Compare 10 Night Accessible Western Mediterranean Escorted Group Cruise by Sage Traveling vs Mediterranean Journey - Start Paris, Classic Group Start Paris Classic Group by Insight Vacations
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| Trip |
4 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 10 days | 16 days |
| Price From | $ 5,639 | $ 4,940 |
| Price Per Day | $ 564 | $ 309 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small ship cruise | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Countries Visited | ||
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Escorted by a Sage Traveling Accessible Travel Expert, you’ll travel with a group of adventurous disabled travelers and experience several beautiful ports throughout the picturesque Mediterranean. In each port, you’ll have the opportunity to experience full-day accessible excursions – much different from the short see-the-city-through-a-bus-window tours the cruise lines offer. These will include accessible transfers, interior visits to accessible tourist attractions, wheelchair friendly routes and private tour guides specialized in touring with disabled visitors. |
Marvel at Gaudi’s masterpieces in Barcelona, spot locals sipping pastis in Nice and admire Florence the home of Michelangelo's David, as you circle the azure waters of the Mediterranean. Embrace a day of Pisa sightseeing 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 before a sumptuous farm-to-table dinner in Avignon with a menu that showcases traditional French, home-style cuisine. 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, the dish du jour is, of course, handmade pasta and seasonal flavours. |
Ports of Call
Cartagena
- Enjoy a guided tour of the spectacular ancient Roman Theatre and Museum.
- Experience the Punic Wall of Cartagena, a fascinating archaeological site from the 3rd century BC.
- Visit a traditional local Winery for a tour and some private wine tasting with assortments of cheese and sobrasadas.
Ibiza
Enjoy a memorable stroll through Dalt Vila, a fortified city developed around a castle.
Visit small local markets and alleys and admire beautiful traditional handcrafts.
Experience a private Ibizan Herb workshop with a master alchemist. You’ll learn about the production of the most famous liquor of Ibiza and do some mixing and tasting on your own.
Palma De Mallorca
- Visit and explore the city of Palma, the largest city of Mallorca and the capital of the Balearic Islands.
- Experience the magnificent Catalonian Gothic Cathedral “La Seu”, the burial place of Kings of Mallorca, Gaudi artwork inside the Cathedral, the Palma de Mallorca City Hall, the “parade of the giants, Plaça Major and PlaçaCort.
- Enjoy some relaxing time soaking in the Spanish island atmosphere at an accessible beach.
Provence
- Enjoy a full day excursion from the port of Toulon to the charming village of Aix en Provence, the birthplace of the famous impressionist Paul Cézanne.
- Experience charming architecture, including impressive monuments, and embark on an enjoyable stroll in Vieil Aix, a pedestrian zone consisting of narrow streets in a labyrinth pattern.
- Visit other Provence highlights including the 17th century Town Hall, the Archbishop’s Palace and St Sauveur Cathedral.
Nice
- Optional Private Excursions or stay and relax on the ship (this tour is not included in cost)
- Florence
- Visit the Renaissance city of Florence which is the current capital of Tuscany
- View the Ponte Vecchio, Michelangelo’s David, Florence’s Duomo cathedral, Piazza dellaSignoria, and more
- Learn about the banking of the Medici family, the start of the Renaissance, the early years of Michelangelo, the writing of Dante Alighieri and more
Rome
- Visit the ancient capital of the Roman Empire and the current capital of Italy
- View the Colosseum, the Vittorio Emmanuelle monument, the Sistine Chapel, and more
- Learn about the rise of the Roman Republic, the rule of the Roman Emperors, the work of the Renaissance masters like Michelangelo, the Vatican & the pope, and more
- Naples
- Visit the famous archaeological site of Pompeii, the preserved building interiors at Herculaneum, and the largest city in southern Italy, Naples.
- View Piazza Garibaldi, the Royal Palace, Piazza Carlo III, Castle Nuovo, and more during your accessible driving tour in Naples.
- Learn about the catastrophic eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 C.E. the burial of Pompeii and other Roman cities, and the much later Kingdom of Naples
Day 1: Welcome to Paris
Welcome to Paris, enjoy time at leisure to settle into your hotel. During your time here you will see the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Place de la Concorde, the Champs Elysées and Arc de Triomphe. At 17:00 join your Travel Director at a local brasserie in the heart of Paris for a fabulous Welcome Dinner.
Day 2: Paris, the City of Light
Your exploration of Paris today begins with an Insight Choice. Choose between exploring aristocratic Marais district with your Local Expert, including a visit to beautiful Sully's Mansion garden, or alternatively join a Local Expert who is an avid foodie, to explore the local market and sample local treats and delicacies. With the afternoon free, there are countless opportunities to enjoy the lively atmosphere of this glittering city.
Day 3: Amboise and on to Bordeaux
Head southwards towards Châteaux Country. Take a scenic drive along the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The region is known as the Jardins de France for the beautifully maintained gardens that were created on vast estates as outdoor living areas. Visit the majestic Chenoneau Castle, an elegant French château spanning the River Cher. Continue on to the bustling seaport of Bordeaux with its unique 18th century character.
Day 4: Bordeaux and San Sebastián
Join a Local Expert for a guided tour of France's best 18th century architecture. The facades of the quaysides, the Grand Théâtre, Triangle d'Or and magnificent Esplanade des Quinconces all contribured to Bordeaux earn inclusion on UNESCO's World Heritage list. Next, continue to picturesque San Sebastián where you will have the chance to dine with the locals in the evening. In small groups, wander through the Old Town for a progressive dinner, as you enjoy the gastronomic Basque tradition of pintxos. Similar to tapas, enjoy a variety of snack-sized treats to make your meal and be sure to try some of the local Txakoli wine.
Day 5: On to Madrid Relaxed Start
Continue along the Guadarrama Mountains to the plateau of New Castile and Spain's elegant capital of Madrid. In the evening, why not see the city lit up it all its glory, with a drive along the grand avenues and past the spectacular fountains?
Day 6: Madrid
Join your Local Expert for a sightseeing tour of the Old Town as well as, along the elegant Paseo de la Castellana and past the fountain in the Plaza de Cibeles. Explore Madrid with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the Reina Sofia Museum with an art historian to see Picasso's Guernica. Alternatively, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience on a neighbourhood walking tour to learn about the history of women's movements in Spain.
Day 7: Madrid and beautiful Barcelona
Cross the Castilian plain, past Zaragoza, and continue to the vibrant port of Barcelona. In the evening, why not try delicious local Catalan cuisine and as night descends, view the city from the heights of Montjuic, with lights sparkling below from the mountains to sea.
Day 8: Barcelona, City of Gaudi
Join your Local Expert to explore the heart of the Gothic Quarter. See the cathedral and walk through the Roman gate to tour the narrow lanes and old squares. Travel by the Ramblas and along the Passeig de Gràcia. Continue through the Eixample district to see Gaudi’s extraordinary masterpiece, the mesmerising Sagrada Família.
Day 9: Avignon, the City of Popes
Journey to Avignon to see the famous Pont d'Avignon, once spanning the Rhône and immortalised in songs. Walk within the medieval narrow streets of the Old Town to stand in the shadow of the old Palais des Papes, resembling a fortress. Learn about olive oil and enjoy a tasting of the freshest produce. After, indulge in a Farm-to-Table dinner, a delicious insight into traditional French home-style cuisine.
Day 10: On the shores of Nice
Journey along the French Riviera to the elegant town of Nice, where the rest of the day is at your leisure to stroll along the fabled Promenade des Anglais or relax on the beach.
Day 11: Monaco and Pisa
Travel to Monaco where you are driven along part of the Grand Prix circuit, before walking with your Travel Director through the old town. See the Royal Palace where the Grimaldi family live, the yacht-filled harbour and visit the cathedral, housing the tombs of the late Prince Rainier and Princess Grace. Cross into Italy and follow the arc of the Italian Riviera before arriving in Pisa. In the Square of Miracles, stop to see the incredible Leaning Tower of Pisa with a Local Expert, from which Galileo is said to have conducted experiments on velocity and gravity. Also see the splendid 11th century cathedral and baptistery, decorated with mosaics and designs in solid marble.
Day 12: Florence Sightseeing Relaxed Start
Walk with your Local Expert to the marble-clad cathedral and baptistery, where Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise have been recreated in all their glory. The next stop is Piazza della Signoria, still the political heart of Florence and an open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces. Spend time gazing at statues such as Neptune and David along the front of the Palazzo Vecchio. The area around Santa Croce Basilica is famous for the quality of its luxury goods of gold and leather and there's free time to shop or continue exploring.
Day 13: The Eternal City of Rome
Relax and enjoy the grand landscapes of the Chianti hills and Umbria, before passing the Apennine Mountains to arrive at the Eternal City, filled with classic antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches. In the evening, what better way to toast the culmination of your Mediterranean journey, than with delicious Italian cuisine and wine.
Day 14: Exploring Papal Rome
A Local Expert introduces the grandeur of the city, starting with the Vatican State, the richest community on the world. Visit the Vatican Museums, full of priceless treasures collected by the Popes. Insight provides special, fast-tracked entry to avoid the crowds, together with behind-the-scenes access to the Bramante Staircase - a marvel of Renaissance architecture normally off-limits to the general public. Once inside the Sistine Chapel, admire Michelangelo's famous ceiling. Next door, visit St. Peter’s Basilica to admire Michelangelo's emotive 'Pieta' and see Bernini's intricately carved Papal Altar. The rest of the day is yours to shop in the trendy boutiques or relax at a sidewalk cafe. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to visit the Colosseum, the scene of many gladiatorial contests, and see the Roman Forum?
Day 15: Rome at Leisure Relaxed Start
The day is yours to enjoy Rome at your own pace. Perhaps take an optional experience to the ill-fated town of Pompeii, frozen in time when it was engulfed by an eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. Alternatively, spend some time in the boutiques of the Via del Corso, the Via Nazionale or the elegant designer stores near the Spanish Steps? As night falls, why not sip on prosecco at a sidewalk cafe in Piazza Navona - the Living Room of Rome - and enjoy life's pageantry pass by?
Day 16: Arrivederci Roma
Bid farewell to the glories of Italy. Departure transfers arrive at Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport at 07:00 and 09:30.
