A Whirlwind European Romance

Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrival in Paris

   Paris is situated in the northern part of France. The city sprawls over both banks of the Seine River and on two islands: the Îles Saint Louis and the larger Île de la Cité. The historical city center is built around the Seine, and it has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991. For a glimpse into the oldest part of Paris, take a stroll along the Seine and around the 1st and 4th districts to admire iconic landmarks, such as the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris or the Louvre Museum, among others. But leave some space and time for the rest of the city's districts, as each of Paris' 20 arrondissements possesses incredible treasures to discover.

   Welcome to Paris! We'll arrange for a driver to meet you at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport and drive you to your centrally located accommodation. The journey time to the city center is about one hour.

   

   Welcome to the City of Light

   When in Paris, seizing every opportunity to witness the city in the evening is a must. The illuminated skyline, showcasing iconic landmarks and monuments, paints a mesmerizing picture of the City of Light that shouldn't be missed. As the sun sets, the city transforms into a sparkling spectacle, with city highlights casting their radiant glow over the Seine River. Whether you're strolling along its banks or cruising on an all-glass-top boat, the magic of Parisian evenings is an experience to savor.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 1 hour and 15 minutes

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

2. Day 2 Your First Full Day in Paris

   

   Heart of Paris Group Tour

   Get ready to discover the magic of Paris in just three hours. This group walking tour takes you on a journey through the historic heart of Paris, past landmarks such as the Notre Dame Cathedral and Sainte Chapelle. You'll pass by the Latin Quarter, enjoy a laid-back cruise along the Seine, and find out the city's history in the most memorable way.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 2 hours 30 minutes

   Included in your vacation package price

   A Taste of Paris

   A taste of Paris is a culinary odyssey highlighting the best of French gastronomy, from iconic dishes like coq au vin to the allure of fresh pastries in charming boulangeries. Parisian street markets showcase vibrant local produce, while the city's café culture invites leisurely moments. Renowned for its wine and cheese, Michelin-starred restaurants, and diverse international cuisines, Paris offers a unique and unforgettable journey through a world of culinary delights.

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   The Original Flavors of Paris Private Tour

   Discover the unique flavors of Paris at one of the city’s most fascinating neighborhoods, that of Saint Germain des Prés. During the walking tour, your guide will take you to artisanal shops, local boutiques, and quaint markets. This will be a culinary journey into the very core of Paris. From the quintessentially Parisian croissants to the mandatory cheese and wine, your taste buds are in for a treat.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   French Wine & Cheese Group Tasting Experience

   Through this experience, you will learn about wine and cheese. During the two-hour experience, you get to taste six tantalizing French wines, expertly accompanied by six French cheeses! All from famous regions of France. This wine-tasting experience suits everyone, whether you have a deep understanding of wine or know very little. So, you can drink, chat about French wines, discover different French wine regions, learn how to pair wine, and ultimately enjoy a memorable and unique moment in Paris.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 1 hour 30 minutes

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Paris Ultimate Group Food Tour

   There's no better place to uncover the secrets of French cuisine than the charming neighborhood of Marais in Paris. In the course of almost four hours, you'll eat your way through the French capital's quaintest streets and corners, discovering the legends and stories that lie behind every typical cheese type, recipe, and dish. Along the way, you'll meet the people who own some of the city's best family-run restaurants.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 3 hours 30 minutes

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

3. Day 3 Your Second Full Day in Paris

   

   Versailles Half-Day Small Group Tour of the Palace and Gardens

   Skip the lines and step into the Golden Age of France with a guided half-day visit to the Palace of Versailles. Discover the opulence of the royal palace, including the Hall of Mirrors and the King and Queen’s State Apartments, symbols of 17th-century French art and power. End your visit strolling through the spectacular gardens, famous for their fountains, sculptures, and perfectly manicured design.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

   

   Learning The Secrets of Champagne

   Did you know that Champagne, the world's most famous sparkling wine, can only be produced in the Champagne region of France? While in Paris, you have the perfect opportunity to take an easy day trip to nearby Champagne, the capital of everyone's favorite sparkling wine. There are many secrets to be learned, including grape varieties, production methods, aging requirements, dosage, and, of course, the bubbles! We offer the ultimate day trip experience to the region where you will not only learn the secrets but also discover Champagne's history, its cultural significance, the famous brands, and the perfect serving temperature. And best of all, you get to sip exquisite bubbly from various local producers.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 11 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

4. Day 4 Traveling to Barcelona by Train / Arrival in Barcelona

   

   Say au revoir to Paris, and buenos dias to Barcelona. We will arrange your transfer to the train station and provide you with second-class tickets. If you prefer, you can upgrade to first class for an additional fee. There is one high speed direct train to Barcelona daily, around 9 in the morning. Once on the train, sit back and enjoy the 6.5-hour journey. Flights are also available, and can be cheaper, but a long train journey through France and into Spain can be a great way to catch up on some reading or enjoy the scenery.

   Barcelona is a city with a big historic legacy. Its origins can be traced back to the 1st-century BC when it became the Roman colony of Barciro. Today Antoni Gaudí’s Modernist architecture has become the main attraction for visitors from all over the world. Barcelona has two UNESCO listings covering nine buildings. Seven of them are by Gaudi! Despite its age, a youthful, energetic city vibe can be felt in all Barcelona’s quarters. Embrace your hidden love of Gothic aesthetics followed by Catalan cuisine with a private chef and finish your evening with a ramble on La Rambla, the heart of social Barcelona. So whether you feel like a picnic overlooking the beach-fronted La Estrella Herida, a private tapas tour throughout the city, or a stroll through the Gaudi-inspired Park Güell, there is something for everyone!

   When you arrive at Barcelona's train station, we will have a driver there to meet you and take you to your accommodation.

   Discover the Surprising Drink of Barcelona's Happiest Hour

   In Barcelona, the tradition of vermouth hour remains timeless. Whether the oldest establishments or the most contemporary, all the "temples of vermouth" in the city share an unwavering passion for this fortified wine. Locally known as ‘vermouth hour,’ it has experienced a resurgence in popularity, particularly among the younger demographic. Numerous bars across the city now offer their own homemade variations, accompanied by traditional pairings like sardines, olives, and crisps. Some, like El Xampanyet and La Vermuteria del Tano, boast nearly a century of history, while others, such as Balius in Poblenou, blend modernity with a commitment to upholding this cherished tradition.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

5. Day 5 Your First Full Day in Barcelona

   

   Barcelona Old Town and Gothic Quarter Walking Small Group Tour

   Explore the heart of Barcelona’s Old Town with an expert guide and uncover over 2,000 years of history, from ancient Roman ruins to medieval landmarks. Step beyond the usual tourist routes and discover hidden corners, including the Roman Forum at Plaça de Sant Jaume and the well-preserved Roman walls. Admire the stunning Gothic architecture at Plaça del Rei, the Barcelona Cathedral, and Santa Maria del Mar. Finish the tour in the vibrant Born neighborhood, known for its lively atmosphere, trendy bars, and boutique shops.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Shop Fresh and Local

   Barcelona's markets have evolved beyond mere grocery venues; in the past decade, they've transformed into vibrant dining hubs. Drawing over 45,000 daily visitors, La Boqueria dazzles with exquisite displays of cheese, charcuterie, seafood, and fresh produce. For a quieter market experience, explore Mercat de Santa Caterina, a cherished neighborhood institution. Established in the 19th century as the city's inaugural covered food market, it underwent a significant 2005 renovation, featuring its distinctive colorful, undulating rooftop.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

   

   Paella Group Cooking Class

   You'll start this cooking class by visiting Barcelona's vibrant La Boqueria Market (except on Sundays and public holidays). Right after your stroll through this colorful market, you're ready to start cooking with the help and guidance of an expert chef. But only after you sample some traditional Spanish sangria and delicious tapas first. Then, the chef will show you how to prepare the iconic paella. Once you're done cooking, you're ready to savor the authentic paella you helped create.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

   

   Barcelona Tapas, Taverns & History Group Tour

   During this tour, you will learn about Barcelona's history and its relation to Catalan cuisine. Fifty minutes of this tour are walking with your guide while they pass on interesting information and historical notes. The other time is spent in various bars and small restaurants where you will indulge in many different tapas and drinks. Drinks will often be paired with cured meats, cheeses, and more. One of the stops originally opened in 1945 and has served the same four tapas ever since! You'll finish the tour with a classic dessert – the Catalan precursor to crème brûlée.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 3 hours 30 minutes

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

6. Day 6 Your Second Full Day in Barcelona

   In Gaudi's Footsteps

   Gaudi's ideas shaped the way of thinking about architecture for a whole generation. His influence on Catalan modernism was immense, creating a unique style that many have tried to replicate. Of the 10 most visited attractions in Barcelona, 4 are buildings by Gaudi. With its undulating façade and surrealist sculptural roof, Antoni Gaudi’s Casa Mila appears more organic than artificial, as if it were carved straight from the ground. Known as La Pedrera, the quarry, the building is the best example of the Modernist movement, Spain’s version of Art Nouveau. The inspiring imagination of Antoni Gaudí undoubtedly reveals itself in one of his most poetic and artistic designs for a building, Casa Batlló. His synthesis of animal shapes, vine-like curves, hints of bone and skeleton, and his use of lustrous colored bits of glazed ceramic and glass create a masterpiece that will forever astonish its observers. Parc Güell is a park designed by Antoni Gaudí upon the request of Count Eusebi Güell, who wanted to build a stylish park for the aristocrats of Barcelona. Gaudi himself inhabited one of the houses for some time. The house is now a museum showcasing some of Gaudí's work. The park is a busy tourist attraction in Barcelona. Construction of the Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família began in 1882, and the temple is still under construction, with completion expected in 2026. It is perhaps the best-known structure of Catalan Modernism, drawing over three million visitors annually. Gaudi worked on the project until he died in 1926 in a tragic tram accident. We offer two ways to explore the works of Gaudí with a local architect (so come prepared with questions!) – take your pick of joining a small group tour of like-minded architecture enthusiasts or taking a private tour with just you and the guide.

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Barcelona and Gaudí: An In-Depth Architectural Group Walking Tour

   This group tour of Barcelona is tailored for those with a deep passion for architecture as it explores significant landmarks while you receive insights from an expert guide. Guided by an expert, you will embark on the Modernist Route and explore Barcelona's significant buildings from the perspective of a devoted architect. You will follow Antoni Gaudí's intricate journey from social concerns to a profound connection with the divine, ultimately becoming the "last great cathedral builder". This tour delves deeply into the master's architectural essence and explores his profound visual impact, which inspired surrealists and earned him the title of the most renowned Spanish architect.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Barcelona and Gaudí: An In-Depth Architectural Private Walking Tour

   This private tour of Barcelona is tailored for those with a deep passion for architecture as it explores significant landmarks while you receive insights from an expert guide. Guided by an expert, you will embark on the Modernist Route and explore Barcelona's significant buildings from the perspective of a devoted architect. You will follow Antoni Gaudí's intricate journey from social concerns to a profound connection with the divine, ultimately becoming the "last great cathedral builder". This tour delves deeply into the master's architectural essence and explores his profound visual impact, which inspired surrealists and earned him the title of the most renowned Spanish architect.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Up for a Leisurely Stroll or a Challenging Hike?

   Discover Barcelona's fusion of nature and urban flair on fantastic trails. Opt for a relaxing walk along the Besos River, cutting through the city's north from the Colserolla Mountain range to the Mediterranean. This trail, part of the Ronda Verda circuit, caters to walkers and cyclists, providing a flat route without uphill worries. For a panoramic experience, head to Tibidabo, the iconic hill dominating Barcelona's skyline. Stroll through wooded areas and relish breathtaking views of the city on your way to the top. Don't miss Europe's historic Tibidabo Amusement Park, which has enchanted visitors since 1905.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

7. Day 7 Traveling to Rome by Airplane / Arrival in Rome

   Say adios to Spain and a hearty Buongiorno! to Italy. Today you're flying from Barcelona, across the mediterranean, to Rome. We'll include seats on one of the several flights aday on this route, including full luggage allowance, and arrange for a driver to transfer you from your hotel to Barcelona in plenty of time for your departing flight.

   
   

   Please note that the flight included in your package is in Economy Class (or similar). This includes one cabin bag (17-22lb) and one checked bag (up to 50 lbs) as well as assigned seats. If you’re interested in upgrading to a higher class (which is possible only on certain airlines), just let us know—we’ll be happy to check availability and cost.
Please also keep in mind that the included flight is not flexible, and flight prices are subject to change until the trip is confirmed.

   The capital of Italy is a vibrant, energetic and stylish city. While thoroughly modern in sensibility, Rome is also home to some of the world’s most important works of classic art and architecture. This city has been an epicenter for culture, politics and religion for more than 2,500 years. From the Spanish Steps to the Vatican, there are more than enough sights to keep even the most active tourists busy and even somewhere as popular as Rome you can find places just off the tourist trail and bustling with locals. But it’s also nice to slow down and enjoy Rome’s famous cafes and restaurants, which can be just as beguiling as the buildings. Lounge with an espresso on the Campo de Fiori and watch the changing light on the fountains and the facades. Visit the Vatican and explore some of the world’s most beautiful churches. Rome really comes alive at night, when restaurants and wine bars bring a renewed vitality to the city. You’ll also have opportunities for day trips to local vineyards, olive groves, and other places producing regional delicacies. No matter what your interests, or what kind of holiday you’re looking for, Rome will be an enjoyable destination.

   After you land at Rome's Fiumicino airport you will be met in the arrivals hall by a driver holding a sign with your name on. The journey to your accommodation in the center of Rome should take around an hour.

   

   Go out for an "Aperitivo"!

   If you want to experience a quintessential Italian past time, well, it's time for an "aperitivo"! This is the equivalent of "happy hour", and locals commonly meet with friends and family before dinner, anywhere from 6:30 - 8 PM, to enjoy a spritz, prosecco, bear or wine, along with some munchies, before dinner (some people opt for one before lunch, though!). The food offerings vary from buffets to "à la carte" menus to the establishment bringing something scarce, such as potato chips and olives, to a complete meal of small pizzas, sandwich bites, rice and pasta salads, and more! Some great places to go for an aperitivo are: Freni e Frizioni (Trastevere), Doppiozeroo (Ostiense), and Rec23 (Testaccio - a few steps from Circo Massimo), but all bars (cafes) offer them as well. From June to September, along the Tiber River (Lungo Il Tevere), there are many stands and places where you can go right next to the water on the sidewalk.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

8. Day 8 Your First Full Day in Rome

   

   Gelato, Espresso and Tiramisu Group Walking Tour

   This 2.5-hour tour will be a sweet indulgence! Meet your small group at Piazza della Minerva at the statue of the elephant, and get ready to taste the best coffee, gelato, and tiramisu in Rome! Combining Italy’s famous coffee with desserts that have become world-famous, this personalized tour will take you through lovely neighborhoods.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 2 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   Renaissance Masters Up Close and Personal

   For those seeking a refined cultural experience in Rome, we highly recommend a visit to the Borghese Gallery, an elegant museum housed in a former 17th-century villa. Once the private residence of Cardinal Borghese, the gallery showcases a remarkable collection of masterpieces by Renaissance and Baroque artists, many of which were personally acquired or commissioned by the Cardinal. Unlike the more frequently visited Vatican Museums, the Borghese Gallery offers a quieter, more intimate setting to appreciate these exceptional works of art. Its manageable size ensures a focused and enriching visit, making it a hidden gem in Rome's artistic landscape.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

9. Day 9 Your Second Full Day in Rome

   

   The Complete Vatican Group Tour with Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

   For an in-depth exploration of Rome's iconic highlights, this guided tour with an expert is a must. Discover the Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museums, and beyond—an immersive Vatican journey. Skip the lines and delve into these remarkable buildings and their artistic treasures with your private guide, gaining insights into their rich history and profound significance.
   

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 3 hours 30 minutes

   Included in your vacation package price

   Watch the video

   

   Group Food Tour - Campo de' Fiori, Jewish Ghetto, Trastevere

   Food lovers, here's your chance to experience Rome’s enchanting squares and neighborhoods while tasting your way through some of the city’s best shops, restaurants, and markets, discovering the secrets of Italian cuisine. Meet your friendly, local expert food connoisseur in the city center, and get ready to stroll through a number of neighborhoods to visit the most famous food markets, groceries, coffee shops, ice cream shops, and restaurants. Taste some of the delicious food and wines the city is famous for, including pizza bianca, mortadella, gelato, and supplì. From fried artichokes or zucchini flowers in the Jewish ghetto to spices and vegetables in Campo de Fiori, you'll ignite your senses and burn some calories while you enjoy walking amongst the beauty around you.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 3 hours 30 minutes

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

   Watch the video

10. Day 10 Departure Day

    A driver will pick you up at your Rome accommodation and drop you off at Rome's Fiumicino Airport for your departing flight.