The essentials of a European vacation comprise gorgeous architecture, sensational history, and exquisite art that allow you to experience cultural splendor while you discover the best of France, Italy, and Greece. Enjoy 12 days of custom-tailored exploration, which reveals the layers of ancient Rome and the vistas from the Acropolis in Athens. Embrace the embellishments of royalty at Versailles and traverse the quiet streets of an island fishing village in the Venetian Lagoon. Relish stories of...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Paris – Arrive in Paris with a Fabulous Introduction to the City of Lights
Paris has a reputation for lovers and writers, romantics and travelers passionate about art. There will be tangible pleasures spread across the Left Bank of the River Seine that leads up to the shining white dome of Sacré-Coeur topping Montmartre. Your private transfer will greet you upon your arrival at Charles de Gaulle Airport, and escort you to a luxurious hotel at the heart of bustling City of Lights. The scent of fresh, delectable chocolates emanates from the local confectionary before you make your way through the city on a guided tour that introduces you to the stunning monuments for which Paris is known. Notre-Dame de Paris makes a dramatic impression in the skyline of the Ile-de-la-Cité reaching nearly 230 feet tall.
The French Gothic architecture contains hidden details that add layers to the grand design. The flying buttresses created much-needed support for the heavy, soaring structure but also crafted an elaborate archway on the exterior. The foundations began in the 12th century with the entire cathedral taking nearly 200 years to complete. This accounts for the mixture of styles that guide your eye eventually to the grotesque figures of the gargoyles on the balcony. The leading theory about their stylistic aesthetic regards their ability to ward off evil spirits, however, a number of gargoyles were also crafted as rainwater drains. The interior hosts an array of spice aromas, which derives from burning frankincense and myrrh. The light filters through the three stunning Rose Windows alight with color.
What's Included:
Day 2
Paris – Delight in a Guided Tour of the Louvre Museum’s Famous Artwork
Day 3
Paris – Explore the Lavish Halls and Gardens of the Palace of Versailles
Day 4
Rome – Travel to Rome for a Tour of the City’s Classical Monuments
Day 5
Rome – Enjoy a Full Day at the Vatican Museums and Rome’s Highlights
Day 6
Florence – Traverse the City and Grand Renaissance Art of the Uffizi Gallery
Day 7
Venice – Train to Venice to Discover the Grandeur of St. Mark’s Square
Day 8
Venice – Relish a Day of Exploration on the Islands in the Venetian Lagoon
Day 9
Athens – Fly to Athens to Discover the Preserved Ancient Acropolis
Day 10
Athens – Experience a Full Day of Ancient Greece Visiting Delphi
Day 11
Athens – Enjoy a Mediterranean Day Cruise to Aegina, Poros, and Hydra
Day 12
Athens – Depart for Home
Trip Highlights
- Wander the marvelous halls and galleries of the Louvre Museum in Paris for insight into the stunning artistic history of European masters
- Witness the exceptional feats of engineering undertaken by the Roman Empire when visiting while you tour the Colosseum in Rome
- Explore the cradle of Western Civilization during a guided tour of the Athenian Acropolis to view the iconic Parthenon up-close
- Follow the evolution of Western European art from the medieval period to the 19th century when visiting you visit the tremendous works in the Uffizi Gallery
- Discover the exuberant opulence of the Palace of Versailles emanating that emanates from the frescoes, royal apartments, and vast lavish gardens
- Indulge in the elaborate history of ancient Greek folklore and captivating cults on a tour of Delphi, home to the infamous Oracle of the Apollo Temple
- Enjoy the island charm of the Aegean Sea on a day cruise unveiling that unveils the soaring cliffs, azure waters, and preserved ancient history of Greece’s Islands
- Embrace the iconic images of Venice when traversing while you traverse St. Mark’s Square and the exceptional gilded mosaics enveloping that envelope the grand basilica
- View the sensational artwork on display in the Vatican Museums including the Michelangelo’s magnificent pietà in St. Peter’s Basilica
Detailed Description
The influence of Western Europe will take your breath away as you experience the best of France, Italy, and Greece. This personalized tour blends fascinating history, remarkable culture, and comfortable luxury. Discover some of Western Europe’s highlights on this exquisite journey that begins in Paris. The capital of France is home to iconic architecture and specific heritage that embodies the greater customs of the country. Artwork, confections, architecture, and café culture standout as quintessential traditions that add to the image of glamor. The different districts of Paris feel like secluded villages, which create the greater entirety of the city.
Your stay in Paris will be the perfect balance of private and public exploration that takes you from the grandeur of Notre-Dame de Paris to the emblematic Eiffel Tower. Witness the ways artists have expressed their feelings throughout your time inside the Louvre Museum with classical to more contemporary forms of artwork. At Versailles, you wander through the opulence representative of the French kings who ruled their subjects from a distance as they created lavish apartments and divine gardens before traveling to Rome.
Then, you will journey to Rome, which offers the perfect introduction to Italy’s renowned history. This city is the cradle of Western Civilization, a commitment to artistry in all forms, and the intricate creations that continue to inspire visitors from around the world. Witness the stunning architecture of the Colosseum and scattered ruins of the Roman Forum. Wander the halls of the Vatican Museum to see works by Raphael and Michelangelo, as well as Michelangelo’s Pietà on display inside St. Peter’s Basilica. In Florence, you will discover the treasures of the city’s open-air galleries that hosts the Duomo, Piazza Signoria, and Piazza Santa Croce. Inside the Uffizi Gallery you will find masterworks by da Vinci and Botticelli before continuing to Venice.
Venice and the surrounding lagoon possess an indelible allure embodied in the various islands, canals, marble palaces, and illustrious legends of the Republic. There will be ample time to visit the gilded interior of St. Mark’s Basilica and the hidden rooms of the Doge’s Palace. Venture outside of Venice and into the lagoon to visit the charming islands of Burano, the neighboring island of Mazzorbo, and the famous island of Murano, known for a long history of artisan glass-blowers.
The final stretch of your highlights tour brings you to Athens, Greece. The city and greater Greece are renowned for having given rise to the Western World with the creation of western philosophy, art, architecture, a written language, and exploration crossing the Mediterranean Sea. View the stunning Acropolis in Athens, home to the sensational Parthenon and collection of preserved temples. Travel to Delphi, where the Oracle brought pilgrims from across the ancient world in search of advice or their futures foretold. Relish a full day cruising the Aegean Sea to discover the combination of ancient history, Byzantine charms, gorgeous beaches, and exquisite coastal hillside views on the islands of Aegina, Poros, and Hydra, whose charisma may have you wanting to stay longer than expected.
To gain more ideas for your perfect France, Italy and Greece itinerary, take a look at our France, Italy, and Greece page.
Starting Price
$5,200 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.
Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service
4.9 stars based on 9315 reviews.
Zicasso's travel agent created an itinerary and experience that was simply perfect. Every hotel experience, guide, and driver was excellent. She was kind, patient, knowledgeable, and made the perfect suggestions. I loved working with her! Thank you to our agent, the tour operator, and Zicasso for a wonderful trip!
Reviewed By Anita L.
The trip was wonderful. Zicasso's travel agent and her staff planned the perfect 10-day trip. The accommodations, the drivers, the guides, and the restaurant recommendations were perfect. The communication was excellent and timely. They went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable and happy. The staff were very attentive and flexible, even when we wanted some small changes, such as pick-up times for the drivers. They adapted and made it all work. This travel agent is absolutely terrific.
Reviewed By Marci M.
Our Italy trip with Zicasso’s travel partner was nothing short of spectacular! Referred by a friend who had an amazing experience, we decided to give it a try and were not disappointed. Our agent was fantastic, always ready with answers to our questions and providing excellent support throughout our journey.
In Tuscany, we visited beautiful wineries and enjoyed a delightful lunch with the vintners, who were incredibly warm and welcoming. Her attention to detail was evident when she adjusted our plans due to weather changes and even checked in on us when we were slightly delayed for a tour.
Siena was breathtaking and our hotel in Rome was perfectly located, allowing us to walk to all the major sites. One of the highlights was a small boat tour around Capri from Amalfi—perfect weather and stunning waters made it unforgettable. The cooking class on the Amalfi Coast, set on the side of a cliff, was exceptional and having personal tours just for the two of us was an unexpected and delightful bonus.
We can't express enough how much we enjoyed our Italy trip. The travel partner exceeded our expectations and we highly recommend them for a truly memorable experience!
Reviewed By Kent S.
Zicasso’s trip coordinator and her team did a fantastic job, not only in planning the trip to meet our needs and wants, but also in personalizing it as needed. They were also available as we needed them to adjust things, such as pickups, and even made some dinner reservations for us. With our budget, they set us up in excellent hotels that fit our desire for the trip to be a wonderful anniversary getaway. Her staff were also very helpful. We would strongly recommend them for a trip to Italy!
Reviewed By Rajesh J.
Zicasso's travel agent did such a great job with planning our trip. She really helped make it personalized to our preferences and the entire experience was seamless.
Reviewed By Jennifer B.
It was great to have all the activities and transfers planned in advance and very clearly laid out by Zicasso's trip planner.
Reviewed By Ann H.