Compare 13-Day France, Switzerland, and Italy Tour Package: Paris to Venice by Tours4Fun vs Highlights of Northern and Central Italy by Viandando Luxury Travel

Day 1 Paris

Welcome to Paris! Upon arrival at the airport, we will be waiting to transfer you to the hotel. Our guide will await you and will provide all the necessary information. At the end of the evening, we provide transfer to the Montmartre district. This neighborhood is known for its painters, artists, and its cabarets… Sit down to dinner and enjoy a magical night. You can choose between Indian, Chinese, French and American cuisine (own expense). We will ascend by funicular to the hill and admire the spectacular view of Paris from the top. Return to hotel.

Day 2 Paris

A scenic guided tour to discover the history, main boulevards and the breathtaking monuments of Paris. We end the visit at the Eiffel Tower area. You will have the opportunity to climb up to the second floor of this remarkable metal monument (ticket admission included). End your visit with a boat cruise along the River Seine, which divides the north of Paris from the south. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore as you choose. At sunset transfer to the “Quartier Latin”, a very picturesque area of the historic center were you can enjoy dinner with a wide variety of international cuisines. Return to hotel.

Day 3 Paris

We go to the center of Paris to the area of the Louvre Museum for free time. If you wish we can accompany you to Benlux, one of the most complete and best-known perfumeries in Paris. Rest of the day free. It will be offered for travelers who are interested, an optional excursion to enjoy in Eurodisney. 

Day 4 Paris - Semur en Auxois - Beaune - Lyon

We travel to the center of France to the Bourgogne region, famous for its wines. A stop in Semur en Auxois, a small medieval town classified among the prettiest places in France. After this we will visit Beaune in the center of the Bourgogne region where its streets full of flowers, its hospice and its wine museum can be reminders of your trip. Time for lunch. In mid-afternoon, we arrive at Lyon, the capital of Roman Gaul on the banks of the Rhone, its historic center has been declared a World Heritage Site.

Day 5 Lyon - Geneva - Zurich

Today we'll travel to Geneva, Switzerland.  Upon arrival we'll head with our guide to the Palais des Nations (the United Nations headquarters in Europe) and then to the beautiful “Jardin Anglais” with its flower clock, and admire the “Jet d’Eau”, the tallest fountain in Europe. After lunch, we will continue through Switzerland passing the beautiful Leman and Neuchatel Lakes.

Day 6 Zurich - Rapperswil - Zurich

With our guide, we will stroll in the most populated city of Switzerland, the financial and cultural capital of the country. The city of banks has twice been declared the city with the best quality of life in the world. After this we will board a boat for a trip lasting almost two hours on Lake Zurich. The boat makes brief stops, allowing us to admire the villages on the way. We'll get off in Rapperswil, a small and highly picturesque village overlooked by its medieval castle. We'll return to Zurich by train, and will see the efficiency and punctuality of the Swiss Railways. Enjoy an evening in the historic center, next to the lake, where you can dine at your favorite restaurant.

Day 7 Zurich - Grindelwald - Lucerne - Zurich

Today's stage has beautiful landscapes with high mountains and lakes. Breathtaking scenery in the region of Interlaken. Grindelwald where we will have time for a coffee before taking the cable car (ticket included) up to Grindelwald First. We will walk along the path (30 minutes) in which we shall be able to take the "footbridge over the empty" among the fantastic scenery enjoying glaciers around us. Lunch included (vegetarian option available). After that we'll continue to Lucerne, one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland. Time at the end of the day to stroll, enjoy the city and dine before returning to the hotel in Zurich.

Day 8 Zurich - Burglen - Morcote - Como - Milan

We'll travel to Burglen, the tiny village where William Tell was born, we shall see the chapel of the XVI century with paintings illustrating his life. We'll continue to Morcote, and then on to Como on the shores of Lake Como. Arrival in Milan where our guide will take us to the impressive Duomo Square. There will be time to dine at the Porta Venecia (Port of Venice) where an outstanding variety of restaurants can be found to delight your palate.

Day 9 Milan - Pisa - Rome

Time in Milan in which we can see its great cathedral and the galleries in the center. Then we continue towards Pisa. Upon arrival, we'll take a little tourist train to the Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles), where there will be time to admire one of the most alluring and beautiful art complexes in Italy, including the well known Leaning Tower of Pisa. Then, we'll continue to Rome, arriving at the end of the afternoon.

Day 10 Rome - Vatican City - Rome

In the morning, we have a scenic tour of the city, which will be a great introduction to "The Eternal City". Next, we will visit the tiny state of the Vatican. The Vatican City is a principal center of Christianity in the world. You will be able to visit St. Peter’s Basilica. And we have also included admission to the Roman Coliseum, the principal symbol of Rome. This impressive construction dates back 2,000 years and will transport us in time so that we can learn about ancient society in the Roman Empire. In the evening we provide transport to the Via Cavour area, were you will find restaurants serving Italian, Indian, Chinese and international food. Return to hotel.

Day 11 Rome - Florence

We will leave Rome, heading north. This route is graced with beautiful landscapes. Upon arrival in Florence, we head straight to Piazzale Michelangelo, an impressive site in the city. In the evening we provide a tour with a local expert, and walk through the historic center, taking in places such as the Ponte Vecchio, the Duomo, and Piazza della Signoria. This city is truly an outdoor museum. Free time to explore. Later, you can dine at your favorite restaurant.

Day 12 Florence - Venice

Today we enjoy stunning mountain landscapes while crossing the Apennine Mountains. Arriving in Venice, we will board a water taxi to travel around on the canals in the historic center. With a local guide, we will visit the marvelous Saint Mark's and enter the marvelous basilica (entry cost included). Afterwards, we shall be able to visit the Murano glass factory city. It is marvelous to see the technique of crystal blowing. Free time. At the end of the afternoon, you will have the chance to eat dinner in the Mestre area, where you can choose the type of restaurant that you prefer.

Day 13 Venice

After breakfast, we'll check out and say farewell. Airport drop-off is not included in the display price. If you require airport drop-off on the last day of the tour, please contact our friendly Travel Adviser team for a quote.

Day 1: Arrival At Venice Airport And Private Transfer To Your Accommodation

Arrival at Venice International airport and private transfer to your accommodation. At sunset take a private gondola ride to enjoy a different perspective of this amazing city.

Day 2: Orientation Tour Of Venice

Join our Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica Small Tour for an entertaining and educational way to explore the history of Venice! Together with a professional local tour guide you will get privileged access (no waiting in lines) to the two main sites of Venice including the panoramic terraces of St. Mark’s Basilica.

Late afternoon enjoy our Venice Wine tour. During this fascinating 2-hour walking tour of Venice, you’ll receive an insider’s glimpse into the lives and habits of authentic Venetians while visiting a favorite local Venetian hangout: winebars called baccari (or bacari).  Your private walking and wine-tasting tour includes stops in two baccari (winebars) that are filled to the brim with Venetians at the classic aperitivo time of 7pm. At the winebar, crowded with locals, you can sip a bubbly Prosecco or a smooth Soave and devour a cicchetto, a local Venetian snack, while your expert local guide tells you more about the traditional cuisine, native wines, history, and assorted lore. Some typical cicchettos are small pieces of toast with baccala, tiny meatballs, hardboiled eggs filled with anchovies, or pieces of fried, seasonal vegetables.

Day 3: Visit Of Murano And Burano

Morning dedicated to the visit of the amazing islands of Murano and Burano. First stop is Murano. This island, where all of Venice’s glass factories have been located since the 13th-century, is the most famous place for glassmaking in the entire world – and for good reason, as you’ll see soon. You’ll stop at an authentic glassmaking factory, which we’ve handpicked both for its history and quality. Then you will continue to Burano, a working fisherman’s island, famous for its brightly painted buildings. Return to Venice around lunch time and afternoon at your leisure.

Day 4: Private Transfer To Lake Como With A Stop In Verona

Following breakfast and check out your private driver will meet you at your accommodation and take you to Verona. Enjoy a private guided tour of Verona. Juliet, the squares, the arena: don’t miss this tour of the downtown historical centre of Verona, fully embraced by the bend of the Adige river. In ancient Roman times, the city of Verona received its chess-board layout and was adorned with the Arena, the world’s best preserved Roman amphitheater that today still provides hours of good music and entertainment. The visit also includes the 14th century house of Juliet, a lovers’ venue and a very popular stop: in everyone’s mind Verona is linked to her image and her sad love story. Another 14th century attraction consists of the bizarre “Arche” of the Della Scala family, namely the stone lace structures pointing up to the sky that still harbour suspicions and mysteries. Along the way you will cross three main squares that have maintained their peculiar and very popular, aristocratic or institutional character throughout the centuries.

After lunch continue to your accommodation at Lake Como area.

 

Day 5: Tour Of Lake Como

With your private guide discover Lake Como and Bellagio, “the pearl of Lario”. Visit this lively village and the gardens of Villa Melzi! You’ll begin the day on board a ferry that will sail slowly among villages, villas and gardens, introducing you to the atmosphere of Lake Como. Your guide will tell you about local traditions, old and new anecdotes and it’ll be possible to spot Villa d’Este in Cernobbio, Villa Oleandra (George Clooney’s retreat!), Villa del Balbianello (Star Wars and 007 location), the mysterious Island Comacina, Villa Carlotta with its botanical gardens and much more. Once you arrive in Bellagio you will explore the steep alleyways full of shops and the buzzing lakeside. Then free time for a typical lunch (suggestions provided) or shopping: Bellagio is famous for silk and olive wood items. The highlight of the afternoon is the visit of the gardens of Villa Melzi, that stretch out along the lakeshore with an impressive collection of plants, antique sculptures and beautiful architectures. Return to your accommodation.

Meals included – Breakfast

Day 6: Tour Of Como And Brunate

Today discover the elegant city of Como and its highlights: the Cathedral, piazza Volta, via Vittani, San Fedele church and the ancient medieval walls. The city of Como is charming and has many stories to tell: you’ll be fascinated with the quaint alleys and the tradition of silk weaving, with the history of how the electrical battery was invented here and the mystery of the two statues on the Cathedral front-side. Founded more than 2000 years ago, Como is rich in art masterpieces. After a pleasant stroll in the centre, a walk along the lake will take us to the Funicular station. You will reach the cute village of Brunate with a short ride: only 7 minutes! Enjoy the panorama over the lake, admire the Art-Nouveau style villas and breathe the fresh and pure air of Brunate. The tour may end with a well deserved aperitivo before lunch time. Return to your accommodation and afternoon at your leisure.

Day 7: Private Transfer To Milan

Following breakfast and check out your private driver will meet you at your accommodation and take you to Milan city center. Check into your accommodation and lunch at your leisure.

In the afternoon enjoy a walking tour of Milan to visit Milan’s marvellous Cathedral and rooftop terraces, the famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, the Brera district and the Castello Sforzesco to learn about the family who sponsored much of da Vinci’s work and brought Milan to prosperity.

Day 8: Leonardo Da Vinci’s Tour

Your day will start with a visit of  one of the most famous paintings in the world. This artwork was painted between 1494 and 1498 under the government of Ludovico il Moro and represents the last “dinner” between Jesus and his disciples.

Next you will continue with a visit of Leonardo’s Vineyard, or La Vigna di Leonardo, that lies tucked within the lush gardens of the Casa degli Atellani, an elegant private residence that provides a unique opportunity to experience the Milanese Renaissance. 

Leonardo Da Vinci spent a productive period in Milan working on numerous projects for the Duke Ludovico Sforza over twenty years. He engineered the city’s canal district, drew thousands of sketches preserved in his Codex Atlanticus notebook and painted The Last Supper (1495-1498), housed within the refectory of the convent of the Santa Maria delle Grazie church. To demonstrate his gratitude, Ludovico Sforza gifted Leonardo a small vineyard which the artist tended to while he painted The Last Supper. Leonardo himself hailed from a family of winemakers and took great care of the vineyard, even including it in his will at the end of his life.

Day 9: Private Transfer To Portovenere

Following breakfast and check out your driver will take you to the lovely village of Portovenere, one of the most romantic spots on the Italian Riviera thanks to the multicolored tower houses, that in the ancient times were built as defense against the pirates, the tiny square and its fountain, the beautiful ancient church of St. Peter on the white and black rocks of the point from where the poet Byron used to swim, the church of S. Lorenzo with its precious works of art and the massive 16 century castle.

While in Portovenere don’t miss the chance to enjoy a dinner at Locanda Lorena located in the rugged island of Palmaria across the small bay of Portovenere. To get here, take the restaurant’s free riva boat from the Portovenere jetty.

Day 10: Full Day Tour Of The Cinque Terre

Today enjoy a private guided visit of the Cinque Terre: five stunning towns perched on seaside cliffs overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. The full-day Cinque Terre Walking Tour allows you to visit these small fishing villages, famously connected in older times exclusively by a winding, steep, rock-laden and root-crossed trail. Each village has a distinct character, and offers different amenities. Your knowledgeable, friendly English-speaking tour guide specializing in outdoor excursions will take care of you for the full-day tour, and tell you more about these unique villages. Return to Portovenere and overnight stay.

Day 11: Private Transfer To Florence With A Stop In Lucca

Following breakfast and check out your private driver will take you to Lucca, actually my favourite Tuscan city after Florence and enjoy a guided tour of this relatively unknown gem. Hidden behind imposing Renaissance walls, its cobbled streets, handsome piazzas and shady promenades make it a perfect destination to explore by foot. Continue to Florence and check into your accommodation.

Day 12: Orientation Tour Of Florence Including The Uffizi And The Accademia Galleries

Start your Florentine sojourn with a guided orientation walk to admire the most important Florentine sites: the Cathedral with its Giotto Bell Tower, Piazza della Signoria with the Palazzo Vecchio and the Ponte Vecchio knowing for its gleaming gold shops. The tour also includes the visit of the Accademia Gallery which houses the famous statue of David by Michelangelo and of the Uffizi Gallery with masterpieces of Caravaggio, Giotto, Leonardo da Vinci and many other famous painters. Afternoon at your leisure.

Day 13: Visit Of A Winery Of The Chianti Area And Leisure Time In San Gimignano

Your private driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you to the Chianti area which offers a unique landscape, with green, gentle hills covered with wide fields of vineyards and olive groves, small stone villages, characteristic parishes and countryside homes in stone. Visit one of the most prestigious wineries of the area. The visit will be followed by tasting of their superb wines and a delicious Tuscan lunch. After lunch your driver will take you to the romantic hilltop town of San Gimignano where you will spend some time at your leisure. Return to Florence and overnight stay.

Day 14: Florence Food Tour And High – Speed Train To Rome

Florence is not just paintings and palazzos; it is also home to one of the most palatable and well-known cuisines in the world. With your private guide visit one of Florence’s most characteristic food market, Sant’Ambrogio, and learn about history and traditions of Tuscan cuisine. During the visit you will taste some local specialties: cheeses, salami, focaccia, extra – virgin olive oil.

After lunch take your high – speed train to Rome. Upon arrival transfer to your accommodation.

Day 15: Colosseum Underground Tour

Feel the fear and hear the roars of the crowd above you as you enjoy this full Colosseum Underground tour. Stepping beneath the arena floor, you’ll walk in the footsteps of gladiators who waited here before battle. As you tour the tunnels, your guide will tell you about the real life of gladiators before taking you back up to the arena floor. Walk out onto a recreation of the stage where the fighting took place and be blown away by the most impressive view of the Colosseum (seen by so few!). After your Colosseum and Colosseum Underground tour, you’ll experience the very heart of Ancient Rome: the Roman Forum. Here was where Rome ruled its empire of untold political and cultural influence—and of more than 2.5 million square miles and 65 million people. At the Palatine Hill you’ll discover the origins of Ancient Rome. Legend has it that this is the spot where Remus and Romulus were found by the she-wolf and where they battled to decide which would have the privilege of building their own town. Hear how this legendary battle impacted the world you know today (your very own life even!) We owe the Ancient Romans more than you’d believe! Afternoon at your leisure.

Day 16: Early Bird Vatican Museum Tour With Breakfast

Your early bird Vatican tour lets you carpe diem, seize the day, by getting the most out of your time in Rome. Starting with a breakfast fit for the Pope in the verdant Pinecone Courtyard, you’ll be thoroughly energized to meander through the expansive halls of the Vatican Museums, gaze up at the stunning ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, and explore the world-renowned Saint Peter’s Basilica. Afternoon at your leisure.

 

Day 17: Fly Back Home

Private chauffeured transfer to Rome International airport to take your flight back home