6-Day Milan to Paris Tour: Milan, Venice, Rome, Vatican City, Florence, Pisa, Monaco, Nice, Cannes

<p>Our trip starts with Milan's design and couture-conscious town. Highlights include Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the world's oldest shopping arcade; the iconic La Scala opera house; the storied Castle of Sforza; and the ostentatious Cathedral of Milan. Then it's off to Venice, the town of more than 150 canals stretched over 400 bridges. We're going to remain overnight in Venice or a nearby town.</p>

<p>We will bring you through this intriguing town of decorated palaces, lyrical rivers, captivating churches and amazing architecture after breakfast. On San Marco Square you will see the Basilica di San Marco, one of the finest examples of Byzantine architecture, and the Sighs Bridge linking the old prison with the Doge's Palace interrogation chambers. Afterwards, at a demonstration by Murano glassblowers, you will have a opportunity to see some traditional Venetian crafts. On a magnificent day in Venice, an optional gondola ride on the Grand Canal will bring the final touch. The evening's accommodation will be either in Rome or a nearby town.</p>

<p>After breakfast we will head directly to the Vatican's St. Peter's Basilica, originally built in 324 AD by Constantine the Great, rebuilt between 1506 and 1615 under the direction of several famous architects including Bramante, Raphael and Michelangelo. You can also join the optional tour of the Sistine Chapel to see the famous frescoes of Michelangelo.</p><p>Next you'll see the famous Trevi Fountain, the lavish Baroque showpiece where people flock to throw coins into the water–an action that is said to make sure that one day you'll be back in town. Take a step back in time after dinner as you visit the unrivaled Roman relics of Italy. Highly suggested is an optional guided tour of the Colosseum, constructed in 72 AD. History comes to life as you imagine in the amazing amphitheater witnessing gladiatorial fighting. You can also choose to walk around the outside at your leisure to admire this ancient wonder's façade.</p><p>Following the Colosseum, get close to Constantine's nearby Arch, dating back to the fourth century AD, then spend some more free time enjoying Rome, sampling the gelato's rich and creamy delights. After some free moment you can either visit the basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri close Piazza della Repubblica or go straight to the neighboring department store of Mitsukoshi for some severe shopping.</p>

<p>The sights and sounds of Florence, the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, will be introduced on this day. We will head up to the Michelangelo Piazzale for a panoramic perspective of Florence, then to a local workshop to see how the good leather goods of Florence are produced. We will then walk to the Ponte Vecchio over the Arno River, the Duomo, the Bell Tower of Giotto and the Uffizi, which houses one of the world's finest art collections. You will be free to wander at Pisa, our last stop of the day; be sure to have your camera ready when you enter the Miracle Square and the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Cathedral of Pisa and the Baptistery.</p>

<p>As we say goodbye to Italy and hello to Monaco, a breathtaking drive along one of the most sublime stretches of the Mediterranean shoreline awaits.</p><p></p><p>Our walking tour will bring us first to Monaco's Prince's Palace, then to the Courthouse, the Oceanographic Museum, and the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, Grace Kelly's resting place. We will then go to the Fragonard Perfume Factory to learn about the method of perfume making. You will be able to buy one of the fragrances for yourself at the end of the guided trip. Next we're going to visit Nice for a sample of the local cuisine.</p><p>We will stop in Cannes to see the Palais des Festivals et des Congres, host of the annual international film festival of the city, and then make our way to our hotel in Avignon Nord.</p>

<p>Take a well-earned rest today as you sit back and enjoy the rustic charm of the French countryside on our journey north to Paris, the Green Line terminus.</p><p></p>