Day 1 Paris - Dijon - Lyon (436 km)
Day 2 Lyon - Arles - Fontaine-de-Vaucluse - Avignon - Aix-en-Provence (394 km)
Day 3 Aix-en-Provence - Avignon (Valensole) - Gorges du Verdon - Valence (569 km)
Day 4 Valence - Annecy - Geneva - Olten (462 km)
Day 5 Olten - Lucerne - Milan - Venice (487 km)
Day 6 Venice
Day 7 Rome - Florence (230 km)
Day 8 Florence - Pisa - Sanremo (378 km)
Day 9 Sanremo - Monaco - EZE - Cannes - Lyon (383 km)
Day 10 Lyon - Paris (391 km)
Day 1:
Paris - Dijon - Lyon (436 km)
Depart Paris for Dijon. Visit Notre Dame de Dijon and the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy. Continue to Lyon, France's third-largest city and gastronomic capital. See Place Bellecour, the old town, Saint-Jean Cathedral, and the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Overnight in Lyon or surrounding area.
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Dijon, FRANCE
The earliest archaeological finds within the city limits of Dijon date to the Neolithic period. Dijon later became a Roman settlement named Divio, located on the road from Lyon to Paris. The province was home to the Dukes of Burgundy from the early 11th until the late 15th centuries and Dijon was a place of tremendous wealth and power, one of the great European centres of art, learning and science.
Notre Dame de Dijon
This Roman Catholic cathedral is a masterpiece of 13th century Gothic architecture. It contains a famous statue of the Black Madonna, as well as two symbols of the city: the owl and the jacquemart.
Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy
This magnificent assembly of French palaces was established in the 14th century in the Gothic architectural style. After years and years of additions, the estate reached its current size in 1737.
Admission (Optional): Adult $8 / €6; Child $5 / €4
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Lyon, FRANCE
This city in eastern France, which traces its history back to the year 43 BC, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its important historic and architectural landmarks. It is trisected by the rivers Rhone and Saone.
Place Bellecour
La Place Bellecour is one of the largest open squares in Europe and city center in Lyon, France. Recognized as an UNESCO World Heritage Site, the equestrian statue of King Louis XIV is among the most recognizable features of the plaza.
Saint-Jean Cathedral
Saint-Jean Cathedral is a landmark in Lyon's historic Vieux Lyon district, blending Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles dating back to the 12th century. Its notable features include beautiful stained glass windows and a 14th-century astronomical clock.
Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourviere
A minor basilica in Lyon. It was built with private funds between 1872 and 1884 in a dominant position overlooking the city. The site it occupies was once the Roman forum of Trajan.
Day 2:
Lyon - Arles - Fontaine-de-Vaucluse - Avignon - Aix-en-Provence (394 km)
Breakfast: Included|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Excluded
Travel to Arles, famous for its Roman ruins and association with Vincent van Gogh. Visit the picturesque Fontaine-de-Vaucluse (Spring Town). Continue to Avignon to visit the Lavender Museum. Overnight in Aix-en-Provence or surrounding area.
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Luberon, FRANCE
This small region in the south of France is tucked within a few convergent mountain ranges. It is a lovely area, famous for its numerous vineyards. There are many small hilltop villages that provide visitors with exquisite views.
Lavender Museum
The Luberon region of France is famous for its lush, purple lavender fields. Within the museum, visitors will find a theater, exhibition hall, and gift shop.
Admission (Optional): Adult $10 / €8
Day 3:
Aix-en-Provence - Avignon (Valensole) - Gorges du Verdon - Valence (569 km)
Breakfast: Included|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Excluded
Visit Avignon to see the Pont d'Avignon (Bridge of Avignon) and the Palais des Papes (Papal Palace) (optional). During lavender season, the visit may be replaced with Valensole lavender fields. Continue to the stunning Gorges du Verdon and Lac de Sainte-Croix. Overnight in Valence or surrounding area.
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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.
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.
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.
Palais des Papes + Pont d'Avignon Combo Ticket
This combo ticket provides access to two UNESCO World Heritage sites in Avignon: the imposing Palais des Papes (Popes' Palace) and the historic Pont Saint-Bénézet (Pont d'Avignon), offering a deep dive into the city's medieval history.
Admission (Optional): Adult $18 / €14.50
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Valensole, FRANCE
This small commune in southern France is bound by the Asse Rvier to the north and the Durance to the west.
Valensole Lavender Fields
Valensole Lavender Fields is Provence's iconic purple seas (Jun-Jul). At 600m altitude, endless blooms meet golden wheat under Mediterranean sun. A photographer's dream and Provence's soul.
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Gorges du Verdon, FRANCE
The Gorges du Verdon is one of Europe's deepest canyons, famed for its steep limestone cliffs and the emerald-green Verdon River. It is a prime destination for hiking, rock climbing, canoeing, and enjoying spectacular natural scenery.
Lac de Sainte-Croix
Lac de Sainte-Croix is a large man-made lake at the entrance to the Gorges du Verdon, known for its distinctive turquoise-green water. Its shores are ideal for relaxation, and the lake offers activities like boating, pedal boating, and paddleboarding.
Day 4:
Valence - Annecy - Geneva - Olten (462 km)
Breakfast: Included|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Excluded
Travel to the beautiful Alpine town of Annecy, known as the 'Venice of the Alps'. Continue to Geneva, Switzerland. Visit Lake Geneva, the United Nations Office at Geneva (Palais des Nations), and the Flower Clock. Overnight in Olten or surrounding city.
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Geneva, SWITZERLAND
Geneva is the second largest city in Switzerland and a global center that houses the United Nations and many international organizations. Visitors enjoy museums, theatres, and cultural sites including Muse d'Art et d'Histoire, as well as archeological sites, historic buildings, dining, shopping, and much more.
Lake Geneva
This lake on the north side of the Alps is named for the Swiss city that rests on its shores. It offers unparalleled views of the mountain range in the distance, not to mention locales for skiing.
United Nations Office at Geneva (Palais des Nations)
The Palais des Nations in Geneva houses the European headquarters of the United Nations, set within the beautiful Ariana Park. Visitors can join guided tours to see its impressive assembly halls, learn about international diplomacy, and view its collection of artworks.
Flower Clock
Made in 1955 as a testament to the history of Geneva's renowned watchmakers, this flower clock has a diameter of five meters. The decorative flowers are changed to match the season of the year.
Day 5:
Olten - Lucerne - Milan - Venice (487 km)
Breakfast: Included|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Excluded
Begin your day with a visit to Lucerne, a picturesque Swiss city. Enjoy the stunning views of Lake Lucerne, surrounded by alpine mountains. Explore the historic [Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke)], a 14th-century covered wooden bridge with beautiful artwork and visit the moving [Lion Monument (Löwendenkmal)], a tribute to Swiss Guards who died during the French Revolution. Next, head to Milan, Italy's fashion and cultural capital. Explore the historic fortress [Castello Sforzesco] and the magnificent Gothic masterpiece [Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano)]. Stroll through the stunning 19th-century shopping arcade [Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II].
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Lucerne, SWITZERLAND
This Swiss city on gorgeous Lake Lucerne is popular with tourists due to its amazing views of the lake, Mount Pilatus, and Mount Rigi of the Swiss Alps. Some of the buildings in Lucerne date back hundreds of years.
Lake Lucerne
This large, spindly lake in Switzerland is one of the top vacation spots for locals and tourists alike, and the shores are lined with many resorts and hotels. People come from far and wide for its uniqueness and beauty.
Chapel Bridge
This covered bridge that crosses the Reuss River in Lucerne is one of Switzerland's main tourist attractions. The interior of the bridge contains several paintings which were completed in the 17th century.
Lion Monument
The Lion of Lucerne is an amazing sculpture carved directly into a cliffside in one of Switzerland's most gorgeous cities. It was done to commemorate the deaths of Swiss soldiers who were brutally massacred during the bloody French Revolution.
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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.
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 $18 / €15; Child (0-6 yrs) Free; Junior (6-18 yrs) $6 / €5; Duomo Pass A
Sforza Castle
This castle in the northern reaches of Italy was built by Francesco Sforza in the 1400s. As it underwent renovations in the ensuing centuries, it became one of the largest citadels in Europe. Today is is home to several museums.
Admission (Optional): Adult $6 / €5; Reduced Price $4 / €3; Full Price
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.
Day 6:
Venice
Breakfast: Included|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Excluded
After breakfast, depart for Venice. Venice, a city of eternal charm, is separated by canals that act as waterways, constantly bustling with gondolas and boats in a never-ending back-and-forth. Take a [Venice Boat Tour] (optional) to the island. Once on the island, you can visit iconic landmarks such as [St. Mark's Square], a stunning plaza surrounded by historic buildings, and the [Bridge of Sighs], famous for its connection to the old prison. You can also enjoy a [Gondola Ride] (optional) to experience the charm of the water city, or explore the [Grand Canal] (optional), Venice's main waterway, by boat.
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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.
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.
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.
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 $48 / €40; Daytime
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.
Golden Waterway
Explore the Grand Canal, Venice's main waterway by boat.
Tour Fee (Optional): Adult $48 / €40; Child $48 / €40; (from 8-12 people)
Day 7:
Rome - Florence (230 km)
Breakfast: Included|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Excluded
Rome is the Eternal City, offering and almost demanding endless new discoveries, thanks to the enormity of its artistic heritage. Begin with a visit to the [Colosseum](Exterior visit only), the ancient amphitheater where gladiators once fought. Then, see the [Arch of Constantine], a triumphal arch commemorating Emperor Constantine's victory. Next, visit [Piazza Venezia], a central square with impressive buildings, followed by [Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Steps)], a famous staircase leading to the Trinità dei Monti church. Don't miss the [Trevi Fountain], where you can toss a coin and make a wish. Overnight in Florence or nearby.
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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.
Colosseum
This nearly 2000-year-old structure is one of the most famous buildings in 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.
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.
Piazza Venezia
Piazza Venezia is the city center of Rome and an important cultural and artistic feature in the city. The square is the sit of Italy's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the Altare Della Patria and rests at the foot of the Capitoline Hill, next to Trajan's Forum.
Spanish Steps
The famous Spanish Steps in Rome that connect the Piazza di Spagna and the Piazza Trinita dei Monti, dominated by the Trinita dei Monti church at the top.
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.
Day 8:
Florence - Pisa - Sanremo (378 km)
Breakfast: Included|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Excluded
After breakfast we will have a sightseeing in Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance and the world capital of art in the 15th century. Visit [Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore], known for its magnificent dome and stunning architecture, and [Piazza della Signoria] a historic square surrounded by impressive buildings. Then head to Pisa, which is an open-air museum but also a lively city, full of events and many historical monuments. Visit [Piazza dei Miracoli (Miracle Square)], a large expanse of green lawn where the world-famous [Leaning Tower] stands. Overnight in Sanremo or nearby.
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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.
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
The main church in Florence, this cathedral features an impressive dome that was designed by Arnolfo di Cambio in 1296. It is built in a mixture of Gothic and renaissance styles.
Piazza della Signoria
The Piazza della Signoria features many can't-miss Florentine buildings. The Palazzo Vecchio, Florence's massive fortress of a town hall, towers above. The Loggia dei Lanzi is a beautiful piece of Renaissance architecture, bedecked with bronze and marble sculptures.
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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!
Piazza dei Miracoli
Also called the Piazza del Duomo, this huge, walled-off area contains some of the most famous architectural feats in the world: the Pisa Cathedral, the Pisa Baptistry, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Camposanto Monumentale.
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.
Day 9:
Sanremo - Monaco - EZE - Cannes - Lyon (383 km)
Breakfast: Included|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Excluded
Start your day in Monaco with a visit to the [Prince's Palace of Monaco]. Despite covering just 2 square kilometers, it has medieval-style streets and royal palaces, as well as prestigious hotels. Next, continue to EZE to visit the [Fragonard Boutique Eze Place], where you can learn about the centuries-old art of perfume-making. Afterward, head to Cannes, home to the world-famous Cannes Film Festival, located in the Côte d'Azur. Visit iconic [Palais des Festivals]. Overnight in or near Lyon.
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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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Eze, FRANCE
A commune in the Alpes-Maritimes department in southeastern France, approximately 12.5 kilometres from the city of Nice.
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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 10:
Lyon - Paris (391 km)
Breakfast: Included|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Excluded
After breakfast return to Paris, a mesmerizing city, renowned for its art, history, and iconic landmarks. Take a [Seine River Cruise] (optional), where you can enjoy views of the [Notre Dame de Paris](Note: The route may be adjusted due to high water levels) and the world-renowned [Eiffel Tower] from the cruise. Then visit the famous [Arc de Triomphe].
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Paris, FRANCE
Paris has been a thriving city for more than two thousand years. It is known all over the world as a city of art and romance, from its high-end cafes to the famous visage of the Eiffel Tower.
River Seine Cruise
Paris is synonymous with sublime beauty, and you will see firsthand why that is as you leaisurely sail down the Seine, the river that flows through the heart of the city of lights.
Tour Fee (Optional): Adult $21 / €17; Child (Under 12 yrs) $10 / €8
Notre Dame de Paris
One of the most recognizable buildings in the world, the immortal Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris houses many of the most important relics in all of Catholicism. Visitors should be prepared to be awed by the majesty of the interior.
Eiffel Tower
One of the most famous monuments in the world, the Eiffel Tower has been a symbol of Paris, France, and Europe since 1889. It was erected as the entryway to the 1889 World's Fair, and has been wowing visitors ever since.
Arc de Triomphe
This breathtaking neoclassical arch is one of Paris' most famous monuments. It commemorates those who fought and died in the French Revolution and Napoleonic wars. It also sits atop the Tomb of the Unknown Solider for World War I.
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