Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

There simply is no way to tour Europe and not be awestruck by its natural beauty, epic history and dazzling artistic and culinary diversity. From the thrill of fresh powder on the mountain top to the peace of a twilight stroll through a gorgeous medieval town, Europe is a place that stimulates your sense of curiosity. Through shared history, cultural diversity, and natural beauty, this continent inspires connections, experiences and memories that stretch beyond borders.

Whether you wish for the serenity of a quiet trip in the countryside or the excitement of a music festival, it’s all here in Europe, waiting just for you. In a continent where travel is free-flowing, adventures are limitless.

Ah…France - there is simply no place like it. Encompassing medieval & port cities, tranquil villages, mountains & Mediterranean beaches. Paris, its capital, is known worldwide for its couture fashion houses & monuments like the Eiffel Tower.

Whether you are strolling down a small cobblestone street in Nice, sitting in a cafe in Avignon, or wandering around the streets of Paris, between the food, the wine & the plethora of amazing cafes, a trip to France is always a good idea.

France’s cultural repertoire is staggering - in volume & diversity. World-class art & architecture, outstanding classical art Museums including the iconic Louvre, Roman Temples & Renaissance chateaux seduces with both iconic landmarks known the world over & rising stars yet to be discovered.

And this is where the beauty of la belle France lies: when super stars like Mademoiselle Eiffel, royal Versailles & the celebrity-ridden French Riviera have been ticked off, there is still plenty more to thrill. France is, after all, the world's top tourist destination, with more than 80 million visitors a year, who flock to the land of the Gauls to feast on its extraordinary wealth of Museums, Galleries, Ateliers (artist workshops) & hands-on cultural experiences

Arrive in the enchanting City of Love, one of those iconic cities known all over the world for its quaint cafes, the art, the culture & of course, the many gastronomic restaurants.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? – Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, subsequent to Immigration & Customs, you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort, transfer you to the hotel, help you settle in & provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area as well as discuss the program for the next day.

If, for any reason you are unable to make contact with our representative within 30 minutes of waiting, please call the local Emergency telephone # listed on your Contact List. Please follow the advice given by our 24 / 7 Duty Officer.  Please do not exit the Airport & make your own way to the hotel.

Reach the hotel & Check-in.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

Balance of the morning / afternoon is at leisure to relax or independent exploration or optional activities (we shall be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements). 

City of Love | Iconic Architecture | Culinary Delights | Stylish Shopping

Paris has a timeless familiarity for first-time and frequent visitors, with instantly recognisable architectural icons, along with exquisite cuisine, chic boutiques & priceless artistic treasures - it is no wonder that millions of people flock here every year.

The wrought-iron spire of the Eiffel Tower piercing the clouds, the broad Arc de Triomphe guarding Paris’ most glamorous avenue, the Champs-Elysees, the gargoyled Notre Dame Cathedral, lamplit bridges spanning the Seine & art nouveau cafes spilling on to wicker-chair-lined terraces are indelibly etched in the minds of anyone who’s visited the city - and the imaginations of anyone who hasn’t (yet). But despite initial appearances, Paris’ cityscape isn’t static: there are some stunning modern & contemporary icons too, from the inside-out, industrial-style Centre Pompidou to the mur vegetal (vertical garden) gracing the striking Musee du Quai Branly.

Paris’ dining is iconic: France’s reputation for its cuisine (the French word for ‘kitchen’) precedes it & whether you seek a cosy neighbourhood bistro or a triple-Michelin-starred temple to gastronomy, you will find every establishment prides itself on exquisite preparation & presentation of quality produce, invariably served with wine. Enticing patisseries, boulangeries (bakeries), fromageries (cheese shops) & crowded, colourful street markets are perfect for packing a picnic to take to the city’s parks & gardens. A host of culinary courses - from home kitchens through to the world’s most prestigious cookery schools - offers instruction for all schedules, abilities & budgets.

Parisians are synonymous with style & fashion shopping is the city’s forte. Paris remains at the forefront of international trends, and browsing emerging & established designer boutiques & flagship haute couture houses is a quintessential part of any visit. You will also find uberhip concept stores, quirky homeware shops & resplendent art nouveau department stores, along with a trove of vintage shops & flea markets, atmospheric bookshops (including the dark-green bouquiniste stalls - secondhand bookshop - lining the riverbanks), adorable children’s wear & toy shops, art & antique dealers, venerable shops selling state-of-the-art professional cookware, and, of course, gourmet food & wine shops galore.

With an illustrious artistic pedigree - Renoir, Rodin, Picasso, Monet, Manet, Dalí & Van Gogh are but a few of the masters who lived & worked here over the years - Paris is one of the great art repositories of the world, harbouring treasures from antiquity onward. In addition to big hitters like the incomparable Louvre, the Musee d’Orsay’s exceptional impressionist collection, and the Centre Pompidou’s cache of modern & contemporary art, there are scores of smaller Museums housing collections in every imaginable genre & a diverse range of venues mounting major exhibitions through to off-beat installations.

The City of Love is a place everyone must see at least once in their lifetime. Immerse yourself in the living history of this world-class destination as you stroll narrow cobbled streets with your Tour-guide, visit the vast Palace & gardens of an icon of Parisian grandeur at Versailles, and explore the innumerable landmarks that make Paris the most coveted city in the world.

Stroll the tree-lined Champs-Elysees towards the Arc de Triomphe, peruse world-famous artworks in the Louvre with your own personal guide, visit the hushed cathedral of Notre Dame & the Eiffel Tower & indulge in a little boutique shopping in this fashion-conscious city.

Indulge in a meal fit for a king in one of Paris's famous restaurants, or perhaps a cruise or a late-night cabaret show.

Why not begin your discovery of Paris by taking a stroll along some of the charming Parisian avenues & boulevards, shop in charming boutiques or simply people-watch from a Parisian cafe (we would be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Overnight.   

Morning, you are free to relax or walk around on your own.

Later you will proceed (on your own, we will guide you, how to) & reach the Pick-up point - before 12:00 pm to commence your 4 hour sightseeing tour which gives you an opportunity to discover Paris's famous tourist sights & monuments. Experience the beauty & heritage of the French capital in different ways.

First, you will board a panoramic coach & drive around the city for an hour, learning about the city's history & its well-known monuments, listening to an audio guide commentary on your individual headsets. Commentary in English takes you through the centuries & tells you about the history of Paris & the richness of the city’s cultural, architectural & artistic heritage.

You will drive around ‘some’ unique sights, such as Place de l’Opera Square, Place de la Concorde Square, the Champs-Élysees, the Arc de Triomphe, Place du Trocadero Square, the Invalides, the Pont-Neuf Bridge, the Bastille Opera House & its square, Notre Dame de Paris, the Luxembourg Gardens, and Saint Germain des Pres (all from outside only).

Next stop will be the iconic 1024 feet Eiffel Tower. Here you will have the time to walk around on your own. You will be able to take the elevator to go up to the 1^st floor Observation Deck for uninterrupted views of Paris stretching out as far as the eye can see.  

The Tower was built by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 Exposition Universelle, commemorating the 100^th anniversary of the French Revolution. It took 2 years, 2 months & 5 days to finish & was a veritable technical & architectural achievement, a demonstration of French engineering personified by Eiffel, a symbol of technological prowess & a defining moment of the industrial era. It was met immediately with tremendous success. Only intended to last 20 years, it was saved by the scientific experiments that Eiffel encouraged & in particular, by the first radio transmissions, followed by telecommunications.

An engineer by training, Eiffel founded & developed a company specializing in metal structural work, whose crowning achievement was the Eiffel Tower. He devoted the last 30 years of his life to his experimental research.

His outstanding career as a constructor was marked by a large number of fine buildings, among which 2 of the most outstanding are the twin edifices of the Porto viaduct over the river Douro in 1876 & the Garabit viaduct in the Cantal region of France in 1884, Pest Railway Station in Hungary, the dome of the Nice Observatory & the ingenious structure of the Statue of Liberty in New York, culminating with his final triumph building the Eiffel Tower.  

From the esplanade to the 1^st floor at 187 feet (going higher requires another Admission Fee, extra payment), you will experience a whole series of emotions. Soak in the breathtakingly unique views of Paris from every floor, feel the goose bumps as you walk the glass floor on the 1^st floor, experience the incredible ascent by stairway or lift, the indescribable awe at the tonnes of iron above you as you stand on the esplanade. Vertigo grips you as you leave the lift & see the people down on the Champs-de-Mars & the cars driving along Trocadero!

The Tower’s speciality shops on the esplanade & 1^st & 2^nd floors sell a wide range of products & souvenirs (gourmet, fabrics, home, etc.).

We have also arranged for a memorable lunch at the contemporary trendy Madame Brasserie restaurant on the 1st floor. Taste fresh seasonal produce with our 2 course menu.

On the specified time, you will proceed (on your own, no Tour-guide) to the Pier located at the foot of the Eiffel Tower & step aboard a glass covered boat with an open-air terrace.

Enjoy a fantastic - 1 hour - audio guided cruise along the Seine River. Admire the stunning architecture of the capital's most prestigious monuments that line the banks - pass by the Louvre Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Orsay Museum, the Conciergerie, etc. Be captivated by this river trip under Paris's bridges, past Parisians going about their business as they walk or cycle by. The Boat will return to the boarding point at Eiffel Tower’s Pier where the Tour ends.

And you will find your own way to the hotel.

Balance of the day is at leisure (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements for any Optional activities).  

Overnight.  L 

Morning, you will proceed (on your own) & reach the Pick-up point - before 08:30 am - to commence your half day 4 hour excursion to the town of Versailles to see one of the most iconic monuments of French history. 

Make the most of the - 45 minute - journey by the luxury coach, listening to the Guide’s introduction to the history of the Palace.

Arriving at the Palace, follow the Tour-guide straight to the front of the line to see the Palace’s most beautiful rooms.

In the mid-17^th century, King Louis XIV - the Roi Soleil (Sun King) decided to transform a hunting lodge in the leafy, bourgeois suburb of Versailles, 22 km southwest of central Paris, belonging to his father, into the monumental baroque Chateau de Versailles, to project the absolute power of the French monarchy, which was then at the height of its glory. Some 30,000 workers & soldiers toiled on the structure, the bills for which all but emptied the kingdom’s coffers. To this day, it remains France’s most famous & grand Palace.

Work began in 1661 when workers flattened hills, drained marshes & relocated forests as they laid out the seemingly endless gardens, ponds & fountains. Painter & interior designer Charles Le Brun & his hundreds of artisans decorated every moulding, cornice, ceiling & door of the interior with the most luxurious & ostentatious of appointments: frescoes, marble, gilt & woodcarvings, many with themes & symbols drawn from Greek & Roman mythology.

Amidst magnificently landscaped formal gardens, the splendid & enormous Chateau became the Kingdom’s political capital & the seat of the royal Court & Government when he moved the capital from Paris to Versailles in 1682.

The next 2 French Kings added their own special touches but the transformation cost was so excessive that the starving French people they revolted in 1789, leading to the French Revolution & the fateful events when revolutionaries massacred the Palace guards & dragged the then King Louis XVI & his wife Marie Antoinette back to Paris, where they were brutally guillotined.

The seat of power moved back to Paris & after 1830, the Chateau was converted into the Museum of the History of France.   

The huge Chateau, with 700 rooms are replete with gilded cornices, frescoed ceilings & carved details, has undergone relatively few alterations since its construction, though almost all the interior furnishings disappeared during the Revolution. The King’s Suite of the Grands Appartements du Roi et de la Reine (King’s & Queen’s State Apartments), for example, includes rooms dedicated to Hercules, Venus, Diana, Mars & Mercury. The opulence reaches its peak in the Galerie des Glaces (Hall of Mirrors), a 75 metres long Ballroom with 17 huge mirrors on one side & on the other, an equal number of windows looking out over the Gardens & the setting sun. Many of the rooms were rebuilt later by King Louis-Philippe (r 1830 - 48).

Any visit to Versailles must include seeing the King's Grand Chambers, the Grand Trianon & Marie-Antoinette's famous estate where she went to play at being a simple country girl. Also, admire the spectacular Hall of Mirrors, a unique room in which guests were received & impressed and overlooks the Palace’s breath-taking famously formal gardens with geometrically designed walkways, fountains, canals & terraces.

The section of the vast Gardens nearest the Palace, laid out between 1661 & 1700 in the formal French style, is famed for its geometrically aligned terraces, flower beds, tree-lined paths, ponds & fountains. The 400 odd statues of marble, bronze & lead were made by the most talented sculptors of the era.

Oriented to reflect the sunset, the Grand Canal, 1.6 km long & 62 metres wide, is traversed by the 1km long Petit Canal, creating a cross-shaped body of water with a perimeter of more than 5.5 km. On the southwestern side of the Palace, the Orangerie, built under the Parterre du Midi (Southern Flowerbed), shelters tropical plants in winter. At the eastern end of the Grand Canal, built in 1688, is Apollo’s chariot pulled by rearing horses - Bassin d’Apollon, emerging from the water in the centre.

The Gardens’ largest fountains include the 17^th century Bassin de Neptune, a dazzling mirage of 99 spouting gushers 300 metres north of the Palace, whose straight side abuts a small pond graced by a winged Dragon (Grille du Dragon). On the same days as the Grandes Eaux Musicales fountain displays, the Bassin de Neptune is also activated to flow for 10 minutes.

Northwest of Versailles’ main Palace is the Domaine de Trianon which includes the pink-colonnaded Grand Trianon, built in 1687 for Louis XIV & his family to escape the rigid etiquette of the Court; the ochre-coloured 1760s Petit Trianon, redecorated in 1867 by consort of Napoleon III, Empress Eugenie, who added Louis XVI style furnishings & the 1784 completed Hameau de la Reine, a mock village of thatched cottages where Marie Antoinette played milkmaid. The English-style Jardins du Petit Trianon are more pastoral & have meandering, sheltered paths.

Enjoy your free time strolling through the Gardens of Versailles and admire the 386 works of art (including more than 200 statues), fountains, ponds, flower beds, and trees. During the Summer months, a range of activities are organised, such as the Grandes Eaux Musicales, when the fountains are made to dance to music.

The tour of Versailles concludes & you hop on the bus to return to Paris at the starting point by 12.45 pm.

Immediately, board another vehicle (same Departure Point) & accompanied by the Tour-guide, proceed to see world's largest Museum. Your priority access ticket will allow you to follow your Guide straight into the world's largest museum. No need to stand in line!

This - 2.5 hour - Tour offers the perfect opportunity to learn about the Louvre Museum's huge collection & its greatest works of art, such as the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo & the Coronation of Napoleon.

It isn’t until you’re standing in the vast courtyard of the Louvre, with its glass Pyramid & ornate façade, that you can truly say you have been to Paris.

Spend time discovering these collections with the Tour-guide, who will show you some of the Museum's most famous works & narrate stories that lie behind them.

Holding tens of thousands of works of art - from Mesopotamian, Egyptian & Greek antiquities to masterpieces by artists such as da Vinci (including his incomparable Mona Lisa), Michelangelo & Rembrandt - it is no surprise that this is one of the world’s most visited Museums. The Louvre contains works of art & artisanship from all over Europe as well as priceless collections of antiquities. The Louvre’s raison d’être is essentially to present Western art (primarily French & Italian, but also Dutch & Spanish) from the Middle Ages to about 1848 - at which point the Musee d’Orsay takes over - as well as works from ancient civilisations that formed the West's cultural foundations.

Long before its modern incarnation, the vast Palais du Louvre originally served as a fortress constructed by Philippe-Auguste in the 12^th century; it was rebuilt in the mid 16^th century as a royal residence in the Renaissance style. The Revolutionary Convention turned it into a National Museum in 1793. When the Museum opened in the late 18^th century it contained 2500 paintings & objets d’art; the ‘Grand Louvre’ project inaugurated by the late President François Mitterrand in 1989 doubled the Museum’s exhibition space and both new & renovated Galleries have opened in recent years devoted to objets d’art such as the crown jewels of Louis XV. The Islamic Art galleries are in the restored Cour Visconti.

After your guided tour concludes, the Tour-guide will leave & you can spend time exploring other parts of the Museum at your own pace.

The sheer size of the place can be overwhelming. However, there is an array of self-guided 1½ hours thematic trails ranging from a Louvre Masterpieces Trail to the Art of Eating, plus several for kids (hunt lions, galloping horses). Even better are the Louvre’s self-paced multimedia audio-guides. Conventional English language guided tours depart from the Hall Napoleon Hall, which has free English-language maps. The main entrance is through the 21 metres high Grande Pyramide, a glass Pyramid designed by the Chinese-American architect IM Pei (1917 -2019).

In case you plan to come back again, long security queues outside the Pyramid can be avoided by entering the Louvre complex via the underground shopping centre Carrousel du Louvre, or the Porte des Lions entrance.

Return to the hotel (on your own).

Balance of the day is at leisure to relax or for independent exploration (we would be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements for any of the Optional program if you want to go out again).

Overnight.    

Today, you have a day at leisure to explore independently (we will of course, be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements for any Optional activities).

You can start your breakfast with a delicious hot baguette & butter croissants. You can enjoy the village atmosphere between cafes & good food stalls.

Coming to Paris is a taste of the Parisian way of life, synonymous with style & fashion shopping is the city’s forte. Paris remains at the forefront of international trends and browsing emerging & established designer boutiques & flagship haute couture houses is a quintessential part of any visit.

The best way to explore Paris is to start with the Ile de la Cite, the cradle of the ancient Lutece where Notre-Dame de Paris, a jewel of Gothic art, has watched over the Seine for more than 850 years. In the nearby Latin Quarter, the vestiges, Baths of Cluny unfold the thread of ancient history while the streets, Mouffetard in the lead, evoke the Middle Ages.

To get up to speed, nothing like Paris, the smart city! You can smell the wildest trends of urban tourism, between perched vegetable gardens & immersive exhibitions. And one watches for the new places that are inventing themselves, giving the beautiful part to young creators of all kinds, of stylism or night: the Ateliers de Paris, dedicated to the crafts of arts, design & fashion and their ephemeral boutiques, hangars turned into electro clubs or “popu” balls in former Municipal Funeral Home!

In the afternoon, you may take an obligatory break at the Cafe de Flore, the capital of literary Paris.

In the evening, take out your Louboutin pumps to listen to an Opera in the modern setting of the Bastille Opera or under the ors of the Opera Garnier. You can also go to the Moulin Rouge or the Lido to applaud the dancers of the new French Cancan.

Overnight.    

Today, wake up early and proceed to the Pick-up point - before 07:00 am - to embark on a full day - 14 hour - excursion to the quaint & charming town of Bruges in Belgium's Flemish region.

This popular day trip - 4 hours each way - takes you through northern France to one of Belgium's most appealing towns, not far from the North Sea, where you will get a walking tour & free time to explore.

Bruges canals, Antwerp fashion, decadent chocolate, mussels & chips, belfries & castles, crazy carnivals, Tintin & Trappist beers… how could anyone call Belgium boring?!

Belgium’s biggest draws are its medieval town cores, home to a bounty of UNESCO sites & many a delightful cafe-bar serving some of the planet's finest beers. But there is so much more, from stalactite-filled caves to post-industrial heritage, forest-edged kayaking rivers & rural chateaux to sandy North Sea beaches. Cutting-edge Museums & finely endowed Galleries unveil the complex history of what has been a crucible of European art, from the Flemish Primitives, through Rubens' voluptuous nymphs & art nouveau's sinuous curves to bizarre surrealism, comic strips & 21^st century fashion. Belgium also hosts some of the world’s weirdest carnivals.

Compact & small, Belgium is a place of striking contrasts: linguistic, cultural & topographic. Most of the historic ‘art’ cities lie in predominantly flat, Dutch-speaking Flanders, seducing visitors with medieval belfries, magical market squares & step-gabled houses that often overlook pretty urban canals.

Dotted with superb Museums & Galleries, these cities are close together & seamlessly interconnected. In contrast, despite some intriguing post-industrial cities, much of hilly, French-speaking Wallonia is profoundly rural with spectacular caves, impressive castles & bucolic valleys.

Talking about Bruges in the northwest - it is one of the most beautifully preserved fairy-tale medieval towns in Europe. From its sheer beauty to its history to its opportunities for people watching, beer indulging & Museums, Bruges is great place to stop. Picturesque cobbled lanes of old whitewashed almshouses with elaborately decorated facades, medieval buildings & dreamy 'venice-esque' Canals link photogenic Market Squares lined with soaring Towers & historical Churches with an antiquated feel. The intact medieval centre of this exquisite UNESCO World Heritage listed town looks like a living canvas painted by a Flemish old master. Its port, Zeebrugge, is an important center for fishing & European trade. The compact city, full of Flemish architectural wonders, bottle green canals & a cobbled city centre, is extremely walkable.

Upon arrival, your guided sightseeing begins with a walk through the city's medieval heart.

In the city center’s Burg Square, the beautiful 14^th century Stadhuis (City Hall) features a fanciful facade that is 2^nd only to Leuven’s for exquisitely turreted Gothic excess. The exterior is smothered with replica statues of the Counts & Countesses of Flanders, the originals having been torn down in 1792 by French soldiers. Inside, an audio-guide explains numerous portraits in somewhat excessive detail before leading you upstairs to the astonishing Gotische Zaal (Gothic Hall) which has an ornate polychromatic ceiling dripping with medieval carvings. Murals depicting the town's history add to the room's magnificence.

The western end of the Stadhuis morphs into the Basiliek van het Heilig Bloed which takes its name from a phial supposedly containing a few drops of Christ’s blood that was brought here after the 12^th century Crusades. Downstairs, is the Basilica’s contrasting bare-stone 12^th century Romanesque Chapel, a meditative place that is almost devoid of decoration. Upstairs is another colorfully adorned Chapel & Treasury where the relic is hidden behind a flamboyant silver tabernacle & brought out for pious veneration daily at 02.00 pm. There is also a jewel-studded Reliquary in which the phial is mounted on Ascension Day for Bruges’ biggest annual parade, the Heilig-Bloedprocessie.

Nearby, Markt Square is lined with pavement cafes beneath step-gabled facades. The buildings aren't always quite as medieval as they look, but together they create a fabulous scene; even the neo-Gothic former Post Office is architecturally magnificent. The scene is dominated by the Belfort, Belgium's most famous 13^th century Belfry with a 47 bell Carillon & iconic 83 metre high octagonal Tower (it is possible to climb the 366 claustrophobic steps to the top for panoramic views across the Spires & red-tiled rooftops towards the wind turbines & giant cranes of Zeebrugge, for those healthy folks who are so inclined).

Bruges crafts some of the most luxurious lace, famous world wide. Pop into one of the lace shops dotted around the city to buy a lace souvenir, or better yet visit the Lace Centre to learn more about the history of lace in the city.

Picturesque Bruges offers Flemish cuisine known for its fries & waffles, as well as beef stew with braised chicory, seafood, including sea bass & oysters, Belgian endive & of course, Brussels sprouts.

After the guided ‘walking’ tour concludes, you will have free time afterwards to pursue your own interests, perhaps visiting the Museum of Flemish Art or browsing for handmade lace & Belgian chocolates to nibble on during the coach ride back to Paris!

In summer (April to October) you can even enjoy a short cruise down Bruges famous canals to see this lovely old city known as the "Little Venice of the North", from the water.

Depart for Paris - around 05:00 pm - & arrive around 10.00 pm at the Departure Point.

Make your own way to the hotel.

Overnight.   

Alas, like all good things, the wonderful experience comes to an end. Time to say to say au revoir to enchanting France & fly to an equally enchanting destination.  

From the baguette, the bicycle & the beret, to the cutting contemporary edge of art, architecture & fashion, France is a country that dances to the contrasting tunes of tradition & modernity with perfect poise. Steeped in history, but not stuck in it, it delivers the expected & the unexpected in equal measure, making your 50^th visit as fun as your 1^st. and we are sure that this short glimpse will entice you to come back & discover the rest of this mesmerizing country.

Early morning, you will be transferred to Terminal ? - Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport for your short flight to Rome. 

Arrive in, Italy’s hot-blooded capital & one of the world’s most romantic & charismatic cities, Rome with its heady mix of haunting ruins, awe-inspiring art & vibrant street life.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? – Rome Fumiciano Airport, subsequent to Immigration & Customs, you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort, transfer you to the hotel, help you settle in & provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area as well as discuss the program for the next day.

If, for any reason you are unable to make contact with our representative within 30 minutes of waiting, please call the local Emergency telephone # listed on your Contact List. Please follow the advice given by our 24 / 7 Duty Officer.  Please do not exit the Airport & make your own way to the hotel.

Reach the hotel & Check-in.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

Balance of the morning / afternoon is at leisure to relax or independent exploration or optional activities (we shall be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements). 

There simply is no way to tour Europe & not be awestruck by its natural beauty, epic history & dazzling artistic & culinary diversity. From the thrill of fresh powder on the mountain top to the peace of a twilight stroll through a gorgeous medieval town, Europe is a place that stimulates your sense of curiosity. Through shared history, cultural diversity, & natural beauty, this continent inspires connections, experiences & memories that stretch beyond borders.

Home to many of the world's greatest works of art, architecture and gastronomy, Italy elates, inspires & moves like no other.

Italy's cities each have a unique character with a wide range of attractions. Epicentre of the Roman Empire & birthplace of the Renaissance, this European virtuoso groans under the weight of its cultural cachet.

Amongst the masterpieces housed in Cathedrals, Museums & Galleries are Michelangelo's David & Sistine Chapel frescoes, Botticelli's Birth of Venus & Primavera & da Vinci's The Last Supper. In fact, Italy has more UNESCO World Heritage cultural sites than any other country on Earth. Should you walk in the footsteps of ancient Romans in Pompeii, revel in Ravenna's glittering Byzantine treasures or get breathless over Giotto's revolutionary frescoes in Padua?

In few places do art & life intermingle so effortlessly. This may be the land of Dante, Titian & Verdi, but it is also the home of Prada, Massimo Bottura & Renzo Piano. Beauty, style & flair furnish every aspect of daily life, from those immaculately knotted ties & seamless espressos to the flirtatious smiles of striking strangers.

One day you are tearing down Courmayeur's powdery slopes, the next you could be galloping across the marshes of the Maremma, or diving in coral-studded Campanian waters. After a day of exploring or sightseeing, finding a local trattoria for a taste of Italy each evening is always a highlight. The Italians are, after all the masters of pizza & pasta and a traditional gelatto during the day always refreshes things nicely too. And, why not also enjoy a visit to a vineyard, olive grove or cheese producer & sample their fares. Not bad for a country not much bigger than Arizona.

Ah…Rome - there is simply no place like it.

A trip to Rome is as much about lapping up the dolce vita lifestyle as gorging on art & culture. It is about relaxing into the city's Mediterranean rhythms & idling around the picturesque streets. Whiling away hours at street side cafes & people-watching on pretty Piazzas are an integral part of the Roman experience. The tempo rises as the heat of the day fades into the evening cool & the fashionably dressed aperitivo (aperitif) crowd descends on the city's bars & cafes. Restaurants & trattorias hum with activity & cheerful hordes mill around popular haunts before heading off to cocktail bars & late-night clubs.

Few cities can rival Rome's astonishing artistic heritage. Throughout history, the city has starred in the great upheavals of Western art, drawing top artists & inspiring them to push the boundaries of creative achievement. The result is a city awash with priceless treasures. Ancient statues adorn world-class Museums; Byzantine mosaics & Renaissance frescoes dazzle in art-rich Churches; baroque facades flank medieval Piazzas. Stroll through the centre & without even trying you will come across masterpieces by the titans of European art – sculptures by Michelangelo, paintings by Caravaggio, frescoes by Raphael & fountains by Bernini.

The result of 3000 years of ad hoc urban development, Rome's cityscape is an exhilarating spectacle. Ancient icons such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Pantheon recall Rome's time as the fearsome hub of the Roman Empire, the caput mundi (capital of the world), while catacombs & clandestine Churches hark back to the early days of Christianity. Lording it over the Vatican, St Peter's Basilica is the greatest of the city's monumental Basilicas, a towering masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. Elsewhere, ornate Piazzas & elaborate Churches add a baroque flourish to the city's historic streets.

Eating out is one of Rome's great pleasures & the combination of romantic alfresco settings & superlative food is a guarantee of good times. For contemporary fine dining & 5* wine, there are any number of refined restaurants, but for a truly Roman meal head to a boisterous Pizzeria or convivial neighbourhood Trattoria. That is where the locals go to indulge their passion for thin, crispy pizzas, humble pasta dishes & cool white wines from the nearby Castelli Romani hills. To finish off, what can beat a gelato followed by a shot of world-beating coffee?

The Eternal City is one of the world's most beautiful & inspiring capitals. The well-preserved remains of the capital of the Roman Empire stand alongside modern Rome creating a city like no other with wonderful opportunities for exploration. From the Coliseum & Forum to St. Peter's Basilica & the Vatican Museum, the city's fine art & architecture are arguably second to none. Famous fountains & Squares sit amidst cosmopolitan shops & amenities.

Overnight.  

Morning, proceed (on your own) to Metro station entrance in Piazza di Spagna to meet the Tour-guide & embark on a - 3 hour - “walking” tour of Rome.

Ask any local about the best way to spend a day in Rome & they are likely to recommend “il dolce far niente”, the sweetness of doing nothing. The best way to experience Rome is to spend a day wandering its streets, enjoying hidden gems & lively Piazzas in the historical core of the city - sites like the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon & Piazza Navona. Let the Eternal City enchant you as you stroll through its picturesque cobblestone alleyways & discover some of the world’s most famous sites, all in a single afternoon!

Our guided Tour does just that, visiting all the most important sights of central Rome & a few of its unsung heroes. Let the city enchant you as you stroll through its picturesque cobblestone alleyways & discover some of the world’s most famous sites, all in a single morning!

We start at the “door to Rome”, Piazza del Popolo, with its twin churches & ancient Egyptian Obelisk. Once upon a time these were placed as markers for new arrivals to indicate a passage between the most important Churches in the city.

Then, it is on to the Spanish Steps, one of the most atmospheric spots in Rome. From there we trace a path through the cobbled streets of the city to the colossal Trevi Fountain, part water feature, part magnificent sculpture. Listen as the Guide explains the strange history behind this famous monument, including the reason why there’s one spot from which the entire structure is obscured.

You are now in the very heart of Rome now, where narrow streets snake out in every direction. Next stop will be the Pantheon with its famous occulus, a hole in the roof through which the sun shines & rain falls. Here you’ll see Raphael’s Tomb & learn about the real cause of the famous artist’s death.

Stop for a coffee, beer or wine break (your call, your payment) before paying homage to another incredible artist - Rome’s favorite sculptor, Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Perhaps the most beautiful Piazza in the city - Piazza Navona is home to spectacular Renaissance buildings & Bernini’s beautiful Fountain of Four Rivers, the sculpture that saved his reputation after he almost tore St. Peter’s Basilica in half.

The Tour ends in Campo dei Fiori, a favorite hangout among locals. The Square plays host to a Flower Market during the day, becoming one of the city’s hottest social spots after nightfall. Like so many of the sites you will visit on your tour, this Piazza has a history you never would have guessed. Lucky you have your Tour-guide on hand to educate & amuse you! Traveling in groups of 25 people or less, your stroll through the streets & Piazzas of Rome will be hassle-free & unhurried.

Return to the hotel (on your own).

Balance of the day is at leisure for independent exploration (we would be happy to offer suggestions or perhaps you might want to try one of the many Optional tours available here).

Overnight.  B 

Full day is at leisure for independent exploration (we would be happy to offer suggestions or perhaps you might want to try one of the many Optional tours available here).

Rome’s ancient roots uncoil throughout the city, flaunting icons like the Colosseum & Pantheon and priceless masterpieces by Bernini & Michelangelo.

With a lively artisan culture, breathtaking basilicas & a food scene that needs no introduction, there is a reason why la citta eterna has charmed travelers for centuries. You may want to visit the places which you saw only from the outside or explore where you did not go.

Check out the Vatican Museum Complex founded by Pope Julius II in the early 16^th century & enlarged by successive Pontiffs.

These Museums boast one of the world's greatest art collections, displayed along about 4 miles of halls & corridors, ranging from Egyptian mummies & Etruscan bronzes to ancient busts, old Masters & modern paintings. Highlights include the spectacular collection of classical statuary in the Museo Pio-Clementino, a suite of rooms frescoed by Raphael & the Michelangelo painted Sistine Chapel.

The Museums are housed in the lavishly decorated Halls & Galleries of the Palazzo Apostolico Vaticano (the original Vatican Palace nearer to St Peter’s) & the 15^th century Palazzetto di Belvedere - joined by 2 long galleries, on a vast 13.6-acre complex. On the inside are 3 courtyards: the Cortile della Pigna, the Cortile della Biblioteca & to the south, the Cortile del Belvedere.

Museo Chiaramonti & Braccio Nuovo is effectively the long corridor that runs down the east side of the Belvedere Palace, its walls lined with thousands of statues & busts representing everything from immortal gods to playful cherubs & ugly Roman patricians. Near the end of the hall, off to the right, is the Braccio Nuovo (New Wing), which contains a famous statue of the Nile as a reclining god covered by 16 babies.

Museo Gregoriano Egizio (Egyptian Museum) was founded by Pope Gregory XVI in 1839 & contains pieces taken from Egypt in Roman times. Fascinating exhibits include a fragmented statue of Ramses II on his throne, vividly painted sarcophagi dating from around 1000 BCE & a macabre mummy.

At the top of the 18^th century Simonetti staircase, the Museo Gregoriano Etrusco contains artifacts unearthed in the Etruscan Tombs of northern Lazio, as well as a superb collection of vases & Roman antiquities. Of particular interest is the Marte di Todi (Mars of Todi), a black bronze of a warrior dating from the late 5^th century BCE.

Rome’s tenacity is best illustrated in its ancient monuments, remarkably intact nearly 2000 years on.

Not to be missed is the iconic Colosseum, the mainstay of Italian tourism images & so many movies. Debuting in 80 AD, the behemoth 50,000 seat amphitheater famously hosted frenzied spectators who would watch Gladiators facing off against each other or wild animals. No photograph can prepare you for the thrill of seeing it for the first time. More than any other monument, this iconic masterpiece symbolizes the power & drama of ancient Rome & still today it is an electrifying sight.

Right next to it is the Roman Forum, a bustling stretch of Markets & Temples in its heyday, encompassing must-see sights like the Arco di Settimio Severo & Tempio di Saturno. To walk through the tumbledown ruins in what was once the heart of the Roman Empire, is to retrace the footsteps of the great figures of Roman history - people like Julius Caesar, Augustus & Pompey.

Rome's 7 hills offer some superb vantage points for memorable photos. Palatino (Palatine Hill) where Romulus allegedly founded the city in 753 BCE, is one of the best. It is a gorgeous green expanse of evocative ruins, towering pine trees & stunning views that rise above the Roman Forum.

Overnight.  B 

Morning, transfer (on your own) to Station Roma Termini to board your highspeed train to Florence.

On arrival at Florence Station Santa Maria Novella, you will be welcomed by a Journeys Rep / Driver (holding a placard with your Name), waiting right outside your carriage door, who will ensure your comfort, transfer you to the hotel, help you settle in & provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area as well as discuss the program for the next day.

If, for any reason you are unable to make contact with our representative within 30 minutes of waiting, please call the local Emergency telephone # listed on your Contact List. Please follow the advice given by our 24 / 7 Duty Officer.  Please do not exit the Station & make your own way to the hotel.

Reach the hotel & Check-in.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

Balance of the morning / afternoon is at leisure to relax or independent exploration or optional activities (we shall be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements). 

Art & Architecture | Culinary Delights | Stylish Shopping | La Dolce Vita

More than any other Italian city, Florence is associated with the creative spirits who established the Renaissance. The most important poet of the late Middle Ages, Dante Alighieri, was a Florentine. Thriller author Dan Brown recently brought him into the 21^st century in his novel "Inferno".

Few cities so compact in size are so packed with extraordinary art & architecture masterpieces at every turn. The urban fabric of this small city, on the banks of the Arno river in northeastern Tuscany, has hardly changed since the Renaissance & its narrow cobbled streets are a cinematic feast of elegant 15^th – 16^th century Palazzi (palaces), medieval candle-lit Chapels, fresco-decorated Churches, marble Basilicas & world-class Art Museums brimming with paintings & sculptures by Botticcelli, Michelangelo et al. Unsurprisingly, the entire city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In the 14^th century, under the ruling Medici family, the quintessential Renaissance man, Leonardo da Vinci, the architect Filippo Brunelleschi & the sculptor & painter Michelangelo, all living in Firenze, rose to be the most important artists of their time. They made the city into the cradle of Renaissance & in doing so, a center of the arts in Europe, to this day.

Italy's fashion industry was born & bred here in 1951 before Milan took over the role of leader in the 1970s. To this day, expensive made-to-measure fashion is firmly established here. Homegrown designers Guccio Gucci, Roberto Cavalli & Salvatore Ferragamo opened haute-couture boutiques in Florence in the 1920s & shopping in the Tuscan capital has been stylish ever since. A-lister fashion houses among them Bulgari, Prada & Armani, can be found around the shopping street Via de' Tornabuoni & a Pandora's box of specialist boutiques selling all manner of beautiful objects parade alongside family-run botteghe (workshops) in a glorious tangle of medieval backstreets. From here to the Via Roma & Via Calimala, there is a wealth of luxury brands. Watch 4^th generation Florentine Goldsmiths & Shoemakers at work, buy artisan scents evocative of the Florentine countryside & Tuscan sea breeze & know the tag 'Fiorentina' is one of the finest international labels going.

Quality produce sourced locally, seasonally & sustainably is the holy trinity & Florentines share an enormous pride in their culinary tradition. Their city, surrounded by wine-rich hills, is a gourmet paradise where eating & drinking exceedingly well is mandatory. Be it a traditional bowl of earthy ribollita (bean, bread & veg soup), a tripe panino at a family-run food truck or a blue T-bone steak served in a market Trattoria unchanged since 1915, dining in Florence is timeless & memorable. Raw cuisine, fish bistros, craft cocktails & the dazzling creativity of modern young Tuscan chefs add contemporary edge.

Stand on a bridge over the Arno river several times in a day & the light, mood & view changes every time. At sunset hike to Piazzale Michelangelo to be dazzled by a palette embracing every known shade of soft pink, orange & fiery amber. Surprisingly, small as it is, this riverside city looms large on the world's 'must-see' list & not just for its unmatched treasure chest of art. Rich in culture, backdropped by history & anchored by family, faith & food, the Florentine lifestyle is enviably sweet. Enjoy a go-slow afternoon passeggiata, indulge in an aperitivo at dusk, savour la dolce vita…

Handicrafts also have great significance in Florence. In the 12^th century, the city's wealth was based on working in wool & silk. Now hand-made shoes, leather goods & jewelry are sought-after Florentine specialties.

Cradle of the Renaissance & world-class art, magnetic Firenze is romantic & busy. Its urban fabric has hardly changed since the Renaissance, its narrow streets evoke a thousand tales.

Overnight.  B 

Morning, proceed (on your own) to Piazza Stazione to meet the Tour-guide & start a short - 2 hour - orientation “walking” tour of the City Centre.

Florence is made for walking, The city is noted for its culture, Renaissance art, architecture & monuments and numerous acclaimed Museums & Art Galleries, such as the Uffizi Gallery & the Palazzo Pitti, which still exerts an influence in the fields of art, culture & politics.

It is impossible not to be completely & utterly seduced by the sheer size & grandeur of Brunelleschi's red Cathedral dome on Piazza del Duomo or by the sensual beauty of a stash of lesser-known Michelangelo sculptures that no one really talks about.

Florence's Museums, Palaces & Churches house some of the greatest artistic treasures in the world. The most popular & important sites include the Cathedral, the Baptistery, the Uffizi, the Bargello & Accademia. The Churches of Santa Maria Novella & Santa Croce are veritable art galleries & the Library of San Lorenzo is a magnificent exhibition of Michelangelo's architectural genius.

You will pass by the Franciscan Church of Santa Croce. A short walk through the historic streets of the heart of Florence brings you to the famous Piazza Signoria, where you can admire the imposing Palazzo Vecchio (exterior), the beautiful Loggia del Lanzi, Giotto Bell Tower & Duomo.

Palazzo Vecchio - a fortress palace, with its crenellations & 94 metre high Torre d'Arnolfo (Tower) with unforgettable views, was designed by Arnolfo di Cambio between 1298 & 1314 for the Signoria (city government). Today, it is home to the Mayor's office & the Municipal Council. Inside, Michelangelo's Genio della Vittoria (Spirit of Victory) sculpture graces the Salone dei Cinquecento, a magnificent painted hall created for the city's 15^th century ruling Consiglio dei Cinquecento (Council of 500). During their short time in office the 9 Priori (consuls) - guild members picked at random - of the Signoria lived in the Palace. Every 2 months 9 new names were pulled out of the hat, ensuring ample comings & goings.

In 1540, Cosimo I made the Palace his ducal residence & centre of government, commissioning Giorgio Vasari to renovate & decorate the interior. What impresses is the 53 metre long, 22 metre wide Salone dei Cinquecento with swirling battle scenes, painted by Vasari & his apprentices. These glorify Florentine victories by Cosimo I over arch-rivals Pisa & Siena: unlike the Sienese, the Pisans are depicted bare of armour (play 'Spot the Leaning Tower').

To top off this unabashed celebration of his own power, Cosimo had himself portrayed as a god in the centre of the exquisite panelled ceiling - but not before commissioning Vasari to raise the original ceiling 7 metre in height. It took Vasari & his school, in consultation with Michelangelo, just 2 years (1563 - 65) to construct the ceiling & paint the 34 mesmerising gold-leafed panels.

Wander some of the oldest streets in the city until you reach the Arno River, cross the Ponte Vecchio & experience the "newest" area of the city, the Oltrarno.

The sightseeing concludes & balance of the day is at leisure for independent exploration (we would be happy to offer suggestions or perhaps you might want to try one of the many Optional tours available here).

Be sure to set aside time to see the vast & varied art collection housed in the Palazzo Pitti, the former official residence of the Dukes of Tuscany.  

Italy's only state Fashion Museum is located in a wing of the Palazzo. The "Galleria del Costume" shows such treasures as an evening gown inspired by the lavish garments in the Renaissance painting "La Primavera" (Spring) by Sandro Botticelli. With this design, Florentine seamstress Rosa Genoni not only stole the show from the leading Parisian couturiers at the World Exposition of 1906; she also used her celebrity to campaign for better conditions for seamstresses in Florence.

Forays into quarters such as Santo Spirito, Santa Croce & San Frediano are well worth it as well. Hip fashion boutiques spring up next to trendy Pubs; tucked between them is a re-invigorated Silk Mill from the 18^th century - the Antico Setificio Fiorentino - which weaves & sells fabrics in historical patterns, made on pre-industrial looms. You can also find Studios of wood gilders & copperplate engravers in these districts.

If you want to take home a special souvenir made of wood, go back over the Ponte Vecchio bridge into the old town & buy a Pinocchio head from Bartolucci. The traditional artisans' & jewelers' area has always been around in the old town. In the 14^th century, butchers & tanners who threw their waste into the river were residents here. That changed with a decree by the Medici in 1565, which settled goldsmiths in the shops on the bridge, making hand-made costume jewelry.

The long-established Florentine cafes include not only the Caffe Scudieri on the Cathedral Square but also the Caffe Gilli. Since 1733, Florentines have been sipping cappuccino for breakfast, with the popular dolci, sweet pastries. One kind of dolce has made it from Florence to the whole world: the biscuits with almonds called cantuccini, also called "biscotti di Prato" for the town of Prato, where a confectioner, Antonio Mattei, is said to have baked them for the first time. 

When you grow weary of Museums & monuments, head outdoors. Spend a day at the Boboli Gardens or climb the hill to the Church of San Miniato al Monte to experience an enchanting view of Florence.

Return to the hotel (on your own) whenever you have had enough of Firenze.

Overnight.  B 

Morning, transfer (on your own) to the Station Santa Maria Novella, to board your Train for Venice.

On arrival at Venice Santa Lucia Station, you will be welcomed by a Journeys Rep / Driver, (holding a placard with your Name), waiting right outside your carriage door, who will ensure your comfort, transfer you to the hotel, help you settle in & provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area as well as discuss the program for the next day.

If, for any reason you are unable to make contact with our representative within 30 minutes of waiting, please call the local Emergency telephone # listed on your Contact List. Please follow the advice given by our 24 / 7 Duty Officer.  Please do not exit the Station & make your own way to the hotel.

Reach the hotel & Check-in.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

Balance of the morning / afternoon is at leisure to relax or independent exploration or optional activities (we shall be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements). 

Epic Grandeur | Venetian Feasts | Artful Lifestyle | Defying Conventions

Imagine the audacity of building a city of marble Palaces on a lagoon - & that was only the start.

The entire city of romantic Venice, capital of northern Italy’s Veneto region dating back to the Middle-ages, made up of over 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea, famous for its canals & bridges & of course its Gondolas & Gondoliers, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It has no roads, just canals. Never was a thoroughfare so aptly named as the Grand Canal, reflecting the glories of centuries of Venetian architecture in the Renaissance & Gothic 50 Palazzi & 6 Churches lining its banks.

The city built on water was never afraid to attempt the impossible. When plague struck, Venice consulted its brain trust of Mediterranean doctors, who recommended a precaution that has saved untold lives since: quarantine. Under attack by Genovese rivals, Venice’s Arsenale shipyards innovated the assembly line, producing a new warship every day to defeat Genoa. After Genoa backed Christopher Columbus' venture to the New World, Venice's shipping fortunes began to fade - but the iconic city was not about to relinquish the world stage, going on to become the launching pad for baroque music & modern opera.

At the end of Venice’s signature S-shaped waterway, the central Square, Piazza San Marco, contains St. Mark’s Basilica tiled with Byzantine mosaics, Palazzo Ducale & Basilica di San Marco & the Campanile Bell-tower offering views of the city’s red roofs. But, wait until you see what is hiding in the narrow backstreets: neighbourhood Churches lined with Veroneses & priceless Marbles, convents graced with ethereal Bellinis, Tiepolo’s glimpses of heaven on homeless-shelter ceilings & a single Titian painting that mysteriously lights up an entire Basilica.

Venetians are used to setting trends, whether it be with controversial artwork in the Punta della Dogana, racy Operas at La Fenice or radical new tech start-ups challenging Silicon Valley giants.  

On a smaller scale, this unconventional creative streak finds vibrant expression in the showrooms of local artisans where you can find custom-made red-carpet shoes, purses fashioned from silk-screened velvet & glass jewels brighter than semi-precious stones. Eyeglasses, platform shoes & uncorseted dresses are outlandish Venetian fashions that continental critics sniffed would never be worn by respectable Europeans. In a world of cookie-cutter culture, Venice’s originality still stands out.

When prolific Ghetto publishing houses circulated Renaissance ideas, Rome banned Venice from publishing books. The city was excommunicated for ignoring such bans - but when savvy street smart Venice withheld tithes, Rome recanted. Venice’s artistic triumphs over censorship now grace the magnificent Gallerie dell’Accademia.

Garden islands & lagoon aqua-culture yield speciality produce & seafood you won’t find elsewhere - all highlighted in inventive Venetian cuisine, with tantalising traces of ancient spice routes. The city knows how to put on a royal spread, as France’s King Henry III once found out when faced with 1200 dishes & 200 bonbons. Today, such feasts are available in miniature at happy hour, when bars mount lavish spreads of cicheti (Venetian tapas). Save room & time for a proper sit-down Venetian meal, with lagoon seafood to match views at canalside bistros & toasts with Veneto’s signature bubbly, prosecco.

Pity the day trippers dropped off at San Marco with a mere 3 hours to take in Venice. That’s about enough time for one long gasp at the show-stopper that is Piazza San Marco, but not nearly enough time to see what else Venice is hiding. Staying longer in this fairy-tale city, you will discover the pleasures of la bea vita (the beautiful life) that only locals know: the wake-up call of the gondoliers' ‘Ooooeeeee!’, a morning spritz in a sunny Campo (Square), lunch in a crowded Bacaro (bar) with friends & fuschia-pink sunsets that have sent centuries of artists mad.

Venice is unique environmentally, architecturally & historically and in its days as a republic, the city was styled la serenissima (“the most serene” or “sublime”). It remains a major Italian port in the northern Adriatic Sea & is one of the world's oldest tourist & cultural centres.

Overnight.  B 

Morning, proceed (on your own) to Tourist Information Office, San Marco where you will meet the Tour-guide & embark short - 2 hour - orientation “walking” tour passing through the most characteristic & important places for the history of Venice recalling the former charm of this unique city.

You will walk past Piazza San Marco, Bell Tower, Clock Tower, Procuratie Santa Maria Formosa, Giovanni e Paolo - The "Pantheon" of Venice, the Great School of Charity, the Captains of fortune.

Stop at Palazzo Ducale - representing for centuries the seat of the Venetian political power. Holding pride of place on the waterfront, this pretty Gothic confection may be an unlikely setting for the political & administrative seat of a great 1000 year old Republic, but it is an exquisitely Venetian one.

Beyond its dainty colonnades & geometrically patterned facade of white Istrian stone & pale pink Veronese marble, lie grand rooms of state, plastered & immersed in hundreds of masterpieces of painting, the Doge's private apartments & a large complex of Council Chambers, Courts & Prisons. The Doge's Apartments are now used for temporary art exhibitions,

The Doge's official residence probably moved to this site in the 10^th century, although the current complex only started to take shape around 1340. In 1424 the wing facing the Piazzetta was added & the Palace assumed its final form, give or take a few major fires & refurbishments.

Walking through the grand central courtyard, a display of historic masonry (Museo dell'Opera) on the ground floor, a circuit of the main part of the Palace leads visitors through the state rooms, armoury, prisons & institutional rooms.

The most impressive parts of the Palace are at the top. Ascend Sansovino’s 24-carat gilt stucco-work Scala d’Oro (Golden Staircase) & emerge into rooms covered with gorgeous propaganda. In the Palladio-designed Sala delle Quattro Porte (Hall of the Four Doors), Ambassadors awaited ducal audiences under a lavish display of Venice's virtues. Few were granted an audience in the Palladio-designed Collegio (Council Room), where Veronese’s 1575 - 78 Virtues of the Republic ceiling shows Venice as a bewitching blonde figure waving her sceptre like a wand over Justice & Peace.

The cavernous 1419 Sala del Maggior Consiglio (Grand Council Hall) provides the setting for Domenico Tintoretto's swirling Paradise, a work that is more politically correct than pretty: heaven is crammed with 500 prominent Venetians, including several Tintoretto patrons. Veronese’s political posturing is more elegant in his oval Apotheosis of Venice ceiling, where gods marvel at Venice’s coronation by angels, with foreign dignitaries & blonde Venetians rubbernecking on the balcony below.

Continue on to Basilica San Marco, one of the most majestic Cathedrals of the world! Enjoy this masterpiece of byzantine art, unique of its kind in Italy savour the beautiful gold mosaics & marble inlays of the floors, sitting comfortably while the Tour-guide will show you the represented biblical scenes, the history & the particularities of this ancient Basilica. Admire The Pala d'oro, an, exquisite example of the byzantine art with its thousands of gems & precious stones; enjoy the view of the Treasury, a splendour of the religious art collected along the centuries.

Return to San Marco through the Mercerie, the main street for the city shopping, between Rialto Bridge & San Marco, where the Tour ends.

You may want to explore & discover independently & see as much of Venice as you can.

Though expensive but the most romantic thing to do in Venice, an experience not to be missed, is a Gondola cruise on the Canal. Perhaps the most recognisable symbol of Venice & may be, Italy. If you want to splurge, you can also have the Gondolier singing romantic & melancholy songs.

A gondola is a traditional narrow & long Venetian rowing boat, steered by a gondolier with the help of one long oar. Although these boats were the main (only) means of transport in Venice centuries ago, today, it carries tourists from one point of the city to the other. During the 17^th century, the Canals were packed. Nowadays, there are less than 100 Gondolas plying the waters.

Climb aboard & explore the Grand Canal, home to some of the most picturesque buildings in the city. Sail by the Church of Santa María della Salute, & other iconic masterpieces that you admired o your walking tour. The 30 minutes cruise meanders around the smaller canals in the area which surround the Teatro de La Fenice (different Boat operators may have different sailing routes). The tour ends back at the starting point.

Walk back to the hotel (on your own).

Overnight.  B

Alas, like all good things, the wonderful experience comes to an end. Time to say to say arrivederci to this enchanting country & go home.

Check-out of the hotel by 11:00 am (if the departure time is later in the evening, we will request the hotel to allow the use of the hotel facilities & leave the luggage at the Bell Desk if you want to go out). 

Bell'Italia! Repubblica Italiana, with a long Mediterranean coastline, has left a powerful mark on Western culture & cuisine. Cradle of European civilization - established by the Roman Empire, carried on by the Roman Catholic Church, Italian art, architecture & culture have had an influence around the world. Exploring Italy, you will stand face-to-face with some of the world's most iconic images from its 2,000 year history.

And we are sure you will come back to discover some more & we will be waiting to handle your arrangements.

 “Travel is like knowledge. The more you see the more you know you have not seen” - Mark Hertsgaard

In Venice, getting to the Airport is slightly unconventional. No roads.

In time, you will be met by a Journeys Rep, who will ensure your comfort & accompany as you walk down to the Pier nearest to your hotel, wheeling your luggage & hop aboard a waiting water taxi at your scheduled time. Sit back & enjoy the ‘shared’ ride as you cruise by spectacular Venetian scenery on your way to Venice Marco Polo Airport the airport for your onward journey. Buon Viaggio! B

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