France & Italy Adventure

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.

Venture just outside the city of Paris to the sprawling yet elegant Palace of Versailles, which served as King Louis XIV's royal residence leading up to the French Revolution. Visit the Royal Apartments, Hall of Mirrors, and the celebrated Gardens of Versailles, while immersing yourself in the history, art and architecture of 17th century France. Plan to spend a few hours touring the palace; we recommend pre-purchasing your entrance ticket online.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Venture just outside the city of Paris to the sprawling yet elegant Palace of Versailles, which served as King Louis XIV's royal residence leading up to the French Revolution. Visit the Royal Apartments, Hall of Mirrors, and the celebrated Gardens of Versailles, while immersing yourself in the history, art and architecture of 17th century France. Plan to spend a few hours touring the palace; we recommend pre-purchasing your entrance ticket online.

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.

Travel a short distance by train to Dijon, the capital of the Burgundy region. Famous for its mustard, opt to take a tour and learn more about this delicious condiment. Check out some of the city's fantastic architecture or visit its museums.

Founded in the mid 1400s, the Hospices de Beaune was originally a hospital for the poor. One of the buildings is now a museum with information about the hospital. The fascinating Gothic architecture, polychrome roofs and a renowned vineyard make this museum a jewel of Burgundy. The Hospices de Beaune - Hôtel-Dieu is also famous for its exceptional vineyards, which include 85% of premier crus and grand crus.

Travel a short distance by train to Dijon, the capital of the Burgundy region. Famous for its mustard, opt to take a tour and learn more about this delicious condiment. Check out some of the city's fantastic architecture or visit its museums.

Founded in the mid 1400s, the Hospices de Beaune was originally a hospital for the poor. One of the buildings is now a museum with information about the hospital. The fascinating Gothic architecture, polychrome roofs and a renowned vineyard make this museum a jewel of Burgundy. The Hospices de Beaune - Hôtel-Dieu is also famous for its exceptional vineyards, which include 85% of premier crus and grand crus.

Take a visit to this beautiful medieval bridge, constructed between 1177 and 1185.

Hop a local bus to visit the Pont du Gard, a stunning three level Roman aqueduct and protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn about the construction and the politics behind building the aqueduct and marvel at the structure.

Travel by local bus to the Château des Baux, a 10th century medieval castle. Watch a duel between knights in armor and practice your crossbow skills.

The Pope's Palace is one of the greatest symbols of the influence of Western Christianity in the 14th entry. The magnificent facade is a result of 20 years of construction, beginning in 1355. Take a wander around the 25 rooms that are open to the public.

Travel to the small town of Orange, famous for its remarkable Roman amphitheatre. Wander through town, collect some picnic supplies, and climb up to a lookout over the amphitheatre.

Take a visit to this beautiful medieval bridge, constructed between 1177 and 1185.

Hop a local bus to visit the Pont du Gard, a stunning three level Roman aqueduct and protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn about the construction and the politics behind building the aqueduct and marvel at the structure.

Travel by local bus to the Château des Baux, a 10th century medieval castle. Watch a duel between knights in armor and practice your crossbow skills.

The Pope's Palace is one of the greatest symbols of the influence of Western Christianity in the 14th entry. The magnificent facade is a result of 20 years of construction, beginning in 1355. Take a wander around the 25 rooms that are open to the public.

Travel to the small town of Orange, famous for its remarkable Roman amphitheatre. Wander through town, collect some picnic supplies, and climb up to a lookout over the amphitheatre.

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.

Feast your eyes on one of the largest gothic cathedral in Europe. This stunning work of architecture is dedicated to the St. Mary of Nativity, and took almost 6 centuries to complete. Climb the 150 steps to the Duomo roof to admire the pink marble spires and statues, and Alp mountain views in the distance.

Marvel at the neo-classical façade, and ornate interior of one of the world's most famous opera houses. If you are interested in seeing a performance, we recommend booking tickets in advance.

Built in 1867, this is one of the world's oldest (and most ornate) shopping malls and home to Prada's first shop. If you are looking for luxury goods, this is your place.

Marvel at the neo-classical façade, and ornate interior of one of the world's most famous opera houses. If you are interested in seeing a performance, we recommend booking tickets in advance.

Built in 1867, this is one of the world's oldest (and most ornate) shopping malls and home to Prada's first shop. If you are looking for luxury goods, this is your place.

Feast your eyes on one of the largest gothic cathedral in Europe. This stunning work of architecture is dedicated to the St. Mary of Nativity, and took almost 6 centuries to complete. Climb the 150 steps to the Duomo roof to admire the pink marble spires and statues, and Alp mountain views in the distance.

Take a quick trip across the lagoon and experience Venice’s artisanal roots. Explore the island of Murano, famous for its skilled glassblowers, and walk along the colourful streets of Burano, known for a centuries-old tradition of lacemaking.

Climb to the top of the Campanile - Venice's tallest building - to take in a great bird's eye view of the cityscape and lagoon.

Visit this former palace, rebuilt and restored numerous times, and admire the Gothic Venetian architecture. Once the seat of the government, the Palazzo Ducale is now a grand museum. Enjoy the stellar artwork, ornate chambers, and courtyards.

Enter the picture-perfect Piazza San Marco from one of the many winding alleyways and stare in awe at the grandeur. With the massive, ornate basilica standing tall at one end, pigeons gathering and flying around, and violinists playing a Vivaldi tune at a café table — this is Venice. Wander the square and people watch or duck inside the glittering basilica for more Venetian inspiration.

Noted for its collection of more than 60 paintings by Italian master Tintoretto, Scuola Grande di San Rocco is the last remaining "scuole" or confraternity dedicated to charitable works. The Upper Hall, which contains Tintoretto's ceiling masterpiece, allows visitors a peek into opulent Venetian court life.

Pick up a purse (or several!), leatherbound journals, Florentine paper, and any off-colour David statue souvenirs you wish.

Walk across this medieval bridge and look over the Arno River to feel the romance of this city. Jewelers, art dealers and souvenir shops run the length of the bridge, featured in many master paintings.

Admire the opulence of the two Medici Chapels. The Sagrestia Nuova was designed by Michelangelo and built as a mausoleum for the powerful Medici family.

This green, pink, and white marbled 13th century basilica is one of Italy’s largest churches and its brick dome is the largest ever constructed. Wander through the cathedral or choose to climb the 463 steps to the top of the dome and be rewarded with extraordinary views of the city!

Pick up a purse (or several!), leatherbound journals, Florentine paper, and any off-colour David statue souvenirs you wish.

Head to nearby Siena and wander this medieval walled city. Options abound! Visit the gorgeous Duomo and the Piazza del Campo, where the famous Palio horse race is held each summer. Climb the Torre del Mangia for fantastic views of the Tuscan landscape.

Walk across this medieval bridge and look over the Arno River to feel the romance of this city. Jewelers, art dealers and souvenir shops run the length of the bridge, featured in many master paintings.

Admire the opulence of the two Medici Chapels. The Sagrestia Nuova was designed by Michelangelo and built as a mausoleum for the powerful Medici family.

This green, pink, and white marbled 13th century basilica is one of Italy’s largest churches and its brick dome is the largest ever constructed. Wander through the cathedral or choose to climb the 463 steps to the top of the dome and be rewarded with extraordinary views of the city!

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!