France: Cote d’Azur and Provence- September departure
September 27- October 11, 2025
The picturesque Provence/Côte d’Azur region in the south of France is known the world over for its glamorous beaches and seaside boardwalks, medieval hilltop villages, colourful markets, Roman ruins, and sunny Mediterranean lifestyle.
Join Travac Tours as we explore many of the charming villages and towns that have made Provence a mecca for tourists from around the world. This well-paced tour will start in Nice, giving you a chance to soak in the azure complexion of the French Riviera. You will then travel to the fabled city of Avignon, your home for the next 6 nights. It is from Avignon that you will explore the small towns and villages that are the fabric of Provence. Each town will offer a different experience. You will travel into the heart of Provence and savour its natural beauty and captivating 2000 year old history. Your holiday ends in the sea port of Marseille.
Attractively priced, Travac’s Cote D’Azur and Provence program will sell out quickly. Early booking is your best guarantee of space on this vacation!
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
Ottawa to Nice
Depart Ottawa by motorcoach for your overnight flights to Nice from Montreal. Dinner and a light breakfast will be served onboard.
Day 2
Arrival in Nice
Upon your arrival in Nice, you will be transferred to your hotel by private motorcoach. Since check in time is later in the afternoon, there will be ample time to orientate yourself to the ambiance of this delightful town.
Overnight in Nice.
Hotel for the next 5 nights: NH Nice (or similar)
Day 3
Nice and Monaco
Today we will embark on a tour of Nice and its neighbouring principality of Monaco. Nestled between the sea and the mountains, this unique country is squeezed into just 200 hectares and has been ruled by the same family for over 700 years. After visiting Monaco’s extraordinary treasures, we will return along the scenic coastal roads with a stop in the enchanting hilltop village of Eze. We will end the day with a panoramic tour of Nice. A welcome dinner is included tonight.
Overnight in Nice (B, D).
Day 4
Free Day/Optional Tour
Today is a free day. Your Tour Director will be organizing an optional tour to Antibes, Cannes, and St Paul de Vance ($)- details to follow.
Overnight in Nice (B).
Day 5
Free Day
Your day will be at your leisure. This delightful town offers an array of opportunities for a relaxing day on the French Riviera.
Overnight in Nice (B).
Day 6
Optional Tour
Today your Tour Director will be organizing an optional tour ($)- details to follow. Overnight in Nice (B).
Day 7
Avignon
This morning you will travel to Avignon which is situated in the very heart of Provence. Avignon was, for a time, the capital of Christendom during the middle ages. Today the city retains a strong link with its past. The Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes), the Saint-Benezet bridge (also known as the “Pont d’Avignon”), as well as the ramparts that surround the old town are just a few of the monuments listed by UNESCO as World Heritage sites. Upon arrival, we will visit the Palais des Papes before checking into our hotel. Avignon will be your home for the next six nights and will act as a base for exploring Provence. (B)
Hotel for the next 6 nights: Avignon Grand Hotel (or similar)
Day 8
Arles
No visit to Provence is complete without a visit to Arles. This enchanting town is dotted with Roman ruins and is one of the most popular destinations in Provence. After your city tour, you will have plenty of time to enjoy this charming town before returning to Avignon in mid-afternoon.
Overnight in Avignon (B).
Day 9
St Remy de Provence and Les Baux
Your tour today will take you into the Les Baux region of Provence. Set in the heart of the Alpilles regional country park, Les Baux-de-Provence is a listed heritage site that has won titles such as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France”. Your tour of this serine area will also include a visit to an olive farm as well as a visit to St Remy de Provence and the St. Paul Asylum. It was at the St. Paul Asylum that Vincent Van Gogh spent a great deal of time. Expect to arrive back in Avignon in the late afternoon.
Overnight in Avignon (B).
Day 10
Free day
Today your day is at your leisure to explore Avignon. Your Tour Director will have suggestions on how to make the most of your time in this enchanting city.
Overnight in Avignon (B).
Day 11
Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and Fontaine-de-Vaucluse
Our journey today will take us to Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. L’Isle sur la Sorgue is one of those places in Provence that one has to see. The river Sorgue surrounds the city as if to hug it. This ancient town is also filled with canals that can be crossed by small bridges that lead into courtyards and small avenues filled with shops and cafes. It is also home to one of the most outstanding outdoor markets in France. On our return to Avignon, we will pass through the village of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse. A charming medieval village adjacent to a chasm and turquoise waters that become the source of the Sorgue springs, this geological wonder was once a Roman settlement.
Overnight in Avignon (B).
Day 12
Pont du Gard
This morning will begin with a visit to the iconic Pont du Gard. The Pont du Gard is a bridge, part of the aqueduct of Nîmes, which was built by the Roman Empire between AD 40 and 60 to transport fresh water across the Gardon River. The Pont du Gard is an astonishing 900 feet long and 160 feet high. It was actively used as a source of fresh water by the citizens of Nîmes between the first and sixth centuries AD. After our visit, we head to the medieval commune of Uzès for lunch before continuing on to the famed wine region Chateauneuf du Pape for a tasting.
Overnight in Avignon (B).
Day 13
Aix-en-Provence to Marseille
This morning we will bid farewell to Avignon and make our way to Marseille, visiting Aix en Provence en route. The town of Aix itself dates back to early Roman times and certainly there is still some evidence of the Roman occupation in the region. However, it is art that has made Aix so popular. Aix was home to Cézanne, whose paintings populate many of the finest galleries in the world. It is Cézanne’s images that have drawn artists from around the world to this quaint town. Upon arrival in Marseille, you’ll have a panoramic tour of the city before checking into the hotel. Marseille is the second largest city in France by population, its biggest Mediterranean port and the economic center of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. Founded by the Phocaeans in 600 BC, Marseille is one of the oldest cities in all of Europe. With over a million inhabitants it offers a different flavour from the small villages of Provence.
Overnight in Marseille (B).
Hotel for the next 2 nights: NH Collection Marseille (or similar)
Day 14
Marseille
Today is a free day in Marseille. Your Tour Director will have suggestions on how to make the most of your time.
Overnight in Marseille (B).
Day 15
Return to Canada
Today you will bid farewell to this enchanting part of France for your return flight to Canada. Your Tour Director will keep you informed of your flight details (B).
Itinerary and hotels are subject to change.
*Please note that a visit to Provence entails a fair amount of walking to fully enjoy your holiday experience. You should feel comfortable being able to walk for extended periods of time and must be able to keep up with the group. Like much of Europe, many of the avenues and walkways are made of cobblestone in the South of France- comfortable walking shoes are essential.
Hotel Information
NH Nice or similar
Hotel Address
2-4 Parv. de l'Europe, 06300Nice, France
+33 4 92 00 80 00
Avignon Grand Hôtel or similar
Hotel Address
34 Bd Saint-RochAvignon, France
84000
+33 4 90 80 98 09
NH Collection Marseille or similar
Hotel Address
37 Bd des Dames, 13002Marseille, France
+33 4 96 11 31 20
Croatia- September departure
Pictured above: City of Dubrovnik
September 9-23, 2025
Succulent seafood, miles and miles of brilliant coastline, awe inspiring scenery everywhere you go, it’s all a taste of this unique land called Croatia. With roots that go back to the Greek and Roman eras you will find telltale examples of its magnificent past everywhere. The magnetism of modern Croatia, though, is found on the Adriatic coast with its beautiful beaches, secluded bays, lakes, incredible mountain peaks, fantastic cuisine and prized wines and spirits.
Travac Tours has crafted the perfect holiday for you in Croatia. Your experience will take you through the capital Zagreb and the plains district where you can visit its castles or simply enjoy freshly picked fruit from a local farm. While in Zagreb you’ll stay at the legendary Hotel Esplanade, an Orient Express hotel, visited by actors, dignitaries, kings and monarchs including Queen Elizabeth.
We’ll then take you to the Croatian Riviera where towns look like movie sets and the mountains cascade into the sea. This, the Monte Carlo of Croatia, is compared to the Amalfi coast in Italy yet you may find it more exhilarating.
A highlight of your vacation will come with a visit to the Plitvice Lakes National Park. A UNESCO world heritage site the park’s undeniable natural wonder is created by the beauty found in a string of lakes and waterfalls. Indeed, the lakes are one of the most outstanding natural wonders in all of Europe
You will then travel to the small village of Biograd na Moru to enjoy the matchless charm of this seaside resort.
Continuing south, your next stop is Dubrovnik. It is a fortified sea town which holds thousands of years of both history and legend. This former city-state was a republic of nobles. Its castles and villas are often used as backdrops for the TV series “Game of Thrones.” Dubrovnik is indeed amazing!
Your last stop is Split, an eternally young city where many inhabitants have built their homes inside the 1700-year-old walls of the Diocletian’s Palace, another UNESCO world heritage site. Here you will be able to shop and enjoy the town’s famous marketplace. This seaside town truly brings you back to the Mediterranean as it once was.
While on vacation you will be housed in some of the finest hotels in Croatia, each with a distinctive character. There is a full slate of sightseeing and optional sightseeing opportunities are available for the adventurous and energetic.
Undeniably, Croatia is the up-and-coming destination for the perfect holiday. Join us!
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
Ottawa to Zagreb
This afternoon you will depart on your overnight flights from Ottawa to Zagreb.
Day 2
Zagreb
Zagreb is the capital of Croatia. Archeological discoveries dating back to around 35,000 BC, during the Stone Age, have been discovered in the area. While Celts moved in from the North and the Romans from the West. Zagreb, as we know it today, dates back to the Middle Ages and there are plenty of sights that reflect its great past. After checking into your hotel, the balance of your day will be free. Your hotel, the Esplanade Zagreb, has a fascinating history dating back to 1925 when it was owned by “The Orient Express” Rail Company. Over the years this 5-star hotel has hosted most of the royal families in Europe as well as actors and diplomats. To this day it is considered to be one of the finest hotels in central Europe. Numerous museums and the botanical gardens are a short walk from your hotel.
Day 3
Zagreb
You will begin your day with a tour of Zagreb. A good part of the tour will be on foot as we meander through the old town. Zagreb itself is a very green city and there is plenty of opportunity to enjoy its parks and green spaces. Your afternoon is free to explore. (B)
Day 4
Zagreb
Your day is free to explore Zagreb. (B)
Day 5
Zagreb to Opatija
Our adventure continues as we travel through Slovenia to the Croatian Riviera and the delightful village of Opatija. Variously known as the “Old Dame”, the “Pearl of the Adriatic” or the “Queen of Tourism” Opatija is a remarkable seaside resort dating back to 1844. The feel of the Victorian era is everywhere amongst the spectacular hotels with their grand facades. The cascading hills remind you of Italy’s Amalfi Coast. It is truly a destination of elegance and style. Upon your arrival your Travac Tours Director will take you on a short stroll down the city’s main street and point out some of the town’s highlights. If you are into walking, you will certainly enjoy the “Lungomare Promenade” which follows the coastline for 12 kilometers. (B, D)
Day 6
Opatija
After breakfast, we begin our tour with a visit to the Roman Amphitheatre in Pula. While this Amphitheatre is one of many left around Europe by Roman engineers it is certainly one of the best preserved anywhere. We’ll also spend some time in the old town before heading to Rovinj. Rovinj rises dramatically from the Adriatic. Its streets are delightfully twisty and there is indeed something particularly romantic about this old town. (B, D)
Day 7
Opatija
On our last day in this region you are free to relax and enjoy Opatija. (B, D)
Day 8
Opatija to Biograd na Moru
Our journey today will take us to Plitvicka Jezera (Plitvice Lakes) National Park. This UNESCO world heritage site will be one of the highlights of your holiday. The national park is world famous for its lakes arranged in cascades. The sixteen lakes are separated into twelve upper and four lower clusters formed by runoff from the mountains. The lakes are renowned for their distinctive colours ranging from azure to green and grey to blue. The colours change constantly depending on the quantity of minerals or organisms in the water and the angle of sunlight. For the next two nights you will be staying in the delightful town Biograd na Moru. Situated on the northern Dalmatian coast, this small town has an enchanting appeal. You will be free this evening to enjoy a stroll along the waterfront and choose your dining experience. (B, D)
Day 9
Biograd na Moru
Biograd was once the home of Croatian kings. Today it is populated by leisure craft and tourists from all over the world. Your free day can be enjoyed by simply relaxing at your hotel or taking a stroll through this interesting village. (B, D)
Day 10
Biograd na Moru to Dubrovnik
After breakfast we will continue south to the wonderful walled city of Dubrovnik. This city is squeezed between the sea and the mountains and is encircled by stone walls. It is, in a sense, a perfect work of beauty with an enthralling history. Nothing will disappoint you in this magnificent city. (B, D)
Day 11
Dubrovnik
Your morning tour of Dubrovnik will start with a panoramic drive through the Dubrovnik surroundings. Dubrovnik rose to have one of the strongest merchant navies in the 16th century. The town itself became a powerful city state known as the Dubrovnik republic which maintained its independence for 450 years. Your tour will continue with a guided walking tour of the old city. (B, D)
Day 12
Dubrovnik
Your last full day in Dubrovnik is free. Optional tour will be offered (B, D)
Day 13
Dubrovnik to Split
After breakfast, our journey continues to the heart of the Dalmatian coast – Split.
Split is the second largest city in Croatia with a population of over 200,000. Modern Split effectively came into being with the founding of the Diocletian’s Palace, around 295 AD. Today the Palace is part of the old city and is surrounded by an open-air market which is always bustling with activity. After our arrival in Split, we will make our way to the old city for a chance to see the Diocletian’s Palace which simply oozes atmosphere. There are numerous options for dinner in the old city that will offer everything from Dalmatian delicacies to your standard bill of fare. (B)
Day 14
Split
Today you will have a leisurely opportunity to explore and discover the spirit of Split. (B)
Day 15
Split to Ottawa
Your Travac Tours Director will advise you of your departure time for your return flights to Ottawa. (B)
Itinerary and hotels subject to change.
Hotel Information
Zagreb – Esplanade Zagreb Hotel (5 star) or similar
Hotel Address
Mihanoviceva 1Zagreb, Croatia
10000
+385 1 4566 666
Opatija- Grand Hotel Adriatic or similar
Hotel Address
Ul. Maršala Tita 200Opatija, Croatia
51410
+385 51 719 010
Biograd na Moru- Kornati OR Ilirija (4 star) or similar
Hotel Address
Ul. Tina Ujevića 7Biograd na Moru, Croatia
23210
+385 23 383 556
Split- Amphora Hotel (4 star) or similar
Hotel Address
Ulica Domovinskog rata 49, 21000Split, Croatia
+385 21 308 500
Dubrovnik- Valamar Lacroma/ Valamar Argosy Dubrovnik (4+ star) or similar
Hotel Address
Ul. Iva Dulčića 34Dubrovnik, Croatia
20000
+385 52 465 100
Hotel Garden Hill or similar
Hotel Address
Rakarska ul. 1AZagreb, Croatia
10410
+385 1 5544 500
Ontario- Niagara Falls
July 15 – 18, 2025
August 5 – 8, 2025
Join Travac for an exciting 4 day, 3 night adventure to beautiful Niagara Falls, Ontario! Your time will be your own to discover the historic charm of Niagara-on-the Lake, a 19th-century village in the heart of Ontario Wine Country, and to take in the many attractions of Niagara Falls, from its boat tours to botanical gardens. Your Travac Tours Director will be present to offer ample suggestions on what to see and do throughout your stay. Optional plays at the Shaw Festival are also available to purchase for an additional cost. Your package includes round-trip transportation by deluxe private motor coach from Ottawa, 3 nights’ accommodation at the Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview Hotel, and the services of a Travac Tours Director. A perfect summer escape- call the office at 613-728-1934 for more information or to book!
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
This morning you depart Westgate Shopping Centre for Niagara Falls. A rest stop will be made enroute. Expect to arrive in Niagara Falls in late afternoon. The evening is free to explore on your own. Your Travac Tours Director will have restaurant suggestions.
Heritage Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Day 2
Today is a leisure day to explore. Your Travac Tours Director offers suggestions and shuttle times between Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake for the day.
July departure: Optional: Menopause the Musical ($) at the Avalon Theatre between July 16-20, times varies. Tickets are available for purchase independently following the final payment.
August departure: Optional add-on ($): Shaw Festival 1:00pm – Performance of “Tons of Money”. A listening device is offered at no additional cost, please request should you require one.
Day 3
Today is a leisure day to explore. Your Travac Tours Director offers suggestions and shuttle times between Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake for the day.
July departure: Optional add-on ($): Shaw Festival 7:00pm – Performance of “The Lion, the Witch, & the Wardrobe”. A listening device is offered at no additional cost, please request should you require one.
August departure: Train (rock band) performing at the OLG Stage, Fallsview Casino for 8pm. Tickets are available for purchase independently following the final payment.
Day 4
After checking out, we will depart for Ottawa. We will make a washroom and lunch stop enroute.
Itinerary and hotel are subject to change.
Hotel Information
Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview Hotel
Hotel Address
6361 Fallsview BlvdNiagara Falls, Ontario
L2G 3V9
(905) 354-7887