Customized Group Travel and Tours to Europe Asia Middle East North America STS

Destination > Europe > France

Gems of France and Italy

Day 1: Home - Paris

Depart home for your transatlantic flight to France.

Day 2: Paris (D)

Arrive in Paris, the city of perfume and charm, everlastingly beautiful and unchanged. No other city has lavished such energy and attention upon its music halls and cabarets; such names as “Opera Comique”, "Follies Bergere” and “Casino de Paris” are famous around the world. After clearing immigration and customs, board your coach and carry on to your centrally located accommodation. En route, you will be taken on an orientation tour of this unique city to Les Grandes Boulevards, l’Opera, Place de la Concorde, Les Champs Elysees, L’Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, and more! Overnight: Paris

Day 3: Paris (B, D)

After breakfast at your hotel, be escorted on a walking/metro tour of the romantic city of Paris. Spend the morning meandering the elegant Champs Elysee, marvel at the Arc de Triomphe and then visit the magnificent gilded Dome Church where you will see the imposing tomb of the Emperor Napoleon. The remainder of the day will be free to visit Notre Dame Cathedral and the Louvre Museum, shop, have lunch, and explore on your own the vibrant streets of this historic city. Dinner is included and will be at your hotel or in a local restaurant. This evening, you will visit the Eiffel Tower where you will be taken up by elevator to the 3rd floor platform for spectacular panoramic view of the city. Overnight: Paris

Day 4: Paris - Versailles (B)

Today you will begin your day early with breakfast at the hotel and then head off for a morning excursion to Versailles to visit this creation of the French Monarchy at the time of its greatest splendor. Between 1682 -1789, Versailles was the seat of government and France’s political capital. Today, the chateau of Versailles seems outrageously large but in 1682 when Louis XIV took up residence, it housed about 15,000 noblemen, servants, and hangers–on who moved in with Louis. The remainder of the day is free for you to enjoy lunch in an outdoor café, shop, or spend time visiting more of Paris’ endless sights. Later in the evening, you will board the train for your overnight trip to Nice. Couchettes for sleeping will be provided on the train.

Day 5: Nice (D)

Nice is a large, expansive city situated on the Mediterranean. The Old Town is one of the delights of the Riviera. Cars are forbidden on streets that are so narrow that their buildings crowd out the sky. You can wander down cobbled streets or sit in an outdoor café in a Venetian like square, basking in the purest, most transparent light. Overnight: Nice

Day 6: Nice - Eze - Monaco (B, D)

After breakfast, board your coach for a full day guided sightseeing tour. Travel mountain roads to Eze, a strange isolated hill village perched on a rocky peak. Make your way to the exotic garden for fabulous views up and down the coast of this picturesque village. Then continue to the Principality of Monaco. Covering just 473 acres, it is so tiny that residents have to go to another country to play golf. See the Old Town, the cathedral, Prince Rainier’s Palace and gardens in fabulous Monte Carlo, playground of the rich and famous. You will return to Nice along the coastal road.

Day 7: Nice - Grasse - Saint Paul De Vence (B)

Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel and then board your coach for your guided excursion along mountain roads to view the spectacular Gorges du Loup and the old city of Grasse. In the 16th century, when scented gloves became fashionable, Grasse began cultivating flowers and distilling essences, and today three quarters of the world’s essences are made here. Most famous perfumeries mix Grasse essences into their own secret formulas. Then you will venture on to Saint Paul De Vence, a picturesque and very touristy hilltop village which is home to a great many artists and writers. Return to Nice for your last overnight on the Riviera.

Day 8: Nice - Florence (B, D)

Today after breakfast, bid farewell to the Riviera and depart by coach for Florence, Italy. Overnight: Florence

Day 9: Florence (B, D)

After breakfast at your hotel, you will be met by your guide for a half day walking tour of Florence. Florence is a small compact city founded by Julius Caesar. Its narrow streets open unexpectedly into spacious squares, populated by strollers and pigeons. The Renaissance began here and the city bears witness to the proud spirit and unparallel genius of its artists and artisans. Afternoon is free to wander, enjoy lunch, and shop. Overnight: Florence

Day 10: Florence - Venice (B, D)

This morning after breakfast, depart for Venice. The unique nature of Venice has amazed people since the very beginning of its existence. A city rising in the middle of a lagoon with water flowing between streets, intruding in front of houses and shops, seemed as strange a thousand years ago as it seems today. Venice is comprised of more than 100 islands; all linked by bridges, making it necessary to walk to most places. Upon arrival in Venice, you will be escorted on a half day walking tour which includes the Bridge of Sighs, Dodges Palace, the Clock Tower, Piazza San Marco, and the graceful Rialto Bridge, which is halfway along the canal.

Day 11: Venice (B)

Today is a free day to sightsee and shop Venice.

Day 12: Venice - Home (B)

Arrivederci Roma! Transfer to the airport for your flight home, arriving home the same afternoon.

Tour includes:

Return Airfare from Home
Arrival and departure transfers
8 nights hotel accommodation with private facilities
9 Breakfasts
7 dinners as shown
Ground transportation as described in itinerary
Train with sleeping couchette from Paris to Nice
Guided comprehensive sightseeing tours and admissions as described in itinerary

#17 - 15168 - 22nd Ave, Surrey, B.C. V4A 9T4 Phone: (604) 538-2853 Fax: (604) 538-2863
Toll Free: 1-866-538-2853 Email:ststours@telus.net B.C. Reg. No. 24835
Copyright © 2004 STS Group Tours. All rights reserved.
Created & Maintained by In Vancouver Web Services