Day 1 : London to Paris
The time of your life starts now in London town. Say your goodbyes and grab any last minute snacks before we hit the road in search of Paris.
Wave farewell as we leave behind the famous White Cliffs of Dover. The chalk cliffs that edge the English coastline are the first of many natural beauties we’ll see on our trip.
We’ll soon arrive in Calais, where a historical talk will give us a poignant glimpse of the past, as we take in the World War One battlefields and pass the Valley of the Somme.
We know you've been dreaming of Parisian sights since way back when. It’s straight down to business as we kick things off with a night tour, marvelling at the city sparkling with lights and romance from the top of the Montparnasse Tower. City of love, city of light, city of bridges...Paris is known in many ways and loved the world over. Cheese, wine, macarons, iconic sights at every corner, museums, fashion, the list is endless and the good times are only just beginning.
Accommodation : Ibis Paris Porte D'Orleans Hotel (or similar)
Day 2 : Paris
Paris is your oyster (or snail) today - an open book with pages begging to be turned. Stroll the cobbled streets and leafy boulevards. Break a baguette in one of the many beautiful parks, stroll the endless walkways of The Louvre, Montmartre, or Notre Dame. Snap a selfie from the top of La Tour Eiffel then explore the bars and boutiques of the hipster Left Bank or Le Marais.
Accommodation : Ibis Paris Porte D'Orleans Hotel (or similar)
Day 3 : Paris to Lucerne
This morning we wind our way through the French countryside, past the scenic vineyards of the Burgundy region and across the border to Switzerland. Just when you think France is the most scenic place on Earth, we cross the border into Switzerland and the charming town of Lucerne. Cobbled streets, fairytale medieval architecture, snow-capped mountain backdrops and swans floating past on the sparkling lake make this a setting fit for fairytales. Tonight’s your chance to sample a traditional cheese fondue before we get ready for a busy day tomorrow in this scenic paradise.
Accommodation : Ibis Budget Luzern City (or similar)
Day 4 : Lucerne
The day is yours to enjoy the great outdoors. Take an optional trip up Mount Pilatus via a cable car and cogwheel railway, where you can go hiking, ride Switzerland’s longest summer toboggan or simply take in the views. Speaking of views, there are plenty more of those if instead you choose to take a cruise on Lake Lucerne, sitting back and drinking in the meadows, forests and mountain peaks. Back in town, you’re free to pick up some souvenirs (a Swiss watch? A cowbell?), check out the wooden Chapel Bridge (dated 1333) and nibble on some delicious chunks of cheese (or chocolate) before dinner tonight.
Accommodation : Ibis Budget Luzern City (or similar)
Day 5 : Lucerne to Lyon
Though we left France in body, part of our spirit stayed behind. Today we leave Lucerne to go pick it up, venturing to the country's second biggest city for 1-night of play before Spain.
After rolling past the charming French countryside we grew very fond of, we'll pull up at Lyon where a charming Old Town is calling our names. Lyon is the gastronomic capital of France, so head off in search of a quaint 'bouchon' to sample the local delicacies.
Accommodation : Ibis Lyon Sud Oullins (or similar)
Day 6 : Lyon to Barcelona
Rolling out of Lyon this morning we’re Paris-bound, swapping countryside for inner-city bliss.
Year-round and Monday to Sunday, Barcelona is a hive of festive activities. The Catalonian capital's energy will capture your heart in an instant. Sunshine year round, great food and even better locals, here's just a start of the never-ending list of greatness. Channel Gaudi at Sagrada Familia, and Parc Guell, being sure to devour enough sangria and tapas to see your heart content.
Accommodation : Hotel Catalonia Park Putxet Barcelona (or similar)
Day 7 : Barcelona
Today you have plenty of free time to discover Barcelona’s best sites. Hit up the beach, search for souvenirs on La Rambla or browse designer shops on Passeig de Gracia. Don’t miss the Sagrada Familia and Gaudi’s other architectural wonders. Foodies will love La Boqueria market and sports fans won’t want to miss a visit to Camp Nou, home of FC Barcelona. Just save some energy for tonight, with a chance to get tickets for a fiery traditional Flamenco show on the cards.
Accommodation : Hotel Catalonia Park Putxet Barcelona (or similar)
Day 8 : Barcelona to French Riviera
As smitten as we are by Barcelona, we have more of Europe to explore. Much, much more...
You're not a real celebrity until you've frolicked on the French Riviera, and who are we to keep you off the A-List? Discover sapphire waters & endless glamour as we roll along this glitzy coastline.
Accommodation : Hotel Busby (or similar)
Day 9 : French Riviera including Monaco
Nowhere says ‘French chic’ like Nice, and today is your chance to browse the tempting stalls of the market, climb to the castle (or take the lift) for breathtaking views over the Cote d’Azur or make like the locals, sipping a pastis and watching the world go by. You could also choose to pedal through town on a bike tour, before we drive along the shimmering coastline to Monaco later today.
Missing an opportunity to see this glorious part of the world up close and personal would be criminal. Speaking of things you shouldn't miss, this region is famous for lavender honey, aioli & rosé wine; all 3 in one meal should be your mission.
You're going to want a few spare coins tonight so you can play fancy in Monte Carlo. Here you’ll have time for dinner before we get ready for an evening of glamour at the Monte Carlo Casino, forever immortalized on screen as James Bond’s nightspot of choice.
After a night on the blackjack table, it's back to the coast and to bed, the next part of the adventure starts tomorrow.
Accommodation : Hotel du Pin Nice Port (or similar)
Day 10 : French Riviera to Florence
Today we say our farewells to the French Riviera and take our first jaunt into Italy. Pizza, pasta, & charming locals are about to warm us from the inside out.
As if we were going to head straight to Florence without a sneaky side trip to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Depriving you of the chance to perfect the holding-up-the-tower shot would be down right criminal.
And welcome to Florence. Home to red roofs, Renaissance architecture and rustic cuisine - which we'll have the chance to experience first hand on a traditional Tuscan evening. Make sure you're hungry!
Accommodation : Hotel Auto Park (or similar)
Day 11 : Florence to Rome
Today will be split nicely between two of Italy's best cities, with Rome on our afternoon to-do list. First up is frolicking around Florence this morning, with our local guide taking us behind the scenes & revealing the city's cultural beginnings followed by a leather craft demonstration, part of Florence's artisan history.
We'll stop for lunch at a traditional Olive Oil mill (where the traditional hospitality is sure to knock your socks off!)
After a journey of romantic views past cypress trees and olive groves, we'll arrive in the Eternal City of Rome. Wasting no time uncovering the city, we'll take a tour of some of the biggest Italian icons, with famous sights and photo stops include the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. Whatever you do, don’t miss out on those other timeless classics – pizza, pasta and Italian gelato.
Accommodation : A conveniently located hotel
Day 12 : Rome
You could explore one of the world's greatest icons this morning, and walk in the footsteps of gladiators, it's hard to believe these sights still exist, and when in Rome of course! If an unveiling of the Colosseum isn't your jam, make the day your own and do all the quintessential Italian things, like sipping endless espressos while the world rides by on Vespa. We recommend heading to the Trastevere for the ultimate people watching, over a steaming bowl of carbonara in its true home, flanked by a caprese salad of fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella and basil.
Opt to take an optional guided tour of the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel. Religious or not, the Vatican's Italian Renaissance church will send shivers down your spine.
This is also the day to learn a thing or two about the Colosseum & do a bit of your own exploring. Espressos and people watching should be high priority.
Accommodation : A conveniently located hotel
Day 13 : End Rome
Your trip ends after breakfast, so it's time to swap email addresses and say "Arrivederci" to your new friends.