Paris to Florence

12 Days /11 Nights
1 night Transatlantic Flight,

2 nights Paris, 1 night Avignon, 2 nights Nice,

2 nights La Spezia, 3 nights Florence
11 Breakfasts,11 Dinners

Day 1: DEPARTURE CITY - PARIS

Overnight flight to Paris.
 

Day 2: PARIS

Transfer to your centrally located hotel. After a short break We start with a guided tour of Paris. See: the Eiffel Tower, Old Opera, Place de la Concorde, Place de la Republique, the Obelisk, Notre Dame Cathedral (inside visit), Champs Elysees, Ecole Militaire, Tuileries Gardens, Opera, and more. Join your tour director on a walking tour to Basilica Sacre Coeur and through the narrow streets of Montmartre, full of young artists, souvenir shops and Parisian crepe food outlets. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 3: PARIS

After breakfast we will walk to the Louvre where we will have a guided tour led by the professional guide from the museum. Explore the tremendous collection of sculptures and paintings, including the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. In the afternoon we walk to Pont Alma where we will board the Bateaux Mouches for an exciting cruise on the Seine River. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel.
 

Day 4: PARIS - AVIGNON - NIMES - AVIGNON

Breakfast. We transfer to the train station to board the TGV (train à grande vitesse, or “fast train”) to Avignon, capital of the Provence region. On arrival we board our couch and drive to Pont du Gard to see the astonishing aqueduct. Dating back 2,000 years, it once supplied Roman villas with running water. We then continue to Nîmes where you will have the opportunity to visit an ancient Roman amphitheatre, originally built to accommodate thousands of spectators. We then return Avignon to visit the Popes’ Palace, Pope Clement V, a native of France who moved the seat of the papacy to Avignon in 1309. Stroll through the splendid Popes’ Palace in which he and six successive popes resided. View the stunning Italian frescoes in the chapel, step in-side the papal vestry and see the hidden vaults where the church’s riches were stored.  Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 5: AVIGNON - SAINT TROPEZ - CANNES - NICE

Breakfast.  This morning we travel to the French Riviera resort of Saint Tropez, which became "St. Trop" when the show business people, artists and writers all fell under the spell of this charming little port in the 1950's. In the summer one could bump into Picasso, Francoise Sagan, Jacques Prévert and many others, With the arrival of Brigitte Bardot in the 6O's the myth was installed for good. Since then St. Tropez has become the in vacation spot for chic Parisians and the international Jet Set. We then continue to Cannes, the "star" of the French Riviera, famous for the International Film Festival and the glamorous life style. It would be a shame to visit the South of France without experiencing the city for yourself. Late afternoon transfer to Nice. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 6: NICE - EZE - MONTE CARLO  - NICE

After breakfast we start with a short ride to the cliff village of Eze for a guided tour of the Galimard perfume factory. Then continue to Regal Monaco. See the Royal Palace and the changing of the guards, Botanical Gardens and the world famous Monte Carlo Casino. Later visit the J. Cousteau Oceanographic Museum, one of the best aquatic museums in the world with huge tanks displaying sharks and other species. Later, return to Nice. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel.
 

Day 7: NICE - SAN REMO - PORTOFINO  - LA SPEZIA

After breakfast we leave France and we drive along the Italian Riviera. Our first stop of the day is San Remo, capital town of the Italian Riviera of Flowers. Its artistic heritage, permeated by that typically Liguria shyness, which escapes from any focus of attention, is still largely unknown.  We then continue to Portofino, charming fishing village that has become a boutique stop-off point for the yachting set. This prettily-painted harbour settlement still exudes an air of tranquillity, and it's certainly a must for anyone visiting this stretch of coastline. Late afternoon transfer to La Spezia. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 8: LA SPEZIA - CINQUE TERRE - LA SPEZIA

Breakfast. Today with a very short train ride we will reach Monterosso al Mare, one of the five villages that constitute the Cinque Terre.  Throughout the day we will visit also Vernazza and Riomaggiore which are only few kilometres apart.  After a fun loving day in this beautiful coastal paradise we will return to La Spezia. This evening join your Tour Director for a stroll around La Spezia historical centre. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel.
 

Day 9: LA SPEZIA - PISA - LUCCA - FLORENCE

Breakfast. Enjoy a short drive to the historic university city of Pisa. Upon arrival in Pisa, guided walking tour of Piazza dei Miracoli, with the celebrated Leaning Tower, the Baptistery and other important monuments. This is followed by a visit to the interior of the Cathedral, an unrivalled masterpiece of Romanesque art constructed between the 11th and 12th centuries. Free time at your disposal. We then continue to Lucca, Italy's finest mediaeval treasure, the centre is relatively unspoilt and is sprinkled with palazzi, towers and almost countless splendid churches. Late afternoon transfer to Florence Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 10: FLORENCE

After breakfast we start the day with a guided city tour: Giottos Bell Tower, the Baptistery's bronze doors, Piazza della Signoria, the Cathedral with its famous cupola built by Bruneleschi and Church of Santa Croce. Then we walk to Ponte Vecchio a unique bridge over the Arno river. Later we visit San Lorenzo Market, an amazing street market with all kinds of shops that sell leather goods. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel.
 

Day 11: FLORENCE - SAN GIMIGNANO - SIENA - FLORENCE

After breakfast we will depart for San Gimignano, known as the “tower city”. Visit to Porta San Giovanni, Piazza della Cisterna, Palace del Popolo, Civical Museum and Sant’ Agostino.  Visit till the lunch time, then, way to reach Siena. Siena is surrounded by Chianti woods and hills and is located in the centre of a large and attractive valley. Probably Siena’s notoriety is due to the celebration of the Palio, a horse race among all the district areas of the town, called “contrade”. Therefore, a great mixture of culture, history and healthy food. Late afternoon return to Florence.  Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel.
 

Day 12: DEPARTURE

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.