The Trip

From the intriguing Catalan region of Spain to the most beautiful small towns of Southern France and Northern Italy - our Three Country Wine tour will take you directly into the heart of paradise.

Join an amazing ensemble of local personalities for high-end dining experiences, wine tastings and art showings. We will make a point of moving slowly so that you can experience what the author Spalding Gray once called a “perfect moment".

Itinerary

Day 0 - September 14 - Friday: Fly from the USA to Barcelona , Spain

Day 1 - September 15 - Saturday: Arrive in Barcelona
You will be greeted by M&G staff as you come out of immigration and transferred to our centrally located hotel. Later in the day, join your guide for a welcome talk and dinner. Sleep in Barcelona

Day 2 - September 16 - Sunday: Barcelona
Your entire day will be spent exploring sophisticated Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia. Behold Antoni Gaudi's still-unfinished Sagrada Familia, stroll the elegant Ramblas and wander the narrow alleys of Barrio Gotico. Tonight you will experience Flamanco, the beautiful and sensual dance of Southern Spain! Sleep in Barcelona

Day 3 - September 17 - Monday: Barcelona to Carcassonne , France
Today we will enjoy a scenic drive over the Pyrenees from Barcelona to Carcassonne , a beautiful French medieval city surrounded by a double-walled defense system and 53 towers! Due to its unique fairytale-like appearance and character, Carcassonne was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1997. We will check out the city in the late afternoon and enjoy our first French feast.  Sleep in Carcassonne

Day 4 - September 18 - Tuesday: Day trip to Limoux and the wine region of Langue d'Oc
We will explore the quaint village of Limoux and discover the secrets of making Blanquette de Limoux, France 's first sparkling wine (it predates champagne). We will continue to explore Langue d'Oc (France 's oldest wine producing region) cut: 2 billion bottles a year!) around Narbonne , discovering an area called La Clape and Quatourze, perhaps the most significant of the Coteaux du Languedoc. Sleep in Carcassonne

Day 5 - September 19 - Wednesday: Carcassonne to Aigues-Mortes in the Camargue
The Camargue area is famous for both its gypsy traditions and its biodiversity (including pristine lakes, plant life and numerous bird species). If you want to really taste the Camargue you can take a boat out of Aigues-Mortes or go horseback riding. Later in the day we will make our way to Arles, a lovely Rhone Rivertown with amazing Roman ruins. Sleep near Les-baux-de-provence

Day 6 - September 20 - Thursday: Arles and Les Baux de Provence
This morning you can either join us for a walking tour of Arles or you can enjoy a bit of free time in this cute little city. You will be amazed by the ancient Roman character of Arles, its lovely markets and quaint streets. A quiet moment is best enjoyed here with a glass of the area's Costiere de Nimes wine. Later today you will enjoy the medieval village, castle and landscapes of Les-Baux-de-Provence. Sleep near Les-baux-de-provence

Day 7 - September 21 - Friday: Transfer to Avignon and the Luberon
Today we will become acquainted with the picturesque villages of Gordes and Roussillon. The beauty of Gordes will make it easy for you to understand why so many artists (including Belarus-born Marc Chagall) were so inspired by it. Roussillon is another beautiful village, which offers incredible color contrasts thanks to the ochre content of the region's soil. On our way to Avignon we will stop to visit another beautiful wine estate in the Rhone region. Sleep in Avignon

Day 8 - September 22 - Saturday: Avignon and Châteauneuf du Pape
Avignon is famous for the important role it played in the history of the papacy and Christian religion. We will tour its incredible Palace of the Popes with an excellent local guide. You will also enjoy the Bridge of Avignon and the timeless beauty of the Rhone river. In the afternoon you can savour another wine tasting with a small-label production of the world famous Châteauneuf du Pape. Slepp in Avignon

Day 9 - September 23 - Sunday: Departure for Italy today! Alassio and Cuneo
Today we will travel over the border to Alassio, one of the loveliest coastal towns along the Italian Riviera. We will then make our way inland to the province of Piedmont and the multifaceted city of Cuneo. During your visit to Piedmont you will have an intimate introduction to the region’s celebrated cuisine and its amazing red wines. Sleep in Cuneo

Day 10 - September 24 - Monday: Alba and Barolo
Today you will explore the rolling hills of Piedmont where the indigenous red grape Nebbiolo is used to make both Barolo and Barbaresco. We will stop in the red brick city of Alba to enjoy local specialties before we visit our friends in one of the region's best wineries. Sleep in Cuneo

Day 11 - September 25 - Tuesday: Venice
After enjoying Cuneo's famous morning market you will head towards Venice, one of the most beautiful cities of the world. You will start your exploration of the city in the late afternoon and enjoy a very special farewell dinner tonight. Sleep in Venice

Day 12 - September 26 - Wednesday: Your tour ends after breakfast in Venice. You can either fly back home or start your tour extension in Venice!

Post trip: Stay two extra nights in Venice and see more of this amazing city! Our extension includes your hotel nights, a special walking tour with our best local guide (you will see all of the most important sights but also a few hidden corners of this magical city), a Vivaldi music concert and a two-day pass on the Venetian waterbus.  

What's included in your trip

All accommodation in comfortable hotels or country inns, all breakfasts and one big feast every day (either lunch or dinner including wine), all sightseeing and guided tours as per the itinerary, wine tastings and snacks of local specialties, all transportation in a deluxe private bus with air conditioning, professional tour leader and local guides, emergency medical insurance (not including cancellation).

What is not included in your trip

International airfare from and to the US, personal expenses, tips for your M&G guide, driver and local guides

12 days, 11 nights
$4,190 per person in double room
Single supplement: $685

Itinerary details:
2 nights in Barcelona
2 nights in Carcassonne
2 nights near Les Baux de Provence
2 nights in Avignon
2 nights in Cuneo
1 night in Venice