collette tours in the united states

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All USA Tours from Collette

33 collette trips through usa.

Spotlight on South Dakota featuring Mount Rushmore & The Badlands (2024)

Great tour with Rushmore, Crazy Horse and Deadwood being favourites. Summer temps but not too hot. Stayed at one hotel and undertook daily trips. Leisurely with easy walks.

Alaska: America's Last Frontier (Fairbanks, AK to Anchorage, AK)

Painted Canyons of the West featuring Utah’s Five National Parks (Denver, CO to Las Vegas, NV)

• In-depth Cultural

Alaska Discovery Land & Cruise featuring a 7-night Holland America Cruise (Fairbanks, AK to Vancouver, BC) (2024)

Spotlight on San Antonio

Canyon Country featuring Arizona & Utah (Scottsdale, AZ to Las Vegas, NV)

We started the trip in Phoenix, just as the US was beginning to adjust to the effects of the Corona Virus. For the first few days, the main indication of the problem was decreased attendance at the national parks we visited. But by the next to last day of the tour, we had to cut the trip short because Las Vegas was effectively closed. The bus driver and the tour director were excellent, making sure that we stayed safe as the outside world started to collapse. A special thank you to the last hotel we stayed in (the Majestic View Lodge in Springdale Utah). The manager, head chef, and staff went out of their way to make us feel welcome and to feed us even though just about everything around was closing.

• Coach / Bus

National Parks of America (Scottsdale, AZ to Rapid City, SD) (2024)

America's Cowboy Country (Rapid City, SD to Cody, WY) (2024)

Spotlight on Boston

I was a little nervous before the start of the trip because there were some complications trying to confirm the trip. It was partially my fault because I did book the trip relatively last minute, but I do believe there was some miscommunication on both ends that could have been avoided from the very beginning. The biggest problem was the method of communication. I did not understand that in order for the information to be relayed correctly, you had to message through the communication portal on touradar's website. That was not explicitly made clear, and it took several days and conversations with multiple people to finally realize that. Once that was made clear, everything ran much more smoothly, but I definitely think for the customer's sake especially new customer, someone needs to be very clear in explaining that and confirm with the customer by having them relay it back to them. Thankfully, once everything was booked and confirmed, the trip ran wonderfully! I had such a blast. My tour guide was amazing and the group I was with were incredible. I am definitely looking forward to booking another trip in the future.

California Dreamin': Monterey, Yosemite & Napa (Monterey, CA to San Francisco, CA) (2024)

Mackinac Island (Chicago, IL to Southfield, MI) (2024)

• Wine tasting

California Dreamin': Monterey, Yosemite & Napa (Monterey, CA to San Francisco, CA) (2025)

Roaming Coastal Maine featuring Portland, Acadia & Penobscot Bay (Portland, ME to Freeport, ME) (2024)

Spotlight on Washington, D.C. Exploring America's Capital

Spotlight on San Antonio Holiday

All usa collette tour reviews.

Could not have asked for a better time. Our Tour Guide Katie and Driver Joe were phenomenal . All aspects of our comfort were taken into account. The attention to detail is evident and appreciated

I was a little nervous before the start of the trip because there were some complications trying to confirm the trip. It was partially my fault because I did book the trip relatively last minute, but I do believe there was some miscommunication on both ends that could have been avoided from the very beginning. The biggest problem was the method of communication. I did not understand that in order for the information to be relayed correctly, you had to message through the communication portal on touradar's website. That was not explicitly made clear, and it took several days and conversations with multiple people to finally realize that. Once that was made clear, everything ran much more smoothly, but I definitely think for the customer's sake especially new customer, someone needs to be very clear in explaining that and confirm with the customer by having them relay it back to them. Thankfully, once everything was booked and confirmed, the trip ran wonderfully! I had such a blast. My tour guide was amazing and the group I was with were incredible. I am definitely looking forward to booking another trip in the future.

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• 141 View All Tours
• 8 Africa Tours
• 8 Asia Tours
• 6 Australia Tours
• 86 Europe Tours
• 36 North America Tours
• 3 South America Tours

Our Destinations

• Middle East
• North America
• South America

Tour Styles

Enjoy a refined take on the art of group travel.

Experience true adventures on these Collette small group tours.

Set out on inspiring journey on these faith-based travel experiences.

Explore the world's most beautiful waterways.

Come to know your destination during a single-hotel stay.

Why Guided Travel

Sit back, relax, and let us handle all the details. You won't miss a thing.

Enhance your tour with this easy to use mobile companion.

Combine two tours into one grand adventure.

Making the travel experience a force for good.

No worries, we're with you every step of the way.

Going guided gets you more for your money.

Find travel tips, travel advice, and answers to some of the most commonly asked travel questions here.

Meet the Tour Managers that enhance your travel experience at every turn.

Travel Planning

Current tour and destination information based on world events.

Current travel requirements by country including entry and exit information.

Your questions regarding travel requirements, trip interruptions, payments and refunds.

Get Your Money Back. Any Reason, Every Tour. No Blackout Dates or Restrictions.

• To book, call Interval Travel at 877.273.7737

Combine two tours and save! 

Make up for lost time by booking two or more tours! Create a seamless travel experience, keep the adventure going, and save when you book two or more tours together. You’ll get 5% off per person* your second tour and any subsequent tour when you combine two or more in the same booking.

Why book more than one tour?

Save time — when you combine two or more tours, you can truly experience the culture, culinary traditions and history of multiple destinations in the same trip. 

Save money  — not only will you save by having one intercontinental flight, but you'll also save 5% per person* on your second tour and any subsequent tour!

Imagine yourself enjoying one of these amazing multi-tour experiences!

COLORS OF NEW ENGLAND with SPOTLIGHT ON NEW YORK CITY

The American northeast offers a tapestry of unique travel opportunities. From a leisurely journey to take in the autumn foliage in New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont, to moving along with the electric energy of New York City, combine these tours for two distinct experiences in the United States.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Simon Pearce
• Quechee Gorge
• Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Factory
• Trapp Family Lodge
• Rocks Estate
• North Conway
• Kancamagus Highway
• Mount Washington
• Lake Winnipesaukee Cruise
• Lobster Dinner
• Greenwich Village
• Wall Street
• Broadway Show
• Statue of Liberty
• Ellis Island
• 9/11 Memorial
• 9/11 Museum

COMBINED TOURS:

Colors of New England     Spotlight on New York City

SICILY AND ITS ISLES with TUSCAN & UMBRIAN COUNTRYSIDE

Say “sì” to more immersive adventures in Italy. There is so much to see and many explorations to be had so why not pair two small group tours in this stunning country? Enjoy a coastal experience on our Sicily and Its Isles tour, with our tour to the beautiful rolling hills of Tuscany and Umbria.

• Isle of Mozia
• Winery Tour
• Olive Oil Farm
• Valley of the Temples
• Isle of Salina
• Mount Etna Off-Road Excursion
• Olive Oil Mill
• Cooking Class
• Home-Hosted Lunch
• Orcia Valley
• Bagno Vignoni
• Pecorino Cheese Farm
• San Gimignano

Sicily and its Isles     Tuscan & Umbrian Countryside

THE PLAINS OF AFRICA with EXPLORING SOUTH AFRICA, BOTSWANA AND VICTORIA FALLS

Is South Africa on your bucket list? The incredible wildlife, natural wonders and thriving cultures are like nowhere else in the world. Why not increase your chances of seeing the “Big 5” and experience game drives in Zimbabwe, Botswana, Kenya and Tanzania?

• Aberdare National Park
• Shaba National Reserve
• Samburu National Reserve
• Lake Nakuru
• Karen Blixen Home
• Amboseli National Park
• 11 Game Drives
• Africa’s “Big 5”
• Table Mountain
• Cape Winelands
• Pilanesberg National Park
• Victoria Falls
• Chobe National Park
• 9 Wildlife Safaris

The Plains of Africa     Exploring South Africa, Victoria Falls & Botswana

Have a specific tour combination in mind? Give us a call!

Frequently asked questions.

Simply have them within the same booking. Some guests take a break and visit friends and family before going on to another adventure, some line them up with just a few days in between!

You can involve the help of a travel agent, call our team or look at our website to see the various tours and departure dates. There is a huge choice on what can be combined, some may start off from a place and at a date close together, others may mean a flight to reach a new starting point a week or more later.

Yes, the Collette Travel Protection Plan will cover you if you need to cancel both tours up to 24 hours prior to departure, but one plan must be purchased per tour.

It is most likely that each individual tour will have a different tour manager.

It is most likely that each individual tour will have different guests.

Yes, Collette can help add pre or post nights to most of our tours.

*Offer valid on new multi tour bookings made between 09/01/2023– 12/31/2024 for travel through 12/31/2025. This discount of 5% off applies to the land value of the second and subsequent tours booked at the same time. Offers can expire earlier due to space or inventory availability. Space is on a first come, first served basis. Offers are not valid on group or existing bookings. Other restrictions may apply.

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How well do you know the world?

Collette reviews & ratings, it was a wonderful trip and experience.

It was a wonderful trip and experience! We are still sorting all the pictures and memories about it, and some of them I would like to share with you - read my diary ...

we had an absolute wonderful time

My wife & I just returned from your National Parks tour and we had an absolute wonderful time. Great itinerary, tour director (Merrin) and driver (John). First c...

The best. I've worked with many travel companies, but now I only book my groups through Collette.

Had a river cruise booked for May 2020

Had a river cruise booked for May 2020 on the Danube but unfortunately because of Covid 19 it was cancelled. I had no issues in getting a full refund for my vacation...

our dream trip to Italy was canceled due to covid-19

Recently, our dream trip to Italy was canceled due to covid-19. Collette's superior customer service responded to my inquiry by message and phone call literally with...

See all Collette reviews

Editoral Review of Collette

With a history that goes back to 1918, their experience speaks for itself. They provide comprehensive, well-managed guided tours for travelers seeking an exploratory, comfortable travel experience.

Collette - Quick Facts

Founded in 1918

Group size: It varies. Collette offers private and customizable tours, as well as small groups of between 14-24 guests

Typical age range: 45+  

Average tour price: $2,996

Accommodation style: 4 star and above hotels and unique locations

Top regions: USA & Canada, Europe & UK

Commonly compared with Tauck and Trafalgar 

What Makes Collette Tours Stand Out?

• Flexibility & personalization
• Expert tour managers
• Easy booking process
• Private & Customizable tours
• Balances iconic must-sees with immersive cultural experiences

A long history in guided tourism means Collette knows every inch of guided travel. Take care of all the details like it’s second nature, and even though it's old hat every traveler is new and they dig into that. Collette recognizes that no two traveler is the same and approach each planning experience from a perspective of flexibility and personalization.

Their goal is to ease the hardship of planning and organizing for the traveler so you can fully enjoy the experience without worry or stress. At Collette, they know guided travel and have been successfully leading tours around the world to a growing, devoted customer base for nearly 100 years.

Collette tours are about letting you, the traveler, experience unbelievable, classic, and unique moments around the world.  

Who Will Enjoy Traveling With Collette?

• Travelers aged 45+
• Moderately active travelers
• Upper budget range

Do you love the ease of mind that comes with having every detail taken care of when you travel? Details that allow you to relax and enjoy the special little moments of discovering the world; learning about new cultures, awe inspiring wildlife encounters, and leisurely meals highlighting local cuisine? Then you are ideally suited to Collette tours.

The Collette traveler is typically older, in the 50+ range. Travelers who enjoy the finer things, value a premium to luxury style of accommodation and transportation, yet have an adventurous spirit will love traveling with Collette.

Recent retirees and active seniors who are game for anything are the kind of traveler who relish a tour with Collette - check out this group in Costa Rica - taking part in Costa Rica's famous ziplines!

If you don't want to be encouraged to jump in and push your comfort zone a bit, you may find yourself out of step on a majority of Collette tours. They have several offerings though, so don't let that discourage you. 

Collette is ideal for active travelers who enjoy a comprehensive guided tour, with a lot of activity, and local experiences. These tours can involve extensive walking, sometimes over uneven surfaces, so a certain basic level of physical fitness is required.

Tours with Collette are classified by 5 basic physical levels, to help you find one best suited to you:

Level 1 - Mostly flat services and minimal walking. You should be comfortabe with climbing a few stairs, plus getting in and out of the coach 

Level 2 - Average physical ability is required such as long stairs and walks of a few hours. Some walks may be over uneven ground.

Level 3 - Slightly longer distances and more frequent walks can be expected. Expect stairs and some uneven surfaces such as cobblestones or nature trails.

Level 4 - Expect to be on your feet longer, including periods of standing and more extensive walking periods. These tours may also feature nighttime activities, so you'll be active for a longer period of time.

Level 5 - Very active travel. Expect adventure experiences and activities, early mornings and late nights. You can also expect to experience the elements so be ready for rain, wind, dust, what have you.

Free days are included in most Collette tours, giving travelers time to relax, take walks on the beach, or maybe do some shopping.

If you’re the kind of traveler for whom the a glass of champagne out in the blazing sun of the Australian outback, gazing at Uluru, sounds idyllic - then Collette would be perfect for you.

Top Destinations

Collette tours travel all around the world, to all 7 continents including Antarctica . They are well known for Central and South America, Australia, and Africa. They also offer an impressive variety of North America tours including several in the United States and Canada.

Travel styles include everything from river cruises to family tours to faith based tours.

Collette Travel Style

Collette promises the “trip of a lifetime” through exclusive outings, luxury touches, and appreciating the moments of anticipation before the world reveals itself. Their travel style is about discovering new cultures, embracing the explorer within -- in time for a cocktail at the end of the day.

They have 6 broad classifications for travel style: Classic, Explorations, Spotlights, River Cruise, Faith, and Impact Travel:

1. Classic Collette Tours - This is what they call their Flagship collection, group tours that make the postcard come to life. Visit all the must see sites, enjoy cultural experiences, all with a professional and knowledgeable guide, there to help make your travel as seamless as possible. Groups are on the larger side

2. Explorations - These tours are about going deeper, meeting locals, and getting off the beaten path. “Authenticity” is a big word for Collette Explorations. You’ll experience the destination in a smaller group, an average of 18 people, allowing for access to more local experiences not available to larger groups. Classic sites will also be included in your itinerary, but the focus is mostly on unique experiences.

3. Spotlights - Have a shorter amount of time and don’t want to miss anything? Collette Spotlight tours are designed to maximize your city stay or short getaway experience. These are primarily walking tours, packed with sightseeing, historical and cultural information, but with some downtime as well. Typically these tours are between 5-9 days.

4. River Cruise - A very popular mode of travel, particularly for 50+ travelers, river cruising is ideal for those seeking a leisurely vacation, unpacking only once, enjoying gliding by beautiful sites and participating in various guided shore excursions. Collette river cruises go around the world, including China, Egypt, and Europe.

5. Faith - For those travelers interested in visiting religious sites, Collette has a group of tours dedicated to faith based travel. Visit world famous icons and learn their ancient histories.

Collette Faith tours visit everything from grand churches to the humble beginnings of the three major world religions in the Holy Land. Tours are history based with an emphasis on finding deeper spiritual significance and meaning. They also have trips to the Oberammergau Passion Play .

6. Impact Travel - Being a responsible traveler is an important component on all Collette tours, however if you’re seeking to do more to give back, their Impact Tours are a great way to do so. Sightsee with a purpose as you assist with local initiatives, volunteering among the community, helping in classrooms, and protecting local wildlife.

Why Choose a Tour with Collette?

• Flexibility in planning
• Extensions available pre or post tour date
• Private airport transfer
• Expert planners 

If you are looking for an entertaining, fully escorted, active tour to explore new cultures, and enjoy unique experiences, Collette could be for you. They provide a dedicated guide, and handle all the details throughout the tour.

Free time is available on some days, but for the most part expect fairly full itineraries and a good amount of walking on their group tours. Some optional excursions are offered during the tour, so you can tailor your experience to a certain extent.

This is a great opportunity for meeting fellow travelers in a similar age range. Collette tours are open to everyone, but the majority of people on your tour will be older - in the 50+ range. Collette tours are ideal for travelers who want to have fun, enjoy the outdoors, and are open to new experiences.

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About the company.

True adventures go beyond incredible destinations or inclusive packages. Collette delivers a sense of possibility across all seven continents.

Since 1918, we have been sharing our love of travel. Today our worldwide travel collection features comprehensive land tours, river cruises, rail journeys, small group tours, family trips, garden holidays and more. With Collette, wake each morning on tour with a new experience in front of you, and when your head hits the pillow, you will know it has been an amazing day. Best of all - we seamlessly handle the details. All you have to do is enjoy the adventure.

Everyone at Collette believes travel is vital to a life well-lived and our executive team sets the tone. Drawing on a diverse set of skills that includes operations, sales, information technology, law and financial planning, they work across three offices to bring you the best experience possible.

There are so many benefits to letting someone else take on all the details that come with having The Perfect Trip. See why more and more travelers choose to Go Guided — and why they never go back.

5 Reasons to Go Guided:

Go Tour Managers!

On Day 1 of your trip, you’ll meet a friendly person who sure does know a lot about your tour and the destinations you’re visiting. This highly skilled professional is your tour manage and from the moment you meet this key player on your tour, you’ll know you’re in good hands. With their rich travel backgrounds, as well as their useful information about language, currency, and all things local, you can relax and enjoy the ride.

Go Culture!

Visiting a destination gives you a taste of the local culture. But imagine actually becoming part of that culture. Staying overnight in an Irish castle like Old-World royalty…feeling the cool waters of the Great Barrier Reef envelop you as you snorkel in its turquoise paradise…or rolling dough with an Italian chef to make the perfect pizza. It’s not just about all the iconic spots that will make for the best photos, it’s about diving into another world that makes for the best memories.

Go Product Team!

Our product experts are probably on the road right now — scoping out the best of our worldwide destinations. They go, take it all in, and find the moments they love best. Those are the moments they create for you. Those experiences and sights comprise each itinerary and make each one extra-special. Best of all, you don’t have to plan a thing. You just need to choose which itinerary best suits you.

Travel is social by nature. Guided travel is extra social. Meet a cast of characters: your fellow travelers, tour manager, driver, local guides and more. The social aspect of guided travel is one of the best parts! Many travelers on our tours have forged lasting friendships. Think of all the wonderful people waiting to meet you out in the world.

Go Worry-Free!

Your peace of mind is the most important thing to us. And that starts with our roundtrip home to airport sedan service. Forget taxis, airport fees, or public transportation. We will get you there...and back. And if for any reason you need to cancel your tour, you can do so — right up until the day before departure — and receive a full refund (thanks to our travel protection plan).

There are many ways to experience the world:

Among Collette’s worldwide collection of tours we offer a variety of guided travel choices. No matter where (or how) you want to go, Collette can take you there.

Small Groups, Big Experiences

From vibrant cities to remote villages, immerse yourself in other worlds. As part of a small group, enjoy accommodations chosen to capture the spirit of the destination, savor spectacular local cuisine, and take the time to explore on your own. Along the way Explorations sets the stage for the unexpected moments that make travel so special. With just 12-24 passengers, these are the personal adventures that today’s cultural explorers dream about.

Amazing Family Moments Included

Collette's Family tours bring travelers of all ages together to experience the world’s greatest destinations. There’s no better classroom than the world, no better education than taking a walk through history. Today’s parents — and grandparents — want to share the riches of travel with their children and grandchildren. Each tour in our family line is specially crafted with the best local experiences, iconic must-see's, family-oriented hotels and immersive cultural activities. Children ages 14 and under enjoy substantially discounted rates.

Collette's Cancel for Any Reason Travel Protection Plan

The Traveling Well Experience

Our commitment to your well-being and enjoyment.

There’s no denying that life and travel will likely look a little different for the foreseeable future, which is why we worked with our partners all over the world to create enhanced protective measures for our guests. These measures are intended to help safeguard guests’ health and well-being, while allowing for an enjoyable travel experience.  

From flexible booking to more open space on the coach and much more – all aspects of travel have been considered. This is  The Traveling Well Experience .

• Travel Protection Plan  – cancel for any reason up until 24 hours before departure, plus provides numerous on-tour protections
• More Physical Space  – on the coach, in restaurants, and more
• Wellness Protocols  – for partners like motor coach operators, hotels, restaurants, and airlines
• Enhanced Tour Manager Training  ­– our tour managers are destination experts and highly equipped to handle a variety of unexpected situations – including illnesses and emergencies

Before Your Tour

Cancel for Any Reason Waiver

Our Travel Protection Plan financially protects you in the event you need to cancel or move your trip to a different date. Learn more here

Pre-Tour Health Screenings

We will ask all travellers to complete a wellness declaration form before joining their tour.

Private Sedan Service

Your ride to and from the airport will be stocked with fresh water for every pickup and all surfaces will be disinfected daily and after every passenger.

Specific details will vary by airline, but standard operations typically include flight attendants wearing masks, sanitizing all surfaces between flights and physical distancing. For links to major airlines, head to the bottom of the page, or visit your airline’s website for specific information.

On Your Tour

Smaller Groups

Tours will operate with a number of empty seats to allow guests to space out for a more comfortable experience.

Your Tour Manager

We have employed new and enhanced hygiene & physical distancing protocols for tour managers. They are local experts and highly trained to handle a variety of unexpected situations — including illnesses and emergencies. They are also available 24/7 for guests throughout the tour should any situation arise.

Use of Face Coverings

Face coverings will be included with your pre-tour documents and will be required throughout many experiences on tour including the motor coach and air travel.

Motor Coach

All surfaces will be sanitized often, including regular cleaning of high-touch areas with disinfecting wipes. Hand sanitizer will be available at all times and drivers will wear protective gear when appropriate.

On-Tour Experiences

We work closely with our local partners to ensure adequate physical distancing during meals, experiences, and sightseeing. Guests may be rotated in smaller sub-groups when necessary.

On-Tour Insurance Coverages

When you purchase our Travel Protection Plan, you’ll have access to telehealth services should you need it, plus you’re covered on tour for emergency assistance, baggage loss, trip interruption, medical expenses, and more. Learn more here

Self-Screening

We will ask all travellers to monitor their health throughout their tour, with protocols in place in the event someone becomes ill.

Specific protocols will vary from destination to destination, hotel to hotel. Overall, rooms and areas like restaurants, fitness centres, etc. will be deep-cleaned regularly, with rooms disinfected thoroughly between guests. High-traffic areas like lobbies and elevators will be cleaned hourly.

After Your Tour

Post-Tour Survey

After you get home, you’ll be able to share your opinions of your tour experience, allowing us to constantly improve for the benefit of future guests.

Collette Trips & Specials

Combine two tours and save $300 per person

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:.

• You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
• Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics

Top Collette Trip Categories

Collette company ranking by category, similar companies, associations, united states tour operators association.

USTOA is a nonprofit professional association representing the tour operator industry.Its members are made up of companies who provide services worldwide but who conduct business in the U.S.

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Collette Introduces Two New Culinary-Focused Explorations Tours

Travel insights from jenna buege, associate editor of the compass.

In mid-September 2022, guided tour operator Collette announced two new Explorations tours in the United States — Roaming Coastal Maine and Montana: Exploring Big Sky Country . Both tours will take place in a small group format and will focus on intimate dining experiences. “Travelers are being drawn to small group experiences and unique dining opportunities right here in the United States, which is a major reason for introducing new tours on our Explorations product line,” said Jaclyn Leibl-Cote, president of Collette.

Both tours are available to book now and travelers can book confidently when they add Collette’s Travel Protection Plan . Learn more about each tour in detail below.

Roaming Coastal Maine

Seven days and six nights, this epic guided tour gives travelers an up-close-and-personal look at the best that Maine has to offer. They’ll sample local delicacies with an oyster shucking demonstration and tasting, find inspiration at the famous Acadia National Park, take part in a vintage wine tasting at one of the region’s finest local wineries and more.

This tour includes a total of nine meals — six breakfasts, one lunch and two dinner — and kicks off in fabulous Portland, Maine with pitstops in Bar Harbor and Freeport.

Montana: Exploring Big Sky Country

Unmatched in its beauty, millions of travelers make the pilgrimage to Montana each year to marvel at the state’s mountainous landscape, sprawling rivers and ancient geysers. And now, travelers have a new, action-packed way to experience The Treasure State with Collette’s Montana: Exploring Big Sky Country tour.

For 11 days and 10 nights, travelers will tick off several bucket list items with visits to Yellowstone National Park, the Gates of the Mountains, St. Mary Village, Helena and Glacier National Park. After they work up an appetite, travelers will indulge in a savory barbeque dinner and will spend time sampling traditional dishes native to the Kootenai people.

This tour includes a total of 16 meals — 10 breakfasts, one lunch and five dinners — and kicks off in Bozeman with pitstops in Gardiner, Helena, St. Mary and Whitefish before ending in Missoula.

About the Author

Senior Editor for VAX VacationAccess and world explorer, Jenna loves writing about all things travel. When she’s not busy creating content, she spends her time exploring the great outdoors, cuddling with her two black cats and researching her next big (sometimes strange) adventure.

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• Call for more information: 855-843-2374

On a small group Explorations tour, dive deeper. Get to know the pulse of a destination by talking with the people who live there. With an average of 16 travelers , get to really know your fellow travelers, Tour Manager, and local guides.

Access places you’ll never forget – like venues, accommodations, and destinations that larger groups can’t always reach. Stay in culturally reflective accommodations. Learn the family recipe from a local (and cook with them). Dip your toes outside the tour with built-in free time.

The Journey Starts Here

100% of our Explorations tours are carbon neutral… because we 100% love our world and know that you do, too. Plus, all Explorations tours include an Impact Moment – visits to social enterprises, nonprofits, and cultural or environmental conservation groups. These experiences create sustainable economic and social benefits for the community.

Now, that’s travel that’s good.

Explorations Travelers Are:

What Sets Explorations Apart?

Why travel with us, all your logistics are handled. enjoy yourself, while we take care of the transportation and logistics., your accommodations are arranged. stay in 4-star and above accommodations throughout your trip., plenty of meals are included. small group tours include many local, authentic culinary experiences., your travel itinerary is honed to perfection. perfectly balanced between culturally meaningful experiences and free time., plenty of choices you can make. with over 20 small group tours and 160+ tours across five different travel styles, you can pick your ideal travel experience., you're allowed to get creative. it’s your choice, optional experiences, tour extensions, and more., we’re in this together. 24/7 customer support is ready to guide you on your perfect tour., explorations experiences that immerse you.

Lose yourself just a little… …in England’s legendary Lake District, tracing the footsteps of William Wordsworth or on a guided hike through valleys and trails.

Explore the tastes in Türkiye… …as you walk through Istanbul’s Golden Horn district and famous Spice Market.

Be welcomed into a Nubian home in Egypt… …as your host, Fatouma, presents a tasting of flaky bread, homemade cheese, and tea.

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As the longest-running tour operator in North America, Collette has provided guided travel for over 105 years. With trips to all seven continents, guests fulfill their deepest travel aspirations in a variety of ways. Our guests are all unique so we offer diversified travel styles including small groups, single hotel stays, and faith based experiences, river cruises, and rail journeys. As a family-owned and operated business, we emphasize a focus on our travelers as our personal guests and are dedicated to making the world a better place, through a comprehensive corporate social responsibility platform.

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European Christmas Markets Cruising the Danube to the Black Sea Best of Italy Majestic Cities of Central & Eastern Europe National Parks of Croatia and Islands Cruise Boston and the Cape Montana: Exploring Big Sky Country Peru: Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca  Essence of Thailand

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Categories we specialize in these types of tours:, activities please visit our website for more information on activities we provide on our tours., pricing we offer first class tours., please check back soon for tour reviews by collette, collette last updated april 18, 2023.

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Refined culture and deep history

A rendezvous with a magnifique experience awaits! As cliché as it sounds, France truly has something for everyone. With over two dozen cities, each with their own nuances of the French culture and contributions to its history, architecture, art and last but not least, the gastronomical delights that the French are famous for throughout the world are yours to explore, experience and fall in love with during your stay. Coast to coast, border to border, there are seemingly endless variations on your French experience to be had. Rolling hills and scenic valleys lined with the fruit of the gods; seaside towns, along sandy beaches with views you just might be sharing with royalty; or maybe snowcapped mountain ranges providing some of the best skiing in the world and an adrenaline rush to match is what you seek. Whatever you decide, France easily makes you feel as if you have stepped out of reality and into the art you learned about and loved since you were a child.

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Destination Must-Sees

This French capital is one of the world's greatest cities and certainly one of its most beautiful. The Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre and Orsay Museums, the Champs Elysees, Montmartre and the Sacre Coeur, and many others are all iconic symbols of the "City of Light." Renowned for fabulous dining, high fashion and the French savoir faire, one can keep returning to Paris over a lifetime and still not see everything it has to offer.

Sitting on the French Riviera, north of Cannes, is a town that is an olfactory oasis. Set in the hills, Grasse is considered the perfume capital of the world. The town’s fields of jasmine, lavender, and other fragrant flowers are harvested to create essential oils for perfume production. Perfumers (known as a nez, or nose) in Grasse can teach you how to recognize different scents and how top notes, mid notes and the lingering base of a fragrance come together to create a magical aroma.

At 370 acres or three-quarters of a square mile, the Principality of Monaco is the world's second smallest sovereign state. It sits in a scenic cliff-side location on the Mediterranean completely surrounded by French territory. This fairy tale of a country is headed by the Prince Sovereign, currently, Albert II, son of Rainier III and American actress Grace Kelly. Discover a place that is just as you imagined with opulent architecture, stunning coastal panoramas, chic boutiques and ritzy cars. Highlights of a visit include the Oceanographic Museum and the Prince's Palace as well as the Cathedral, the final resting place of the Principality's monarchs.

A perfectly preserved medieval enclave of Roman origins, Avignon is set in the heart of France's Provence region on the banks of the Rhone River. For 68 years in the 14th century, Avignon was the capital of Christianity, the seat of 10 Popes before the papacy was brought back to Rome in 1377. Avignon has always been a center for art and culture, a designation that continues with its annual Arts Festival, hosting numerous stage productions, film showings, exhibitions, poetry readings, concerts, mime performances, ballets, and more.

Destination Must-Dos

Small-town touring:

Take a break from the City of Light and get a taste of old world France when spending time in countryside villages that look like they are plucked from a storybook. With many unique villages, each region has its own special qualities for you to experience. Travel through hilltops, rocky coasts and remarkable views while learning about the locals and their lifestyles.

Omaha Beach:

This was one of the beach sectors assigned to the American landing forces during the invasion of June 6, 1944. It was here that the U.S. First Division fought the bloodiest engagement on D-Day. Go through the towns that make up the sector: St-Laurent, Colleville and Vierville. Set foot on the beach and reflect on that fateful day and cherish the present peace. The American Military Cemetery stands up on the bluff as a testament to the greatest sacrifice that these Americans have made in the name of freedom.

Dinner at Eiffel Tower:

Put yourself in a scene from a movie; the lights of Paris glitter beneath you as you dine inside one of the world’s most iconic landmarks – the Eiffel Tower. Built in 1889 as part of the World's Fair by the architecture team of Gustave Eiffel, the Eiffel Tower is the symbol of Paris today. Located on the first level is 58 Tour Eiffel, a gourmet restaurant with stunning panoramic views of Paris. Since food is another big part of Parisian culture, the meal is several courses, beautifully displayed and accompanied with wine, coffee and tea.

Cabaret Theatre performance:

Immerse yourself in the nostalgic side of Parisian culture when taking your seat at a traditional cabaret show. Colorful, crazy, glamourous and intriguing are all used when describing the excitement that is Parisian cabarets. Enjoy your meal while being entertained with a show or play in this festive atmosphere.

Expert Advice

In many places in France, wine costs less than water. Stay hydrated of course but this is also an affordable chance to try many different varieties of the best wine in the world.

Dinner at the Paradis Latin requires business casual attire; shorts are not allowed. This is your chance to get into the spirit of this exciting night.

The French eat lunch between noon and 2:30p.m. and dinner between 8-11p.m. Many restaurants close after lunch and do not open again until dinner time.

Featured Tours to France

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