Best Mediterranean Tours

Small groups lead to big experiences on this Small Group Discovery tour. This Small Group Discovery tour is an adventure of epic proportions—while enjoying a journey through the vibrant heart and breathtaking landscapes of South America on an unforgettable adventure that blends culture, cuisine, and natural wonders. Begin in Santiago, where colonial landmarks and modern avenues set the stage for immersive city touring and a hands on Chilean cooking experience, then escape to the tranquil Valparaíso countryside for a restorative nature retreat. Continue south to the lakes and volcanoes of Puerto Varas and Frutillar, where German heritage villages, pristine waters, and panoramic mountain scenery define daily life. Cross into Argentine Patagonia to discover Bariloche’s alpine beauty, glacial lakes, and craft beer traditions before flying north to cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, alive with grand boulevards, tango rhythms, and architectural icons.

Experience the Best of Spain and Portugal on this 15-day guided tour. In Madrid, an art historian will walk you through the Prado Museum, where Spain's most impressive paintings hang. Navigate Segovia’s medieval streets alongside a Local Expert. Journeying to Granada, visit the region’s oldest olive grove, before dining in the home of a local family, sampling local produce and wine. At the Alhambra, explore the palace's lace-like stone walls and wander its manicured gardens. In Seville, stomp to the sounds of an acoustic guitar during a private flamenco dance lesson. In Porto, sip port during a wine tasting, and in Lisbon, see an architectural masterpiece — the Gothic-style Jerónimos Monastery.

Experience the Best of Spain and Portugal on this 15-day guided tour. In Madrid, an art historian will walk you through the Prado Museum, where Spain's most impressive paintings hang. Navigate Segovia’s medieval streets alongside a Local Expert. Journeying to Granada, visit the region’s oldest olive grove, before dining in the home of a local family, sampling local produce and wine. At the Alhambra, explore the palace's lace-like stone walls and wander its manicured gardens. In Seville, stomp to the sounds of an acoustic guitar during a private flamenco dance lesson. In Porto, sip port during a wine tasting, and in Lisbon, see an architectural masterpiece — the Gothic-style Jerónimos Monastery.

Embark on VIA Rail's The Canadian for an extraordinary rail journey across the world's second-largest country. Begin with two nights in Toronto and an excursion to magnificent Niagara Falls before settling into the comfort of your Sleeper Plus accommodations for an unforgettable transcontinental adventure. As the train travels westward, watch Canada's diverse landscapes unfold—from Ontario's sparkling lakes and forests to the vast prairies of Manitoba and Alberta, and onward to the dramatic mountain scenery of Alberta. Along the way, enjoy regional cuisine, exclusive lounge access, and the unique experience of crossing the country aboard one of North America's most celebrated rail journeys. Continue into the breathtaking Canadian Rockies, where you'll discover the natural wonders of Jasper, Banff, Yoho, and Glacier National Parks. Cruise across Maligne Lake to iconic Spirit Island, venture onto the Athabasca Glacier aboard a specially designed Ice Explorer and travel the spectacular Icefields Parkway to Lake Louise. Your journey also includes time in historic Victoria and vibrant Vancouver, showcasing the beauty and diversity of Canada's west coast. PLUS, this tour includes your choice of excursions in Victoria so you can plan your day your way.

From Rome to the rocky cliffs of Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast, take in the best of southern Italy. Uncover eternal Rome’s myriad treasures and discover Pompeii’s ruins. Explore the breathtaking scenery of Italy’s coastline, from the dramatic beauty of the Amalfi Coast to the charms of seaside Sorrento. Stop at a winery for a taste of Lacryma Christi, learn how homemade pasta is prepared to perfection, and sip local limoncello. Featuring stays in two of Italy’s most beloved locales, experience the country’s renowned food, culture, history, and landscapes.

Discover the magnificent ruins of ancient Greece and bask in the brilliance of the Mediterranean. This comprehensive journey explores Greece's most important ancient monuments, including 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. 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. Wander the winding streets, vineyards, marketplaces and beaches of Mykonos and Santorini. Explore the excavations of the ancient city at Akrotiri, the most important prehistoric settlement found anywhere in the Eastern Mediterranean. Learn the history of this fascinating country from local experts on guided tours of Athens, Metéora, Delphi, and Olympia. Throughout your journey, experience the iconic sights of Greece's Classical age with ample time to explore on your own.

Explore Sicily – an island paradise nestled amongst the deep blue waves of the Mediterranean. Sample specialties in Palermo’s colorful food market. Taste organic olive oil and learn how sustainable production methods support opposing the Mafia. Explore Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples with a guide. Enjoy two nights on the Isle of Salina and visit a traditional caper farm. Spend two 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 Sicily and two of its beloved isles.

Stray off the beaten path and explore a new side to the Italy you know and love. Soak up the sun with a free afternoon in Positano, home to colorful hillside houses and local posh boutiques. Spend two nights in a unique cave dwelling in Matera, and your last two nights in the Puglia region in a personal converted trulli house. Uncover the Baroque excellence of Lecce, an artisan city of limestone. Make your way through southern Italy and experience the Amalfi Coast and the Puglia region.

Experience the full sweep of Italy on CIE Tours’ most complete and immersive journey. Begin in cosmopolitan Milan and the serene northern lakes, then travel through the legendary Renaissance cities of Venice, Florence, and Rome. Continue to the breathtaking Amalfi Coast, where colorful villages and dramatic cliffs meet the Mediterranean. This tour is perfect for travelers seeking history, culture, and incomparable scenic beauty.

On an immersive journey through Greece, discover its ancient roots, iconic landmarks, and welcoming culture, from Athens to the islands of Naxos and Crete. Visit the iconic Acropolis and get to know Athens’ lively neighborhoods. Ferry to Naxos and dive into Greek island life and culture during a three-night stay. Explore Crete’s treasures from Heraklion and Chania, including Knossos Palace, the pottery village of Margarites, Chania’s old Venetian Harbor, and more. Delve into the traditions, flavors, and history of Greece, exploring unique corners of the country and meeting locals along the way.

Small groups lead to big experiences on this Small Group Discovery tour. Designed for an average of just 24 guests in North America, you'll enjoy meaningful local connections, unique discoveries, and immersive experiences that go beyond the ordinary. From the glamour of Los Angeles and Hollywood to the vineyards of Wine Country, discover California through its landscapes, flavors, and creative spirit. Cruise Santa Barbara Harbor with views of Channel Islands National Park, stroll the charming streets of Solvang, and meet the Junk Girls, local artists transforming reclaimed materials into imaginative works of art. Along the Central Coast, tour a lavender farm, enjoy a slow-food dining experience, and visit a private olive estate for an inside look at one of California's signature agricultural traditions. Explore Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea, travel the scenic 17-Mile Drive past Pebble Beach and the iconic Lone Cypress, and discover the agricultural riches of California's Central Valley through honey, mead, and local flavors. Then savor the best of Napa Valley and Sonoma, where rolling vineyards, acclaimed wineries, and a private wine tasting showcase why California Wine Country is celebrated around the world. Filled with coastal scenery, culinary discoveries, local artisans, and Wine Country experiences, this Small Group Discovery tour reveals California through the people, places, and flavors that make it unforgettable.

Stray off the beaten path and explore a new side to the Italy you know and love. Soak up the sun with a free afternoon in Positano, home to colorful hillside houses and local posh boutiques. Spend two nights in a unique cave dwelling in Matera and your last two nights in the Puglia region in a personal converted trulli house. Uncover the Baroque excellence of Lecce, an artisan city of limestone. Make your way through southern Italy and experience the Amalfi Coast and the Puglia region.

Explore Sicily – an island paradise nestled amongst the deep blue waves of the Mediterranean. Sample specialties in Palermo’s colorful food market. Taste organic olive oil and learn how sustainable production methods support opposing the Mafia. Explore Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples with a guide. Enjoy 2 nights on the Isle of Salina and visit a traditional caper farm. Spend 2 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 Sicily and 2 of its beloved isles.

Discover the magnificent ruins of ancient Greece and bask in the brilliance of the Mediterranean. This comprehensive journey explores Greece's most important ancient monuments, including 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. 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 private cooking demonstration. Wander the winding streets, vineyards, marketplaces, and beaches of Mykonos and Santorini. Explore the excavations of the ancient city at Akrotiri, the most important prehistoric settlement found anywhere in the Eastern Mediterranean. Learn the history of this fascinating country from local experts on guided tours of Athens, Metéora, Delphi, and Olympia. Throughout your journey, experience the iconic sights of Greece's Classical age with ample time to explore on your own.

Consider this your ‘Tour de France’ — a 16-day guided tour that embraces the best of the country, from fortified towns and fine wines. Drive along the Grand Prix circuit in Monaco, stopping to step inside its cathedral, where Princess Grace has been laid to rest. In St Paul de Vence, play pétanque, a bocce-like sport, then celebrate your new skills with a fine French aperitif. Travel to Carcassonne, a fortified city complete with ramparts and a medieval keep. Drive through the Valley of the Dordogne, then feast on a farm-to-table dinner paired with regional wine. In Paris, embrace the City of Light’s most beloved sites: marvel at the Eiffel Tower, gaze at Louvre's glorious facades, and be driven down the posh Champs Elysées to Napoleon's Arc de Triomphe.

What’ll it be? Black risotto made with squid ink? Grilled sardines with garlic and lemon? Lamb and potatoes “under the bell”? This introductory tour of Croatia allows you to sample its local delicacies as well get a taste of the country’s greatest attributes. Modern coastal cities, magnificent medieval towns, and breathtaking natural wonders await at every turn. Get your fill of the lively cobblestone squares in the capital city of Zagreb, the magnificent Diocletian’s Palace in the seaside city of Split, the walled beauty of baroque Dubrovnik, and the magical waterfalls of Krka National Park. Enjoy a walking tour of Ston, famous for its oyster farms, and discover Konavle, known for its lush vineyards. On a clear day, you can see forever with a ride on the Dubrovnik Cable Car, as well as the most beautiful panoramic views from the Srd mountain. Take in the red rooftops below that glow in the sun beside the glittering Adriatic Sea. Board your Adriatic cruise in Croatia along the islands of the Dubrovnik Riviera and onward to Trogir! PLUS, your tour includes your choice of an excursion in Dubrovnik so you can plan your day your way.

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 iconic 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 Vancouver to board your 7-night Alaska cruise. Discover more dramatic coastal scenery as you cruise the Inside Passage and visit Alaska’s scenic ports. Spectacular national parks, a scenic rail journey, an Inside Passage cruise, visits to charming towns and exciting cities, and a 7-night Alaska cruise combine for an unforgettable value-minded vacation showcasing the best of Western Canada and Alaska.

Small groups lead to big experiences on this Small Group Discovery tour! Designed from the ground up for a maximum of 24 guests in North America, you'll enjoy up-close discoveries, meaningful local connections, and exclusive experiences that go beyond traditional touring. From the City of Angels to the City by the Bay, discover California through its coastal scenery, agricultural traditions, creative communities, and celebrated wine regions. Begin in Los Angeles with guided sightseeing in Hollywood and historic Olvera Street before heading north to Santa Barbara, the "American Riviera," where Mediterranean-style architecture meets the Pacific coast. Cruise Santa Barbara Harbor with views of Channel Islands National Park, explore the Danish-inspired village of Solvang, and meet SLO CAL's sustainability champions, the Junk Girls, who transform reclaimed materials into imaginative works of art. Along the Central Coast, tour a lavender farm, enjoy a slow-food dining experience, and visit a private olive estate to learn about cultivation and production techniques. Explore Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea, travel the famed 17-Mile Drive past Pebble Beach and the iconic Lone Cypress, and discover the agricultural heritage of California's Central Valley through honey, mead, and local flavors. Then savor the best of California Wine Country with guided sightseeing in Napa Valley and Sonoma, where rolling vineyards, acclaimed wineries, and a private wine tasting showcase the region's rich winemaking traditions. Filled with coastal beauty, culinary discoveries, local artisans, and Wine Country experiences, this Small Group Discovery tour reveals the many flavors of California. Stay a little longer with two extra nights in San Francisco! Get to know this iconic city with a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing pass to explore at your own pace. Stroll Fisherman's Wharf for fresh sourdough bread, clam chowder, and Ghirardelli chocolate, or take time to discover the city's neighborhoods, ride a historic cable car, bike across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito, or explore the Presidio.

Marvel at Gaudi’s masterpieces in Barcelona, spot locals sipping pastis in Nice and admire Florence the home of Michelangelo and the Renaissance, as you circle the azure waters of the Mediterranean. Embrace the city of Pisa with a stop at the famous leaning tower, where Italian astronomer Galileo was said to have pioneered his theories of gravity. In France, work up an appetite in the medieval streets. In Spain, dine with the locals in Basque tradition with an evening of San Sebastian pintxos tastings, snack-sized tapas, while sipping on a refreshing glass of local Txakoli wine. In Rome, taste the seasonal flavors and of course, handmade pasta.

Travel through Greece on a journey that blends ancient history with everyday life, from the streets of Athens to the islands of Naxos and Crete. Walk among icons at the Acropolis and get to know Athens through its lively neighborhoods and local rhythms. Ferry to Naxos and settle into island life during a 3-night stay shaped by coastal views, mountain villages, and time to slow down. Continue to Crete, exploring its rich heritage from Heraklion and Chania, including Knossos Palace, the pottery village of Margarites, and Chania’s old Venetian Harbor. Along the way, connect with Greece through its traditions, flavors, and people, discovering corners of the country where history and daily life intertwine.

Equal parts fresh air, fresh cuisine, and joyous laughter, the enviable Mediterranean lifestyle is based on the simple concept of balance. Seven nights on land and seven nights at sea strike the perfect equilibrium between ruins and resorts, baklava and beaches, and mythical gods and sun worshipers on this airy Mediterranean land and cruise tour. After journeying from temple to fascinating temple on our Classical Greece tour, you’ll sail from port to breathtaking port to take in the mesmerizing sights of coastal Turkey and the Greek Isles. The island cruising begins on the cultural coast of Rhodes and continues to the glittering isles of Crete, Santorini (weather permitting), Milos, and Mykonos, all while the sirtaki—the lively dance made popular in the classic movie Zorba the Greek—is a joyous constant throughout this big fat Greek vacation.

Discover the extraordinary beauty of Western Canada on an immersive journey through British Columbia and Alberta, where majestic mountain landscapes, exclusive experiences, and exceptional hospitality come together in perfect balance. From the vibrant waterfront city of Vancouver to the legendary peaks of the Canadian Rockies, explore iconic landscapes shaped by soaring peaks, glacier-fed lakes, and vast wilderness. Ascend Banff's Sulphur Mountain by gondola for sweeping alpine vistas, enjoy a private breakfast at Whistler's acclaimed Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre, and savor a special dinner in the historic greenhouse at the celebrated Butchart Gardens. Marvel at the immense Columbia Icefield, admire the striking turquoise waters of Lake Louise, and cruise the crystal-clear waters of Maligne Lake to iconic Spirit Island, one of Canada's most photographed landmarks. No celebration of the Canadian West would be complete without the "Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth"—the Calgary Stampede. Break in your boots and break out your cowboy hat for this legendary festival celebrating more than a century of western heritage and cowboy culture. From bucking broncos and world-class rodeo competition to live music, local flavors, and unforgettable entertainment, the Calgary Stampede delivers an exhilarating finale to your Canadian Rockies adventure. PLUS, this tour includes your choice of excursions in Victoria so you can plan your day your way.

Experience the very best of Italy with your Small Group - from ancient ruins to Renaissance masterpieces and sun-soaked coastlines. You’ll enjoy fast-tracked entry to the Vatican, walk through time in Pompeii, and savor a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience of a farm-to-table lunch on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius. In Florence, admire Michelangelo’s David with a Local Expert or enjoy a relaxed Italian treat. Sail to the glamorous Isle of Capri, cruise Venice’s canals by gondola and even witness artisan glassblowers preserve centuries of tradition. Your tour ends with an evening of local food and wine as the warm tremolo of Italy’s best-loved songs fill the air.

Venture along the glittering Mediterranean coast on an immersive journey through the Spanish, French, and Italian Rivieras. Discover the charming Llafranc Coastal Walk and the vibrant history of Girona, where cobblestone streets and ancient walls whisper stories of the past. Marvel at the dramatic cliffs and hidden coves of the Costa Brava. Cruise along the coves of Cassis and the breathtaking Calanques, where limestone cliffs plunge into turquoise waters. Experience the heart of the Côte d’Azur in Nice, the elegance of Aix-en-Provence, and the glamour of Monaco and Cannes. In Italy, the journey winds through the vine-covered hills of Tuscany to the Renaissance splendor of Florence. Along the way, meet local winemakers, explore historic estates, and toast to unforgettable views. From chameleonic Barcelona to sun-kissed Nice, and from timeless villages to iconic cities, this is your dream Mediterranean escape.

Venture along the glittering Mediterranean coast on an immersive journey through the Spanish, French, and Italian Rivieras. Discover the medieval charm of Besalú and the vibrant history of Girona, where cobbled streets and ancient walls whisper stories of the past. Marvel at the dramatic cliffs and hidden coves of the Costa Brava. Cruise along the coves of Cassis and the breathtaking Calanques, where limestone cliffs plunge into turquoise waters. Experience the heart of the Côte d’Azur in Nice, the elegance of Aix-en-Provence, and the glamour of Monaco and Cannes. In Italy, the journey winds through the vine-covered hills of Tuscany to the Renaissance splendor of Florence. Along the way, meet local winemakers, explore historic estates, and toast to unforgettable views. From chameleonic Barcelona to sun-kissed Nice, and from timeless villages to iconic cities, this is your dream Mediterranean escape.