Day 1 Lucerne - Milan - Venice (432 km)
Day 2 Venice - Rome (393 km)
Day 3 Rome - Vatican City - Arezzo (184 km)
Day 4 Arezzo - Florence - Pisa - Genoa (268 km)
Day 5 Genoa - Monaco - Grasse - Nice - Cannes - Avignon (588 km)
Day 6 Avignon - Gordes - Avignon (63 km)
Day 7 Avignon - Arles - Barcelona (364 km)
Day 8 Barcelona
Day 9 Barcelona - Andorra (October - Feb to Carcassonne) - Lourdes (434 km)
Day 10 Lourdes - Bordeaux (251 km)
Day 11 Bordeaux - Loire Valley - Chambord - Paris (668 km)
Day 1:
Lucerne - Milan - Venice (432 km)
Head south from Lucerne through spectacular Switzerland and into northern Italy, where your first stop will be Milan, fashion capital of the world. Your orientation tour will introduce you to the city's iconic sights, including the vast Gothic cathedral (Duomo). You'll also see the planet's oldest shopping mall, the 19thcentury Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, where you can wander among the boutique shops and have lunch in one of the refined cafes. After enjoying the many delights of Milan, you'll head to another vintage
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Milan, ITALY
This city in the northernmost part of Italy is a global center for fashion and design. Its artistic history dates back hundreds and hundreds of years; places like Santa Maria delle Grazie are decorated with Leonardo da Vinci's work.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is one of the world's oldest shopping malls, dating back to 1877. This dramatic building features exclusive, upscale stores as well as some of the oldest shops and restaurants in the city.
Duomo
Milan's cathedral is the largest in all of Italy and the fifth largest in the world. The groundbreaking occurred in 1386; however, construction was not completed until 1965. Visitors can access the rooftops, which provide amazing views of the city.
Admission (Optional): Adult €15; Child (0-6 yrs) Free; Duomo Pass A reduced €8; Duomo Pass A
Day 2:
Venice - Rome (393 km)
Breakfast: Included (Hotel Breakfast)|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Excluded
After breakfast, we will take a tour of Venice, IT by way of its famous canal system. Begin with a waterbus ride to San Marco Island, we will stop at the Piazza San Marco, home of Saint Mark's Basilica, and then see the Bridge of Sighs. Afterwards you'll have a chance to see some traditional Venetian craftwork at close quarters with a demonstration by Murano glassblowers. Of course, the ultimate Venice activity is to take a gondola ride through the Grand Canal, and for most people this optional excursion is a must. We will spend the night in the Rome, IT area.
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Venice, ITALY
This city off the coast of northeast Italy is famous the world over for its many canals. It is actually a chain of 118 islands linked together by bridges and waterways. Venice is world-renown for its art and beauty.
Bridge of Sighs
This gorgeous white-limestone bridge in Venice gets its name from an almost ironically bleak place: In the 1800s, the windows looking out from the enclosed bridge's interior were the last views of sublime Venice convicts would see before their imprisonment.
Grand Canal
Venice's Grand Canal is the major canal in the city's expansive system. It takes an S-shaped path through the length of the city, and is used for public transportation as well as tourism; Gondola rides for visitors are popular.
Gondola Ride
The canals of Venice are what make this city iconic. Gondolas are special boats designed to navigate these channels. No visit to Venice is complete without a romantic ride down the canals on a gondola.
Tour Fee (Optional): Adult €40; Child €40
Piazza San Marco
The Piazza San Marco is the largest and primary public area in Venice. The structures surrounding it date back more than one thousand years, although the vast majority are from Renaissance times. It has been called "the drawing room of Europe."
Saint Mark's Basilica
The Basilica Cattedrale Patriarcale di San Marco is the most famous church in Venice and is known for its unique and ornate Italo-Byzantine architecture that includes five hemispherical domes and fine patterns. It was built in the 11th century AD.
Day 3:
Rome - Vatican City - Arezzo (184 km)
Breakfast: Included (Hotel Breakfast)|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Excluded
In the morning we will visit Vatican City, VA, home of the Roman-Catholic papacy and the smallest sovereign state in the world. There, we will visit St. Peter's Basilica. Alternatively, you can choose to add on the optional Sistine Chapel tour to view Michelangelo's famous painted ceiling. Next you'll see the famous Trevi Fountain. After lunch, we will tour spectacular Rome, IT. An optional guided tour of the Coliseum, is highly recommended. We'll also get up close to the nearby Arch of Constantine and spend some further free time enjoying Rome, sampling the rich and creamy delights of "gelato" Italian ice cream before journey to Arezzo or nearby city for the night.
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Vatican City, ITALY
This small country, surrounded by the larger city of Rome, is the center of the Catholic Church and home of the Pope. Famous sights are St. Peter's Square and the Basilica, as well as the Vatican Museum.
St. Peter's Basilica
Perhaps the most famous church in the world and the center of Roman Catholicism, this ornate basilica in the small sovereign state of Vatican City has been a place of pilgrimage for nearly two thousand years.
Sistine Chapel
In 1508, Michelangelo, the famous Renaissance artist, came to Rome to pain the ceiling of this chapel in the Apostolic Palace, the residency of the Pope. The resulting mural has come to be regarded as a sublime masterpiece.
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Rome, ITALY
The history of this amazing city spans more than two and a half thousand years. It is one of the most historic places on the planet Earth, and it's artistic and cultural contributions have colored global development.
Arch of Constantine
This triumphal arch in Rome has been standing for nearly 2,000 years. It commemorates the victory of Constantine I at the Battle of Milvian Bridge. It was built with brick and marble, and the detailing is incredibly intricate.
Colosseum
This nearly 2000-year-old structure is one of the most famous buildings in the entire world and all of human history. At its height, it could hold up to 80,000 people, and was usually used for gladiatorial contests, executions, and drama productions.
Admission (Optional): Adult €35; including ticket and skip the queue
Trevi Fountain
Perhaps the most famous fountain in the world, this baroque masterpiece from the 18th century is best known for the myth that tossing coins in brings good luck. People from all over the world come to throw money into the fountain.
Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels and the Martyrs
A basilica and titular church built inside the ruined frigidarium of the Roman Baths of Diocletian in the Piazza della Repubblica. It was constructed in the 16th century following an original design by Michelangelo Buonarroti. Other architects and artists added to the church over the following centuries.
TYO
A Japanese department store group, founded in 1673, headquartered in Tokyo. It has many branches in Japan, mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Europe and the United States.
Day 4:
Arezzo - Florence - Pisa - Genoa (268 km)
Breakfast: Included (Hotel Breakfast)|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Excluded
Today, we will tour Florence, IT. Begin the day by taking in a wonderful panoramic overview of the city from Piazzale Michelangelo. Next, we can see a demonstration of the traditional craft of leatherworking at close quarters in a local workshop. From here enjoy a guided walk around Florence's many highlights, including the Ponte Vecchio over the Arno, the Piazza del Duomo and Campanile Tower. Pass the Uffizi Gallery. We will have some free time in Florence before we leave for Pisa, IT to see the Leaning Tower. We will head to Genoa nearby city for the night.
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Florence, ITALY
Historic Florence, Italy is considered to be one of the most gorgeous cities in the world. Its long tradition of art and culture can be seen on nearly every doorstep. Millions of people travel here each year.
Piazzale Michelangelo
The Piazzale Michelangelo is located at the top of a hill, making it perhaps the best vantage point to take in a full panoramic view of this marvelous city. A restaurant at the top provides visitors with a good meal.
Piazza del Duomo
The "Cathedral Square" in the heart of Florence is one of the most-visited places on the planet. It is home to an impressive list of breathtaking buildings emblematic of Italian art and culture, including the Florence Cathedral and Baptistery.
Ponte Veccio
The Ponte Veccio is a Medieval stone bridge over the Arno River in Florence. The bridge is lined by shops, something that was typical at the time of its construction in 1345; they are mostly artists and souvenir vendors.
Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery is an art museum in Florence, Italy that is among the oldest in the world. It is located in a Medieval palace and houses works by da Vinci, Raphael, Caravaggio, Titian, Botticelli, and many more.
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Pisa, ITALY
This Tuscan town on the Tyrrhenian Sea in northern Italy is most famous for its Leaning Tower. However, there are many more works of art and architecture to see, and time spent in Pisa will not be easily forgotten!
Leaning Tower of Pisa
The world-famous tower built during the Middle Ages is a testament to both human ingenuity and fallibility. The tower tilted because the soil on one side was softer than on the other, and it could not support the tower's weight.
Admission (Optional): Adult €15
Day 5:
Genoa - Monaco - Grasse - Nice - Cannes - Avignon (588 km)
Breakfast: Included (Hotel Breakfast)|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Excluded
Today we will journey to Monaco. A walking tour takes you to the grand Prince's Palace of Monaco before continuing on to view the 1920s Courthouse, the Cliffside Oceanographic Museum, and the Cathedral.
Then travel a little further to visit the famous Fragonard Perfume Factory. Next it's Nice, where you'll stop for lunch to sample some excellent local cuisine and warm-hearted hospitality. Then head to Cannes, FR to take some pictures at the Palais des Festivals. We will spend the night in nearby Avignon.
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Monaco City, Monaco
Located on a headland that extends into the Mediterranean Sea, Monaco is nicknamed The Rock. It has a Mediterranean climate, with an average temperature of 10℃ in January, 24℃ in August and 16℃ in the year.
Prince's Palace of Monaco
The official residence of the Prince of Monaco, a position currently held by Albert II, this palace was originally built in 1191 as a fortress for the ruling Genoese nobles.
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Grasse, FRANCE
Grasse is a town on the French Riviera in France. It is famous for its perfume industry. In addition, it has a former Roman Catholic cathedral named Grasse Cathedral with many paintings.
Fragonard Perfume Factory
The Parfumerie Fragonard in southeastern France is one of the oldest factories of its kind in the area, dating back to the 18th century. Visitors can join a guided tour that explore the perfume-making process and history of Grasse.
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Cannes, FRANCE
It is a city located on the French Riviera. It is a commune of France located in the Alpes-Maritimes department, and host city of the annual Cannes Film Festival, Midem, and Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. The city is known for its association with the rich and famous, its luxury hotels and restaurants, and for several conferences.
Palais des Festivals et des Congres
This building on the southern coast of France plays host to the world-famous Cannes Film Festival each year, one of the most prestigious film festivals on the planet. The building has more than 10,000 feet of space and 18 auditoriums.
Day 6:
Avignon - Gordes - Avignon (63 km)
Breakfast: Included (Hotel Breakfast)|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Excluded
We will start the day in Avignon visiting the two must see landmarks. The Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes) and the Pont Saint-Benezet. In the afternoon we will depart to visit Gordes, famous from A Year in Provence, the book, written by Peter Mayle. Afterwards we will have a short stay at the Musee de la Lavande, the lavender museum, and the Abbaye de Senanque which Catholic Cistercian originate from and the story background of the book A Year in Provence.
Please note：Lavender is a seasonal plant which blooms from July till the beginning of August affected by climate, growth and harvesting periods, therefore we are unable to guarantee whether clients will see fresh lavender！）
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Avignon, FRANCE
One of the few French cities to have preserved its ramparts.The historic centre, which includes the Palais des Papes, the cathedral, and the Pont d'Avignon, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. The medieval monuments and the annual Festival d'Avignon have helped to make the town a major centre for tourism.
Palais des Papes
These exquisite medieval Gothic palaces in Avignon get their name because they were at one point lodgins for various popes throughout the history of the Catholic church.
Pont Saint-Benezet
Originally built in the 12th century CE, only a portion of this bridge remains, which once allowed for crossing over the Rhone River. The remaining arches are now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
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Gordes, FRANCE
A small commune in Southern France, Gordes is a historical little town. The castle that sits at the top of the town's central hill was an ancient Roman fortress before being converted into a Renaissance castle.
Chateau de Gordes
The chateau rises in the heart of the small town of Gordes. It is made up of two distinct sections, the medieval fortress and the Renaissance castle.
Senanque Abbey
This Cistercian abbey can be found near the village of Gordes in southern France. It is flanked by a lush field of lavender. It has been in use since 1148.
Day 7:
Avignon - Arles - Barcelona (364 km)
Breakfast: Included (Hotel Breakfast)|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Excluded
In the morning we will drive to Arles. The Langlois Bridge at Arles and The Cafe Terrace on the Place du Forum. It is a true unique experience to visit town and see what the Dutch master saw himself over a century ago. Other than enjoying the village’s connection with Van Gogh there are many ancient Roman ruins to behold. Arles has been listed as a key city since ancient Roman times. In the afternoon we will leave Arles for the charming coastal city of Barcelona. If time permits, upon arrival, everyonecan participate in an optional program to visit the Olympic Beach.
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Arles, FRANCE
This historical city in southern France dates back to ancient Roman times, and the ruins of the old amphitheater can still be visited today. Vincent Van Gogh, the famous impressionist painter, live here for many years, producing over 300 works.
Le Cafe Van Gogh
This cafe in Arles gets its name because it was the subject of one of Vincent van Gogh's famous paintings. It has become a popular tourist attraction for those who want to imagination the transition for real world to canvas.
Langlois Bridge
This bridge in Arles is a reconstruction of the original drawbridge that was located in this spot at the turn of the 20th century. It was made famous by serving as the subject for a series of Van Gogh paintings.
Day 8:
Barcelona
Breakfast: Included (Hotel Breakfast)|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Excluded
Today, the first destination we will visit is the Monastery of Montserrat. In the afternoon we return to Barcelona visiting the Columbus Monument and La Rambla. Continue to visit the iconic Sagrada Familia, the masterpiece of the architectural genius Antoni Gaudí, known as the "architect poet."
Then we visit the exterior of Europe's biggest football stadium, Camp Nou which has been the home ground of FC Barcelona since 1957.
You can ake some beautiful pictures outside the stadium, buy some souvenirs, and then visit the Montjuïc Hill to visit the Olympic Stadium, which hosted the 1992 Olympic Games. From the hill, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city. The remaining time is free for leisure activities at the bustling Catalunya Square.
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Barcelona, SPAIN
This gorgeous Spanish city on the Mediterranean is one of the world's most popular tourists destinations due to its rich cultural heritage. Visitors can see medieval buildings or admire modernity at the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey
The Abbey on Montserrat, a short journey from nearby Barcelona, is accessible via cable-car or the road that winds up the mountain. It also contains a museum with works by artists such as El Greco and Picasso.
Admission (Optional): Adult €35; Child €35
Columbus Monument
Christopher Columbus is immortalized with a towering monument on Barcelona's famous walkway, La Rambla, depicting the famed explorer pointing out towards the sea. Visitors can take an elevator to the top, which offers a thrilling view of the city.
La Rambla
This centrally-located street in Barcelona is a tree-lined pedestrian walkway that covers 1.2 kilometers from the port to Place de Catalunya. There are many cafes and shopping kiosks along the street, which can get crowded during the busy tourist seasons.
Sagrada Familia
Designed by Antoni Gaudi, Barcelona's most famous architect, construction of the Sagrada Familia began in 1882 and continues to this day, a perfect synthesis of the 19th-century Gothic and 20th-century Modernist styles, a blend of religion and fantasy.
Reservation visit time: 15:00 – 15:30. Due to limited daily access control in Sagrada
Família church, and to avoid disappoint, we recommend customer who strongly request
to visit this place to book tickets online in advance on www.sagradafamilia.org
Admission (Optional): Adult €26; Child €26; ticket + audio guide, Self book tickets online in advance on www.sagradafamilia.org
Camp Nou
It means "new field" in English, is a football stadium in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. It has been the home of FC Barcelona since its completion in 1957. It is the largest stadium in Spain, also the largest in Europe and the third largest association football stadium in the world in terms of capacity.
Reservation visit time: 13:00-13:30. If there is a match, you may not be able to enter the
stadium to visit, and to avoid disappoint, we recommend customer to pre-purchase
BASIC TOUR tickets online in advance :
https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/tickets/camp-nou-experience
Admission (Optional): Adult €28; Child €28; Camp Nou will undergo major renovations starting from June 2023 and is expected to last for approximately 2 years. Self Pre- purchase BASIC TOUR tickets online in advance : https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/tickets/camp-nou-experience
Montjuic Hill
Rising above the Barcelona's harbor is Montjuic Hill. Parks and gardens rest on this hill, converging with each other via winding paths carved into the hillside, along with a Greek amphitheater, various museums and the Olympic Park.
Day 9:
Barcelona - Andorra (October - Feb to Carcassonne) - Lourdes (434 km)
Breakfast: Included (Hotel Breakfast)|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Excluded
In the morning we will travel to the Principality of Andorra. After lunch we will drive through the Pyrenees entering France arriving at the town of Lourdes.
Please note: From October till the end of February due to winter weather we will not visit Andorra and reroute to Carcassonne in France. Carcassonne is a World Heritage Site city with its landmark Castle of Carcassonne. There are 3 km of double walls and 52 towers in the city
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Andorra, Andorra
Andorra, also called the Principality of the Valleys of Andorra, is a sovereign, landlocked country in Southwestern Europe. Bordered by Spain and France, tourists can enjoy its natural beauty, duty-free status for shopping, and popular summer and winter resorts.
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Carcassonne, FRANCE
This fortified French town shows evidence of settlement dating back to around 3500 BC. The most notable feature of the town is the medieval walls that surround it.
Carcassonne Castle
Carcassonne Castle is a fortified and breathtaking Medieval town. First secured by the Ancient Romans, the castle has historically served as an important strategic point between France and Spain. Visitors can glimpse into history and experience and grandeur of Carcassone Castle's dwellings, cathedral, and towers.
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Day 10:
Lourdes - Bordeaux (251 km)
Breakfast: Included (Hotel Breakfast)|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Excluded
Today we will travel from Lourdes to the famous wine region Bordeaux. While in Bordeaux we will visit a well-known winery and its vineyards. You will have an opportunity to taste and buy wine direct from the source. After our stop at the winery, we will head to city Bordeaux, visiting famous landmarks such as the opera house Gran Teatro de Burdeos, the world's largest water mirror called Miroir d'Eau and the famous Place des Quinconces and so on. At the end of the day, you will have some free leisure time in the city center of Bordeaux.
Please note: Most wineries in Bordeaux are closed to tourists in August or during festivals. Please understand that during this time we will not be able to visit the wineries however we will be able to taste and buy wine in the city center of Bordeaux
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Bordeaux, FRANCE
A port city on the Garonne River in the Gironde department in southwestern France. It is the world's major wine industry capital. The historic part of the city is on the UNESCO World Heritage List as "an outstanding urban and architectural ensemble" of the 18th century.
Cathedrale Saint-Andre
This Roman Catholic cathedral in Bordeaux was consecrated by Pope Urban II in 1096. Originally, it was built in a Romanesque style, but was gradually renovated in the Gothic style.
Place des Quinconces
Place des Quinconces is one of the largest city squares in all of Europe and home to stunning and historic statues and monuments. The Girondists monument is the most iconic display and symbolizes the spirit of liberty. Place des Quinconces is also the most important public transport hub of the area.
Day 11:
Bordeaux - Loire Valley - Chambord - Paris (668 km)
Breakfast: Included (Hotel Breakfast)|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Excluded
Departing from Bordeaux we will be traveling to the world-famous tourist attraction the Loire Valley. In the Loire Valley there are magnificent and gorgeous castles on both sides of the river. In the afternoon we will arrive at the Chambord Castle also known as the King of Castles. The castle was originally built to serve as a hunting lodge for King Francois I of France in 1519 to make a statement of his imperial power. Afterwards will be heading to Paris and will arrive around 7 pm.
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Loire Valley, FRANCE
The Loire is the longest river in France with a length of 1020 km and is known as the mother river of France.
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Chambord, FRANCE
Chambord is a town in Loir-et-Cher in France. It is famous for the royal Chateau de Chambord.
Chateau de Chambord
is one of the most recognizable chateaux in the world because of its very distinctive French Renaissance architecture which blends traditional French medieval forms with classical Renaissance structures. The building, which was never completed, was constructed by King Francis I of France.
Admission (Optional): Adult €16; Child €16
IMPORTANT! Itinerary and End City Variations:
We constantly strives to improve tour itineraries and features. If such
improvements can be made, or unforeseen circumstances beyond our control make changes necessary - we reserve the right to vary the end cities to substitute hotels. At certain peak periods duplicate departures may operate, and sometimes in reverse order in which case hotels may vary from those stated on the itinerary pages.
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