Paris, Lucerne, Lucerne, Milan, Venice, Venice, Rome, Rome, Vatican, Arezzo, Arezzo, Florence, Pisa, Genoa, Genoa, Monaco, Nice, Cannes, Avignon, Gordes, Sénanque Monastery, Avignon, Avignon, Arles, Barcelona, Barcelona City Tour, Barcelona, Andorra, Lourdes, Lourdes, Bordeaux, Bordeaux, Chambord, Paris
After boarding the luxury coach in Paris, sit back and enjoy a scenic journey across classic French countryside en route to mountainous Switzerland. You’ll pass through Basel, which is located at the point where the Swiss, French and German borders meet, before arriving at the picturesque lakeside city of Lucerne, nestled at the foot of the snow-capped Swiss Alps. Here you’ll get to see Lucerne’s famous landmarks, including Chapel Bridge, the Water Tower, and some wonderfully preserved Baroque and Gothic architecture, followed by some free time to shop or take pictures.
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 19th-century 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 Italian city: Venice.
Spend the morning in the company of a knowledgeable local guide as you explore Venice, the most magical of cities. Begin with a waterbus ride to San Marco Island, a memorable crossing of the lagoon that gives you a real taste of the city’s charm as you approach the dreamy spires and distinctive waterside buildings. Once on the island you’ll be led around some of Venice’s best-known locations, beginning in the Piazzo with the Basilica di San Marco, a stunning piece of Byzantine architecture. You’ll also see the legendary Bridge of Sighs, which appears on many a postcard or picture of Venice and connects the old prison to the interrogation rooms in the Doge’s Palace. Afterwards you’ll have a chance to see some traditional Venetian craftwork at close quarters with a demonstration by Murano glassblowers; their exquisite creations make excellent souvenirs. Of course, the ultimate Venice activity is to ride through the warren of waterways on a gondola, and for most people this optional excursion is a must. Step aboard, relax and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Transfer to Rome in the afternoon.
Your day in Rome starts with a visit to the smallest country in the world, The Vatican City, which lies at the heart of the Italian capital. Here you’ll marvel at St Peter’s Basilica, home to Pope Francis and arguably the most significant site in Christianity. The exquisitely beautiful Basilica has been present here for almost 1,700 years and contains a bewildering collection of paintings, frescoes and design crafted by some of humanity’s most famous artists, which you can explore. Alternatively, you can choose to add on the optional Sistine Chapel tour to view Michelangelo’s famous painted ceiling. Next you will visit famous sights of Rome; the Colosseum, built in AD 72. History comes to life as you imagine yourself witnessing gladiatorial combat inside the spectacular Amphitheatre. After the Colosseum, get up close to the nearby Arch of Constantine, which dates back to the fourth century AD. To complete our visit to Rome we will visit the magnificent Reunification Memorial Hall, the Victor Emmanuel II National Monument, which was built to honour King Victor Emmanuel II who unified Italy. In the afternoon we’ll depart for Florence, known as the cradle of culture.
Your voyage of cultural discovery continues as you get to know Florence, the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and home to some fabulous architecture and fine art. Begin the day by taking in a wonderful panoramic overview of the city from Piazzale Michelangelo, which boasts glorious vistas over the red roofs, Arno River and ancient city walls out towards the surrounding countryside. Next you can see a demonstration of the traditional craft of leather working at close quarters in a local workshop, and you’ll also have the opportunity to purchase some of the high-quality leather items for which the city is famous. From here you’ll enjoy a guided walk around Florence’s many highlights, including the Ponte Vecchio over the Arno, the Piazza del Duomo and Campanile Tower. You’ll pass the Uffizi Gallery, which contains one of the most notable art collections in Florence. You’ll have free time to see the city further, to shop or to watch the world go by from a street side cafe, before travelling on to your next destination, Pisa. Here you are free to wander, but be sure to have your camera ready to get a shot of the iconic Leaning Tower, the famous bell tower in the ‘Square of Miracles’, which also contains the centuries-old Cathedral and Baptistery, after that we are transferring towards a city nearby Genoa in the late evening for stay. Please note we will not visit the city Genoa.
A breath-taking drive along one of Europe’s most famous stretches of Mediterranean coastline awaits as you say arrivederci to Italy and arrive in Monaco in the afternoon. This small principality, home to the famous Formula 1 Grand Prix. A walking sightseeing tour here takes you to the grand Prince’s Palace, where you’ll have some free time to soak up the refined atmosphere, before continuing on to view the 1920s Courthouse, the Cliffside Oceanographic Museum, and the Cathedral, where Grace Kelly is buried. The southern region of France is renowned for its perfume production. Along the way, pass through a town known for its perfume production and make a stop at a perfume factory for a tour. Tour members can take this opportunity to select their favourite fragrances. Next, it’s Nice, where you’ll stop for lunch to sample some excellent local cuisine and warm-hearted hospitality. Your journey continues to Cannes, where many a movie star has enjoyed the sweet smell of success. Be sure to take the opportunity to snap some photos of the Palais des Festival, home to the city’s annual international film festival, before transferring to overnight in a city nearby Avignon. Please note we will not visit the city Avignon.
We will start the day in Avignon visiting the two must see landmarks. The Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes) and the Pont Saint-Bénézet, the broken bridge which is also know as Pont d’Avignon. The palace dates to the 14th century, with the support from the King of France the Roman church moved its capital thus making Avignon the second religious capital of the Roman-Catholic church. In the afternoon we will depart to visit Gordes, famous from A Year in Provence, the book, written by Peter Mayle. The village of Gordes is made of limestone dating back to 1525 with its buildings rooting themselves into the steep cliff giving the village town its other names; the Stone City and the City in the Sky. The village is considered by the Association des plus villages de France one of France’s most beautiful villages. Afterwards we will have a short stay at the Musee de la Lavande, the lavender museum, and the Abbaye de Sénanque which Catholic Cistercian originate from and the story background of the book A Year in Provence. （Please note：Lavender is a seasonal plant which blooms from July till the beginning of August affected by climate, growth and harvesting periods, therefore we are unable to guarantee whether clients will see fresh lavender！）
In the morning we will drive to Arles. The small town is famous because the well-known Dutch master of Impressionism, Vincent van Gogh, whom lived in the sanatorium of Arles from 1888 – 1889. Although Van Gogh stayed for only one year, that single year is considered the most productive period of his life. He painted more than two hundred oil paintings during his stay in Arles. Creating his world-renowned art pieces; The Langlois Bridge at Arles and The Café Terrace on the Place du Forum. It is a true unique experience to visit town and see what the Dutch master saw himself over a century ago. Other than enjoying the village’s connection with Van Gogh there are many ancient Roman ruins to behold. Arles has been listed as a key city since ancient Roman times. In the afternoon we will leave Arles for the charming coastal city of Barcelona. If time permits, upon arrival, everyone can participate in an optional program to visit the Olympic Beach.
In the morning, embark on a self-paid group activity and drive to the mountainous area to visit the "Montserrat Monastery,"Located on the famous Catalan Mountain. The well-known abbey is the most important religious shrine in Catalonia. The monastery is home to La Moreneta, the black Madonna. The black-faced Madonna statue holding the holy child in her lap is the guardian of the spirit and soul of the local people. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant and charming city of Barcelona. The attractions include the Columbus Monument and La Rambla. Continue to visit the iconic Sagrada Familia, the masterpiece of the architectural genius Antoni Gaudí, known as the "architect poet." Afterward, visit the exterior of Camp Nou, the famous football stadium, for photos and souvenir shopping. Then, proceed to Montjuïc Hill to visit the Olympic Stadium, which hosted the 1992 Olympic Games. From the hill, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city. The remaining time is free for leisure activities at the bustling Catalunya Square. Return to the hotel after dinner. Accommodation: Barcelona or a nearby city. Note: Camp Nou will undergo major renovations starting from June 2023 and is expected to last for approximately 2 years. Reservation visit time: 15:00 – 15:30. Due to limited daily access control in Sagrada Família church, and to avoid disappoint, we recommend customer who strongly request to visit this place to book tickets online in advance on www.sagradafamilia.org
In the morning we will travel to the Principality of Andorra. This microstate is located between France and Spain in the eastern Pyrenees. The state is surrounded by mountains and rough terrain. Its capital, Andorra la Vella, is Europe’s highest capital with an elevation of 1,023 meters. Andorra is a popular destination for alpine skiing in Europe. Although most Asian travelers do not give Andorra much attention, it is certainly worth a visit with its beautiful sceneries. Also known for duty-free shopping it is a shopping paradise. After lunch we will drive through the Pyrenees entering France arriving at the town of Lourdes. It its said that the Virgin Mary appeared at Lourdes some 150 years ago and since has become a place of pilgrimage with records of countless medical miracles. Each year over five million pilgrims visit the town. （Please note：From October till the end of February due to winter weather we will not visit Andorra and reroute to Carcassonne in France. Carcassonne is a World Heritage Site city with its landmark Castle of Carcassonne. There are 3 km of double walls and 52 towers in the city）
Today we will travel from Lourdes to the famous wine region Bordeaux. While in Bordeaux we will visit a well-known winery and its vineyards. You will have an opportunity to taste and buy wine direct from the source. After our stop at the winery, we will head to city Bordeaux, visiting famous landmarks such as the opera house Gran Teatro de Burdeos, the world’s largest water mirror called Miroir d’Eau and the famous Place des Quinconces and so on. At the end of the day, you will have some free leisure time in the city center of Bordeaux. （Please note：Most wineries in Bordeaux are closed to tourists in August or during festivals. Please understand that during this time we will not be able to visit the wineries however we will be able to taste and buy wine in the city center of Bordeaux）
Departing from Bordeaux we will be traveling to the world-famous tourist attraction the Loire Valley. The Loire is the longest river in France with a length of 1020 km and is known as the mother river of France. In the Loire Valley there are magnificent and gorgeous castles on both sides of the river. In the afternoon we will arrive at the Chambord Castle also known as the King of Castles. The castle was originally built to serve as a hunting lodge for King Francois I of France in 1519 to make a statement of his imperial power. The King hired Italian artists and architects such as Leonardo da Vinci and Domenico da Cortona to attribute the brilliant art and architectural style of the Italian Renaissance. By doing this he laid the foundation of the French Renaissance.Afterwards will be heading to Paris and will arrive around 7 pm.
Sagrada Família Church basic entry (ticket + audio guide) Reservation visit time: 15:00 – 15:30. Due to limited daily access control in Sagrada Família church, and to avoid disappoint, we recommend customer who strongly request to visit this place to book tickets online in advance on www.sagradafamilia.org
Includes homemade pasta, 250g Fiorentina steak, dessert and wine.
In-depth walking Audio tour to Piazza Navona，Pantheon and Trevi Fountain (duration: 2,5 -3 hrs)
Explore the hidden Venice and its web of canals. 5 persons per gondola
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