We loved it. We like the smaller group tours. The experiences were hit and miss. The Tours manager Christina was outstanding. She was charming and helpful and knowledgeable. She managed the different personalities of people on the tour making, I think, everybody happy.
I like the fact that there was a good amount of free time on the tour, and we stayed three or four nights in each location.
There were three nights in Paris, but we added an extra night at the tour hotel-Paris Renaissance Republque Rep Hotel. We love this hotel -best breakfast of the trip. It is within walking distance of Le Marais which has great food, but the area near the place de Republic where the hotel is actually located is also wonderful. The tour included a walking tour of Le Marais, the Latin quarter and boat ride on the Seine. The day had a lot of walking, but it was worth it.
The next day we were on our own. We did not go on the optional excursion to Versailles as both my husband and I had already seen it on a prior trip.
We went to the musee d’orsey which for me was a highlight. There are no museums included on the tour. So if your museum person like me, probably need to get your own tickets for independent time. I figured out three weeks before the tour that everything is closed May 1 for Labor Day in France and it turns out most of Europe -that was one of our free days (actually our pre-tour day that included a tour dinner.) We walked. I would’ve liked to have more time that I could’ve gone to museums on that day, but it wasn’t possible.There are several days where you have late afternoons or half days on your own, which is one of the reasons I really like the tour. I also like that we had somr dinners that were on our own too.
From Paris, we took the high speed train to Marseille and then a bus to Aix-en-Provence where we stayed at another wonderful hotel. Word about the train-you are on your own with the luggage. Do not overpack. You will regret it on this train trip. We had smallest suitcases, which still did not fit in the overhead rack. Many people on our tour did not listen to the advance instructions and really had a lot of trouble with their suitcases. I wish the Tours had included a trip to the Popes palace in Avignon. We saw it from the train, but I would’ve preferred that to the farm experience.
The hotel in Aix en Provence was Grand Hotel Roi Rene. It was walking distance from the main area. Tons of great food options and museums within walking distance. First night in each city usually included a Tour dinner. In Paris, the restaurant was called Habile and i cannot recommend it. The food was under seasoned. The Tour dinner in Aix-en-Provence was excellent, although it took a while, but this is Europe and service is often slow. My husband was very frustrated with this though -it didn’t seem like there were enough servers. The tour dinner the first night and Nice was excellent. The final meal lunch in Cap Ferrat was delightful.
We did not go on the farm excursion. My husband and I love cheese, but we don’t care how it’s made and don’t really have any desire to hug a sheep or goat. There is one more reason to eliminate these farm experiences. When you return to United States, they ask you if you’ve been in contact with farm animals. We could honestly answer no. But the people on the tour would have to lie.I understand it was muddy and they gave you booties. Since I only brought one pair of tennis shoes I’m glad we missed it. We spent the day in Aix-en-Provence and it was wonderful. We went to museums and walked around.
The next day was one of the best days on the tour where we visited Cassis and took a boat ride. Great seafood. One of the most beautiful places we visited. Saint Paul de Vant was also pleasant.
The next day, my husband and I did go on the optional excursion to a market in St. Remy, an old midieval Walled town called Les Baux and an illumination experience in a cave of the projected paintings of Monet. The first two were wonderful. I enjoyed the illumination experience, but you really don’t have to go to France to get this experience. These illumination experiences are available all over the USA with different artists. I have always wanted to go to one though so I was very happy. My husband was a bit bored.
The next day was not so great for me or my husband. The tour included a visit to a parfumarie (a place that makes perfume) in Grasse. We visited this on our way to our next stop -Nice -so we couldn’t miss the perfume experience. The problem for me is I’m very allergic to perfume. So I stayed on the bus and walked around the parking lot. It took two hours. My husband did go on the tour was very unhappy with the perfume experience as were many of the husbands. He said it was too long. It could’ve taken a half the time.The town of Grasse was wonderful, however, the perfume experience was outside of town and they couldn’t leave me in Grasse, which was too bad because I could’ve definitely used a couple of hours more there. I had told Collette about my problems with perfume before going and they told me to talk to the Tour manager. The tour manager did everything she could do. I would suggest in the future Collette go to a perfumery in the town of Grasse.
We really enjoyed Nice. We stayed at a Best Western very close to the center of Nice and the promendpade and the beach. One day the tour went to Cap Ferrat  which is where I want to retire if I win the lottery.
This is our third tour with Collette so we must like it. The hotels are usually excellent. You don’t have to carry your own luggage and my spouse and I have bad backs so this is a real benefit. And the tour managers are usually very good although I will say Christina was outstanding.-one of the best ever.
Bon vacance!
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Villa, Resort
Age Range
1-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Paris, Nice, Bordeaux, Provence
Paris, Nice, Bordeaux, Provence, Villa Ephrussi De Rothschild, Aix En Provence
It was great for our first European trip. We weren’t impressed with the Ibis hotel chain that we stayed in as some had very small rooms to open our luggage in.
Wonderful trip! I strongly recommend several of the Optional Experiences to make the most of your time, including the sunset boat trip in Paris (you see the Eiffel Tower aglow!), walking tour of Hidden Venice, and walking tour of the Colosseum in Rome.
Be prepared to walk a lot (I hit 10-14k steps most days!) Be prepared for early mornings.
There was so much walking and bus riding. We had unruly passengers on the bus that didnt listen to the tour guides. Tour guides were fantastic and patient
I've been raving about this tour experience since I've come home. I can't say enough about Collette staff and our tour director Michael, everything was excellent! The only hotel I was disappointed with was the one in Brugge, but understand it's a historic building so can't fault them. Bed was very comfortable and rooms are large.
Overall, it was a fun experience By the way, on our last day in Zurich, our guide was not Javier but Diego Bueno. All of our guides were very nice and approachable. However, Ms. Angeles, though very nice, did not seem to be very fluent with English.
Provision of English speaking guides. I always felt informed of plans ahead of time. Guides, especially Joanna and ojib were very professional but kind and friendly.
Set off from Madrid and finish in Paris with the 'Spain and Switzerland with Alsace and Black Forest' tour—a 12-day city sightseeing trip designed for seniors. This group tour includes hotels, transport, and meals, making travel smooth through Madrid, Paris, and scenic regions in France, Spain, and Switzerland. The USP lies in its multi-country route, offering a carefully curated blend of iconic cities and enchanting landscapes for a truly diverse journey.
I liked all the places I got to see and the knowledge the tour guides shared with us about each place. The trip was all a wonderful experience except, the Tour guide and experience in Paris. It was a night mare.
City sightseeingWalking tours
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
London, Barcelona, Colchester, A
London, Barcelona, Colchester, Amsterdam, Paris, Tours, Lourdes, Andorra La Vella
From Lisbon’s historic streets to the vibrant energy of London, the 'From Lisbon to Paris with London' tour is a 12-day city sightseeing adventure ideal for seniors. Journey through Portugal, France, Spain, and England, with your accommodations, transport, and meals thoughtfully arranged. The highlight of this trip package is its multi-country scope—allowing you to experience the essence of Western Europe in a single, well-paced journey.