8-Day Central, Southern and Western Europe Tour from Milan: Venice, Rome, Florence, Avignon and Lucerne

What you'll experience

Highlights

8 days

Day-by-day itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1 — [Sunday] Milan - Venice

   After meet up, we will drive ahead to Venice.

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Campanile Venice-Mestre ***
2. 2

   Day 2 — [Monday] Venice - Rome

   Spend the morning in the company of a knowledgeable local guide as you explore Venice, the most magical of cities. Begin with a waterbus ride to San Marco Island, a memorable crossing of the lagoon that gives you a real taste of the city's charm as you approach the dreamy spires and distinctive waterside buildings. Once on the island you'll be led around some of Venice's best-known locations, beginning in the Piazzo with the Basilica di San Marco, a stunning piece of Byzantine architecture.
   You'll also see the legendary Bridge of Sighs, which appears on many a postcard or picture of Venice and connects the old prison to the interrogation rooms in the Doge's Palace.
   Afterwards you'll have a chance to see some traditional Venetian craftwork at close quarters with a demonstration by Murano glassblowers; their exquisite creations make excellent souvenirs. Of course, the ultimate Venice activity is to ride through the warren of waterways on a gondola, and for most people this optional excursion is a must.  Step on board, relax and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Afterwards, you can wander through the ancient winding alleys, and visit nostalgic cafés or restaurants to enjoy a variety of delicious foods. Transfer to Rome in the afternoon.
    

   

   St. Mark's Square

   

   St. Mark's Basilica

   

   Bridge of Sighs (Venice)

   

   Grand Canal

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: IH Hotel Roma Z3 ***
3. 3

   Day 3 — [Tuesday] Rome - Vatican - Arezzo

   Morning departure to explore Rome's landmarks: the Arch of Constantine and the magnificent Vittoriano Monument. Afterwards, visit the Vatican City, the smallest country in the world, and tour St. Peter's Basilica, the largest church globally. This great structure, built during the European Renaissance, is the masterpiece of Italy's finest architects and artists, taking 120 years to complete. The dome of the cathedral is a perfect architectural marvel, and the square is grand and awe-inspiring. Inside the basilica, you'll find St. Peter's tomb, and Michelangelo's only signed sculpture, the "Pietà," remains housed here.
   In the afternoon, depart for Florence, known as the cradle of culture.
    

   

   Arch of Constantine

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Toscane Verde ****, A Point Arezzo Park Hotel ****, Hotel II Gentiluomo ****
4. 4

   Day 4 — [Wednesday] Arezzo - Florence - Pisa - Genoa

   Your voyage of cultural discovery continues as you get to know Florence, the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and home to some fabulous architecture and fine art. Begin the day by taking in a wonderful panoramic overview of the city from Piazzale Michelangelo, which boasts glorious vistas over the red roofs, Arno River and ancient city walls out towards the surrounding countryside.
   Next you can see a demonstration of the traditional craft of leather working at close quarters in a local workshop, and you’ll also have the opportunity to purchase some of the high-quality leather items for which the city is famous. From here you’ll enjoy a guided walk around Florence’s many highlights, including the Ponte Vecchio over the Arno, the Piazza del Duomo and Campanile Tower.
   You’ll pass the Uffizi Gallery, which contains one of the most notable art collections in Florence. You’ll have free time to see the city further, to shop or to watch the world go by from a street side cafe, before travelling on to your next destination, Pisa.
   Here you are free to wander, but be sure to have your camera ready to get a shot of the iconic Leaning Tower, the famous bell tower in the ‘Square of Miracles’, which also contains the centuries-old Cathedral and Baptistery, after that we are transferring towards a city nearby Genoa in the late evening for stay.
   Please note we will not visit the city Genoa.
    

   

   Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

   

   Ponte Vecchio, Florence

   

   Leaning Tower of Pisa

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Hotel Bobby Executive ***
5. 5

   Day 5 — [Thursday] Genoa - Monaco - Nice - Cannes - Avignon

   A breath-taking drive along one of Europe’s most famous stretches of Mediterranean coastline awaits as you say arrivederci to Italy and arrive in Monaco in the afternoon. This small principality, home to the famous Formula 1 Grand Prix. A walking sightseeing tour here takes you to the grand Prince’s Palace, where you’ll have some free time to soak up the refined atmosphere, before continuing on to view the 1920s Courthouse, the Cliffside Oceanographic Museum, and the Cathedral, where Grace Kelly is buried. The southern region of France is renowned for its perfume production. Along the way, pass through a town known for its perfume production and make a stop at a perfume factory for a tour. Tour members can take this opportunity to select their favourite fragrances. Next, it’s Nice, where you’ll stop for lunch to sample some excellent local cuisine and warm-hearted hospitality. Your journey continues to Cannes, where many a movie star has enjoyed the sweet smell of success. Be sure to take the opportunity to snap some photos of the Palais des Festival, home to the city’s annual international film festival, before transferring to overnight in a city nearby Avignon.
   Please note we will not visit the city Avignon.
    

   

   The Bay of Angels

   

   Promenade des Anglais

   

   Monaco Royal Palace

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Hotel Kyriad Orange Centre ***, Brit Hotel Avignon Sud ***, Ibis Styles Avignon Sud ***
6. 6

   Day 6 — [Friday] Avignon nearby city - Paris [From April, 2026: Avignon nearby city - Dijon - Paris ]

   Take a well-earned rest today as you sit back and enjoy great views of the changing rural charms of the French countryside on the journey north to Paris, where the tour finish.
   Starting from April, 2026: New itinerary to Dijon: Depart in the morning and arrive in Dijon around noon. Dijon has been the capital of the Burgundy region since the early 11th century and is known as the "City of the Dukes of Burgundy" due to its well-preserved historical landmarks. Its tranquility and simplicity are captivating, and wandering through the ancient medieval architecture is truly mesmerizing. Notable attractions include the Duke's Palace (now an art museum), Notre-Dame Cathedral, Liberté Street, the Gate of Guillaume, known as the "Little Arc de Triomphe", and Place François Rude. You can also enjoy a glass of Burgundy wine and experience the proud local wine culture.
   Note: Today includes long transfers with shorter sightseeing time.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Campanile Villejuif ***
7. 7

   Day 7 — [Saturday] Paris - Lucerne

   After boarding in Paris, sit back and enjoy a scenic journey across classic French countryside en route to mountainous Switzerland.
   You'll pass through Basel, which is located at the point where the Swiss, French and German borders meet. Upon arrival in Lucerne, visit the centuries-old Chapel Bridge and enjoy a stroll along Lake Lucerne. Explore the charming old streets lined with boutique shops, purchase local specialties such as Swiss chocolate and souvenirs, and visit renowned watch stores to shop for famous Swiss watches.
   Note: Today includes long transfers with shorter sightseeing time.
    

   

   Chapel Bridge

   

   Lake Lucerne

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Hotel Arcade ***, Prizeotel Affoltern am Albis***
8. 8

   Day 8 — [Sunday] Lucerne - Milan

   Head south from Lucerne through spectacular Switzerland and into northern Italy, where your first stop will be Milan, fashion capital of the world. Your orientation tour will introduce you to the city’s iconic sights, including the vast Gothic cathedral (Duomo). You’ll also see the planet’s oldest shopping mall, the 19th-century Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, where you can wander among the boutique shops and have lunch in one of the refined cafes.
    

   

   Duomo Square

   

   Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: Excluded

What's included

Meeting & drop-off

Cancellation policy

Important info

Tour operator