May 2 - May 17, 2019
Italy and France
Journey to Discover
Journey dedicated to discover France and Italy. Paris, where the atmosphere of the capital, with its splendid palaces, the romantic banks of the Seine, the elegant gardens and the prestigious boutiques, are combined with the splendor of Chartres cathedral and its stained glass jewel, with the magnificence of Loire castles, vestiges of a glorious past that continues to live and excite. Lyon, the second city of France, Milan the most cosmopolitan city of Italy and the world’s capital of fashion, visiting Venice the unique amazing city of love. A special place that will enchant you with its atmosphere that rise up from the narrowns streets, the elegant palazzi and bridges. Padua, Ravenna, Florence with the most beautiful renaissance history and the eternal city: Rome. Capital of culture and faith, modern and old, past and present, the cradle of the western civilization.
PARIS, Hotel Mercure Paris Centre Tour Eifel – 4*
TOURS, Alliance Hotel Tours City Centre – 4*
LYON, Best Western Du Pont Wilson – 4*
MILAN, Four Points by Sheraton Hotel – 4*
VENICE (MESTRE), Hotel Lugano Torretta – 4*
FLORENCE, Hotel Santa Maria Novella – 4*
ROME, Hotel Imperiale – 4*
DAY 1: PARIS
Arrival at Paris airport and transfer to hotel. Depending on flight times, take time to relax or explore the city at your leisure. Overnight in Paris.
DAY 2: PARIS
Following breakfast at the hotel, we will begin our full day guided tour of the city. We will visit Ile de la Cite’, Notre Dame cathedral and St-Germain-de-Pres. In the afternoon we will visit Place Vendome, Place de la Concorde, exterior of Les Invalides, the Eifel Tower, the Champs-Elysees and the Arc de Triomphe. In the evening we will have a typical dinner aboard the Bateaux Parisiens to enjoy the atmosphere and lights of the France capital city navigating the Seine. We return then to the hotel. Overnight in Paris.
DAY 3: PARIS - VERSAILLES
Breakfast in the hotel. In the morning we will visit the sumptuous “chateau” of Versailles with its fabulous State Apartments, the Hall of Mirrors and the Queen’s Apartment. We will then return to Paris where you may spend the afternoon at your leisure or take an optional guided tour of the Louvre, the most famous museum in the world. In the evening choose to see an optional show at the well-known Moulin Rouge. Overnight in Paris.
DAY 4: PARIS - CHARTRES TOURS
After breakfast we depart to the Loire Valley. We will stop at the magnificent Chartres Cathedral. We will then proceed to Tours and stop for a short walking tour . Overnight in Tours
DAY 5: AMBOISE - BLOIS - CHAMBORD
After breakfast we will begin our full day guided tour of some of the most famous castles in the Loire Valley with free time for lunch. Overnight in Tours.
DAY 6: CHAMBORD - LYON
Following breakfast, we will spend the morning visiting the castle known as “le Chateau des femmes” in Chenonceaux. In the afternoon we will proceed to Lyon, France’s second city. Overnight in Lyon.
DAY 7: LYON - MILAN
After breakfast, we will enjoy a tour of Lyon visiting the Roman ruins, the basilica, its cathedrals and museums and other sights of historical and cultural importance. We will then travel to Milan for an overnight stay
DAY 8: MILAN - VENICE
After breakfast at the hotel, we will enjoy a guided tour of Milan. We will visit the famous Duomo, the Scala opera house and admire views of Sforzesco castle. We will then proceed to Venice Mestre for an overnight stay.
DAY 9: VENICE ISLAND MESTRE
After breakfast, we will spend the day in Venice. Our guided tour includes: St Mark’s square, the basilica of St Mark built in the 9th century and one of the most valuable churches in the world. We will view the Doges Palace, the highest expression of Venetian gothic architecture, the impressive Rialto bridge and visit one of the most prestigious glass blowing factories. In the afternoon enjoy a typical Gondola tour through the canals. Rest of the afternoon free to explore the city. Overnight in Venice Mestre.
DAY 10: PADOVA - RAVENNA - FLORENCE
After breakfast, we will drive to Padua where we will stop to visit St Anthony’s church. We will then travel to Ravenna, city of art, culture and mosaics. After a short guided tour of the city we will proceed to Florence for an overnight stay.
DAY 11: FLORENCE
After breakfast, we will enjoy a sightseeing tour of the world’s greatest artistic capital. Our guided tour will include the Duomo of Santa Maria del Fiore, the baptistery with its soaring campanile designed by Giotto, and the beautiful Piazza della Signoria. In the afternoon explore the city and shop at your leisure. Overnight in Florence.
DAY 12: FLORENCE - SIENA - ROME
After breakfast, we will drive to Siena, one of Tuscany’s architectural and historic jewels. We will stop for an orientation tour to see Piazza del Campo, famous for its “palio” horse race and its beautiful medieval buildings before proceeding to Rome. Overnight in Rome.
DAY 13: ROME
After breakfast, we will drive to Siena, one of Tuscany’s architectural and historic jewels. We will stop for an orientation tour to see Piazza del Campo, famous for its “palio” horse race and its beautiful medieval buildings before proceeding to Rome. Overnight in Rome.
DAY 14: ROME
After breakfast, enjoy the city of Rome at your leisure or take an optional excursion to Naples and Capri. Visit the exterior of Palazzo Reale, Castel Novo, the San Carlo theatre, Capuano Castle and the Lungomare from which we can enjoy a stunning view. The town with its pretty piazza, maze of streets and fashionable boutiques is a mecca for the jet-set. Overnight in Rome.
DAY 15: ROME - DEPARTURE
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Then depending on the flight departure time, visit the city on your own for shopping or sightseeing. Transfer from the hotel to the airport and return to your original departure city.