From Rome to London A European Odyssey - 12 Days

Welcome to Rome, the enchanting capital of Italy. Upon your arrival, we will be on hand to transfer you to your hotel. Later, meet our guide who will furnish you with all the important information for your stay. Alternatively, you can find details on the information sign located in the hotel's reception area. In the evening, we'll introduce you to the charming Via Cavour, an excellent starting point to get acquainted with Rome. Here, you'll discover an array of restaurants offering a delicious variety of cuisines including Italian, Indian, Chinese, and other international fare. Enjoy your first evening in Rome at your own pace, soaking in the ambience of this historic city. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

On our second day in Rome, we will embark on a three-hour guided exploration of the city's magnificent past. Our adventure begins with a walking tour through the remnants of Imperial Rome, where we'll admire celebrated landmarks like the Arch of Constantine and the grand Colosseum from the outside. We'll also gaze upon the majestic Imperial Forums and take in sights such as the Circus Maximus and the historic Baths of Caracalla.

Our journey continues with a panoramic bus ride, allowing us to explore even more of Rome's iconic sights, including the impressive Basilica of Saint Mary Major, the unique Pyramid of Cestius, and the formidable Castel Sant'Angelo. Our tour wraps up around 11:00 a.m. at Vatican City, where you can choose to delve deeper into history with an optional visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.

In the evening, we'll transfer you to the bustling Trastevere neighbourhood—famed for its inviting restaurants and vibrant atmosphere—before returning to our hotel around 8:30 p.m.

We will depart Rome heading towards the enchanting landscapes of northern Italy. Our first destination is Pisa – renowned for its remarkable Piazza dei Miracoli, where the iconic Leaning Tower stands. Enjoy a brief train ride from the parking area directly to this world-famous site. After a delightful lunch included in our itinerary, we'll continue our journey through the mesmerising Mediterranean scenery. A short stop in Sestri Levante, a charming seaside town, offers a glimpse into its picturesque charm before we advance towards the glamour of the French Riviera, arriving in Nice by late afternoon. Please note that on certain dates, we may arrange for accommodation in the surrounding areas of Nice.

Following breakfast, we shall embark on a delightful exploration of the Côte d'Azur. Our day begins with a brief panoramic coach tour of Nice, the capital of this iconic region. As we drive along the renowned Promenade des Anglais, you'll enjoy stunning views of the coast before we pass through Massena Square, the vibrant heart of Nice, and admire the quaint old port.

Our journey then takes us to Sainte-Maxime, a charming seaside town where we will explore its historic centre and the picturesque port, home to the 16th-century "Square Tower." From here, we will board a scenic boat across the beautiful bay to reach Saint-Tropez, famous for its glamorous old fishing port showcasing some of the world’s most luxurious yachts. You'll have time to wander and enjoy lunch in this vibrant locale.

In the afternoon, we continue to Marseille, France's second-largest city. Here, we will discover the lively "Vieux Port" (Old Port), a bustling area steeped in history and local culture.

Today we venture into the heart of Provence, a region renowned for its enchanting villages and captivating scenery. Our journey starts in Arles, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich Roman and medieval history as well as its association with the artist Vincent van Gogh. We’ll then travel to the charming medieval village of Les Baux, where we’ll access the renowned Carrières de Lumières, an extraordinary underground show that blends art, imagery, and sound within its historic quarries.

Continuing our exploration, we’ll enjoy a leisurely lunch and stroll in Avignon, the city famed for the majestic Palais des Papes. Later, we make our way to Lyon, the culinary capital of France. Here, we’ll wander through the historic old town, a World Heritage Site, before ascending the cable car to Notre-Dame de Fourvière. This impressive basilica offers panoramic views over the city, rounding off an inspiring day of cultural and historical discovery. If the Carrières de Lumières is unavailable, we might instead offer a visit to the ancient Roman aqueduct, Pont du Gard.

Today, we'll leave Lyon and head into the Burgundy region. Our first destination is Tournus, a charming small town known for its impressive stone gateway and grand abbey. From there, we continue to Beaune, where you'll find time to savour lunch and discover the region's wine capital. We suggest visiting the wine museum or exploring the historic hospice, both offering fascinating insights into the area's rich heritage. Our itinerary then brings us to the Savigny Castle, nestled in the heart of Burgundy's wine country. Built in the 15th century, the castle is home to fascinating museums displaying collections of motorbikes, racing cars, planes, and helicopters. Our day concludes with a journey to Dijon, the capital of Burgundy, renowned for its bustling streets and an array of medieval and Renaissance architecture, including the notable Palace of the Dukes.

We'll depart Dijon and head towards the Abbey of Fontenay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can explore the rich history of this esteemed Cistercian monastery. After visiting the abbey, we'll make our way to Semur-en-Auxois, a charming medieval town encircled by impressive ancient walls that invite a leisurely stroll. Continuing our exploration of the Burgundy region, you'll have time for lunch in Vézelay, renowned for its magnificent basilica and as one of the initial points of the Way of St. James. In the afternoon, we’ll continue our journey towards Paris, arriving in the evening, where you can settle into your accommodation and take in the ambiance of the city.

Today, we delve into France's opulent past with a visit to the majestic Palace of Versailles. While the admission is not included, you'll have the opportunity to explore its famous gardens and lavish architecture. Upon our return to Paris, we head to Montmartre, a bohemian district teeming with artists, painters, and vibrant history. In the afternoon, we'll embark on a panoramic city tour. Guided by a local expert, we'll traverse the grand avenues and gaze upon Paris's iconic monuments, capturing the essence of this remarkable city. We'll then return to the hotel, where you have the option to attend an evening variety show, should you wish to continue soaking in Parisian culture.

Our day in Paris starts with a visit to an iconic landmark – the Eiffel Tower. We include tickets for you to ascend to the second floor, offering stunning views over the city. Next, relax as we embark on a gentle cruise along the River Seine, allowing you to admire Paris from a unique waterfront perspective. The afternoon is free for personal explorations, giving you the chance to delve into the city’s rich array of attractions at your own pace. At around 4:00 p.m., we’ll leave the capital behind and journey to Rouen, located in the picturesque region of Normandy. Upon arrival, you'll have time to wander through Rouen’s historic centre, renowned for its delightful medieval architecture and breathtaking Gothic cathedral. This city, with its roots tracing back to Roman times, provides a captivating mix of cultural and historical experiences. Please note, should the queues at the Eiffel Tower be excessive, we may reschedule the visit for a later time or the following Sunday for your convenience.

We begin our day with a leisurely stroll through the heart of Rouen, where you'll discover the city's rich history and stunning medieval architecture. After enjoying the vibrant centre, we will journey north through France, heading towards the coast. Our adventure takes us across the English Channel by ferry, allowing you to experience the refreshing sea air and sweeping views. Upon arrival in Canterbury, the religious heart of England, you'll have the opportunity to explore its quaint and historic centre, renowned for its beautiful cathedral. Continuing on, we arrive in London, a bustling metropolis brimming with iconic landmarks. You'll have some free time to explore the Tower Bridge area, one of the city's most recognisable symbols, before we make our way to the hotel.

Experience the vibrant city of London with our panoramic tour led by a local expert, uncovering the rich tapestry of this historic metropolis. We will pass by iconic landmarks, including the Houses of Parliament, the picturesque River Thames, and Buckingham Palace, where you may witness the renowned Changing of the Guard ceremony, depending on the schedule. As the evening unfolds, we'll gather at a designated spot in Piccadilly for a leisurely stroll through the bustling areas of Leicester Square, Chinatown, and Soho. These districts are celebrated for their dynamic ambience, theatres, and a wide array of entertainment options. You'll have the opportunity to enjoy dinner at one of the numerous restaurants before we return to the hotel for the night.

Following breakfast, we’ll head to the British Museum, one of the world's oldest and most esteemed museums, home to a vast array of artefacts from diverse cultures across the globe. At midday, we’ll make our way to Camden, renowned for its lively and eclectic market, offering a mix of items from worldwide influences. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy as you wish. This marks the conclusion of our journey, leaving you with cherished memories to take home. Please be sure to check your flight schedule, as you may need to arrange an additional night's stay.