Essence of France Paris, Provence & the French Riviera (Paris to Nice)

Customer Reviews

• Bria

  · August 1st, 2025
  Urban was amazing. It was a shame he couldn't be woth us more. The local tour guides in London were great, not so much in Paris
  Show more
• Tina

  · June 5th, 2025
  I was unhappy with two meals provided. We were given a menu a day prior to our reservation. The restaurant ran out of the main entree when it came to myself and friend. This occurred twice.
  Show more
  Review collected by Collette
• Johhan

  · July 21st, 2025
  An Exceptional Shades of Ireland Tour (13 Day - Dublin to Belfast) Experience with Collette We recently completed Collette’s Shades of Ireland tour, and the entire journey exceeded expectations in every meaningful way. From immersive excursions to seamless logistics, this experience showcased the best of Irish hospitality, culture, and natural beauty. Tour Leadership A special highlight was our Tour Manager, John Fitzgibbon, whose deep historical knowledge, outstanding organizational skills, and warm communication made each day informative and enjoyable. John kept our group on track without ever feeling rushed, always available to answer questions or lend support with genuine care. His storytelling and professionalism were central to the tour’s success. Motor Coach Experience Our motor coach was clean, comfortable, and well maintained — a relaxing and reliable way to travel through Ireland’s varied landscapes. Our coach operator, Mark, provided steady hands and calm energy throughout. Courteous and professional, he navigated tight roads with expertise, making every leg of the journey smooth and safe. Excursions & Optional Tours The itinerary struck a beautiful balance between structured sightseeing and optional experiences. Highlights included the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, a lively Medieval Banquet dinner that treated our family to pageantry and meals fit for royalty, and impactful visits to the Titanic Belfast Experience, Giant’s Causeway, and Cliffs of Moher — each delivering its own unique blend of history, legend, and breathtaking scenery. We have no regrets about the optional tours; they enhanced the trip in every way. Accommodations Our hotels were clean, professionally staffed, and well maintained. We traveled during an unseasonably warm stretch, and while most properties in Ireland understandably don’t offer air conditioning, staff did their best to accommodate guests. A special shoutout to the Sligo Park Hotel, whose team went above and beyond — even heading into town to purchase additional fans for our group. That level of care didn’t go unnoticed. Meals The included meals were well prepared and culturally rich, offering insight into Ireland’s heritage through regional flavors. As a culinary sidenote: if dining independently in Derry, take note that The Exchange serves spicy dishes that might surprise your taste buds. Plan accordingly — unless you like your food with fireworks. Air & Transfer Logistics Our international flight with Aer Lingus was actually better than expected, especially compared to the volume of negative reviews online. It wasn’t luxury, but it was reliable and comfortable enough for a long-haul journey. In terms of transfers: there’s typically no need to arrange transport from Dublin Airport to local accommodations unless traveling with a large party. However, booking return transfers from Belfast to Dublin Airport is highly recommended — far more efficient and cost-effective than taxis or rideshare options. Pre-Tour & Documentation Pre-tour communication and documentation from Collette were handled clearly and professionally. No improvements needed in this area. The online survey post-tour was also thorough and gave us space to reflect on all elements of the journey. We highly recommend Collette’s Shades of Ireland tour to anyone seeking an enriching, well-managed exploration of Ireland. Outstanding professionals like John and Mark made this experience both memorable and meaningful.
  Show more