French & Italian Art & Rivieras

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.

2. Day 2 Your First Full Day in Paris

   

   Introduction to Paris Private Tour

   This tour is the perfect introduction to Paris, an overview of the city to help you find your bearings and feel confident enough to explore Paris further on your own. In the company of your knowledgeable guide, get ready to marvel at the French capital's most iconic landmarks along the Seine.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Louvre Museum Private Guided Tour

   On this exclusive guided exploration of the renowned Louvre Museum, you will see art history's marvels. Accompanied by an expert guide, you will immerse yourself in the museum's rich history and vast collection. With over 1500 sculptures, 3615 paintings, 16500 antiques, and 9000 objects spread across 246 rooms and 12 departments, there's a wealth of treasures awaiting your discovery. You can delve into iconic artworks from ancient Egyptian and Greek sculptures to the Italian Renaissance and Neoclassicism, all of which ensure an enlightening and enriching experience.

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

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

3. Day 3 Your Second Full Day in Paris

   

   A Glimpse into The Artistic Side of Paris

   Today you are about to explore the charms of Montmartre, a neighborhood that feels like a painting coming to life. As you walk around the quaint cobblestone alleys, you will discover where Renoir, Van Gogh, Lautrec, and Picasso lived and had their studios, and where these world-famous artists created their masterpieces.

   • Activity Level : Strenuous
   • Duration : 2 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

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

   

   You're leaving Paris behind today and heading to Nice. We will arrange a transfer to the train station and second class tickets. There are a few train departures to Nice daily, so you can choose your preferred departure time. Then just sit back and relax on the roughly 6 hours journey. An upgrade to the first class is available for an additional fee.

   When you arrive at the train station in Nice, a driver will be there to meet you and take you to your accommodation.

5. Day 5 Your First Full Day in Nice

   

   Experiencing The Charms of Nice

   Today you will delve into the unique charm of Nice, during a 3-hour private tour across the maze of quaint alleys that compose its Old Town. You will admire the city's splendid Italianate squares, visit the colorful flower market, and end the tour atop the dramatic Castle Hill for the most breathtaking views of Nice and beyond.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 2 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

6. Day 6 Your Second Full Day in Nice

   

   The Countryside Full-Day Group Tour

   When in Nice, take the opportunity to explore the beautiful French Riviera. Visit Cannes, and stroll through designer shops and sandy beaches. See valleys, the coastline, and the Alps from Gordoun Village. Explore Gorges du Loup and see the second most visited village in France, St. Paul de Vence.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 8 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

7. Day 7 Traveling to Monterosso Al Mare by Private Transfer / Arrival in Monterosso Al Mare

   

   Bid a teary au revoir to France as your private driver transports you from one riviera to another. Today you're headed to Cinque Terre, an Italian coastal gem. Our driver will pick you up from your accommodation and drive the four hours to Monterosso al Mare. We can arrange for stops along the way, maybe to visit places you didn't get to see while in Nice, or on the Italian side of the border. We can arrange for sightseeing and lunch stops for an extra fee. As your travel advisor for details.

   As the northern-most of the Cinque Terre villages, Monterosso-al-Mare (literally the red mountain by the sea) is the most accessible of five. Road, rail and ferry links, and a wide choice of hotels make this an excellent base for visiting all the other villages and neighboring towns as well. This choice and accessibility comes at a price – it is the least pretty of the five. Yet that will hardly seem to matter when you're looking out to sea, or hiking the steep trail to Vernazza, the next village. Monterosso has the largest and best equipped beach of all the Cinque Terre villages so if some sun worship is on your vacation agenda, this is the perfect spot. As well as the opportunity to hike in the Cinque Terre national park between some of the villages you can also take the regular trains or if seas allow, the ferry service to the other villages. Private and boat day trips provide another way to admire the villages from their most natural aspect, the sea.

   Your driver will bring you straight to your accommodation at Monterosso Al Mare.

8. Day 8 Your First Full Day in Monterosso Al Mare

   

   Explore Cinque Terre by Foot, Train, or Sea

   Today, you will be immersing yourself in the protected area of the Cinque Terre National Park. You will explore the picturesque villages of Cinque Terre by train, accompanied by your guide, with frequent stops to immerse yourself in each village's charm. Enjoy a lunch break in the scenic coastal village of Vernazza or Manarola, savoring traditional Mediterranean fish dishes like spaghetti with mussels or trenette al pesto. Visit the Doria Tower in Vernazza for a breathtaking view before experiencing the perfect sunset and plentiful photo opportunities in Manarola and Riomaggiore. Later, you can opt to take a ferry back to your accommodations, concluding a truly unforgettable day in Cinque Terre.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 6 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

9. Day 9 Traveling to Florence by Train / Arrival in Florence

   Today it's time to head off to the capital of Tuscany - magnificent Florence. We have included standard class train tickets, but an upgrade to a higher class is possible at an extra cost. You'll need to change trains in La Spezia and the total journey time is around 2 and a half hours. Your hotel will be able to arrange a transfer to the train station if needed.

   

   You can upgrade your transfer

   Florence by Private Transfer

   Upgrade for an additional cost

   Florence is the capital of Tuscany and home to the region’s greatest Renaissance art and architecture. The Renaissance actually started here, and today the city’s numerous cathedrals and art galleries show the evidence of this rich and inspiring period. You’ll want to see the Duomo Cathedral and the Galleria dell’Accademia, which houses Michelangelo’s “David.” Botticelli and Da Vinci's works are here too, at some of the city’s other amazing galleries. But there’s more to do in Florence than simply admire the art. It’s a beautiful, romantic place, and even a stroll through the streets is charming. Add world-class restaurants, delectable local wine and cuisine, and a warm Tuscan welcome, and you have a destination unlike any other. Florence is also an ideal base for exploring Tuscany, with its picturesque hills and vineyards in the heart of Italy.

   Upon arriving to Florence's main station, Santa Maria Novella, we'll arrange for our driver to pick you up from the train station and take you to your centrally located accommodation.

10. Day 10 Your First Full Day in Florence

    

    Florence in a Day Private Tour

    This is the perfect tour for first-time visitors to Florence, or anyone who wants to see more of the city while learning about its historic culture. Along with an expert guide you'll visit the Academia and Uffizi galleries, with an interesting walking tour of the city between. Your guide will meet you at your accommodation at the agreed-upon time. At the end of the tour you'll have a chance to linger in the Uffizi gallery to discover more artistic wonders at your own pace.

    • Activity Level : Moderate
    • Duration : 6 hours

    Included in your vacation package price

11. Day 11 Your Second Full Day in Florence

    

    Explore Tuscany: San Gimignano, Siena, and Tuscany

    Enjoy some of Tuscany's most breathtaking sites and scenery on this small group tour. After nearly an hour and a half of driving through the beautiful countryside, you'll arrive at the heart of Siena, for a walk through the city's picturesque narrow streets with your guide. You'll hear the city's stories and anecdotes and visit its highlights with some free time in Siena. The next stop is a wine estate, where you'll enjoy a proper Tuscan lunch, with the vineyard's own wine. A further drive through the countryside, with its olive trees, vines, and ancient stone buildings, will take you to San Gimignano, with its splendid skyline of vertiginous Medieval tower homes, where you'll be able to end your day at a leisurely pace.

    • Activity Level : Moderate
    • Duration : 10 hours

    Included in your vacation package price

12. Day 12 Departure Day

    A driver will pick you up at your accommodation based on your flight time and transfer you to Florence airport for your departure.