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 1: 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 2: PARIS

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 3:  PARIS - VERSAILLES

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 4:  PARIS - CHARTRES TOURS

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 5: AMBOISE - BLOIS - CHAMBORD

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 6:   CHAMBORD - LYON

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 7:  LYON - MILAN

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 8: MILAN - VENICE

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 9:  VENICE ISLAND MESTRE

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 10:  PADOVA - RAVENNA - 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 11:  FLORENCE

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 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, 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 14:  ROME

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.

DAY 15:  ROME - DEPARTURE