Tropical Costa Rica
Classic
Lush forests and stunning waterfalls… rumbling volcanoes and endless coastlines… Costa Rica is a paradise teeming with exotic plants and incredible animals. Enjoy the tranquil views of Arenal Volcano from your hotel. Explore part of the 20,000-acre nature preserve of Cano Negro on a riverboat adventure. Spend two nights in Monteverde’s lush cloud forest. Experience the forest canopy on your choice of a hanging bridges nature walk or an exhilarating zip lining tour. Soak in the sunshine at Playa Carrillo, Guanacaste, known for its breathtaking beauty and fine sandy beaches. You will find a slice of paradise and so much more.
- Gardens, Foliage, and Nature
- National Parks and Preserves
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ID: 8364742
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ID: 8364706
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ID: 8364707
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ID: 8364714
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ID: 8364716
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ID: 8364718
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ID: 8364721
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ID: 8364725
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ID: 8364726
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ID: 8364727
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ID: 8364728
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ID: 8364729
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ID: 8364732
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ID: 8364733
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ID: 8364735
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ID: 8364736
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ID: 8364737
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ID: 9121217
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ID: 8364745
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ID: 8364746
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ID: 8364749
|
ID: 8364750
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ID: 8364752
|
ID: 8364753
|
ID: 8364754
|
ID: 8364755
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ID: 8364756
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San Jose
San Jose is the capital of Costa Rica, and the largest city, with 290,000 in the city itself and 1.5 million in the metro area. It is named for Joseph of Nazareth, and has a very European feel and culture. It is located near the middle of the country, which has both Caribbean and Pacific coasts. Spanish colonists started to arrive shortly after Columbus, and many of these immigrants still returned to Europe to study and they created a city that was more European than colonial. Some of the important sights here are the neo-classical Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica, opened in 1897 with a performance of “Faust”, and the Plaza de la Cultura, an urban park where you can find marimba bands, jugglers, ice cream sellers and crowds of locals. San Jose installed its first street signs in 2012.
Coffee Plantation
Coffee has always been one of Costa Rica’s top exports, grown in the central plateau since the mid 18th century with plants brought from Ethiopia. Costa Rican coffee is very high in caffeine and is considered among the best in the world. You will visit the coffee plants themselves and learn about the cultivation process and then how the beans are roasted and processed.
Arenal Volcano
What an impressive sight – the imposing Arenal Volcano – 7,000 years in the making and reaching over 5,000 feet! This live volcano is currently dormant but was active as recent as 2010. Its most active period began in 1968 and it stayed active until July 2010. Smoke plumes and lava flows were common occurrences for decades. Now, although quiet, it is still just as breathtaking. Rising high over the shores of the peaceful Lake Arenal and surrounded by lush forests, it is simply majestic. The volcano’s underground geothermal activity creates nature’s gift - hot springs. Spend time soaking in the soothing waters while gazing at this extraordinary sight.
Cano Negro Refuge
This is a wetland refuge in north central Costa Rica created in 1984. The only access to the 25,000 acre area is by boat. The boats are small and most are covered. The refuge is home to several endangered species, including cougars, jaguars, ocelots, tapirs and several kinds of monkey. The Rio Frio runs through the refuge and allows good wildlife viewing. In the dry season (November to April) millions of migratory birds from North and South America spend the winter here.
Lake Arenal Cruise
Lake Arenal is the largest lake in Costa Rica, and was created as part of a hydroelectric project in 1979. The present town of Arenal on the lake is new – the original town is at the bottom of the lake after the enlargement in 1979. The lake is about 30 km long and 5 km wide and is 100 to 200 feet deep. From the lake, there are spectacular views of the volcano and the surrounding forest.
Farm Tour and Lunch
Monteverde Cloud Forest
This is a nature reserve located on the central volcanic mountains in northern Costa Rica and contains 26,000 acres of cloud forest, 90% of it virgin forest. Cloud forest is defined as having constant or frequent low-level cloud cover that creates unique humid conditions. A group of Quaker farmers from Alabama bought land here in 1951, moving to Costa Rica to avoid the Korean War draft, and they named it Green Mountain (Monteverde) because it was green all year round. Scientists began to notice how special it was in species diversity in the ‘60s and ‘70s, and the first bits were purchased as a reserve in 1973. There are over 160 kinds of amphibians living here including the golden toad, and many birds including the Resplendant Quetzal.
Monteverde Hanging Bridges or Canopy Adventure
While in Monteverde, you have the choice between two activities. First you may choose to explore the cloud forest reserve on a guided leisurely paced "Hanging Bridges" tour high above the forest floor and gain a different perspective of the cloud forest's unique ecosystem, its mammals, birds, plants and flora. Your other option is to experience the unique sensation of flying through nature on a zip line! This zip line canopy tour is known as one of the best soft adventures with one of the longest routes in Costa Rica. Not only will you get a great adventure, but you will also have the opportunity to observe wildlife in its natural habitat.Monteverde Hanging BridgesActivity Level: 21.9 mile leisurely walk with some stairs required. Also includes entry to butterfly garden. Guests will have two hours for all three activies.Canopy AdventureActivity Level: 4Takes between 2.5 and 3 hours to complete 13 ziplines of varying lengths. Accredited personnel oversee the entire process. Not recommended for guests with high blood pressure.
Guanacaste
This is a province in the northwest part of Costa Rica bordering the Pacific Ocean, and it gets its name from the national tree of Costa Rica, the Guanacaste tree (ear pod tree). Nicaragua, which borders Costa Rica, possessed the province in the 19th century and wants it back now. Guancaste has a very dry climate and is very hot during the North American winter season, so has become a very popular beach resort area. The rest of the local economy is based on cattle farming.
DoubleTree by Hilton Cariari
00 San Antonio de Belen, Ciudad Cariari, San Jose, Costa Rica
Mountain Paradise Resort & Spa
000 Arenal Volcano, Arenal, Costa Rica
El Establo Hotel
P O Box 549-2050, Monteverde Cloud Forest, Costa Rica
Nammbu Beachfront Bungalows, Playa Carrillo
0 Playa Carrillo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
We consider everyone who travels with us to be our personal guest.
Every moment matters to us because we know it matters to you. This may be because at heart we are a family owned company that has been in business for over 100 years. It may be because our team are passionate about sharing their own love of travel and uncovering mysteries.
Choosing Collette comes with benefits that take your guided travel experience to another level. Our inclusive tours provide you more value for your money and more of what makes travel special.
The Benefits of Collette Guided Travel
- Value of Guided Travel
- Easy & Convenient Booking
- Expert Tour Managers
- Private Airport Transfers
- Carefully Selected Accommodations
- All the Iconic Must-Sees
- Immersive Cultural Experiences
- Authentic Culinary Experiences
Every Moment of Your Trip Matters
As travelers, we understand that your trip starts at your doorstep and every moment counts. That’s why we offer private chauffeur service to and from the airport. It’s why we developed an industry-leading travel protection plan. And it’s why we offer unrivaled 24-7 support to our travelers out on the road.
We know that the more peace of mind you have, the more you can relax and enjoy the journey. And that’s why we’re with you, every step of the way.
Travel Protection Plan
We get it. Life happens and plans change. With our unrivaled Travel Protection Plan, you can cancel you trip for any reason, right up until the day before your departure and get a full refund, less the cost of the plan. This is something we’ve done for decades, because the trust of our travelers matters the most. So go ahead and book that dream trip with confidence — no blackout windows or hidden restrictions.
Private Chauffeur Service
When you buy air with Collette, secure door-to-door chauffeur service to and from the airport, plus hotel transfers, and all internal transfers during your trip. This means a private sedan comes straight to your door, loads your bags, and whisks you off to the airport and back home again when you return. It’s the perfect stress-free way to start and end your trip.
Expert Tour Managers
Each Collette tour is guided by a regionally-based expert. This means that from the moment you touch down until the moment you leave, you’ll be in the hands of a trusted Tour Manager with insider knowledge about the culture, language, and history of your destination — so you can get the most in-depth experience without any of the stress.
Guaranteed to Go
We have thousands of guaranteed departure dates across our 170+ tours. Book your tour with peace of mind, knowing that it will leave as planned and your departure date won’t change.
Sedan Service
Getting to and from the airport can be the most stressful and difficult part of any trip. Start and end your adventure in hassle-free luxury with our private sedan that comes straight to your door, loads your bags and whisks you off to the airport and back home again when you return. Now that’s how to start and end a trip the right way.
Social Responsibility: It's a way of life
It’s at the heart of everything we do and every decision we make. We believe that travel should be a force for good and by uniting with our employees, partners and travelers, we can make a positive impact in our local and global communities.
Our Mission
Social Responsibility at Collette means working together to take care of the places we live, work and travel. We focus on four key areas – Community, People, Travel and Planet – taking a holistic approach by striving to do good in every area of our business.
Community
Our nonprofit, the Collette Foundation, supports worldwide communities in need through hunger and education initiatives. Each year, employees volunteer more than 4,500 hours of their time to efforts in their own communities and across the world.
Travel
We strive to create an experience our guests not only enjoy, but also feel good about. We work to sustain and preserve communities, cultures, and traditions through tourism, and positively impact the places we come to know as travelers.
People
We couldn’t deliver the amazing travel experiences that we do without our incredible team. We offer our employees a variety of tools to be happy, healthy, and successful including learning and growth opportunities.
Planet
Our world is filled with awe-inspiring natural wonders. That’s why we are actively making responsible decisions to reduce our carbon footprint and care for our planet, the place we all call home.
Focus on family. We’ll handle the rest.
There are countless benefits to family travel. Experiencing new things together. Taking time to enjoy each other’s company without life’s typical distractions. Connecting with loved ones who don’t live near us.
No matter why you decide to travel together, or where you choose to go, spending quality time with family should be the only thing that matters. That’s why families book Collette tours – to let experts take care of all the details.
Why Book Your Multigenerational Family Trip with Collette?
Making Memories Together
Unique experiences are made richer with family by your side. And the journey lives on through memories retold. "Do you remember that game drive with Grandma? We came so close to the elephants!"
Don't Sweat the Small Stuff
Planning a trip is hard work. Organizing the Blarney Stone visit? Finding a ride to the river cruise in Costa Rica? That stuff takes away from your time to focus on each other. Let us handle the logistics.
Learning From Each Other
Traveling with family is the best game of trivia. From architectural features to history, the facts your family members have tucked away may surprise you. (And your Tour Manager can fill in any gaps!)
Exploring Your Ancestry
Cultural heritage forms our family traditions and beliefs. Tracing your family's roots is powerful. There's no better way to discover these countries than with your family. Go together, with an expert by your side.
Private Touring for Families
Whether you're booking a large family trip or the best family reunion ever, you can book a private tour with 10 or more travelers. Go on. Invite everyone and their mother.
Playing New Roles
We think of people in their day-to-day roles. Parent. Sibling. Child. When you travel on tour and responsibilities shift, you let loose and get to know each other as adventurers, too.
Collette Knows Family Travel
We have been family-owned and operated since we opened our doors in 1918. Our team loves traveling with family! We truly value the magic of exploring the world together.
Less is More on a Low-Season Tour
Explore popular destinations with more flexibility and fewer crowds. Whether you're searching for tranquility or a deeper connection with the locals, off season travel is one of the best ways to experience a destination.
6 Reasons to Love the Low Season
More Affordable
Off-season travel offers significant cost savings on flights, accommodations, and day-to-day activities.
Better Service
Smaller crowds mean more personalized service and shorter wait times at restaurants, museums, and attractions.
More Peace
Peak season can be crowded and overwhelming, while the low season offers opportunities for quieter, more serene travel experiences.
Authentic Experiences
Experience destinations like the locals do - with less hustle and more room to appreciate the beauty around you.
More Sustainable
Low season travel reduces the strain on a destination’s resources, meaning less waste and lower pollution levels.
Support Local Economies
Low season tourism brings vital income to local economies during quieter periods, helping to sustain businesses and livelihoods year-round.
San Jose
San Jose is the capital of Costa Rica, and the largest city, with 290,000 in the city itself and 1.5 million in the metro area. It is named for Joseph of Nazareth, and has a very European feel and culture. It is located near the middle of the country, which has both Caribbean and Pacific coasts. Spanish colonists started to arrive shortly after Columbus, and many of these immigrants still returned to Europe to study and they created a city that was more European than colonial. Some of the important sights here are the neo-classical Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica, opened in 1897 with a performance of “Faust”, and the Plaza de la Cultura, an urban park where you can find marimba bands, jugglers, ice cream sellers and crowds of locals. San Jose installed its first street signs in 2012.
Coffee Plantation
Coffee has always been one of Costa Rica’s top exports, grown in the central plateau since the mid 18th century with plants brought from Ethiopia. Costa Rican coffee is very high in caffeine and is considered among the best in the world. You will visit the coffee plants themselves and learn about the cultivation process and then how the beans are roasted and processed.
Arenal Volcano
What an impressive sight – the imposing Arenal Volcano – 7,000 years in the making and reaching over 5,000 feet! This live volcano is currently dormant but was active as recent as 2010. Its most active period began in 1968 and it stayed active until July 2010. Smoke plumes and lava flows were common occurrences for decades. Now, although quiet, it is still just as breathtaking. Rising high over the shores of the peaceful Lake Arenal and surrounded by lush forests, it is simply majestic. The volcano’s underground geothermal activity creates nature’s gift - hot springs. Spend time soaking in the soothing waters while gazing at this extraordinary sight.
Cano Negro Refuge
This is a wetland refuge in north central Costa Rica created in 1984. The only access to the 25,000 acre area is by boat. The boats are small and most are covered. The refuge is home to several endangered species, including cougars, jaguars, ocelots, tapirs and several kinds of monkey. The Rio Frio runs through the refuge and allows good wildlife viewing. In the dry season (November to April) millions of migratory birds from North and South America spend the winter here.
Lake Arenal Cruise
Lake Arenal is the largest lake in Costa Rica, and was created as part of a hydroelectric project in 1979. The present town of Arenal on the lake is new – the original town is at the bottom of the lake after the enlargement in 1979. The lake is about 30 km long and 5 km wide and is 100 to 200 feet deep. From the lake, there are spectacular views of the volcano and the surrounding forest.
Farm Tour and Lunch
Monteverde Cloud Forest
This is a nature reserve located on the central volcanic mountains in northern Costa Rica and contains 26,000 acres of cloud forest, 90% of it virgin forest. Cloud forest is defined as having constant or frequent low-level cloud cover that creates unique humid conditions. A group of Quaker farmers from Alabama bought land here in 1951, moving to Costa Rica to avoid the Korean War draft, and they named it Green Mountain (Monteverde) because it was green all year round. Scientists began to notice how special it was in species diversity in the ‘60s and ‘70s, and the first bits were purchased as a reserve in 1973. There are over 160 kinds of amphibians living here including the golden toad, and many birds including the Resplendant Quetzal.
Monteverde Hanging Bridges or Canopy Adventure
While in Monteverde, you have the choice between two activities. First you may choose to explore the cloud forest reserve on a guided leisurely paced "Hanging Bridges" tour high above the forest floor and gain a different perspective of the cloud forest's unique ecosystem, its mammals, birds, plants and flora. Your other option is to experience the unique sensation of flying through nature on a zip line! This zip line canopy tour is known as one of the best soft adventures with one of the longest routes in Costa Rica. Not only will you get a great adventure, but you will also have the opportunity to observe wildlife in its natural habitat.Monteverde Hanging BridgesActivity Level: 21.9 mile leisurely walk with some stairs required. Also includes entry to butterfly garden. Guests will have two hours for all three activies.Canopy AdventureActivity Level: 4Takes between 2.5 and 3 hours to complete 13 ziplines of varying lengths. Accredited personnel oversee the entire process. Not recommended for guests with high blood pressure.
Guanacaste
This is a province in the northwest part of Costa Rica bordering the Pacific Ocean, and it gets its name from the national tree of Costa Rica, the Guanacaste tree (ear pod tree). Nicaragua, which borders Costa Rica, possessed the province in the 19th century and wants it back now. Guancaste has a very dry climate and is very hot during the North American winter season, so has become a very popular beach resort area. The rest of the local economy is based on cattle farming.
DoubleTree by Hilton Cariari
00 San Antonio de Belen, Ciudad Cariari, San Jose, Costa Rica
Mountain Paradise Resort & Spa
000 Arenal Volcano, Arenal, Costa Rica
El Establo Hotel
P O Box 549-2050, Monteverde Cloud Forest, Costa Rica
Nammbu Beachfront Bungalows, Playa Carrillo
0 Playa Carrillo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
We consider everyone who travels with us to be our personal guest.
Every moment matters to us because we know it matters to you. This may be because at heart we are a family owned company that has been in business for over 100 years. It may be because our team are passionate about sharing their own love of travel and uncovering mysteries.
Choosing Collette comes with benefits that take your guided travel experience to another level. Our inclusive tours provide you more value for your money and more of what makes travel special.
The Benefits of Collette Guided Travel
- Value of Guided Travel
- Easy & Convenient Booking
- Expert Tour Managers
- Private Airport Transfers
- Carefully Selected Accommodations
- All the Iconic Must-Sees
- Immersive Cultural Experiences
- Authentic Culinary Experiences
Every Moment of Your Trip Matters
As travelers, we understand that your trip starts at your doorstep and every moment counts. That’s why we offer private chauffeur service to and from the airport. It’s why we developed an industry-leading travel protection plan. And it’s why we offer unrivaled 24-7 support to our travelers out on the road.
We know that the more peace of mind you have, the more you can relax and enjoy the journey. And that’s why we’re with you, every step of the way.
Travel Protection Plan
We get it. Life happens and plans change. With our unrivaled Travel Protection Plan, you can cancel you trip for any reason, right up until the day before your departure and get a full refund, less the cost of the plan. This is something we’ve done for decades, because the trust of our travelers matters the most. So go ahead and book that dream trip with confidence — no blackout windows or hidden restrictions.
Private Chauffeur Service
When you buy air with Collette, secure door-to-door chauffeur service to and from the airport, plus hotel transfers, and all internal transfers during your trip. This means a private sedan comes straight to your door, loads your bags, and whisks you off to the airport and back home again when you return. It’s the perfect stress-free way to start and end your trip.
Expert Tour Managers
Each Collette tour is guided by a regionally-based expert. This means that from the moment you touch down until the moment you leave, you’ll be in the hands of a trusted Tour Manager with insider knowledge about the culture, language, and history of your destination — so you can get the most in-depth experience without any of the stress.
Guaranteed to Go
We have thousands of guaranteed departure dates across our 170+ tours. Book your tour with peace of mind, knowing that it will leave as planned and your departure date won’t change.
Sedan Service
Getting to and from the airport can be the most stressful and difficult part of any trip. Start and end your adventure in hassle-free luxury with our private sedan that comes straight to your door, loads your bags and whisks you off to the airport and back home again when you return. Now that’s how to start and end a trip the right way.
Social Responsibility: It's a way of life
It’s at the heart of everything we do and every decision we make. We believe that travel should be a force for good and by uniting with our employees, partners and travelers, we can make a positive impact in our local and global communities.
Our Mission
Social Responsibility at Collette means working together to take care of the places we live, work and travel. We focus on four key areas – Community, People, Travel and Planet – taking a holistic approach by striving to do good in every area of our business.
Community
Our nonprofit, the Collette Foundation, supports worldwide communities in need through hunger and education initiatives. Each year, employees volunteer more than 4,500 hours of their time to efforts in their own communities and across the world.
Travel
We strive to create an experience our guests not only enjoy, but also feel good about. We work to sustain and preserve communities, cultures, and traditions through tourism, and positively impact the places we come to know as travelers.
People
We couldn’t deliver the amazing travel experiences that we do without our incredible team. We offer our employees a variety of tools to be happy, healthy, and successful including learning and growth opportunities.
Planet
Our world is filled with awe-inspiring natural wonders. That’s why we are actively making responsible decisions to reduce our carbon footprint and care for our planet, the place we all call home.
Focus on family. We’ll handle the rest.
There are countless benefits to family travel. Experiencing new things together. Taking time to enjoy each other’s company without life’s typical distractions. Connecting with loved ones who don’t live near us.
No matter why you decide to travel together, or where you choose to go, spending quality time with family should be the only thing that matters. That’s why families book Collette tours – to let experts take care of all the details.
Why Book Your Multigenerational Family Trip with Collette?
Making Memories Together
Unique experiences are made richer with family by your side. And the journey lives on through memories retold. "Do you remember that game drive with Grandma? We came so close to the elephants!"
Don't Sweat the Small Stuff
Planning a trip is hard work. Organizing the Blarney Stone visit? Finding a ride to the river cruise in Costa Rica? That stuff takes away from your time to focus on each other. Let us handle the logistics.
Learning From Each Other
Traveling with family is the best game of trivia. From architectural features to history, the facts your family members have tucked away may surprise you. (And your Tour Manager can fill in any gaps!)
Exploring Your Ancestry
Cultural heritage forms our family traditions and beliefs. Tracing your family's roots is powerful. There's no better way to discover these countries than with your family. Go together, with an expert by your side.
Private Touring for Families
Whether you're booking a large family trip or the best family reunion ever, you can book a private tour with 10 or more travelers. Go on. Invite everyone and their mother.
Playing New Roles
We think of people in their day-to-day roles. Parent. Sibling. Child. When you travel on tour and responsibilities shift, you let loose and get to know each other as adventurers, too.
Collette Knows Family Travel
We have been family-owned and operated since we opened our doors in 1918. Our team loves traveling with family! We truly value the magic of exploring the world together.
Less is More on a Low-Season Tour
Explore popular destinations with more flexibility and fewer crowds. Whether you're searching for tranquility or a deeper connection with the locals, off season travel is one of the best ways to experience a destination.
6 Reasons to Love the Low Season
More Affordable
Off-season travel offers significant cost savings on flights, accommodations, and day-to-day activities.
Better Service
Smaller crowds mean more personalized service and shorter wait times at restaurants, museums, and attractions.
More Peace
Peak season can be crowded and overwhelming, while the low season offers opportunities for quieter, more serene travel experiences.
Authentic Experiences
Experience destinations like the locals do - with less hustle and more room to appreciate the beauty around you.
More Sustainable
Low season travel reduces the strain on a destination’s resources, meaning less waste and lower pollution levels.
Support Local Economies
Low season tourism brings vital income to local economies during quieter periods, helping to sustain businesses and livelihoods year-round.
About Collette
With Collette, the World is Within Your Reach
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.
About Collette
With Collette, the World is Within Your Reach
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.
