It’s your choice! Take a splendid panoramic coach tour that includes a stop for a short walking tour inside the impressive Notre Dame Cathedral. Or, for a truly local experience, join a guide who will take you to some of Paris’ most iconic sights by Metro. Either way you’ll see the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral, Champs-Elysees, Place de la Concorde, and the magnificent Place Vendome. Write your own story during a free afternoon. Perhaps you’ll take an optional guided tour at the famous Louvre.

  Breakfast    High  19°  Low  9°   Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile

Day 3. Paris – Caen

Set off for the Normandy coast. During WWII, the largest invasion in history took place here. Visit the Memorial Peace Museum, built to commemorate those who died in the epic Battle of Normandy in 1944. Later, see the remains of the artificial Mulberry port built near Arromanche-les-Bains – where the allies resupplied their lines during the liberation of France – before making your way to the hotel.

  Breakfast & Dinner      High  17°  Low  8°    Mercure Caen City Centerport De Plaisance

Day 4. Caen – D-Day Landing Sites – Caen

This morning visit the Omaha Beach Cemetrey with time to stop by the new interpretive centre and see the stars and stripes raised over the graves of the valiant soldiers who gave their lives in the Battle of Normandy. Then, walk through Pointe du Hoc Ranger Memorial and see where the 2nd Ranger Battalion scaled 100-foot cliffs on D-Day to seize the fortified enemy position. Next, make your way to Sainte Mère Eglise, the heart of the American Airborne operations on D-Day, and visit its parachute-shaped Airborne Museum. You will also visit other landing beaches, such as Utah and Juno.

  Breakfast      High  17°  Low  8°    Mercure Caen City Centerport De Plaisance

Day 5. Caen – Bayeux – Dinan – Saint-Malo

Travel back in history when you stand before the impressive Bayeux Tapestry (UNESCO), a 230-foot embroidered cloth depicting the events leading up to the Norman conquest of England. Next, journey to Dinan, one of the best-preserved medieval villages in France. Then, it’s your choice! Join a local guide for a walking tour along cobbled streets and discover the city’s fortified walls. Or, meet a local guide at the quaint port of Dinan, the entry point for resupplying the Duke of Dinan during the Hundred Years’ War, and walk up the famous Rue de Jerzuel hill to the town centre. Either way, you’ll fall in love with the streets lined with half-timbered houses and the ramparts that overlook this picture-perfect port village. Then it’s off to Saint-Malo, Brittany’s famous coastal village. Here you’ll be immersed in the beautiful beaches, striking blue water, and views of the fortified Old Town where you’ll enjoy a wonderfully prepared local dinner.

  Breakfast & Dinner    High  18°  Low  9°    Hotel Oceania

Day 6. St-Malo – Le Mont St. Michel – St-Malo

Travel to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Le Mont St. Michel, the “Wonder of the West.” Resting on the border between Normandy and Brittany, this world-famous pilgrimage site sits on the edge of the sea and becomes an island at high tide. Take in the breathtaking views as you stroll through the old city at the base of the village before exploring one of the most beautiful abbeys in France, dating back to the 11th century. Return to Saint-Malo and enjoy time to relax or explore independently.

  Breakfast    High  18°  Low  9°    Hotel Oceania

Day 7. St-Malo – Châteaux de Chenonceau and D’Augerville

Journey south to the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site brimming with châteaux and parks, once the setting for the French court. Arrive in the medieval village of Chinon, set on the banks of the Vienne River. Visit the renowned Royal Fortress of Chinon where Joan of Arc first met young Charles VII and shared her vision that he would defeat the English during the Hundred Years’ War. This afternoon, check into your hotel within the magnificently renovated abbey of Fontevraud. Delve into the history of this site which was home to one of the largest orders in Europe during medieval times and serves as the final resting place of King Richard the Lionheart. Tonight’s dinner is set amongst flying buttresses, chiseled arches and ancient stone.

  Breakfast & Dinner    High  19°  Low  9°    Fontevraud L’hotel

Day 8. Fontevraud – Amboise – Fontevraud

Embark on a tour of the spectacular Château de Chenonceau. Perched along the banks of the Cher River, it is a jewel of Renaissance architecture. Head to the picturesque centre of Amboise. Enjoy free time for exploring and getting to know the local culture. Tour Château du Clos Luce – where Leonardo da Vinci spent his last three years – which showcases a display of his early inventions. Next, visit a local winery to discover some of Europe’s best Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc wines.

  Breakfast     High  19°  Low  9°    Fontevraud L’hotel

Day 9. Fontevraud – Lyon

Travel the French countryside to the gastronomical capital of France, Lyon (UNESCO). The city was once an important area for silk production. Today it is known for its world-renowned cuisine. This evening experience this cuisine firsthand when you dine at a bouchon, a local restaurant that serves traditional Lyonnaise fare.

  Breakfast & Dinner    High  19°  Low  10°    Mercure Lyon Centre Saxe Lafayette

Day 10. Lyon – Avignon 

Visit the Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourvier with its amazing views of the city. Tour the historic Vieux Lyon, or Old Quarter, with a local expert. Continue to Les Halles de Lyon – Paul Bocuse market, named after the famous chef. Marvel at its culinary delights as you enjoy free time to explore before continuing to Provence and the city of Avignon.

  Breakfast    High  19°  Low  10°    Mercure Pont D Avignon

Day 11. Avignon 

This morning come to know the walled city of Avignon during a walking tour led by a local resident. Learn about the historical period when the Papacy moved here in 1309. Then, explore some of the 25 rooms of the 14th-century papal palace, Palais des Papes, the world’s largest Gothic palace. Your evening is capped off with dinner at a local restaurant, complete with a cocktail reception and crème brulee demonstration.

  Breakfast & Dinner    High  19°  Low  10°    Mercure Pont D Avignon

Day 12. Avignon – Tour Ends

Your tour ends today, leaving you with many magnificent memories of your time in France.

  Breakfast

During a locally guided tour of Madrid’s historic centre, see the Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor, where events have been held since the 17th century. An expert-led tour of the monumental 18th-century Royal Palace* reveals lavish halls, banquet rooms, the throne room, royal armory and the impressive courtyard. This afternoon travel to Toledo, a UNESCO site and the capital of medieval Spain until 1560. A comprehensive tour highlights the magnificent Gothic cathedral and the 13th-century synagogue, a testament to Toledo’s Jewish heritage. Also stop in the Church of Santo Tome to view El Greco’s masterpiece painting, The Burial of Count Orgaz.

  Breakfast    High  28°  Low  13°     Melia Galgos

Day 6. Madrid – Cordoba – Seville

Ease your way into the local culture as your Tour Manager teaches you a few key phrases of the native language. Then, travel to the extraordinary Moorish city of Cordoba. Embark on a walking tour of the Mezquita. This UNESCO site, an architectural marvel built by the Moors in the 8th century as a magnificent mosque, was converted into the city’s cathedral in the 16th century. Continue your exploration of Cordoba in the city’s well-preserved and historical old Jewish Quarter. Later, transfer to Seville, considered Spain’s “cultural capital.”

  Breakfast & Dinner      High  26°  Low  13°    Melia Sevilla

Day 7. Seville

  Breakfast     High  26°  Low  13°    Melia Sevilla

Day 8. Seville – Granada

Travel along the peaceful Sierra Nevada to Granada, the last great capital of the Moors in Spain before it fell to the Catholic monarchs in 1492. Join a local expert for a tour of the world-famous Alhambra, the immense hilltop palace that is a UNESCO site. Also tour the Generalife, meaning “garden of the architect,” where the grounds are beautifully designed with waterfalls, courtyards and smaller secret gardens.

  Breakfast & Dinner    High  23°  Low  9°    Melia Granada Hotel

Day 9. Granada – Valencia

Today you travel through Spain’s amazing landscape viewing rolling hills dotted with picturesque olive groves while en route to the Mediterranean coast. Arrive in the city of Valencia, a treasure trove of Roman and Arabic architecture, surrounded by citrus groves.

  Breakfast    High  23°  Low  13°    Tryp Oceanic

Day 10. Valencia – Paella Experience – Valencia

It’s your choice today! You may take a walking tour of historic Valencia to see the ornate 14th-century Serranos Tower and imposing 15th-century Quart Tower; then arrive at the bustling central market, one of the largest in Europe, where you’ll shop side by side with the locals before concluding your tour at the impressive 13th-century Gothic cathedral. Or, perhaps you would prefer to explore the impressive City of Arts & Science, an ultramodern, multi-faceted educational institution, followed by a tour of the Lladro City of Porcelain to learn about the history and creative process of the world-famous, handmade Lladro figurines.** Later, gather together and travel to the area where paella cuisine originated. A “paella experience” features a boat ride on the canals surrounding rice field plantations; a visit to a traditional fisherman’s home known as a “barraca”; a paella-making demonstration and an authentic paella lunch. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

  Breakfast & Lunch    High  23°  Low  13°    Turiart

Day 11. Valencia – Barcelona

Travel to Barcelona, one of Europe’s most beautiful and exciting cities. The afternoon is at leisure to explore Barcelona’s fascinating boulevards including the famous Las Ramblas, dotted with colourful bird and flower stalls.

 Breakfast     High  19°  Low  9°    Hotel Colon Barcelona

Day 12. Barcelona

Today, get an in-depth look at vibrant and lively Barcelona. Your locally guided tour showcases the Columbus Monument and the Parc de Montjuic, plus Antoni Gaudi’s UNESCO World Heritage sites including La Sagrada Familia, Parc Guell, Batllo House and the unconventional Casa Mila building. Gather this evening for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of an unforgettable trip to Spain!

 Breakfast & Dinner     High  19°  Low  9°    Hotel Colon Barcelona

Day 13. Barcelona – Tour Ends

You return home with vivid memories of a spectacularly beautiful land with an old, rich and diverse cultural heritage.

  Breakfast

A locally guided tour of Classical Rome features such sights as the Piazza Venezia, the Roman Forum, the Circus Maximus and the Arch of Constantine. During an in-depth visit to the Colosseum, your guide recounts its rich history. The catacombs, burial place of early Christians, the mythic Pantheon, and Piazza Navona are also featured.

  Breakfast    High  28°  Low  16°    Grand Hotel Palatino

Day 3. Rome

Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore Rome’s cultural treasures independently. Your Tour Manager will be on hand to offer suggestions. Perhaps a trip to Vatican City, with an optional tour to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica, will be on your personal sightseeing list.

  Breakfast    High  28°  Low  16°    Grand Hotel Palatino

Day 4. Rome – Pompeii – Sorrento Coast

  Breakfast    High  27°  Low  17°    Crowne Plaza Stabiae sorrento Coast

A scenic boat ride* brings you to the enchanting Isle of Capri. Upon arrival, take a panoramic ride to the island’s highest town, Anacapri. Spend time in Capri town with its world-famous piazzetta and explore this island paradise of chic boutiques, lush vegetation and outdoor cafés before returning to the Sorrento Coast.

  Breakfast & Dinner    High  23°  Low  13°    Crowne Plaza Stabiae sorrento Coast

Day 6. Sorrento Coast – Florence

Tuscany unfolds with its panorama of vineyards and olive groves. Florence, the “Cradle of the Italian Renaissance,” awaits and offers Italy’s best art and architecture. Visit the Academy Gallery to see Michelangelo’s magnificent sculpture of David. Tonight, enjoy regional Italian cuisine at a local restaurant.

  Breakfast & Dinner     High  21°  Low  11°    Grand Hotel Baglioni

Day 7. Florence

A locally guided tour highlights the Piazza del Duomo, with its Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, and the famous Gates of Paradise on the Baptistery of St. John. You also view the magnificent Piazza della Signoria with its imposing Palazzo Vecchio.

  Breakfast     High  21°  Low  11°    Grand Hotel Baglioni

Day 8. Florence – Pisa – Venice

Visit the ancient maritime Republic of Pisa to discover the Piazza Dei Miracoli, the Duomo (Cathedral), and the famous Leaning Tower. A special stop is made at a Tuscan winery and farm to enjoy lunch and sample local wines and specialities. Next, cross the Apennine Mountains en route to Venice where 117 islands are connected by a latticework of 150 canals and 400 bridges.

 Breakfast & Lunch    High  18°  Low  10°    Hotel Bellini Venice

Day 9. Venice – Murano Island – Venice

Embark on a boat trip* (weather permitting) to Murano Island for a glass-blowing demonstration. Then we make our way to St. Mark’s Square where you choose how you want to see Venice! You may choose to join a local expert who will take you on a walking tour of this famous square to view the stunning Basilica and visit the impressive Doge’s Palace and the legendary Bridge of Sighs. Or perhaps you would prefer to go off the beaten path to explore the Castello Sestiere district with a local expert; get to know authentic Venice and see for yourself how the locals live as you walk canal by canal through the narrow streets lined with churches and historic buildings of this very unique city. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore independently.

 Breakfast     High  18°  Low  10°    Ferro Lazzarini Vetreriahornaza Glass Factory

Day 10. Venice – Verona – Stresa

Depart Venice for Verona to stroll the streets that were the backdrop for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Arrive in the resort town of Stresa in the breathtaking Italian Lakes District, your home for the next two nights, and admire the beautiful views of Lago Maggiore.

  Breakfast & Dinner      High  18°  Low  7°    Regina Palace Hotel

Day 11. Stresa – Locarno, Switzerland – Isola dei Pescatori, Italy – Stresa

Today, cross into Switzerland and the picturesque lakeside resort of Locarno for magnificent views, excellent shopping and charming cafés. Tonight, we travel by boat to Isola dei Pescatori** for a farewell dinner while surrounded by beautiful scenery.

  Breakfast & Dinner      High  18°  Low  7°    Regina Palace Hotel