Day 1: Paris – Lucerne (486 km)
Today we will board a luxury coach in Paris and enjoy a scenic drive through the French countryside en route to the mountains of Switzerland. Passing through Basel, located at the point where the Swiss, French, and German borders meet, we will eventually reach the lakeside city of Lucerne. Here, we will see the city’s famous landmarks, including the Chapel Bridge, the Water Tower, and some examples of wonderfully preserved Baroque and Gothic architecture. Afterwards, we will have some free time to shop and take pictures before the tour comes to a close.
Standard Hotel: Hotel Arcade or similar.
Day 2: 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
Standard Hotel: LH Hotel Sirio Venice or Hotel Albatros
Day 3: Venice – Rome (393 km)
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.
Standard Hotel: LH Hotel Excel Roma Montemario or Hotel Cristoforo Colombo
Day 4: Rome – Vatican City – Arezzo (184 km)
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.
Standard Hotel: Etrusco Arezzo Hotel or A Point Arezzo Park Hotel
Day 5: Arezzo-Florence-Pisa-Genoa (268 km)
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.
Standard Hotel: Idea Plus Hotel Savona or Novotel Genoa City
Day 6: Genoa – Monaco – Grasse – Nice – Cannes – Avignon (588 km)
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.
Standard Hotel: Campanile Avignon Sud-Montfavet la Cristole or Brit Hotel Avignon
Day 7: Avignon – Paris (577 km)
Our day will be spent en route from Avignon to Paris. We will arrive in Paris in the early evening
