European Senior Tour of Italy and France

In the morning, your guide will meet you at your hotel and lead you to Vatican City for a fabulous tour of St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums. Gian Lorenzo Bernini designed the arcade that protrudes from the sides of the cathedral and acts as arms that welcome pilgrims to the sensational square beneath the towering figure of St. Peter’s Basilica. After your time in Vatican City, you will continue to the Colosseum for a tour of the ancient wonder that dates back to the 1st century AD.

This morning, your private transfer will escort you through the landscapes of Lazio to the rolling hills of Umbria and the charming city of Orvieto, which rests high on a plateau above the Paglia valley. You will continue to Florence for an immersive tour of the Renaissance City, where the aromas of delicious gelato and scintillating pastries will fill the air. Your introduction will provide you with insight into the marvelous history and artistry from the Palazzo Vecchio to the Medici Tombs at San Lorenzo.

Today, you will venture to the Uffizi Gallery with your guide for a highlights tour of the former magistrate’s office, which depicts some of the most important works of the Florentine Renaissance from between the 14th and 16th centuries, including Botticelli’s 15th-century masterpiece, Birth of Venus. You will continue to the Accademia Gallery, which is best known for possessing Michelangelo’s David. Once you have finished your tour of the gallery, you can stop for dinner at one of the many delicious restaurants in the city per your expert guide’s recommendation.

Your private transfer will escort you from the train station to your hotel, and today, you will enjoy a thrilling tour of the cityscape that will allow you to admire the interesting brickwork as well as the cafes that are filled with debating students. Outside of Bologna, your guide will introduce you to a farmer who is known for producing delectable prosciutto. The farmer creates the prosciutto’s remarkable flavor with elements found around the Po River Valley. After learning how the wind, moisture, and heat flavor prosciutto, you will sample a variety that has been aged up to 30 months.

In the morning, you will make your way to Pisa for a delightful discovery of the Campo dei Miracoli en route to the famous towns of the Cinque Terre. You will be provided with an exclusive tour of the city’s highlights, in which you will discover the marvels of Pisa that originate from its unique architecture from the Gothic period. Another marvel of Pisa is the Sacred Field, which was built on soil that was brought from the Golgotha during the Crusades. You will continue to the charming, beachside town of Monterosso al Mare, where the alluring fragrance of salty air will blend with the herbaceous scent of fresh pesto sauce.

This morning, you will continue your discovery of the Italian Riviera with your private transfer, driving up the western seaboard and stopping at a selection of coastal towns. Eventually, you will reach the alluring town of Dolceacqua, which is situated along the edge of the Nervia valley. Here, narrow alleys lead to ancient stone houses and open to the famous humpback bridge that arcs over the Nervia River. The iconic neighborhood of the Terra will immerse you in its charms of ancient houses, small courtyards, vaulted passageways, and art beneath the rugged walls of the 12th-century Doria Castle.

When you are ready, your private transfer will escort you across the border into France, where you will enjoy the sophisticated splendor of Nice on the Cote d’Azur. You can discover Nice at your preferred pace by strolling along the golden beach at the Promenade des Anglais, where the fragrant scent of sunbaked sand and the sea breeze will eventually fade beneath the delightful aroma of melted chocolate. The Marc Chagall National Museum displays one of the most impressive collections of the artist’s work in the world. The museum possesses paintings, etchings, lithographs, sculptures, and stained-glass, which provide a deeper insight into the brilliance of the artist.

Today, you will make your way to the hilltop village of Eze, where you will discover the charisma of the Cote d’Azur. The city offers spectacular, panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Cap-Ferrat coastline. As you stroll through the town, you will notice the hidden art galleries and the Michelin-starred restaurant. When in Eze, you can also visit the Fragonard Perfume Museum, which will unveil the secrets of combining elegant scents to make the perfect perfumes.

Today, you will leave the allure of Nice for the endless glamour of Paris. You will take a train to Paris, and once you arrive, you will be transferred to your luxurious accommodation, where you can settle into the comforts of your suite. Your guide will lead you to Boulevard Saint-Germain in the 6th arrondissement, where the quintessential cafes of Paris brim with Parisians who watch the city pass by while snacking on croissants and almond cake. Today, you will experience the uniqueness of Paris through its celebrated confections as you visit a number of sweet and pastry shops.

This morning, you set off to discover the many charms of Paris with your guide. Your guide will lead you through the city to unveil its highlights from Notre Dame to the Sacré-Coeur, which crowns the hill of Montmartre. You will not be able to visit Paris without stopping by the Eiffel Tower, and once you arrive, you will be provided with a tremendous view from the top, which allows you to see up to 43 miles on a clear day. At the Louvre Museum, you will find famous masterpieces of Western Civilization amid opulent galleries that once acted as the royal residence for the French monarchy.

At breakfast, the enjoyable aroma of croissants and espresso will fill the dining room of your hotel. After breakfast, your private transfer will meet you in your hotel’s lobby and escort you to the Charles de Gaulle Airport for your flight home.