France & Italy featuring Paris, Provence, French Riviera, Florence and Rome
| Resort: | France & Italy featuring Paris, Provence, French Riviera, Florence and Rome |
| Operator: | |
| Destination: | Europe, France, Italy |
| Price From: | £2589.00 |
OverviewCome to know the best of the France and Italy, two cultural and historic treasure troves. Get to know Paris with a local guide your way: by bus or by Metro. Capture the essence of the city as you cruise the Seine River. Whisk through the French countryside aboard the high-speed TGV Train. Discover the wine and chocolate of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Stroll through the bustling morning market in the city square of Saint-Rmy. Get acquainted with the principality of Monaco and the famous Monte Carlo casino. Explore Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance on a walking tour or relish in an in depth tour of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Spend time at a historic winery in the heart of the Chianti region and sample famous Tuscan wines. Tour charming Assisi. Come to know the history and traditions of Rome. Fabulous experiences are ahead in these two dynamic countries brimming with history and culture. ItineraryDay 1: Overnight FlightJourney through the best of France and Italy as you explore lively Paris, romantic Provence, delightful Nice, spectacular Florence, and enchanting Rome, making many fascinating discoveries along the way. Day 2: Paris, France – Tour BeginsYour tour begins in Paris, the City of Light. Tonight, enjoy a wonderful cruise along the Seine River to see the citys glittering landmarks. Then we head into the heart of the city to savor sumptuous French cuisine and wine inside a beautiful, historic Parisian brasserie. Day 3: ParisCome to know the dramatic highlights of Paris your way – by coach or by Metro! You may choose to take a splendid panoramic coach tour that includes a stop to explore the impressive Notre Dame Cathedral. Or, for a truly local experience, you may prefer to join a local guide who will take you to some of Paris most iconic sights by Metro. Either way youll see the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral, Champs-Elysees, Place de la Concorde, and the magnificent Place Vendome with a local guide. The evening is yours to enjoy the glittering skyline of Paris independently or you may choose an optional dinner and show at Paris oldest cabaret. Day 4: ParisThis morning we make our way to the bohemian neighborhood of Montmartre to share in its culture, history and food. Walk the streets that inspired the famous artwork of Van Gogh, Picasso and Toulouse-Lautrec. Taste regional specialties at different shops before visiting the iconic Sacr-Coeur Basilica. The afternoon is yours to take in the beauty of Paris; perhaps you will explore one of Paris famous museums. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a traditional restaurant tucked away in the medieval streets of the Latin Quarter, complete with local wine and accompanied by local musicians. As you bask in the warm hospitable glow, sit back, relax and soak up some truly authentic French culture. Day 5: Paris – Avignon, ProvenceClimb aboard the high-speed TGV train and fly through the French countryside to Provence. Join a local expert for a walking tour of Avignon and discover the legacy of this walled city, the center of European religion since the 14th century. Tour the Palais des Papes (Papal Palace), the largest gothic palace in the world. Day 6: Avignon – Saint-Rémy – Chateauneuf-du-Pape – AvignonDepart for the inspiringly beautiful town of Saint-Rmy-de-Provence where Van Gogh painted Starry Night. Discover the famous Wednesday market for a chance to interact with local producers and artisans. Then head to the famous wine region of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, where you will discover how the fine red wines of this area combine with sumptuous French chocolates. Finish your day savoring fine French cuisine at a local restaurant, complete with a crme brulee demonstration. Day 7: Avignon – Nimes – AvignonDiscover the city of Nimes deep Roman history during a tour that includes a visit to the elliptical amphitheater, the best preserved in France and still used as a bull fighting arena to this day. Visit the Maison Carre (Square House), a small Roman temple; the 18th-century Jardins de la Fontaine (Gardens of the Fountain), built around the Roman Thermae ruins; and the Tour Magne (Great Tower), a ruined Roman tower. The remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy the wonderful pleasures of Provence. Day 8: Avignon – Grasse – NiceTravel to Grasse, the worlds center of perfume making. Learn the secrets of perfume making, from extraction to distillation, while visiting a famous perfumery. Continue to Nice, the renowned playground for the rich and famous. Later, explore Place Massena and the lively seafront Promenade des Anglais. Tonight, enjoy a wonderful dinner at a quaint restaurant. Day 9: Nice – St. Jean-Cap-Ferrat – Monaco – NiceTake in the breathtaking views of the spectacular coastline, passing the charming town of Villefranche-sur-Mer en route to St. Jean-Cap-Ferrat, the crown jewel of the French Riviera. Visit the impressive Rothschild Villa and Gardens, a stunning seaside palace overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Later, a panoramic tour of Monaco will introduce you to the famous Casino of Monte Carlo, the Place des Armes, Princes Palace, Avenue des Beaux Arts, and the Cathedral of Monaco, where Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace are buried. Day 10: Nice – Santa Margherita, Italy – FlorenceThis morning we depart for Florence, Italy – the Cradle of the Italian Renaissance. Drive along the Italian Riviera, where the rugged shorelines meet colorful seaside villages. Stop along the way in picturesque Santa Margherita. Enjoy free time to get to know the local culture or browse the quaint shops and boutiques. Continue on to captivating Florence, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Day 11: FlorenceToday the choice is yours! Perhaps youll choose to join a local guide for a cultural walking tour of Florence and discover its spectacular architecture that are works of art themselves; see the iconic Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore with its famous terracotta dome; stroll through the citys epicenter, the Palazzo Vecchio; and gaze at the magnificent Church of Santa Croce. Or, maybe youd prefer to join an expert to explore the world-famous architectural masterpiece and symbol of Florence the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore; step inside this religious center and the stunning stained glass, massive frescos, and towering archways will mesmerize you on your in-depth discovery; learn about its treasures and history, and spend time exploring its fascinating Museo dell’ Opera del Duomo that houses masterpieces from some of the greatest Italian artists including Donatello and Michelangelo. Day 12: FlorenceTravel through the Tuscan countryside of gentle green hills dotted with vineyards of grapes and olives to a historic winery in the heart of the Chianti region. Lying in the shadow of a 12th-century castle, learn about the winerys history, taste famed Tuscan wines, and enjoy a light lunch featuring local specialties. Return to Florence for a free afternoon to explore Florences many treasures or simply relax over a cappuccino and watch the world go by. Day 13: Florence – Assisi – RomeDepart for the Eternal City of Rome. Make a stop en route in charming Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis. Take in the old-world atmosphere on a guided walking tour through the old city featuring the Basilica of St. Francis. Your day comes to a close in Rome, a city that blends ancient architecture with a lively cosmopolitan energy. Day 14: RomeCome to know the history and traditions of Rome on a guided panoramic tour featuring the impressive Piazza Venezia, the Circus Maximus, the Arch of Constantine, and the famous Piazza Navona. Continue on and tour the impressive Colosseum, once home to gladiatorial combat and wild animal fights dating back to the first century A.D. This afternoon is yours to do as you choose. Available to you is an optional tour to the spectacular Vatican Museums* and the awe-inspiring St. Peter’s Basilica. Day 15: RomeThe day is yours to relax, shop or explore the city your way. Tonight, gather with your fellow travelers for a special farewell dinner. Day 16: Rome – Tour EndsYour tour comes to a close today with wonderful memories of these amazing countries. |
