a king!

From the shores of Lake Maggiore to the sun-soaked coast of the Italian Riviera and the rolling hills of Tuscany, a romantic rendezvous with Italia awaits. Glide across the deep blue waters of Lake Maggiore. Spend a day exploring Cinque Terre’s rugged coastline. Relax with a three-night stay in a Tuscan village and savor the sprawling vineyards and charming medieval hill towns of the region. Enjoy an interactive pasta-making demonstration. Visit Lucca, encircled by a stunning set of 16th century walls. Explore the iconic sites of Florence and the medieval charm of Greve in Chianti. Throughout your journey, discover a land rich in history, culture, and cuisine.

Trekked by more than half of humankind’s ancient world, modern day Sicily still offers off-the-beaten-path discoveries that reveal an undiscovered side of Italy. The Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, French, Germans, Spanish, Italians, and even the British have left an impression on this gorgeous island, and it shows in its diverse architecture, unique culture, and multinational cuisine. As you trace the sparkling coast from the flamboyant capital city of Palermo to the ultra-chic Taormina Riviera, you can expect stunning archaeological treasures, ancient works of art, and a warm welcome at every turn, and a cool gelato on every corner. Traditional granita, cannoli, and Marsala wine serve to sweeten the experience on this Undiscovered Tour of Sicily. PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Ragusa so you can plan your day your way.

Uncover the chic resorts, sun-soaked beaches, and elegant allure that attract the rich and famous to the exquisite French Riviera. Spend time in the fairy-tale principality of Monaco. Discover Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, the crown jewel of the French Riviera. Get a glimpse into the lives of the rich and famous in Cannes. Watch artisans create fragrant perfumes. Enjoy leisure time to explore on your own. It’s time you lived a little bit of the good life. Unpack for a leisurely multi-night stay, embracing the luxury and breathtaking beauty of the Côte d’Azur.

Discover the magnificent ruins of ancient Greece in their tranquil Mediterranean settings. This comprehensive journey explores Greece's most important ancient monuments, like the famed Temple of Zeus, the archaeological site of Olympia, and ancient artifacts of Delphi. Explore Athens on a comprehensive tour of the incredible Acropolis. Take the ferry to Aegina Island for a day with free time to soak up Greek island life. Visit a local farm in the countryside to see how olive oil and wine are produced. Learn how to cook traditional Mediterranean cuisine during a cooking demonstration. Learn the history of this fascinating country from local experts on guided tours of Athens, Metéora, Delphi, and Olympia. This well-paced journey balances expeditions to Greece’s important historic sites with ample time to explore on your own.

Blue skies—nothin’ but blue skies. Oh, and blue roofs, blue windows, and the bluest sea you will ever see. “Blue” days simply take on a different meaning in the sunny Cyclades. Here, witnessing the striking contrast of whitewashed walls cascading toward the deep azure sea stirs feelings of pure joy. On this tour of Athens and the Greek Isles, you will explore the ancient city of gold, silver, and bronze before setting sail for the iconic blue and white islands of Santorini and Mykonos. Three nights on each allows for guided sightseeing plus plenty of time to enjoy the scenery—and the scene—as you please. Enjoy Santorini’s picture-perfect vistas, and join the “who’s who” of celebrities, yachties, and foodies indulging in the extraordinary beaches, chic boutiques, waterfront cafes, and heart-pumping nightlife of magical Mykonos.

From the seemingly miraculous waters of the Dead Sea to Cana of Galilee where Jesus is said to have performed his first miracle of turning water into wine—this fascinating tour of Israel is full of incredible sights, scenery, and stories. The historical and biblical tales begin in Tel Aviv, the “Mediterranean Manhattan,” continue to the Mount of Beatitudes where it is believed Jesus delivered his Sermon on the Mount and culminate at the lowest (yet most uplifting) point on the surface of the Earth—the Dead Sea where you’ll effortlessly float at 430 meters below sea level. Discover the fascinating city of Jerusalem and dive into numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites—including the golden-domed Baha’i Shrine in Haifa and the ancient clifftop fortress of Masada—not to mention some of the most delectable dishes of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine.

With its magnificent architecture, beautiful landscapes, sumptuous cuisine, ancient ruins, and brilliant art, Italy is a country like no other. On this affordable Italy’s Best tour, you’ll experience all of this and more. The excursion to the spectacular Cinque Terre—five medieval seaside villages, is not to be missed. The area is noted for its natural beauty with terraces built into the mountainside on cliffs that drop down into the sea. Delight in the unique charm of the area and take in the breathtaking views. On your journey through Tuscany, watch the undulating hills, terraced vineyards, olive groves, and rural villages. More stunning scenery awaits at Lake Maggiore, one of Italy’s largest lakes. Located on the edge of the Swiss Alps, it’s the perfect place to relax and soak in the beauty. Briefly cross the border into Switzerland to Lugano, a lakeside town with a Mediterranean flair. In southern Italy, witness magnificent views of the crystal-clear, blue sea in the vibrant town of Sorrento, and enjoy a day trip to Capri where the crashing sea has formed awe-inspiring caves. On this comprehensive Italy adventure, history comes alive. Visit Pompeii, buried during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. This amazingly preserved archaeological site gives you a detailed insight into ordinary life at the peak of the Roman Empire. In Rome, during the city sightseeing tour with a local guide, see the main sights, as well as Vatican City with St Peter’s Basilica. In Genoa, boasting Europe’s largest medieval historical district, view the remains of the city’s 17th-century fortifications. Visit St Francis’ Basilica in Assisi, a medieval town set in the green Umbrian hills. Guided city sightseeing tours are planned in Rome, Florence, Assisi, and Genoa. Your visit to Venice includes a boat trip to St Mark’s square to see the maze of canals forming this unique romantic city. These are just some of the many highlights of this affordable tour of Italy!

From Spain to France to Italy, this affordable tour along the Western Mediterranean Coast, designed by a team of Tour Directors, features vibrant cities, historic sites, and amazing scenery. Visit Madrid, Valencia, Barcelona, Marseille, Siena, and Rome, and experience the stunning Cinque Terre, named after its five medieval fishing villages by the sea. This area is noted for its natural beauty with terraces built into the mountainside on cliffs that drop down into the sea, and for its breathtaking views. Spend time on the glamorous French Riviera, where you have the chance to visit a perfume workshop in Èze. Plus, enjoy picture-perfect scenery as you drive through the most fascinating landscapes and visit cameo villages such as Cuenca, Collioure, and Cassis! Local Guides will reveal the must-see sights on your city tours of Madrid, Valencia, Barcelona, Siena, and Rome. See Rome’s iconic landmarks such as the Vatican and the Colosseum. In Assisi, marvel at St. Francis Basilica, burial place of the saint, and home to beautiful medieval frescos by Giotto. This tour to Spain, France, and Italy is perfectly planned for value-minded travel lovers wanting a wonderful, yet affordable, Mediterranean vacation.

When you stroll through Croatia’s leafy towns, enjoy a walk in a national park, and marvel at its sparkling emerald lakes, it’s easy to see why other countries are green with envy. With its glorious coastal cities, ancient Roman ruins, magnificent medieval architecture, and stunning natural wonders, Croatia has it all. On this Undiscovered Tour of Croatia and Slovenia, you will see what European vacationers have long tried to keep secret from the rest of the world—impressive caves and castles, spectacular waterfalls, and walled cities, picture-perfect shorelines, and famous film locations. Game of Thrones fans will recognize Old Town Dubrovnik as the medieval setting for the fictional city of King’s Landing, yet at the end of this dramatic vacation to Croatia, you’ll be perfectly happy with the start-to-finish storyline. PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Dubrovnik so you can plan your day your way.

Italy and Greece are steeped in history with a treasure trove of ancient sites and scenic beauty. On this affordable Italy and Greece tour, you’ll see the exceptional features these countries have to offer, starting in Venice and ending in Athens. In Italy, you’ll stay in the Venice area, Rome, and Florence; in Greece, you’ll stay in Delphi, Olympia, Nauplia, and Athens. Your flight from Rome to Athens is included in your package. In Venice, take a boat ride to St. Mark’s Square and watch glassblowers create works of art as they have done for centuries – or discover the lagoon at your own pace. Enjoy must-see sights, including Piazza Signoria, in the middle of Florence; see the Roman arena in Verona, and Pisa’s famous Leaning Tower. Visit Rome with a local guide who brings ancient Imperial Rome back to life. Step back in time on your visit to Athens’ Acropolis and the Parthenon, dating back to the 5th century BC, and the most accurate indication of the influence and wealth of Athens at its greatest peak. You’ll also visit Mycenae, dating back to 1350 BC, where you’ll marvel at the arches, fountains, ramparts, and amazing masonry still standing, and Delphi, known in antiquity as the “navel of the earth”. All these elements come together perfectly to create a value-minded Italy and Greece tour like no other!

Meet us for a rendez-vous to revel in the rues of Paris, the riverside where Jules Verne dreamed of deeper waters, and the royal chateau where cognac flows. Make a French connection from the City of Light to the dappled vineyards of Bordeaux. Break away from the ordinary with dreamy days in Marseilles, Aix-en-Provence, and the French Riviera in Nice. Try your luck at the tables in Monte Carlo and get the royal treatment in Monaco with 11 fantastic days in France. From cathedral halls to fortress walls; from Medieval treasures to Mediterranean pleasures, this vacation in France is a rendez-vous you won’t want to miss. PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Bordeaux so you can plan your day your way.

Uncover the chic resorts, sun-soaked beaches, and elegant allure that attract the rich and famous to the exquisite French Riviera. Spend time in the fairy-tale principality of Monaco. Discover Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, the crown jewel of the French Riviera. Get a glimpse into the lives of the rich and famous in Cannes. Watch artisans create fragrant perfumes. Enjoy leisure time to explore on your own. It’s time you lived a little bit of the good life. Unpack for a leisurely multi-night stay, embracing the luxury and breathtaking beauty of the Côte d’Azur.

Adventure awaits on this exciting Cosmos Undiscovered vacation, where you’ll travel by land, rail, and sea to experience Western Canada’s natural beauty and lesser-known destinations. Begin in Calgary with a city tour before heading to the Canadian Rockies, featuring Banff National Park, the turquoise waters of Lake Louise, and a ride aboard the all-terrain Ice Explorer on the Athabasca Glacier at the Columbia Icefield. Continue into Jasper National Park, with the opportunity to join an optional cruise on Maligne Lake to Spirit Island. En route to Prince George, view Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Embark on an all-daylight rail journey aboard VIA Rail’s Skeena train through the rugged Coast Mountains to Prince Rupert for a two-night stay. Your adventure continues with an Inside Passage cruise through British Columbia’s coastal waterways, where you may spot whales, sea lions, porpoises, bald eagles, and other wildlife. Overnight in Port Hardy before traveling south to Victoria on Vancouver Island. Enjoy time to explore this charming city before sailing across the Strait of Georgia and the Gulf Islands to vibrant Vancouver. Spectacular national parks, a scenic rail journey, an Inside Passage cruise, and visits to charming towns and exciting cities make this value-minded vacation an unforgettable Western Canada adventure!

If you have dreamed of taking in storybook-setting vistas, breathing in fresh Alpine air, and tasting mouth-watering Swiss chocolates, this enchanting tour of Switzerland has you covered from A to Zurich. Bustling cities, chalet-dotted hillsides, and pastoral valleys welcome you to the land of lush green farmland, glorious fondue, and glitzy fun. Join the capricious and carefree in the posh playgrounds of swanky St. Moritz, sparkling Lake Geneva, charming car-free Zermatt, and Italy’s celebrated and celebrity-full Lake Como. As you near lively Lugano and the Italian border, the scenery delightfully changes from mountainous panoramas to a Mediterranean paradise complete with chestnut groves, olive and fig trees, and fruitful vineyards. Dinner at a shady and cool grotto and lunch on a traditional Swiss farm provide local, delectable dining experiences like no other.

Originally chanted at the toreros during bullfights, “Olé!” is now a term used to congratulate anyone’s exceptional performance in sunny and live-in-the-moment Spain. Prepare for those two happy syllables to roll off your tongue as you discover the past and modern-day feats of everyone from artists and architects to chefs and winemakers throughout this lively tour of Spain. Our most in-depth look at the land of the nonstop fiesta, this 14-day tour leads you from city to city and coast to coast for Picasso and paella, fortresses and flamenco, and Gaudi and the great Rioja wines. Equally satisfying is seeing the legendary backdrops used for some of classic literature’s finest prose—from Granada’s Moorish Alhambra complex to Pamplona’s famous Calle Estafeta, the famous street where the annual “running of the bulls” takes place. Olé! PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Bilbao and Málaga so you can plan your day your way.

Conquer your bucket list to walk in the footsteps of ancient Greeks, Romans, Crusaders, Ottomans, and the Turks themselves. Begin your escorted tour of Turkey in the historic city of Istanbul. Soak in the history and diverse cultures along its tree-lined boulevards, and in its cafés, and sophisticated eateries. Continue your Turkish vacation with indelible sights and historic Byzantine monuments that evoke an era of innovation. Discover rock-carved chapels, fortifications, and monasteries from Ozkonak and Goreme to the stories of the Silk Road in Sultanhani. Feel your head spin with a visit to the Mevlana Monastery Museum where 13th-century Whirling Dervishes were founded by the mystic Persian poet Rumi. Hear the tales of Troy where Trojans marched, and a magnificent wooden horse remains a legend worldwide. And take in the countless natural wonders of Turkey with dramatic landscapes, breathtaking views, rose-hued rock formations, and the serene, pristine beaches of the “turquoise coast” on the Turkish Riviera. Raise a cup of Turkish coffee, soak in the Mediterranean Sea, and toast your timeless vacation in Turkey!

Discover the vibrant culture and colorful backdrops that are distinctively Morocco. Explore Fes, one of the holiest cities in the world, on a walking tour in the medina, where donkeys and mules laden with goods still walk the ancient market. Journey to your desert camp in a Jeep 4x4 and spend a full day exploring the Sahara Desert. Travel the rugged “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs” to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou. In Marrakech, experience a true taste of Moroccan hospitality during an interactive cooking class at a women’s cooperative. Immerse yourself in Morocco's deep history and unique atmosphere and encounter welcoming people on an unforgettable journey.

The locals say that the best way to drink a glass of ouzo, the Greek anise-infused liquor, is with a cool splash of water. This refreshing Greek vacation creates a big splash with an enlightening tour of Athens followed by a 7-night cruise to the Greek Isles and Turkey. Sail from port to breathtaking port to take in the mesmerizing sights of coastal Turkey and the Greek Isles. Walk in the footsteps of celebrated philosophers, run down the same paths as ancient Olympians, and then dive into the ancient ruins and resorts of the Aegean where legendary harbors, charming villages, and pristine beaches await. From the vibrant volcanic island of Milos to the whitewashed villas of Santorini, from historic Rhodes to wonder-filled Crete, to the modern getaway of Mykonos, it’s hard to say which sparkles more - the crystal-clear water of the Aegean or the hidden jewels along its storied shores.

Explore Sicily and Malta – two island paradises nestled amongst the deep blue waves of the Mediterranean. Engage with Malta’s dynamic past on a leisurely 4-night stay. Explore the charms of Ragusa with a guide. Spend three nights in Taormina, perched above the Ionian Sea. See Mount Etna from a different perspective on an off-road excursion. Discover how ancient traditions blend into modern society as you travel along timeless Italian and Maltese towns.

“For we walk by faith, not by sight,” wrote the Apostle Paul to the Corinthians. On this religious tour of Greece and Turkey, you’ll stroll, skip, and sail by faith as you retrace the many missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul after he saw the light in Damascus. Both pilgrimage and picturesque journey, this land and cruise tour to mainland Greece, the Greek Isles, and Turkey leads you to many significant sites of the New Testament as well as some of the most magnificent sights of the Mediterranean. Scripture will take on new meaning as you visit the ancient communities where Paul established churches – and to whom he penned his epistles, including the Thessalonians, Philippians, Corinthians, and Ephesians. As you follow in the faithful footsteps of the Apostle Paul – with fantastic detours to Mykonos, Crete, and Santorini – you, too, will have much to write home about.

Trekked by more than half of humankind’s ancient world, modern day Sicily still offers off-the-beaten-path discoveries that reveal an undiscovered side of Italy. The Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, French, Germans, Spanish, Italians, and even the British have left an impression on this gorgeous island, and it shows in its diverse architecture, unique culture, and multinational cuisine. As you trace the sparkling coast from the flamboyant capital city of Palermo to the ultra-chic Taormina Riviera, you can expect stunning archaeological treasures, ancient works of art, and a warm welcome at every turn, and a cool gelato on every corner. Discover the marvelous sights of Malta to explore the ancient archaeological sites and amazing seaside sights along the way. Join us to experience these two countries' exquisite beauty that will stay with you for years to come—a guided vacation in Sicily and Malta you’ll treasure forever. PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Ragusa so you can plan your day your way.

In Greek mythology, the Scylla and Charybdis were two sea monsters located in the Strait of Messina between Sicily and the Italian mainland, endangering ancient mariners, and inspiring the expression “being caught between a rock and a hard place.” Will you find yourself in such a predicament on this Undiscovered Tour of Southern Italy and Sicily? On the contrary, you’ll delightfully find yourself caught between Byzantine and Roman culture, flanked by Norman and Italian influences, and in the midst of a cross-cultural wonderland. Your comparison of cobblestones, customs, and cuisine gets underway in Rome, heads down to the dramatic Sorrento Coast, and then kicks the fun from Italy’s heel to its toe and all the way into the great melting pot of Sicily. From Italy’s lower half to its largest island, ruins, resorts—a rich history awaits. PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Sorrento so you can plan your day your way.