France & Italy

Day 1

En route to Paris, France

We depart the USA today for the city of Paris, capital of France and center of the universe for romantics, artists, writers...and travelers.

Day 2

Activities in Paris

After a morning arrival, the balance of the day is free to soak in the unparalleled ambiance of Paris from our hotel located near the Eiffel Tower; or join us for a walk that strings together captivating highlights of the city like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Seine River.

Day 3

Activities from Paris

This morning we visit the Palace of Versailles, spectacular 16th-century creation of Bourbon King Louis XIV. After time to stroll the expansive gardens, the afternoon will be free to enjoy Paris: explore the Louvre, stroll the Champs Elysees, or ride to the top of the Eiffel Tower.

Day 4

Paris – Beaune, France

After one more morning to sample the delights of Paris, we depart by high-speed TGV train for Dijon, capital of the ancient wine-growing region of Burgundy. Dijon offers an intriguing two-mile stroll with opportunities to purchase wine or its famous mustard, or simply admire the stately medieval architecture as you wander the cobblestone lanes.

Day 5

Activities from Beaune

Today’s memorable walk meanders through vineyards and rural villages of Burgundy. We’ll return to Beaune for lunch then rendezvous for a tour of Hotel Dieu, a medieval architectural gem established as a hospital for the poor after the Hundred Years War. Following a wine-tasting experience in a 12th-century cellar, you’ll have time to explore more of this lovely medieval town.

Day 6

Beaune – Avignon, France

Our route parallels the Rhone River for much of the day. This afternoon, we’ll take a scenic detour to Grotte Chauvet Pont d’Arc, a museum dedicated to a recent major discovery of prehistoric art in one of the multitude of caves throughout southern France. Following a tour of one of the area’s top-rated caves, we’ll continue to Avignon.

Day 7

Avignon – Nimes, France

After a three-mile walk along the walls and through the lanes of old town Avignon,you’ll have free time for shopping or may opt to join us for a tour of the impressive Palace of the Popes (admission not included). From Avignon, we’ll visit Pont du Gard, a stunningly well-preserved, 2000-year old Roman aqueduct. In Nimes, we’ll explore this town of fascinating Roman ruins and winding cobblestone lanes in the second part of today’s walk.

Day 8

Nimes – Marseilles, France

First stop this morning is the hilltop, fortress village of Les Baux, reputedly founded by descendents of King Balthazar, one of the “three wise men.” After a group lunch outside La Roque d’Antheron, we’ll be led on a nature walk through the hills along the Durance River Valley. Then it’s on to Marseilles for a two-night stay in a hotel near the Old Port.

Day 9

Activities from Marseilles

Today’s five-kilometer walk explores fascinating Marseilles with sections along the Old Port and through the interesting old neighborhoods of the Panier district, on the site of ancient Marseilles. Our afternoon excursion is to the quaint fishing village of Cassis; you’re invited to join us as we cruise the Mediterranean beside the stunning limestone Calanques with their crystal-clear, fjord-like inlets.

Day 10

Marseilles – Nice, France

We leave Marseilles for a morning drive along the French Riviera to Monaco, the tiny principality (370 acres) famous for its casino, resort atmosphere, and wonderful weather. We’ll stroll through compact Monte Carlo, past the royal palace, the church where Princess Grace is buried, and above the harbor with its lineup of expensive yachts moored near the Casino. A relaxing evening will be spent in a seaside hotel in Nice.

Day 11

Nice – Cava Manara, Italy

Our last French walk is from the tiny mountain community of Levens on a stimulating nature trail with outstanding views. From Levens, we’ll follow the Italian Riviera across the border for our first night in Italy.

Day 12

Cava Manara – Mestre, Italy

This morning’s walk from Zinasco Nuovo is a lovely nature walk in central Italy farm country through rice fields, on dikes, and in wooded areas. From Zinasco Nouvo, we continue east for a visit to Verona, site of a 25,000-seat Roman Arena and home to famed lovers Romeo and Juliet. Our hotel tonight is in Mestre, just a stone’s throw from Venice.

Day 13

Excursion in Venice

After a short drive, we’ll spend the entire day exploring Venice, fabled city of winding canals and romantic pedestrian bridges. A short orientation walk will acquaint you with the highlights and ambiance — St. Mark's Square, the Bridge of Sighs, Rialto Bridge, and more. After lunch and free time, you’re invited to join us for a canal trip on one of the famed Venetian gondolas.

Day 14

Mestre - Florence, Italy

First stop today is another lovely nature walk in central Italy, this time from the village of Altavilla. After the walk, we continue south into Tuscany to Florence, the Tuscan capital and center of Renaissance art. We’ll begin our exploration of the wonders of this city with an evening stroll through breathtaking Cathedral Square with the spectacular marble mosaics and sheer enormity of the Cathedral, the world-famous bronze relief art adorning the doors of the Baptistry, and the Campanile tower.

Day 15

Florence – Siena

We continue our exploration of Florence this morning with a tour of the Uffizi Museum, one of the finest displays of art in the world. Here we’ll see the works of Florentine Renaissance masters like Michelangelo, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Raphael. Later this afternoon, we’ll depart for the Tuscan hilltown of Siena.

Day 16

Siena – Rome

We continue south through Tuscany and Umbria today with stops to admire the scenery that inspired Michelangelo in historic, medieval hilltowns like Siena and Orvieto. We’ll arrive late in the afternoon in Rome.

Day 17

Activities in Rome

Rome is a wonderful city to explore on foot. We’ll start the day with an orientation walk of some of the many antiquities of sightseeing wonders that Rome has to offer including the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, the Forum, and the Colosseum. After a lunch break, you’re invited to join us for a tour of the Vatican Museum (including the renowned Sistine Chapel) and a visit to St. Peter’s Cathedral.

Day 18

Rome – Hometown, USA

We depart from the Rome airport this morning with new friendships and fond memories of our walks and travels through the romantic cities and countryside of France and Italy.