Napoleon conquered the countryside and overtook royal grounds, battling with kingdoms across Europe and basking in the prestige of cities such as Paris and Venice. From the enchanting artwork on display in the Louvre to mesmerizing masks that dance alongside the canal during Carnival, your custom tailored tour will immerse your family in dramatic art, lavish palaces, iconic monuments, and enchanting history touched by Napoleon’s far reaching hand. Follow the path of the general and his army through...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Paris – Arrive in the City of Lights with an Introductory Walking Tour
Paris will enchant children and parents alike with stunning architecture, incredible history, dramatic art, and lavish cuisine. Cobblestone lanes line the River Seine, and the aroma of fresh macaroons emanates from a corner boulangerie. Your private transfer will collect your family from Charles de Gaulle Airport and escort you to a fabulous hotel situated near the Arc de Triomphe. Your luxurious accommodation stands steps from the famous street known as the Champs Elysees, and your room will have a balcony that overlooks the glistening Parisian skyline.
Your guide will meet your family in the lobby ready to lead you through the meandering streets of the city for an introductory tour, ending in the Champs du Mars, the park connected to the Eiffel Tower. The iconic monument of Paris was erected in the 19th century as the entryway to the World’s Fair and the wrought iron display reaches nearly 1,000 feet tall. An elevator takes your family to the lookout point that offers pristine views of the city. You will be able to see the Chartres Cathedral in the distance, which stands more than 42 miles away.
What's Included:
Day 2
Paris – Half-Day Tour of the Iconic Art and Architecture of Napoleon’s Paris
Day 3
Paris – Explore the Treasures of the Louvre Gallery Before a Pastry Tour
Day 4
Paris – Visit the Palace of Versailles and Gardens
Day 5
Paris – Enjoy a Day to Discover the Wonders of Paris
Day 6
Venice – Transfer to the City on the Lagoon and Tour the Grand Canal
Day 7
Venice – Uncover the Hidden Gems of St. Mark’s Square on a Half-Day Tour
Day 8
Venice – Witness Napoleon’s Venice and Delight in a Family Cooking Class
Day 9
Venice – See the Gondola Boatyard and Visit the Islands around the Lagoon
Day 10
Venice – Depart for Home
Trip Highlights
- Wander through the secret chambers and hidden halls of the Doge’s Palace in Venice
- Enjoy a private tour of the Grand Canal to witness the grandeur of the former Venetian Republic, along with the hints of Napoleonic influence
- Delight in a family cooking class where the kids can dig their hands into the flour to learn the art making Italian pasta from scratch
- Relish the artistic side of Carnival with a mask making class for the entire family, teaching the history of the art form alongside the fun of the craft
- Witness how gondolas are made with a visit to the historical boatyard inside which craftsmen have passed down the trade through family for generations
- Delight in a unique discovery of Paris during a tour of the catacombs located beneath the meandering city streets
- Embark on a delicious exploration of Paris’s confectionaries and patisseries while tasting the tasty treats crafted in each celebrated store you visit
- Interact with the art at the Louvre in Paris and the Galleria dell’Accademia of Venice with scavenger hunts to keep the entire family engaged
- Bike ride across the islands of Venice and through the expansive gardens at Versailles for a distinctive active discovery of past and present culture
- Marvel at the splendid streets and lavish palaces of Paris after the Napoleonic wars
- Visit the pristine rotunda holding Napoleon’s opulent tomb inside Les Invalides
Detailed Description
Paris and Venice are two cities that embody indelible romance, but when you step beyond the surface, you will find the history, culture, and monuments sure to captivate the entire family. Your 10-day tour will exemplify adventure and art, history and cuisine focused on bringing your family together. From learning to cook pasta with an Italian mother to bike riding around the gardens of Versailles, the pleasures of Paris and Venice are fun for the whole family, and can even offer a chance for a romantic evening or two.
Your adventures will begin with your family’s arrival at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris. Your private transfer will escort you to your gorgeous hotel near the famous Champs Elysees. You will have an introductory tour of the city’s iconic sites to take you from the Arc de Triomphe to the Eiffel Tower where you can venture to the top of the tower for a view of the city at dusk. The next day, your private guide will lead your family on a remarkable walking tour of Paris’s neighborhoods to offer you images of the city before and after the Napoleonic wars. Visit the general’s tomb at Les Invalides and then walk through the historical lanes to see Notre Dame de Paris. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to delight in the charms of Paris. You could take a river cruise down the Seine for a different perspective of the City of Lights, or wander the Parisian streets to take in the charm found at every corner.
The next day, your guide will lead you on a fabulous tour of the Louvre Museum. The kids will embark on a scavenger hunt as you embrace the splendor of the artwork and artifacts on display. In the afternoon, your family will relish the fabled flavors of Parisian confections during a sweets tour of one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods. Venture outside of Paris the following day for the Palace of Versailles. Your private guided tour will take you through the halls and galleries of France’s pristine and opulent past. Spend time in the garden with a picnic lunch for your family to enjoy before traversing the expansive trails around the stunning grounds by bike.
The next day will be at your family’s leisure to discover the wonders of the city as you desire. Visit Montmartre or watch a traditional puppet show, or troll through a local farmers market or wander along the legendary catacombs winding beneath the city. Venture next to Venice as your private transfer will escort you to the airport for your flight. You will continue to the edge of the Grand Canal to meet your private boat, and your family will enjoy a tour of the Grand Canal as an introduction to the City on the Lagoon. At the end of your tour, the boat will drop your family off at the private dock of your luxury hotel. The next day, your guide will lead your family on a tour through the secrets of St. Mark’s Square, from the secluded chambers in the Doge’s Palace to the hidden gems often unnoticed by visitors inside St. Mark’s Cathedral.
In the afternoon, your family will partake in an excited mask-making outing to learn the history and art of carnival masks in the city. The next day, you will tour the museums, churches, and streets of Venice on a guided tour that will point out the lasting influences of the Republic and Napoleon. Visit the Accademia to view elaborate Venetian art and delight in watching the kids get their hands on traditional ingredients during a private cooking class. Continue the next day as your family will visit the islands along the lagoon. You can bike ride from the neighborhood of Lido to the small town of Chioggia, or visit the islands of Murano and Burano by private boat. The next day, your private transfer will meet the family in the hotel lobby and escort you to Marco Polo Airport for your flight home.
Starting Price
$4,500 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
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