Metropolises of Europe: Best of Paris and Rome Tour

In the morning, you will meet your guide at the entrance of the Louvre Museum for an in-depth tour of one of the largest collections of art and artifacts in the world. The galleries span 782,913 square feet and display 38,000 pieces. Here, you will witness the Code of Hammurabi, which is one of the oldest judicial documents in the world. In the afternoon, you will continue to the Musee d’Orsay, which boasts one of the most exciting collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art between 1849 to 1919.

After breakfast, you will make your way to the lavish gates of Versailles Palace, which is France’s most opulent chateau. The grounds began as a hunting lodge for the royal family in 1624 and later developed into the embodiment of opulence during King Louis XIV’s reign in the latter half of the 17th century. The dazzling display of wealth and design was meant to impress aristocratic visitors to the palace in addition to acting as a symbol of France’s power. You will then return to Paris to visit the hilltop neighborhood of Montmartre, which was home to the many Bohemian artists of the city.

The gorgeous village of Giverny is located approximately 45 miles northwest of Paris and continues to attract artists, art-lovers, and pilgrims in search of a bucolic ambiance in the footsteps of Monet. You will venture here today with your private guide. The picturesque beauty of Giverny is best observed between spring and autumn, which is when the flowers radiate with color. Claude Monet’s House will offer you a charming retreat from the fast-pace of Paris. You will then stroll through the heart of town to enjoy the soothing comforts of the country houses before returning to Paris for the evening.

The Loire Valley is known for embodying the essence of French style and gastronomy. After breakfast this morning, your guide will transfer you to the Loire Valley for an in-depth wine tour. At the first vineyard, your guide will lead you through rows of fines for insight into the types of grapes that are grown on the property. In the tasting room, you will find plates of Chabichou du Poutou, which is a delicate cheese with a slightly sweet flavor. Your guide will then explain how the cheese pairs excellently with a Pouilly Fumé wine.

After breakfast, your private transfer will escort you to the airport for your flight to Rome. You will land at Fiumicino Airport, where your private transfer will greet and escort you to your accommodation in the heart of the city. Your journey into the past will begin when your guide leads you through the cobblestone lanes that hide inspiring art, vibrant street life, bloody history, and iconic romances. Your tour of the city’s monuments will take you to the Pantheon and other iconic structures in Rome. Afterward, you will have the remainder of the day to spend at your leisure.

After breakfast, you will travel to the sensational outer walls of the Colosseum. The stunning feat of ancient engineering could once hold up to 50,000 spectators. In the afternoon, you will continue into the elaborate galleries of the Vatican Museums in Vatican City. The colonnades designed by Bernini wrap around the edges of the oval piazza and imitate the church as it welcomes visitors with open arms. The stunning cupola was designed by Michelangelo in the 16th century and reaches 445 feet tall.

You will dive deeper into the ancient wonders of Rome today by visiting the serene regional park of Appia Antica, which is home to over 18 miles of ancient road. The original Appian Way was constructed between the 4th and 3rd centuries BC and stretched from Rome to the port at Brindisi in what is now Puglia. You can enjoy an easy bike ride along the gorgeous landscape before arriving at the Catacombs of Callixtus. Upon returning to Rome’s city center, you will attend a private cooking class taught by a private chef.

The elaborate grounds of the Villa Borghese were constructed under the patronage of Cardinal Scipione Borghese between the 16th and 17th centuries. The ruthless collector established one of the most impressive and largest private compilations of artwork. Your guide will lead you through what could be an overwhelming gallery that boasts artwork by Bernini, Caravaggio, Raphael, and Titian.

After breakfast, your private transfer will greet you in the hotel lobby and escort you to the airport. Instead of returning home, you can continue exploring the highlights of Italy by visiting Florence or spending time on the Amalfi Coast.