Best Mediterranean Tours

Athens to Athens and everything in between makes this Greek adventure one for the history books. From the mysterious ruins dedicated to Greek deities, to the magnificent realms of the great philosophers, your imagination will overflow with the sights, tastes, and ancient tales of Athens, Olympia, Delphi, Meteora, and more mind-blowing experiences—all between the blue skies and seas. Set sights on the sea with visits to the islands of Crete, Naxos, and Paros to unveil the mysteries, myths, and marvelous history that awaits you along with idyllic villages, pristine shores and so much more! You’ll find plenty of island time to wine, dine, and dream in sidewalk cafés and tavernas, creating a few legendary memories of your own.

Embark on an Iberian adventure as you take in medieval architecture, idyllic landscapes, and delectable cuisine. Embark on a tour of Barcelona and view Antoni Gaudí’s architectural masterpieces, including La Sagrada Familia. Enjoy an authentic paella experience with lunch. Visit the exotic and expansive Alhambra Palace. Enjoy the fascinating art form that is flamenco. Marvel at the timeless masterpieces at the Prado Museum. Explore Lisbon, Europe’s second oldest capital city and see Belém and its many monuments, including Jerónimos Monastery (UNESCO). Visit the medieval walled town of Obidos. Explore Spain and Portugal’s culture and history set against a backdrop of sunny Mediterranean shores and grand mountain ranges.

What shoes should you pack for walking on sunshine? The pair best suited for 1,000 miles of shoreline and 300 days of sunlit skies per year. With its refreshing Atlantic breezes and live-life-to the-fullest Mediterranean ways, the sun-drenched country of Portugal invites you to dip your toe—and entire body—into a sea of relaxation. This rejuvenating tour of Portugal leads you past rolling olive farms, through scenic cork groves, and down winding Moorish alleyways to the country’s signature delights. In its coastal villages and medieval towns, grilled seafood fills the tables, sweet port fills the glasses, and the soulful sounds of fado music fill the air. Continue your tour with a trip to Santa Cruz on the magical Island of Madeira, complete with crystalline waters and centuries of tradition and culinary treats. Explore “Little Lisbon” in Funchal, with its creative atmosphere that inspires the imagination. From the quaint charms of fishing villages to the quiet reflections from luminous pools and lofty plateaus, your vacation in Portugal is a feast for the senses and an unforgettable adventure for the soul. PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Lisbon so you can plan your day your way.

What shoes should you pack for walking on sunshine? The pair best suited for 1,000 miles of shoreline and 300 days of sunlit skies per year. With its refreshing Atlantic breezes and live-life-to the-fullest Mediterranean ways, the sun-drenched country of Portugal invites you to dip your toe—and entire body—into a sea of relaxation. This rejuvenating tour of Portugal leads you past rolling olive farms, through scenic cork groves, and down winding Moorish alleyways to the country’s signature delights. In its coastal villages and medieval towns, grilled seafood fills the tables, sweet port fills the glasses, and the soulful sounds of fado music fill the air. Continue your tour with a trip to Santa Cruz on the magical Island of Madeira, complete with crystalline waters and centuries of tradition and culinary treats. Explore “Little Lisbon” in Funchal, with its creative atmosphere that inspires the imagination. From the quaint charms of fishing villages to the quiet reflections from luminous pools and lofty plateaus, your vacation in Portugal is a feast for the senses and an unforgettable adventure for the soul. PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Lisbon so you can plan your day your way.

Admire Croatia’s trendiest islands along the northern Adriatic Sea from a privately chartered ship, explore the Slovenian coastline, and discover magical Venice. Cruise to explore the Croatian islands of Cres and the largest island, Krk. Sail around Kornati National Park – known as Croatia’s “nautical paradise.” Get ready for more than just beautiful scenery as you experience traditional Dalmatian delicacies, savor the sweet flavor of Rab cake, and an afternoon lunch at a family-owned winery in the Collio region. Uncover the hidden beauty and wondrous history of such Mediterranean gems.

What shoes should you pack for walking on sunshine? The pair best suited for 1,000 miles of shoreline and 300 days of sunlit skies per year. With its refreshing Atlantic breezes and live-life-to the-fullest Mediterranean ways, the sun-drenched country of Portugal invites you to dip your toe—and entire body—into a sea of relaxation. This rejuvenating tour of Portugal leads you past rolling olive farms, through scenic cork groves, and down winding Moorish alleyways to the country’s signature delights. In its coastal villages and medieval towns, grilled seafood fills the tables, sweet port fills the glasses, and the soulful sounds of fado music fill the air. Your vacation in Portugal continues with a flight from Lisbon to Ponta Delgada—to soak in some of Mother Nature’s finest work on the Atlantic Ocean. Take in the views of volcanic masterpieces from the top of Pico da Barrosa Mountain and visit Europe’s only tea plantation on the massive Maia farm. Visit Furnas’ geothermal wonders and marvel at the volcanic crater, cradling the luminous Sete Cidades Lake—one of Portugal’s Seven Natural Wonders. PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Lisbon so you can plan your day your way.

Feeling blue takes on a different meaning on this tour of Greece and Turkey. The striking contrast of whitewashed walls beside the blue Aegean Sea is sure to lift the spirit by mythic proportions! On this tour of Athens, the Greek Isles, and Istanbul, you will explore the ancient city of gold, silver, and bronze before setting sail for the iconic blue and white island gems of Santorini and Mykonos. Enjoy Santorini’s picture-perfect vistas, pristine beaches, chic boutiques, waterfront cafes, and the heart-pumping nightlife of magical Mykonos. Your tour continues to Istanbul to behold the bold beauty of sacred Byzantine architecture in Istanbul’s mosques and palaces is complemented by the warm people who welcome us to share in the traditions and tastes (think Turkish coffee & Turkish Delight!) in this gateway to the Black Sea and the Mediterranean.

Some things are just better together—ouzo and ice, tzatziki and pita bread, Sun Gods, and pure sunshine. We combined our enlightening tour of Classical Greece with our rejuvenating Island Hopper vacation to create the ultimate Greek getaway. History and harbors, ruins and resorts, and wisdom and waves come together as you trace the steps of ancient philosophers and athletes in Athens, Olympia, Delphi, Meteora, and more before digging your toes in the sand at two of the most glamorous islands in the Aegean. Magnificent Mykonos, with its iconic 16th-century windmills, and serene Santorini, with its picture-perfect whitewashed villages, warmly welcome guests to experience the vibrant cuisine, fiery sunsets, calm waters, and pulsating nightlife. Pack your swim cap and your thinking hat for this tour of Classical Greece where cities and seas collide.

Spectacular national parks and scenic drives highlight this wonderful Canadian Rockies tour that travels to Vancouver, Kelowna, Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Sun Peaks, Whistler, and Victoria. Begin in vibrant Vancouver where city sightseeing includes Stanley Park, historic Gastown, bustling Chinatown and more. Then journey to Kelowna, attractively set on the shores of Okanagan Lake and surrounded by orchards and vineyards. Climb Rogers Pass in Glacier National Park then enter Yoho National Park and ascend Kicking Horse Pass before arriving in magnificent Banff National Park—Canada’s first national park. Have free time to hike, bike, enjoy the natural hot springs or get breathtaking views from above on an optional helicopter excursion. Stop to see the gorgeous turquoise waters of Lake Louise then travel to Icefields Parkway to ride the Ice Explorer on the Columbia Icefield, the largest expanse of ice in the Canadian Rockies. Arrive in the vast wilderness and wildlife of Jasper National Park—home to elk, bighorn sheep, moose, and bear! Enjoy free time for independent exploration or go on optional excursions like floating down the Athabasca River and visiting Maligne Lake’s Spirit Island. See Mount Robson, the Canadian Rockies’ highest peak at 12,972 feet, en route to the mountain resort of Sun Peaks. Travel to the alpine town of Whistler, surrounded by stunning glaciated mountains where you can hike, explore the village, or take an optional excursion, like a Ziptrek Adventure through an old-growth rainforest. Continue to the Pacific Coast to sail across the Strait of Georgia for two nights in Victoria on Vancouver Island, complete with sightseeing and a visit to magnificent Butchart Gardens. Perhaps enjoy high tea at the Empress Hotel or take an optional Wildlife and Whale Watching Expedition before ferrying through the picturesque Gulf Islands to Vancouver where you’ll board your ship for an amazing 7-night Alaska cruise. For the value-minded traveler, this Canadian Rockies tour with an Alaska cruise is an adventure that will create memories to last a lifetime!

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.

From bustling cities to peaceful stays on the Mediterranean coast, get a true taste of the Iberian Peninsula. Explore Malaga on a walking tour, where you can taste some of the delicacies of this southern Spanish region. Visit Nerja and Frigiliana, two of the Andalusian white villages that leave memories of quiet, simpler days. Visit Ronda, a clifftop marvel. Gaze at Cordoba’s Mezquita and colorful patios. In Seville, learn about the history of Flamenco with a hands-on lesson. In Lisbon, hop on a tram to explore the charming cobblestone streets, and visit Belem. Then, unwind in Portugal's vibrant capital while discovering the enchanting village of Sintra and the picturesque town of Cascais along the stunning Portuguese Riviera. Experience the history of Spain and Portugal while enjoying the region’s sunshine and local flavors.

Discover magical Venice, explore the Slovenian coastline, and admire Croatia’s trendiest islands along the northern Adriatic Sea from a privately chartered ship. Cruise to explore the Croatian islands of Cres and the largest island, Krk. Sail around Kornati National Park – known as Croatia’s “nautical paradise.” Get ready for more than just beautiful scenery as you enjoy an afternoon lunch at a family-owned winery in the Collio region, savor the sweet flavor of Rab cake, and experience traditional Dalmatian delicacies. Uncover the hidden beauty and wondrous history of such Mediterranean gems.

Scenes from Scripture, scenes of the desert, and even scenes from the movies await on this historical and biblical tour of Israel and Jordan. As you travel from Tel Aviv, the “Mediterranean Manhattan,” to the calming waters of the Dead Sea, you’ll come alive as you float in the salt-laden lake, immerse yourself in fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and dig into out-of-this world plates of mezze—the Middle East’s version of Spanish tapas. Between the moving sites of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, you will be inspired by a variety of breathtaking natural wonders. Feel exhilarated on a four-wheel drive through the sand dunes of Wadi Rum, visit Wadi Mujib, the “Jordanian Grand Canyon,” and channel your inner “Indy” as you navigate the narrow gorge of the Siq at the rock-cut archaeological site of Petra—made famous in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

Small groups translate to great experiences on this Small Group Discovery tour. Designed from the ground up for a maximum of 18 guests in Europe, this Small Group Discovery tour has everything you need to explore with up-close-and-exclusive experiences that go beyond traditional tours. Treasures galore are yours to discover in Sicily and Malta. From the sacred sites of churches and cathedrals that have stood the test of time to timeless recipes passed down through the generations—now yours to master! Explore by catamaran, ferry, farming traditions, and fine art and architecture along the way to unwrap the gems of Sicily and Malta on this Small Group Discovery Tour for the ages!

Pack your bags for countless adventures because we’ve packed the best of British Columbia and Alberta into one unforgettable vacation in Canada. From international cities to national parks, snow-dusted summits to vineyard-dotted valleys, dramatic glaciers to soothing hot springs, and the calmest of lakes to the wildest of creatures, Western Canada presents the greatest range of sights and cities, not to mention mountains! On this grand tour of Western Canada, you’ll spend time in the multicultural metropolis of Vancouver and the British-infused city of Victoria before trading the pubs of the “garden city” for the peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Devour the majestic scenery of four national parks – Glacier, Yoho, Banff, and Jasper – get a taste of resort life in renowned Whistler, sip local wine at a charming lakeside resort in Kelowna and clink your glasses to mountains of fun. PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Victoria so you can plan your day your way.

Explore ancient ruins and legendary architecture, otherworldly landscapes and underground cities in the country that bridges the gap between east and west. Spend three nights in Istanbul, a melting pot of cultures, historical sites, and religious communities, home to Hagia Sophia and the Topkapi Palace. Visit the cascading thermal pools of Pamukkale and tour the ruins from the Greco-Roman period. Discover the sparkling Aegean coast, then follow the path of the Silk Road on your way to the ethereal valleys and geological wonders of Cappadocia. From the earthly delights of Istanbul’s famous Spice Market to the transcendent power of a Whirling Dervishes ceremony, delight your senses and ignite your imagination in beautiful Turkiye.

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, this Small Group Discovery tour has everything you need to explore with up-close-and-exclusive experiences that go beyond traditional tours. From the City of Angels to the City by the Bay, California is calling from coastlines to central valley wines. Begin your California tour in Marina del Rey with guided sightseeing on Olvera Street and Hollywood. Head up the coast to the Spanish charm of Santa Barbara to explore the “American Riviera” to explore the Channel Islands and Colonial architecture of this Mediterranean jewel on the Pacific. Get a taste of Denmark amid the windmills of charming Solvang—with authentic Danish streets and pastry treats in the Santa Ynez Valley. Discover art and wine in California’s central valley, then wake up and smell the lavender in a San Miguel farm on the central coast. Feel a breeze in the Monterey Bay where Cannery Row inspired Steinbeck’s famous novel. Be inspired yourself on the waterfront where sea otters and a myriad of marine life flourish. Get in the swing of California life with a visit to Pebble Beach Golf Course and pass the iconic Lone Cypress tree as it clings to the rocky outcrops. Travel the rugged beauty of coastal views on the 17-mile drive to charming Carmel-by-the-Sea—a hamlet to steal your heart with storybook cottages and cobbled lanes beside the bracing ocean air. Go inward to the Central Valley to discover a wealth of agricultural treasures with tours and tastings. On to the rolling vineyards of Napa Valley where California wines hold their own in comparison to the finest French wines. Dig into the wine and culinary scene of Sonoma in the cool Pacific air to explore, eat, and enjoy a glass or two. This Small Group Discovery tour of California is always a good reason to celebrate!

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.

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! Spend the last few days of your affordable tour of Italy and Greece in sheer relaxation aboard your cruise ship for a 3-night cruise to some of the world’s most beautiful islands. You’ll see Mykonos, with its seafront village, sandy beaches, and whitewashed houses; Crete, the largest of the Greek Islands featuring towns nestled picturesquely between two mountain ranges; Santorini (weather permitting), with one of the world's most breathtaking panoramas; Patmos, where St. John the Divine wrote the Book of Revelation; and Kusadasi in Turkey. All these elements come together perfectly to create a value-minded Italy and Greece tour with a cruise like no other!

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.

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 off-the-beaten-path destinations. You’ll begin in Calgary with a city tour before heading to the majestic Canadian Rockies—featuring awe-inspiring Banff National Park, the turquoise waters of Lake Louise, and a ride on an all-terrain Ice Explorer across ice measuring 750 feet thick! Journey further into the breathtaking wilderness of Jasper National Park with the opportunity to join an optional excursion to Maligne Lake and the much-photographed Spirit Island. En route to Prince George, see Mount Robson, the Canadian Rockies’ highest peak. Embark on a stunning all-daylight journey aboard VIA Rail’s Skeena train through the rugged Coast Mountains. Retrace the steps of the ancient First Nations trading routes following the paths of the earliest fur traders and arrive in Prince Rupert for a two-night stay. Your adventure continues by ferry on a fantastic voyage on the Inside Passage through some of the world’s most spectacular scenery and the chance to see whales, sea lions, porpoise, eagles, and other wildlife. Overnight in Port Hardy and make your way south to charming Victoria on Vancouver Island. Have time to explore this very British city before setting sail across the picturesque Strait of Georgia and Gulf Islands to Vancouver to board your 7-day Alaska cruise for more spectacular sights and breathtaking scenery. With stunning national parks, a scenic train ride, a magnificent Inside Passage cruise, visits to charming towns and exciting cities, and an Alaska cruise this amazing, value-minded vacation is not to be missed!

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.

Your adventure begins at the Calgary Stampede, “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.” This rip-roaring celebration of the Old West brings frontier days to life with entertainment and exhibits, great food, world-famous Chuckwagon horse races, and the Calgary Stampede Rodeo. Continue your Canada adventure with overnights in Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Kamloops, Vancouver, and Victoria. Along the way, you’ll witness spectacular scenery and visit western Canada’s most famous cities. Adventure calls from the beauty of Banff National Park and luminescent Lake Louise to Icefield Parkway where you’ll explore the 750-foot-thick ice aboard an all-terrain Ice Explorer and then travel to the dramatic landscapes of Jasper National Park. Experience an amazing two-day rail journey aboard the Rocky Mountaineer and never miss a magnificent sight while traveling by train during the daylight hours, Pass Mount Robson, the Canadian Rockies’ highest mountain, wild rivers, magnificent mountain ranges, and turbulent Hell’s Gate rapids on the Fraser River. Cross by ferry through the Gulf Islands from Vancouver to Victoria on Vancouver Island. Marvel at the stunning, world-famous Butchart Gardens and have free time to explore this very British city. Return by ferry across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver to conclude this unforgettable value-minded vacation in Canada!

This adventure across Canada begins in Toronto, ends in Vancouver, and is filled with stunning scenery, spectacular national parks, and some of Canada’s most popular cities. A highlight of this tour is the 3-day, 3-night journey on VIA Rail’s® the Canadian—a premier continental train—from Toronto to Jasper. Enjoy views of the ever-changing landscapes through Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta aboard VIA Rail®’s refurbished art deco rail cars and domed observation cars. Marvel at thunderous Niagara Falls on your included boat cruise past the falls. In the Canadian Rockies, ride the Ice Explorer—an all-terrain vehicle—on Columbia Icefield, an expanse of ice that is 750-feet thick! Stop in Lake Louise, where its gorgeous turquoise waters mirror the surrounding glacial peaks. Visit Jasper National Park—with its rugged mountains, glaciers, alpine meadows, rivers, and abundant wildlife—and Banff National Park, Canada’s first national park. Also travel through stunning Yoho National Park and Glacier National Park. From the Pacific Coast, sail across the Strait of Georgia to Victoria through the scenic Gulf Islands. Spend two nights in this charming city then ferry to vibrant Vancouver. Majestic mountain scenery, pristine glacier-fed lakes, picturesque towns, gentle prairie fields, and exciting cities – experience it all on this unforgettable rail adventure across Canada!

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, this Small Group Discovery tour has everything you need to explore with up-close-and-exclusive experiences that go beyond traditional tours. From the City of Angels to the City by the Bay, California is calling from coastlines to central valley wines. Begin your California tour in Marina del Rey with guided sightseeing on Olvera Street and Hollywood. Head up the coast to the Spanish charm of Santa Barbara to explore the “American Riviera” to explore the Channel Islands and Colonial architecture of this Mediterranean jewel on the Pacific. Get a taste of Denmark amid the windmills of charming Solvang—with authentic Danish streets and pastry treats in the Santa Ynez Valley. Discover art and wine in California’s central valley, then wake up and smell the lavender in a San Miguel farm on the central coast. Feel a breeze in the Monterey Bay where Cannery Row inspired Steinbeck’s famous novel. Be inspired yourself on the waterfront where sea otters and a myriad of marine life flourish. Get in the swing of California life with a visit to Pebble Beach Golf Course and pass the iconic Lone Cypress tree as it clings to the rocky outcrops. Travel the rugged beauty of coastal views on the 17-mile drive to charming Carmel-by-the-Sea—a hamlet to steal your heart with storybook cottages and cobbled lanes beside the bracing ocean air. Go inward to the Central Valley to discover a wealth of agricultural treasures with tours and tastings. On to the rolling vineyards of Napa Valley where California wines hold their own in comparison to the finest French wines. Dig into the wine and culinary scene of Sonoma in the cool Pacific air to explore, eat, and enjoy a glass or two. This Small Group Discovery tour of California is always a good reason to celebrate! Stay a little longer with two extra nights in San Francisco! Get to know this iconic city with a hop-on, hop-off bus pass to explore as you please. We suggest a walk on Fisherman’s Wharf for fresh sourdough bread, clam chowder, and Ghirardelli chocolate! Your GlobusGO mobile app can point you in the right direction to catch a cable car, bike ride across the Golden Gate Bridge to scenic Sausalito, visit the Presidio, or anything to make you leave your heart in San Francisco!