Ultimate European Explorer: Italy, France, Greece Trip of a Lifetime

In the morning, the aromas of chocolate and croissants emanate from the quiet cafes and bakeries. Your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby eager to take you through the marvels of Paris, from the Louvre Museum to the incredible Catacombs. Inside the Louvre, you will discover famous artworks and artifacts spanning 652,300 square feet of the former royal residence. You can uncover frescoes by Botticelli and see da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. At the Venus de Milo, you will find the celebrated ancient Greek statue crafted in the 2nd century BC.

Your exploration of the catacombs will then take you beneath the contemporary city to find a collection of subterranean ossuaries protecting the remains of more than 6 million people. The cool air will remind you that you are walking more than 65 feet beneath Paris through a maze of galleries preserving a timeless view of the former city. Bones and skulls line the tunnels as unique decorations after you descend the approximately 131 narrow steps that spiral down from the streets.

The Loire Valley lures you into a world of fairytales with stunning castles and marvelous countryside. Your guide will meet you at your hotel and escort you outside of the city, approximately 124 miles from Paris. Beautiful castles will emerge from the verdant hills, woodlands, and waterways and capture the essence of 15th- and 16th-century grandeur. Chateau de Chambord is an emblem of France’s Renaissance opulence with 440 rooms, 282 fireplaces, and a famous double-helix staircase. The mirroring spiral stairs act as the centerpiece of the chateau. They twist upwards of three floors, illuminated by a central lighthouse that crowns the castle.

The equally famous Chateau Chenonceau will also capture your imagination as a preserved depiction of the Renaissance, as seen in the central entrance hall and elegant Italianate staircase. A graceful arched bridge crosses over the River Cher, adding to the chateau's complex beauty as it looks as though it is floating. The interior displays fascinating tapestries and intricate paintings that showcase both elaborate perspectives and refreshing delicacy.

Begin your day with an escape from the city to experience the inspirations of famous Impressionist painters. Take in the vibrant colors, intricate perspectives, and particular light of Giverny and Auvers sur Oise as you bring their inspiration to the forefront. Once at Giverny, you will find the aromas of grass and blossoming flowers stemming from the former home Monet. The garden embodies the renowned painter with vibrant tulips, daffodils, and rhododendrons. You stroll alongside pond to see the famous water lilies gracefully lingering on the water’s surface. The serene ambiance will only accentuate the aromas of the roses and sweet peas.

At Auvers sur Oise, you can embrace the conserved ambiance of an artist’s village where Van Gogh completed 80 paintings. The surrounding countryside brings rolling fields and the refreshing sounds of the babbling river to combine rural charm with vibrant village life. As you stroll the cobbled lanes, find thatched-roof cottages overlooking the water’s edge for beautiful views.  Notice how the town looks remarkably similar to when Van Gogh captured the streets and buildings in his work, from the creamy bricks of the Gothic chapel to the restored wood-paneled ceiling of a dining room where the artist took his meals. For a charming new perspective on the town, you can participate in an art class to truly embrace the works of Van Gogh.

In the morning, your private transfer will escort you to the airport for your flight to Venice, Italy. Venture into the heart of the city with your private driver to reach your luxurious hotel. Nestled between a quiet canal and the cobbled streets, take in the city’s grandeur from the domes of St. Mark’s Cathedral to the elegant pillars of the Ca’ d’Oro.

The 15th-century structure now holds a museum but embodies the essence of the Renaissance with stucco embellishments that resemble carved stone. The interior galleries display the works of artists like Mantenga and Titian with the recessed colonnaded loggia providing an elegant entryway connected to the canal itself. After exploring the splendor of Venice with your guide, you will embark on a gondola tour around the city's waterways. Rather than wind around vaporettos or the wakes of the snaking Grand Canal, your gondolier will take you along the narrow routes to find the true spirit of the city.

Your VIP tour of Venice’s famous islands will begin in the morning as you board a private boat bound for the lagoon. The quiet island of San Francesco del Deserto hosts a small Franciscan monastery dating back to the 13th century. Sandbanks protect the foundations from edging water as the aromas of cypress and pine trees fill the air. A monk will guide you along the walls and scribblings on marble preserved from the original Byzantine church amid the 15th-century construction of the monastery.

On the small island of Torcello, you will find the cradle of the Venetian lagoon with ruins that date back to the Roman city of Altino in the 5th century. The aroma of frankincense will fill the Santa Maria Assunta cathedral as you find remnants of Byzantine mosaics glinting with flecks of gold. You can reach the charm of Mazzorbo on a bridge connected to its sister Burano. A small estate hides behind medieval walls protecting a delightful vineyard. The aromas of grapes and vegetables will fill the air representing a hidden garden showcasing the region’s long tradition of winemaking.

Florence is utterly enchanting as the cradle of the Renaissance, where winding cobbled lanes lead to the banks of the Arno River, and 15th- and 16th-century palaces hide behind medieval chapels lit with candles. Elegant frescoes decorate the churches and marble basilicas glint in the sunlight. You will have a private transfer to the train station in the morning for a first-class ride through the countryside from Venice to Florence. After reaching your luxury hotel in the heart of the city, you will embrace the marvels of the past with a private tour of the city’s most famous museum.

You will pass specialist boutiques revealing leather purses and artisan workshops crafting handmade shoes before reaching the extraordinary halls of the Uffizi Gallery. The collection spans the 16th-century magistrate’s office with images of European grandeur offering a timeline from medieval works to the 19th century, including masterworks like Botticelli’s Birth of Venus. Your guide will give you insight into art fo found throughout the museum, including the imagery Botticelli used to blend Classical mythology with Christian theology. At the Accademia Gallery, your guide will lead you through the collection to find Michelangelo’s best-known sculpture, David. The statue stands 14 feet tall and features the biblical hero in contemplation before battle.

In the morning, the sunlight will glint against the bronze doors known as the Gates of Paradise. Attached to the baptistry at the center of the city, they are set beneath the neighboring Duomo’s massive brick dome. You will have a view of the city’s remarkable skyline as your day begins at Piazza Michelangelo. The panorama sweeps across the city to showcase the Duomo’s dome at the center of the skyline as the hills of Tuscany rolling in the background.

You will visit the neighboring abbey of San Miniato al Monte to find foundations dating back to the 11th century, and the quiet charm of the green and white marble structure accentuates the surrounding countryside that leads away from the city. A 12th-century mosaic decorates the facade, and the sounds of Gregorian chants will echo through the sanctuary in the evening. You will reach the quiet hilltop village of Fiesole for an even grander image of Florence in the distance. But the seductive ambiance in the hilltop town will derive from the Renaissance-style villas with views of the surrounding plains and the ruins of an Etruscan temple dating back to the 7th century BC.

You will step out once more to explore the splendors of Florence with your guide on a tour of the grand Bardini Villa and its garden hidden in the heart of the city. The original structure was built in the 1600s and designed with an impressive belvedere overlooking the Arno River and winding city streets. As you wander the gardens, you can follow the pathways leading around nearly 10 acres of the manicured landscape, including an aristocratic Baroque staircase and a garden with English features.

Blossoming wisteria and irises will fill the air with floral notes as you bask in the elegant view of the city from atop the staircase. Inside the villa, you can find two small museums dedicated to Pietro Annigoni and Roberto Capucci. Annigoni was a 20th-century painter whose works ranged from lithographs to drawings and shine brightest in his early self-portraits. Capucci’s brilliance derives from the clothing on display characterized by a mixture of elegant material, neutral colors, and powerful forms.

After breakfast, your private transfer will meet you in the hotel lobby to lead you into the famous Tuscan countryside. You will be staying in gorgeous accommodations near the city of Siena, and the city overtakes the picturesque hills with wide cobbled avenues and narrow lanes that lead to dramatic Gothic architecture. After settling into the comforts of your room, your private guide will take you to the celebrated vineyards of the winegrowing region to uncover the fascinating flavors of Brunello and Chianti scattered among centuries-old castles.

Outside of the charming medieval town of Montalcino, you will wander through a vineyard with a local guide finding the enticing saccharine aroma from the ripening grapes in view of the solid walls of the villa. In the tasting room, your guide will lead you through the layers of winemaking history in the region and depth of flavors found in the wine. You will notice notes of espresso drifting upwards from the glass leading to hints of dried figs and hazelnuts.

You will leave your hotel behind in the morning to meet your guide bound for the Tuscan forest on a truffle hunt. You will follow your guide and canine companion as you traipse through the damp soil among the wafting aromas of chestnut, oak, and hazelnut trees. You can hear the history of truffles and its elusive history as sunlight pierces the forest canopy and warms the day.

You may hear the dog bark and start digging in the soil, noting a treasured truffle hiding near the tree roots. White truffles remain the king of the elusive ingredient because of their rarity, intense flavor, and enticing fragrance. For lunch, your guide will celebrate your findings with a simple meal focused on the simple addition of shaved truffle, such as tagliolini with white truffle, butter, and parmesan.

You will discover the true essence of Tuscany with a full-day tour of the Crete Senesi. Your guide will take you away from the typical tourist trail in Italy to find breathtaking views of isolated churches and overlooked stone villages inhabited since the Etruscans. The Crete Senesi embodies iconic Tuscany with images of rolling grassy hills leading to exposed white ravines. Rows of cypress trees line the unpaved roads leading to long driveways and vineyards climb gentle slopes leading to remote villages.

You can easily fall in love with Tuscany away from the typical path as you visit the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, which rises out of cypress and oak forest. The abbey foundations date back to the 14th century and have remained isolated in view of the eroded white soil of the hillside. Thirty-five frescoes decorate the Great Cloister and depict the life and times of St. Benedict. At a local wine cellar, you can sample the delicious local vintages that find blends of Cabernet, Merlot, and Sangiovese grapes, resulting in earthy aroma with oaky undertones.

You will travel by first-class train from Florence to Rome, and your private transfer will meet you at the station to escort you to the luxuries of your accommodations. Your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby ready to lead you through the lesser-known remains of Roman civilization that continue to decorate the city. You will begin at the Appian Way, the ancient Roman road that dates back to the 4th century BC. Churches flank the cobblestone roads that hide ancient tombs and hints of ruins. Circus of Maxentius dates back to the 4th century AD, spreading out beside the Appian Way near the catacombs of San Sebastiano.

The Tomb of Caecilia Metella dominates the hillside with a rotunda made of travertine blocks and cement reaching 24 feet thick. At the Baths of Caracalla, you will uncover the oldest-known baths in the world and the second-largest Roman public baths. The foundations date back to the 3rd century AD across nearly 25 acres with remnants of gyms, libraries, shops, and gardens, in addition to the baths themselves fed by a complex network of plumbing. As you pass the Colosseum's dramatic walls, you will reach the outskirts of Rome at the Parco degli Acquedotti to find the remains of the empire’s famous aqueducts.

The remains of Ostia Antica rise out of the meadows that stretch between the banks of the Tiber River and the waves of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The captivating ruins immerse you in the former center of Roman commerce where upwards of 50,000 inhabitants once lived and worked in the former port. As the nation’s second-largest excavation, your guide will take you along the layers of history dating back to the 4th century BC and located near the mouth of the Tiber. As your guide leads you through preserved streets and organized ruins, you will find the Baths of Neptune.

The public bathhouse was a central feature of the city and displays the adornments in the way of mosaic floors with images of mermaids, fish, and the infamous sea god Neptune. Climb to the nearby terrace for a view of the heating system that once regulated the temperatures of the bath’s different sections. The theater overlooks a series of trees and has preserved stadium seating that could seat up to 2,700 spectators in view of remaining columns once connected to the Temple of Ceres. Your time in Ostia will bring remarkable history and layers of Rome to life.

Look forward to an immersive experience in the verdant hills and volcanic lakes of the Castelli Romani, a series of 13 towns in the refuge of the countryside that has offered Romans an escape from the city for centuries. Your private driver will escort you through the hills to explore the towns known for delicious wines and gastronomic delicacies such as savory boneless roast pork. In the town of Frascati, you can find aristocratic villas to reveal the wealth of former families between the late-Renaissance early Baroque periods.

The terraced gardens of Villa Aldobrandini texture the sides of the 16th-century palace with a panorama of fountains, cascades, and the surrounding countryside. The small town of Nemi nestles into the hilltop overlooking the eponymous lake that once lured Roman emperors with its beauty like Caligula. The scent of wild strawberries drifts through the landscape in the summer. As you stroll along the narrow cobbled lanes, you can find the Museo della Navi Romane where displays of ancient barges reflect the history salvaged from the lake's bottom. The 10th-century Ruspoli Castle imposes itself on the scenery as it looms large over the skyline.

Begin your day with your private driver as you wind through the stunning countryside of Lazio to reach Civita di Bagnoregio. The lesser-known village crowns a crest overlooking a dramatic canyon carved by a mixture of erosion and wind. The town’s foundations date back 2,500 years with the Etruscans, while the 12th-century Romanesque structures create the narrow lanes and mesmerizing views. You may find the ground honeycombed with holes giving way to natural cellars that ancient peoples used to store wine and cisterns to collect rainwater dating back millennia. The town celebrates its history and its heritage in many ways, from using an ancient olive oil press to living in historical homes.

The town of Calcata offers another view of a rocky outcrop that overlooks a wooded valley. The cobbled lanes and preserved medieval homes stand off the beaten path but have gained popularity as a bohemian getaway close to the Eternal City. Flowerpots decorate the alleyways revealing the revitalization of the former abandoned town as the aromas of pecorino cheese drifts out of the local shop. Galleries and cafes offer insight into the local aesthetic while the view over the rocks and woodlands give hints of the ancient cave-dwellings.

With your day in Rome at your leisure, bask in the beauty of the city at your preferred pace. Stroll through different neighborhoods to reach the elegant galleries of the Vatican Museum or travel outside of the city to experience more of the dazzling Lazio countryside. The town of Tivoli has attracted Romans for nearly two millennia as a fantastical escape along the limestone ridge rising above the banks of the River Aniene. The town’s streets peel back the long history with views of a medieval castle and intriguing churches, the gardens of Villa d’Este and the famous remains of Hadrian’s Villa.

The magnificent complex of Hadrian’s Villa spans 296 acres and features inspiring designs of the full-scale reproductions of great architecture the emperor found on his travels through Greece and Egypt. You can witness the captivating 393-foot long reflective pool flanked by elegant sculptures leading to a semicircular shrine dedicated to the water nymph. The statues symbolize mythology and religion, ranging from Amazonians to Ares while the Marittimo Theater embodies a mini-villa rising out of an artificial pool connected by swinging bridges.

Travel south to the port of Naples, and step onto your private boat for a VIP tour of islands in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Famous for the stunning views and relaxing atmospheres, your skipper will captain you through the waters to reach the vibrant cliffs of Capri.  The water will shine with layers of azure against the pearlescent rocks along the bays as your customized cruise takes you to the famous Blue Grotto to begin your exploration of Capri. Inside the cavern, the gentle lapping of the water against the walls will accentuate the vibrant blue glow for which the grotto is named.

Sunlight filters through the small cave entrance and glints against the seafloor to enhance the Mediterranean waters' dramatic colors. After you weigh anchor in the harbor, you can take the funicular to the Piazzetta, where cafes set out chairs for panoramic views over the cliffs. Your day on Capri will be spent at your pace to stroll along the narrow cobbled streets full of boutique shops or to visit the Gardens of Augustus for a sensational panoramic view of the blue and green waters nearly 300 feet below.

You will reach the volcanic outcrop of Ischia island in the morning to find the largest of the islands in the Bay of Naples. Foundations date back to the 8th century BC with Greek roots leading to thermal spas and an Aragonese castle. You will find a refreshing ambiance of authentic Italian life that contrasts the more glitzy nature of Capri. As you explore at your own pace, see a concert of plants at La Mortella gardens on the west coast. Accented with Moorish elements such as scenic terraces, glassy pools, and towering palms, you will find a collection of over 1,000 rare and exotic plants that has charmed the likes of Maria Callas and Charlie Chaplin.

Continue to Procida, the smallest island in the bay that offers a traditional connection to local culture. Sunbleached streets give way to pebbled shores and local children fish among the gentle waves. Nearby, the San Michele Arcangelo Abbey perches at the top of the belvedere with foundations that date back to the 11th century with an alabaster basin connected to ancient Greece. Cube-shaped houses with high walls hide lush gardens and ancient doorways while the shoreline features golden sands that glint in the afternoon light.

In the morning, bask in Positano's beauty and the colorful homes terracing the steep cliffs at the westerly end of the famous Amalfi Coast. Your driver will meet you at the hotel and lead you to the ancient gates of Pompeii. The city was covered in pumice and ash during Mount Vesuvius’s eruption in 79 AD, effectively encasing the city for two millennia. As the largest archeological site in Italy, your guide will lead you through the remarkable highlights of the ancient city to view the culture and aesthetic of the wealthy Roman colony. The Roman Forum opens to a panoramic view of the former colonnades that sweep from the 10-foot tall base of Temple of Jupiter to the looming peak of Mount Vesuvius.

Continue to the seaside to reach Villa Poppaea, located between Naples and Sorrento. The opulent complex was buried beneath 33 feet of pumice and ash that protected the pottery and artworks connected to Emperor Nero. As you wander the grounds, you can find frescoes depicting Hercules or painted windows and doors that look almost three-dimensional. The fertile land north of Pompeii at Boscoreale offers a collection of Roman-era villas along farms cultivating grapes and olives. The museum galleries reveal the layers of history in the area that document the historic flora, fauna, and lifestyles embodied artifacts like a fishbone helmet and a wall painting depicting Aphrodite.

Fly from Naples to reach Santorini, where dramatic caldera cliffs tower more than 980 feet above the water. The island is known as a paradise and celebrated for its epic sunsets, charming towns, eclectic beaches, and unique ancient history. Pearly white buildings cling to the cliffs and shine with blooming bougainvillea or the bright blue of iconic church domes and shutters.

You can enjoy the remaining day at your pace by relaxing in the comforts of your luxurious resort with a view over the caldera or by wandering the winding lanes of the nearby village. You can follow the hiking trails hugging the caldera walls for a stunning sunset view when the horizon layers with orange, red, and purple stripes. You can watch mules hike up the winding lanes of Fira away from the port or enjoy the cool breeze as the scent of Greek coffee drifts out of the local cafes.

In the early afternoon, you will have a private transfer to the marina to board a luxury yacht bound for a scenic sailing cruise around the caldera. Your captain will set sail as the sea breeze carries a salty aroma over the boat. You will pass below the ancient lighthouse towering over the water as you make your way to Red Beach. The sands shine a rusty red hue against the cliff walls and along the shoreline. The boat will weigh anchor, and you can jump into the crystal-clear water to indulge in the soothing temperature of the Aegean Sea.

After indulging in the warm waters, your skipper will continue to the hot springs that occur from open fissures in the water where the volcano's heat escapes. You will find pockets reaching up to 95 degrees Fahrenheit in waters that turn an emerald green in the sun. You will return to the boat to a delicious barbecue dinner with the aromas of fresh fruits, grilled vegetables, and barbecue fish fill the air before your private sunset view.

Enjoy a combination of exploration that blends culture and heritage as you visit the diverse villages of the island to sample the varietals of the island’s wine. At Oia, you will find one of the most picturesque villages on Santorini as whitewashed houses line the twisting marbled lanes against the caldera's edge. Restaurants and cafes fill the air with aromas of Greek coffee and baklava as you find the ruins of a castle and hidden lanes touching vibrant art galleries.

Each town possesses its own unique charm and ambiance as you discover Oia’s elegance and popular black sands of Kamari beach. When you visit the wineries, you will notice the unique way the vines coil to protect them from the island winds. In the tasting room, you can sample the delicious assyrtiko white wine to find hints of lemon, grapefruit, and bitter herbs leaving your mouth watering. The island will surprise you once more with the incredible flavors of the cuisine as you sample dishes highlighting fava peas and white eggplant fortified by the minerals in the volcanic soil.

The ferry to Mykonos will whisk you across the Aegean Sea to reveal the island known for its gorgeous beaches and luxurious main town. Your private transfer will escort you from the marina to your gorgeous resort overlooking the water. Quaint fishing ports and historical villages wash over the island leading to overlooked Byzantine chapels and hidden monasteries dating back to medieval times. Whitewashed walls embody Cycladic architecture set against canopies of purple bougainvillea.

The remainder of the day will be at your leisure to wander the labyrinthine lanes of Mykonos Town, where narrow side streets lead to clothing boutiques and artisan shops. In the Archeological Museum of Mykonos, displays include a 2nd-century BC statue of Hercules crafted out of Parian marble and carved monuments found on the nearby island of Delos. You can also spend time on the island’s famous beaches basking in the celebrated Mediterranean sun. At Elia beach, you can relax in the laid back ambiance and fine-sand coastline, finding cool shade under a secluded cabana with views of the clear blue water.

The Little Venice Quarter of Mykonos Town offers a unique view into the 16th and 17th centuries of the town. Wealthy merchants built their homes with direct access to the water revealing colorful facades and unique designs to overlook the rolling waves along the rocky shoreline. You can relax with a morning stroll through town where the restaurants offer fantastic views of the picturesque setting with the day at your leisure or return to the beach for a quiet day beside the water.

For a day of discovery, you can take the ferry to the barren rocky island of Delos, the legendary birthplace of Apollo. The archeological site will take you back to ancient Greece with foundations set in the 9th century BC. The Lions of Delos are one of the most recognizable features of the island, with the marble crafted in the 7th-century BC located at the edge of the Sacred Lake. A circular wall marks the former waterline of the lake where twins Apollo and Artemis were born.

You will have a short flight to Athens in the morning for the day in Greece’s largest city and the celebrated Cradle of Western Civilization. Your private transfer will meet you at the airport and escort you into the center of the city, where history looms above the contemporary culture embodied in the Acropolis. Cobbled lanes lead to art galleries, boutique shops, lively markets, and cafes. After enjoying the luxuries of your hotel, you can take time to explore the historic streets at your preferred pace.

Outside of the city, you can have a private driver escort you to the captivating views and ancient wonder of Cape Sounion. The cape caps the Attiki peninsula, where you will find the ruins of Poseidon’s Temple standing at 213 feet above sea level. The temple’s foundations date back to the 5th century BC with marble from a nearby quarry. You will have a glimpse of the temple looming above the cliff as the sun glints against the white pillars. Once you reach the temple base, the views over the cape are equally breathtaking capturing the beauty of the coastline, history, and heritage in a single space.

The beauty of Athens will come to light throughout the day with a full-day tour of the ancient history circling the captivating Acropolis. Your guide will meet you at your hotel and lead you through the layers of history, from the Ancient Agora to the Temple of the Olympian Zeus. The staggering temple was started in the 6th century BC and features 15 standing marble columns reaching nearly 56 feet tall. Walking beneath the pillars will give you a sense of the structure’s presence and its ability to impress visitors from around the Classical World.

You will continue past Syntagma Square and Hellenic Parliament to wander through the ancient Plaka neighborhood on the slopes of the Acropolis. The ancient streets shine with white shop fronts, manicured bougainvillea, and pastel-painted homes. Your guide will lead you up the slopes of the famous hill to reach the plateau decorated with grand temples, including the Parthenon. The iconic structure of ancient Greece was built between the 5th and 4th centuries BC exemplifies the classical style found in the 136 Doric columns. The inspiring structure boasts unique details along the pediments that illustrate Greek mythology, from the Birth of Athena to the conflict between Athena and Poseidon.

In the morning, you may have an unimpeded view of the Parthenon from your hotel dining room as the aromas of honey and Greek coffee fill the air. You can enjoy the early hours of the day wandering through the energetic flea market of Monastiraki, or you can visit the little 11th-century Byzantine church of Panaghia Kapnikarea where Ermou and Kalamiotous streets meet. Your private transfer will meet you in the hotel lobby when you are ready and take you to Athens’s Eleftherios Venizelos Airport for your flight home. You will have traveled through France, Italy, and Greece, and your arrival at the Athens Airport will bring your trip of a lifetime to an end.