Paris to the Mediterranean: Coasts & Cafés

Visit the most famous landmark in France, the Eiffel Tower. Opt to climb the stairs or take an elevator to the top for a stunning view over the city. Hang out at dusk and watch the tower light up.

Examine the massive collection at the Louvre, home to the Mona Lisa and the Winged Venus. While it might take a lifetime to view everything in the museum, one of the largest in the world, make the most of the time you have and try to spend at least a few hours wandering around.

Wander past high end retail shops, cafés and theatres before reaching the famous Arc de Triomphe.

In the town of Giverny, visit Claude Monet's residence and the famous gardens that made "plein air" painting a defining characteristic of the Impressionist art movement. Monet spent the last 40 years of his life in Giverny, bringing landscapes and everyday scenes to life with bright colours and balanced compositions, best depicted in paintings of water lillies and his Japanese-inspired garden through the seasons.

The Musée de l'Armée houses one of the world's largest collections of military art, armour and weaponry from the 17th to 19th century. Wander through the museum's vast collection of French cannons, artillery and relics, before making your way to the Napoleon I's tomb in the Dôme des Invalides.

Visit the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur, located in the Montmartre neighbourhood. This Roman Catholic church was completed in 1914 and stands on the highest point of the city. Climb up 200 stairs to reach the dome of the basilica to get an amazing view of the Paris skyline.

The Pantheon is one of the most famous buildings in Rome. Originally built during the reign of Augustus (27 BC - 14 AD), the building was rebuilt under Hadrian in 126 AD. The roof is still the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome, and it contains a circular opening (an oculus). It is easily one of the best-preserved of all the ancient Roman buildings.

Even with the bustle of modern day Rome whizzing past on Vespas, you can still lose yourself in the fragmented columns and ancient ruins of this plaza, conjuring images of the rich Romans sauntering by in togas. Please note, this must be booked in combination with the Colosseum Visit and will include a visit to Palatine Hill.

Built above an ancient water source, Trevi Fountain takes its name from the three streets (tre vie) that intersect at this world-famous fountain. Sculpted from travertine stone, the fountain as we know it today was completed in the 18th century. Work your way through the crowds to toss a coin in (with your right hand, over your left shoulder) for good luck - it's also your best chance to see the fountain's marvelous detail.

Built to connect the hilltop Trinità dei Monti church with the Piazza di Spagna (or Spanish Square) below, the Spanish Steps are a colourful example of Baroque architecture from 18th century Rome. Opt to climb its 136 steps, or simply watch the crowds weave through this popular tourist attraction.

Although the Sistine Chapel is always very crowded, it is a must-see for any visitor to the Vatican. The magnificent frescoed ceiling of the chapel painted by Michelangelo depicts over 300 figures from the Book of Genesis, the most well-known being “The Creation of Adam,” showing God touching the finger of Adam. “The Last Judgment” on the west wall depicts a scene from the Book of Revelations. Art aficionados, get ready to cross one of your list!

Get ready to tick something off the bucket list. Visit the smallest country in the world—Vatican City! Stand in St Peter’s Square and be wowed by colossal colonnades, numerous statues, and the obelisk. Opt to take in the magnificence of St Peter’s Basilica, Michelangelo’s Pietá, and the Sistine Chapel while you are in the area.

Enjoy a guided tour of this famous spot, the scene of many bloody gladiator fights for the entertainment of ancient Rome's aristocracy. Learn from your expert guide and you wander the old venue—a UNESCO World Heritage site—and feel free to walk around on your own. No battles, please!

Even with the bustle of modern day Rome whizzing past on Vespas, you can still lose yourself in the fragmented columns and ancient ruins of this plaza, conjuring images of the rich Romans sauntering by in togas. Please note, this must be booked in combination with the Colosseum Visit and will include a visit to Palatine Hill.

Get ready to tick something off the bucket list. Visit the smallest country in the world—Vatican City! Stand in St Peter’s Square and be wowed by colossal colonnades, numerous statues, and the obelisk. Opt to take in the magnificence of St Peter’s Basilica, Michelangelo’s Pietá, and the Sistine Chapel while you are in the area.

Enjoy a guided tour of this famous spot, the scene of many bloody gladiator fights for the entertainment of ancient Rome's aristocracy. Learn from your expert guide and you wander the old venue—a UNESCO World Heritage site—and feel free to walk around on your own. No battles, please!

The Pantheon is one of the most famous buildings in Rome. Originally built during the reign of Augustus (27 BC - 14 AD), the building was rebuilt under Hadrian in 126 AD. The roof is still the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome, and it contains a circular opening (an oculus). It is easily one of the best-preserved of all the ancient Roman buildings.

Wander Vieux Nice, or the Old Quarter, with its cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways. This is the best area to shop, eat, and people watch. Wander the market to witness daily life on the charming Riviera.

Take a visit to Nice's oldest, and most ornate church.

Wander Vieux Nice, or the Old Quarter, with its cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways. This is the best area to shop, eat, and people watch. Wander the market to witness daily life on the charming Riviera.

Take a stroll on the boardwalk in the neighbourhood of La Barceloneta, an area known for its beaches and waterfront walkway. Visit local restaurants and nightclubs or check out the monuments while there.

Uncover a different side of Barcelona. Visit the old Gothic Quarter with its maze of dark streets, historic cathedral, medieval buildings, bars, and cafés.

Visit Gaudí’s most famous life work, the cathedral of La Sagrada Familia, an inspiring, yet, bizarre testament to the artist’s unique vision.

Deemed the crowning architectural work of Antoni Gaudí, Casa Batlló is a must-visit on anyone's trip to Barcelona.

Uncover a different side of Barcelona. Visit the old Gothic Quarter with its maze of dark streets, historic cathedral, medieval buildings, bars, and cafés.

Climb to the top of Montjuïc hill for fantastic city views and a visit to a 17th-century fortress, once used as a prison and execution site.

Take a stroll on the boardwalk in the neighbourhood of La Barceloneta, an area known for its beaches and waterfront walkway. Visit local restaurants and nightclubs or check out the monuments while there.

Deemed the crowning architectural work of Antoni Gaudí, Casa Batlló is a must-visit on anyone's trip to Barcelona.

Visit Gaudí’s most famous life work, the cathedral of La Sagrada Familia, an inspiring, yet, bizarre testament to the artist’s unique vision.

See and be seen on Las Ramblas, a large tree-lined pedestrian boulevard perfect for people watching and window shopping that ends at the harbourfront facing the Mediterranean Sea.

Uncover a different side of Barcelona. Visit the old Gothic Quarter with its maze of dark streets, historic cathedral, medieval buildings, bars, and cafés.

Take a stroll on the boardwalk in the neighbourhood of La Barceloneta, an area known for its beaches and waterfront walkway. Visit local restaurants and nightclubs or check out the monuments while there.

Visit Gaudí’s most famous life work, the cathedral of La Sagrada Familia, an inspiring, yet, bizarre testament to the artist’s unique vision.

Shop, stroll, and people watch on the capital's most exciting street, Gran Via. Go early or late, the street stays awake all hours.

Enjoy some spectacular people watching with a visit to the Plaza Mayor, the true heart of the city. Enjoy a coffee in one of the plaza’s many cafes and watch the world go by.

See how kings and queens live, with a visit to the Palacio Real, the official (and uninhabited) palace of the King of Spain. Wander the rooms to take in some of the most elaborately decorated and furnished rooms you'll ever see.

Wander through the historic quarter of the Albaicin. Try to head there for sunset. With its narrow lanes and fantastic views back to the Alhambra, visitors are rewarded with a spectacular colour-washed skyline when the sun goes down.

Be taken by the beauty of one of the largest cathedrals in Spain on this visit to the Cathedral of Granada. Tour its beautiful facades and interiors that house a grand altar and numerous chapels. Built by Queen Isabella, it is a masterpiece of Spanish-Renaissance style.

Dating to 1220, the Golden Tower is the last major building constructed by Seville's historic Muslim population.

Explore the wonderful interiors and gardens of the Alcázar, a royal palace that was originally a Moorish fort. Arrive during the evening in the summer months (until mid-September) and enjoy a series of concerts in the beautiful setting of the Reales Alcázares.

Take a visit to marvel at one of the grandest mansions in Seville. The home is still inhabited by the Medinaceli family, but remains open to visitor tours during operating hours.

Take a visit to this beautiful historic convent. Established in 1475, this convent is still home to the Jerónimas nuns. Infrequent tours in Spanish are run here, but visitors are welcome to the modest museum displaying 16th-18th century ecclesiastical art and sculpture.

Visit the true heart of Seville, the Santa Cruz quarter. A charming area with winding alleys, picturesque lime-washed houses, flowery patios, and small squares, you can wander, shop, or just soak in the neighbourhood's quaint atmosphere while enjoying a refreshing drink (sangria, perhaps) at one of the local restaurants.

Climb the tower known as La Giralda, adjacent to the world's largest Gothic cathedral, for spectacular views and a walk among historic walls. The 76m (249 ft) Giralda was constructed by the Moors as a mosque between 1184 and 1197. In 1568, after the reconquest, Christians fit the minaret with its bell tower.

Discover Belém, a western suburb that's linked to Portugal’s Golden Age of Discoveries – it was the site where famous navigators once set sail to discover the world. While there, take some time to tour nearby must-see attractions: the Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, the Tropical Botanical Garden, and the Berardo Museum of contemporary art. Please note: most attractions in Belém are closed on Mondays.

Explore Lisbon’s past in Alfama, one of the city’s oldest quarters. Wander along narrow medieval streets lined with typical tile-covered façades and take a step back in time; the area largely survived the great earthquake of 1755, and still retains much of its original layout. Listen for Portugal's traditional music, fado, gracing the streets at night.

Climb up to this Moorish castle for a wander around the impressive grounds on a guided tour, and a great view over Lisbon and Tagus River.

Stop in this lively square to get a taste of the local hustle and bustle.

Take a trip to the coastline to see this charming fort, built to protect Lisbon from raiders invading from the sea. Climb up the tower for great views of the ocean and surrounding city.

Climb up to this Moorish castle for a wander around the impressive grounds on a guided tour, and a great view over Lisbon and Tagus River.

Discover Belém, a western suburb that's linked to Portugal’s Golden Age of Discoveries – it was the site where famous navigators once set sail to discover the world. While there, take some time to tour nearby must-see attractions: the Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, the Tropical Botanical Garden, and the Berardo Museum of contemporary art. Please note: most attractions in Belém are closed on Mondays.

Explore Lisbon’s past in Alfama, one of the city’s oldest quarters. Wander along narrow medieval streets lined with typical tile-covered façades and take a step back in time; the area largely survived the great earthquake of 1755, and still retains much of its original layout. Listen for Portugal's traditional music, fado, gracing the streets at night.

Stop in this lively square to get a taste of the local hustle and bustle.

Take a trip to the coastline to see this charming fort, built to protect Lisbon from raiders invading from the sea. Climb up the tower for great views of the ocean and surrounding city.