Departure Date for 2010: June 26

June 26 - July 7, 2010

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".

The itinerary

Day 1 - June 25 - Fly from the USA to Barcelona , Spain

Day 2 - June 26 - 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. Overnight in Barcelona

Day 3 - June 27 - 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 Flamenco, the beautiful and sensual dance of Southern Spain!Overnight in Barcelona

Day 4 - June 28 - 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.Overnight in Carcassonne

Day 5 - June 29 - 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) around Narbonne , discovering an area called La Clape and Quatourze, perhaps the most significant of the Coteaux du Languedoc. Overnight in Carcassonne

Day 6 - June 30 - 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. Overnight in Arles

Day 7 - July 1 - 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. Overnight in Arles

Day 8 - July 2 - 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. Overnight in Avignon

Day 9 - July 3 - 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 savor another wine tasting with a small label production of the world famous Châteauneuf du Pape. Overnight in Avignon

Day 10 - July 4 - Departure for Italy today! Alassio and Cuneo

Today we will travel over the border to Alassio, one of the loveliest coastal towns of 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. Overnight in Cuneo

Day 11 - July 5 - Alba and Barolo

Today you will explore the rolling hills of Piedmont where great 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. Overnight in Cuneo

Day 12 - July 6 - 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 13 - July 7 - Your tour ends after breakfast in Venice. You can either fly back home or start your tour extension in Venice!

Venice Extension! 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 water bus.

Extension details:

July 7: enjoy Venice for two extra nights including a walking tour of the city

July 8: see more of Venice and take in a Vivaldi music concert.

July 9: fly home

Your Journey:

2 nights in Barcelona
2 nights in Carcassonne
2 nights in Arles
2 nights in Avignon
2 nights in Cuneo
1 night in Venice

Total: 11 nights, 13 days

Price:
US $ 3,975 per person in double room (land only) for bookings made by November 29
US $4,190 per person in double room (land only) for bookings made after November 29
Single supplement: $685

Journey extension:

2 nights in Venice
Extension price: $550 per person in double room
Single supplement: $120

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

Group size will not exceed 20 travellers, with a minimum number of 12.

Please Contact Us for more information!