Best Mediterranean Tours

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Embark on an Iberian adventure as you take in medieval architecture, idyllic landscapes, and delectable cuisine. Embark on a panoramic tour of Barcelona and view 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. Visit Belém and its many monuments. 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.

From bustling cities to peaceful stays on the Mediterranean coast, get a true taste of the Iberian Peninsula. Explore Málaga on a walking tour, where you can taste some of the delicacies of this southern Spanish region. Visit Frigiliana and Nerja, 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, travel by tram to the cobbled narrow streets and visit Belem, home to the Jerónimos Monastery. Relax on Portugal’s Riviera during a 3-night stay. Experience the history of Spain and Portugal while enjoying the region’s sunshine and local flavors.

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.

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 excursions in Dubrovnik so you can plan your day your way.

From the coast of the Mediterranean to the shores of the Sea of Galilee, a flood of emotions is to be expected on this moving religious tour through Israel and Jordan. What better way to immerse yourself in the treasured stories of Scripture than by standing at the very sites where Jesus walked on water, turned water into wine, and was baptized by John the Baptist? Follow in every footstep as you travel from the site of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem to the site of the Last Supper on Mount Zion. Tears of joy are balanced with bellows of laughter as you float effortlessly in the salt-laden waters of the Dead Sea, go four-wheeling through the sand dunes of Wadi Rum, and channel “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.

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.

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 (UNESCO) 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.

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!

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.

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 with 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. Visit brilliant Butchart Gardens and 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!

Time travel on this 7-day escorted tour of the beautiful Balkans from Tirana to Dubrovnik and discover how the past stands still and the future is in full play. From the seemingly unchanged villages and natural landscapes to the languid lakes and legendary seascapes of Albania and Croatia, you’ll find the vibrant life of artisans, ancient architecture, and fortresses that hold the secrets of wars past, and freedom won. Capture the beauty of the Balkans on the pink-paved streets and markets mixed with the Byzantine and Venetian architecture of Kotor, Montenegro; the legends of sea stories in Perast; and the massive fortress walls of Dubrovnik, Croatia. 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 excursions in Dubrovnik so you can plan your day your way.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

Feet on the ground or head in the clouds? Set your sights on both on this heady tour of the Canadian Rockies. A sunny gondola ride to Banff’s Sulphur Mountain, a private breakfast at Whistler’s Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, and a special dinner inside the original greenhouse at Victoria’s lush Butchart Gardens are just some of the ways to take your travel dreams to new heights through Alberta and British Columbia. Bold and breathtaking views are served from Vancouver to Calgary on the breezes of Sun Peaks, the glacial wonder of the Columbia Icefield, the alluring blue hue of Lake Louise, and the magnificent canyons and gorges of Jasper National Park. A panoramic cruise along the crystal waters of Maligne Lake to remote Spirit Island – one of Canada’s most cherished and photographed places – elevate this journey through Western Canada. It’s only fitting to add the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” to your great outdoors Canadian Rockies tour. Break in your boots and break out your cowboy hat for the Calgary Stampede, a “Wild West” festival that tips its Stetson to more than a century of western culture and heritage. From bucking broncos to daring dishes, the world’s largest rodeo – and one of Canada’s largest music festivals – promises a delicious feast for your eyes, ears, and taste buds.

Venture along the glittering Mediterranean coast on an immersive journey connecting the Spanish, French and Italian Rivieras. Taste your way along the Mediterranean coast sampling traditional Catalan specialties in a 17th-century farmhouse, flavorful Provençal cuisine in Marseille, and traditional focaccia in Genoa. Enjoy the iconic must-sees and venture to gems off the beaten path, like the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside. Take a step into the culture and meet the locals. From chameleonic Barcelona to sun-kissed Nice; from glamorous Monaco to the rolling hills of the Chianti countryside, find your dream Mediterranean journey.