March 24, 2027 for 22 nights, hosted by M&K- Discover Europe in its most beautiful season, before the crowds and summer heat arrive. Visiting Portugal • France • Switzerland • Italy.
There is something special about Europe in spring.
The cafés begin spilling into the squares. The countryside turns green. Flowers brighten ancient villages, vineyards prepare for a new growing season, and the summer crowds and heat have not yet arrived.
A Season in Europe is our invitation to experience this extraordinary moment on a single, carefully designed journey through Portugal, France, Switzerland, and Italy.
We begin beside Portugal’s Atlantic coast, travel through the vineyards and hill towns of Provence, cross the Swiss Alps aboard the panoramic Bernina Express, and continue through Italy from the Ligurian coast to Rome, Sorrento, Puglia, and the Adriatic Sea.
Along the way, we will travel by private motorcoach, air, and rail, staying in carefully selected hotels and enjoying the personal attention and camaraderie that define an Outlander Society journey.
🌍 4 Countries🏨 Unique Hotels 🚆 Bernina Express🍷 Wine Regions of Portugal & Provence🏔️ Swiss Alps🌊 Atlantic, Mediterranean & Adriatic Coasts🍋 From Portugal to Puglia👥 Hosted by Michael & Kelly Graham
Depending upon how you arrive in Lisbon, we will meet you at either the cruise terminal or Lisbon Airport and begin our journey north aboard our private motorcoach.
Our first stop is the picturesque seaside town of Nazaré, known for its dramatic Atlantic coastline, traditional fishing heritage, and some of the largest surfable waves ever recorded.
We then continue to Porto and settle into our elegant five-star hotel overlooking the Douro River.
Overnight: The Yeatman, PortoMeals: None included
This morning, a local guide introduces us to one of Europe’s most atmospheric cities during a walking tour through Porto.
Highlights include the historic Ribeira district, the Douro riverfront, and the magnificent Stock Exchange Palace.
The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. You may wish to browse Porto’s shops and cafés, wander along the river, or visit one of the famous port wine lodges across the Douro in Vila Nova de Gaia.
Overnight: The Yeatman, PortoMeals: Breakfast
We travel south by private motorcoach, stopping along the way in either Aveiro, known for its canals and colorful boats, or Tomar, a historic town with deep connections to the Knights Templar.
After arriving in Lisbon, we enjoy a guided introduction to the Portuguese capital. Sights include Rossio Square, the historic city center, sweeping viewpoints, and St. George’s Castle.
Overnight: H10 Duque de Loulé, or similarMeals: Breakfast
Today we travel into the wooded hills surrounding Lisbon to visit enchanting Sintra.
Our featured visit is the colorful Pena Palace, one of Portugal’s most recognizable landmarks. Guests who have previously visited the palace may instead enjoy free time in Sintra or remain in Lisbon for independent exploration.
Following an included lunch, we return to Lisbon with a photo stop at historic Belém Tower.
The evening is yours to enjoy.
Overnight: LisbonMeals: Breakfast and lunch
We transfer to Lisbon Airport and fly to Marseille.
Upon arrival, our local guide and private motorcoach meet us for a panoramic introduction to France’s oldest city. We will see Marseille’s historic Old Port, Mediterranean waterfront, Notre-Dame de la Garde, and other city highlights.
We then continue to elegant Aix-en-Provence, our home for the next three nights.
This evening, we gather for an Outlander Welcome to Provence Dinner.
Overnight: Renaissance Aix-en-Provence or similarMeals: Breakfast and dinner
Today we discover two of Provence’s greatest treasures.
We begin in historic Avignon, where you will have time to explore the atmospheric streets of the former papal city.
Later, we continue into the celebrated vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for an included lunch, winery visit, and wine tasting surrounded by the Provençal countryside.
Overnight: Aix-en-ProvenceMeals: Breakfast and lunch
Today’s private excursion showcases the landscapes and hilltop villages that define Provence.
We plan to visit picturesque communities such as:
Enjoy time to wander narrow lanes, browse local boutiques, admire the ochre-colored countryside, and experience the timeless appeal of rural Provence.
This evening, we celebrate our final night in France.
Overnight: Aix-en-ProvenceMeals: Breakfast
We transfer to the rail station and begin our journey north through France and into Switzerland.
Upon arrival at Zurich Airport, we make our way to our hotel at The Circle, conveniently connected to the airport complex.
Overnight: Hyatt Regency Zurich Airport The Circle or similarMeals: Breakfast
After breakfast, we meet the remaining members of our group and our professional Tour Director at Zurich Airport.
We then transfer to Chur, Switzerland’s oldest city. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure before our official Outlander Welcome to Switzerland Dinner.
Overnight: Hotel Stern or similar, ChurMeals: Breakfast and dinner
A local guide leads us through Chur’s inviting Old Town, where winding lanes, historic buildings, and mountain views create an ideal introduction to Switzerland.
The remainder of the day is yours to relax or explore before dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight: ChurMeals: Breakfast and dinner
Today brings one of the signature experiences of our journey.
We board the panoramic Bernina Express for a spectacular rail journey through the Swiss Alps. The route crosses dramatic mountain passes, stone viaducts, and changing alpine landscapes before arriving in Tirano, Italy.
From Tirano, we continue by private motorcoach to lakeside Lugano, where we enjoy a guided walking tour.
Overnight: Splendid Hotel Royal Lugano or similar, lake-view roomsMeals: Breakfast and dinner
Enjoy a leisurely day in Lugano.
This evening, we board a scenic cruise across Lake Lugano and enjoy a traditional Ticinese dinner at a Swiss restaurant.
Overnight: LuganoMeals: Breakfast and dinner
We cross into Italy and travel to Castello di Gabiano, where we enjoy a wine tasting and lunch in a historic setting.
Our journey continues to Genoa. Upon arrival, a local guide introduces us to the narrow lanes and historic architecture of the city’s Old Town before our Outlander Welcome to Italy dinner.
Overnight: NH Collection Genova Marina or similarMeals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Today we visit the colorful coastal communities of the Cinque Terre.
Weather permitting, part of our exploration will be by boat, providing wonderful views of the villages rising above the Ligurian Sea.
We then continue to Montecatini, with lunch along the way. The evening is at leisure.
Overnight: Grand Hotel Tettuccio or similar, MontecatiniMeals: Breakfast and lunch
Our journey takes us to Maranello, the spiritual home of Ferrari.
During a guided visit to the Ferrari Museum, we explore the history, design, engineering, and racing heritage behind one of Italy’s most famous marques.
We return to Montecatini for dinner.
Overnight: MontecatiniMeals: Breakfast and dinner
We travel through the Italian countryside to the hilltop town of Orvieto, where we enjoy guided sightseeing and lunch.
Later, we continue to Rome for a panoramic introduction to the Eternal City followed by a four-course dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight: Monti Palace Hotel, Hotel d’Inghilterra, or similar, RomeMeals: Breakfast and dinner
Today is devoted to the extraordinary history and artistry of Rome.
Our guided sightseeing includes:
Lunch and an authentic Roman dinner are included.
Overnight: RomeMeals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
We travel south toward the Bay of Naples and beautiful Sorrento.
Following arrival, we enjoy an orientation walk and lunch at a local restaurant. This evening features a three-course Campanian dinner in one of Sorrento’s historic restaurants.
Overnight: Grand Hotel Vesuvio or similar, SorrentoMeals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
One of Europe’s most dramatic coastal drives takes us along the Amalfi Coast to Positano.
Pastel buildings, flowering gardens, steep lanes, and the blue Mediterranean create one of Italy’s most memorable settings.
Enjoy lunch with a view and time to explore Positano’s boutiques, galleries, beach, and historic center before returning to Sorrento.
The evening is at leisure.
Overnight: SorrentoMeals: Breakfast and lunch
We travel east across southern Italy toward Puglia.
Along the way, we visit mysterious Castel del Monte, an extraordinary octagonal medieval fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We then continue to Bari, where there is time to settle in before dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight: JR Hotels Grande Albergo delle Nazioni Bari or similarMeals: Breakfast and dinner
Today’s excursion introduces us to two distinctive destinations in Puglia.
In baroque Lecce, our guided walk includes the Duomo and Basilica of Santa Croce. We will also sample a local pasticciotto pastry and almond coffee.
We then continue to Alberobello, famous for its traditional whitewashed trulli with conical stone roofs. A guided walk and traditional Italian lunch are included.
Return to Bari for free time before dinner.
Overnight: BariMeals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Today is yours to enjoy Bari.
Explore the atmospheric Old Town, stroll along the Adriatic waterfront, visit local shops, or simply relax after our journey across Europe.
Tonight, we gather for a special Outlander Farewell Dinner.
Overnight: BariMeals: Breakfast and dinner
Following breakfast, included individual transfers take guests to Bari Airport for flights home or onward travel.
Our European season may be ending, but the experiences, friendships, and memories will travel home with us.
Meals: Breakfast
Europe is enormously popular, but timing can transform the experience.
Traveling in late March and April allows us to enjoy many destinations before the busiest summer period. Temperatures are generally more comfortable for touring, landscapes are turning green, flowers are appearing, and cities and villages are preparing for a new season.
Spring also complements the design of this itinerary. We begin in milder Portugal and Provence before continuing into the Swiss Alps and then traveling south through Italy toward the Mediterranean and Adriatic coasts.
Travel is not only about where you go. It is also about choosing the right moment to be there.
Inclusions are based upon the currently published component itineraries and remain subject to final confirmation and availability.
Our planned accommodations include:
Hotels listed are planned or representative and remain subject to availability and possible substitution with comparable properties.
A Season in Europe is a richly layered journey with considerable sightseeing and several travel days.
Guests should be comfortable:
We have also built in free afternoons, leisurely mornings, and several opportunities for independent exploration.
This journey is best suited to travelers who value cultural depth, scenic transportation, excellent food, and an itinerary that rewards curiosity and active participation.
International airfare is not included (air from Portugal to France IS included). Limited single accommodations have already sold out. Roomates welcome!
This trip is subject to availability, and pricing may change before deposits are received. Hotels and itinerary subject to change without notice.
If A Season in Europe reaches its maximum of 28 guests, each traveler receives a $2,500 per-person price reduction.
Want to go with us? The non-refundable deposit to secure your spot is $1000 per person. All subsequent payments are also non-refundable.
Simply complete this Secure Payment Form to authorize the nonrefundable deposit and put “A Season in Europe” – and specify desired cabin category. Also (if we don’t already have it) please complete this Secure Passport Form for each passenger. Questions simply call us 843-279-0310 or email michael@mgatravel.com .
Supplier Tour Operator: Europe Express + Globus
Optional insurance available (for residents of most states) but may need to be adjusted for airfare. Prices and fares are non-refundable so you will need the insurance to cancel. The insurance is not “cancel for any reason”; cancellation is only reimbursed for a covered reason.
Final Payment is December 15, 2026.
Unless we already have it, please complete this Secure Passport Form for each passenger. Questions simply call us 843-279-0310 or email office@mgatravel.com .
IMPORTANT: Please note that this is an Outlander Society trip and The Outlander Society Travel Club requires an invitation but you may request to apply with Michael Graham or ask another member to stand for you. Essentially, you would agree to the 2 rules.
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