14 Days Europe Tour: France, Switzerland, Italy, Spain

Morning:

• Begin your journey through the heart of Paris, driving along the iconic Champs Elysees towards the Place de la Concorde, a historic site that played a significant role during the French Revolution.
• View the Arc de Triomphe, one of the most famous monuments in the world, which honors those who fought and died during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.

Afternoon:

• Head to L'Hotel National des Invalides, home to Napoleon's tomb and a museum showcasing France's military history.
• Continue with a scenic coach ride to the Palace of Versailles, once the grand residence of the royal family before the revolution of 1789. Marvel at the opulent Hall of Mirrors and the palace gardens.

Evening:

• Return to Paris. Enjoy an evening at leisure or an optional Seine River cruise (at your own expense), which provides spectacular views of Parisian landmarks like the Notre-Dame Cathedral and Pont Alexandre III.

Morning:

• Visit the world-renowned Louvre Museum, home to thousands of works of art including Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory of Samothrace. You may opt for a guided tour for a deeper insight into the art.
• Enjoy lunch in the city’s famous café culture, followed by a visit to Galeries Lafayette, Paris’ iconic department store for shopping.

Afternoon:

• Optional French 4-course dinner and cabaret show at Moulin Rouge (optional, book in advance).
• Free time to explore or shop at your own pace in Paris.

Morning:

• Leave Paris behind as you travel to Lucerne, Switzerland, passing through the charming city of Basel, located at the intersection of France, Germany, and Switzerland.

Afternoon:

• Arrive in Lucerne, a picturesque Swiss town with stunning lakeside views and mountains in the background. Spend the evening exploring the charming Old Town.

Morning:

• Depart Lucerne and journey towards Milan, Italy’s fashion capital.
• Visit Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the oldest shopping malls in the world. See the Milan Cathedral and the La Scala Opera House.

Afternoon:

• Continue your journey to Venice, where you will enjoy a canal-side dinner or wander through the city’s maze of narrow streets and canals. Stay overnight in Venice or a nearby city.

Morning:

• Explore Venice’s Grand Canal by gondola ride (optional), passing by historical palaces and landmarks. Visit Basilica di San Marco and the Bridge of Sighs.
• Enjoy the city's Venetian craftwork, including the famous Murano glassblowers at a local workshop.

Afternoon:

• Depart for Rome, arriving in the evening.

Morning:

• Visit Vatican City, the smallest country in the world. Explore St. Peter's Basilica and, optionally, the Sistine Chapel, known for Michelangelo's frescoed ceiling.
• Head to the Colosseum, where you can imagine the gladiatorial combat of ancient Rome.

Afternoon:

• Visit the Arch of Constantine, a monumental arch celebrating Emperor Constantine.

• After lunch, travel to Florence, known as the heart of Italy’s Renaissance.

Morning:

• Explore Florence, home to the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and the Uffizi Gallery.
• Visit Piazzale Michelangelo for a panoramic view of Florence.

Afternoon:

• Drive to Pisa to visit the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa. Enjoy free time to take photos in the Square of Miracles.
• Continue to Genoa or a nearby city for the night.

Morning:

• Depart for Monaco, where you will visit the Prince’s Palace, Oceanographic Museum, and Saint Nicholas Cathedral (final resting place of Grace Kelly).
• Visit Fragonard Perfume Factory and purchase your favorite fragrance.

Afternoon:

• Drive along the French Riviera, stopping in Nice for lunch and local delicacies.
• Continue to Cannes, the host city of the annual Film Festival, and visit the Palais des Festivals.
• End the day in Avignon, known for the Palace of the Popes.

Morning:

• Journey through the French countryside, en route to Paris.

Afternoon:

• Arrive in Paris for an evening at leisure.

Morning:

• Visit Arles, famous for its connection to Vincent van Gogh. See the Langlois Bridge and Café Terrace on the Place du Forum.
• Visit Roman ruins, including the Roman Amphitheater.

Afternoon:

• Travel to Barcelona, Spain. Arrive in the evening and enjoy free time in this vibrant city.

Morning:

• Visit the Montserrat Monastery, a key religious site located in the Catalan mountains.
• Explore Sagrada Familia, the iconic basilica designed by Antoni Gaudí.

Afternoon:

• Visit Camp Nou, the famous FC Barcelona stadium, followed by a trip to Montjuïc Hill for panoramic views of the city.
• Explore La Rambla and Columbus Monument.

Morning:

• Travel to the Principality of Andorra, nestled between France and Spain. Known for alpine skiing, duty-free shopping, and stunning mountain views.

Afternoon:

• Cross the Pyrenees into France and visit Lourdes, a major pilgrimage site. Explore Grotto of Massabielle, where the Virgin Mary appeared.
• Stay in Lourdes for the night.

Morning:

• Travel to Bordeaux, a region famous for its wine production.

Afternoon:

• Visit a local winery for a wine tasting experience and discover Bordeaux’s wine-making history.
• Explore Bordeaux city, including Place des Quinconces, Miroir d’Eau, and Gran Teatro de Burdeos.

Morning:

• Head to Loire Valley for a visit to Chambord Castle, the grandest of all French castles. Discover the history behind King François I and his connections to the Renaissance.

Afternoon:

• Continue your journey back to Paris for the final leg of your tour.