11-Day Southern and Western Europe Tour from Lucerne/Milan: Venice, Rome, Avignon and Barcelona

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.
After enjoying the many delights of Milan, you’ll head to another vintage Italian city: Venice.
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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.
 

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.
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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.
 

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.
 

We will start the day in Avignon visiting the two must see landmarks. The Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes) and the Pont Saint-Bénézet, the broken bridge which is also know as Pont d’Avignon. The palace dates to the 14th century, with the support from the King of France the Roman church moved its capital thus making Avignon the second religious capital of the Roman-Catholic church.
In the afternoon we will depart to visit Gordes, famous from A Year in Provence, the book, written by Peter Mayle. The village of Gordes is made of limestone dating back to 1525 with its buildings rooting themselves into the steep cliff giving the village town its other names; the Stone City and the City in the Sky. The village is considered by the Association des plus villages de France one of France’s most beautiful villages.
Afterwards we will have a short stay at the Musee de la Lavande, the lavender museum, and the Abbaye de Sénanque which Catholic Cistercian originate from and the story background of the book A Year in Provence.
* Please note: Lavender is a seasonal plant which blooms from July till the beginning of August affected by climate, growth and harvesting periods, therefore we are unable to guarantee whether clients will see fresh lavender！
 

In the morning we will drive to Arles. The small town is famous because the well-known Dutch master of Impressionism, Vincent van Gogh, whom lived in the sanatorium of Arles from 1888 – 1889. Although Van Gogh stayed for only one year, that single year is considered the most productive period of his life. He painted more than two hundred oil paintings during his stay in Arles. Creating his world-renowned art pieces; The Langlois Bridge at Arles and The Café Terrace on the Place du Forum. It is a true unique experience to visit town and see what the Dutch master saw himself over a century ago. Other than enjoying the village’s connection with Van Gogh there are many ancient Roman ruins to behold. Arles has been listed as a key city since ancient Roman times.
In the afternoon we will leave Arles for the charming coastal city of Barcelona.
If time permits, upon arrival, everyone can participate in an optional program to visit the Olympic Beach.

In the morning, embark on a self-paid group activity and drive to the mountainous area to visit the "Montserrat Monastery,"Located on the famous Catalan Mountain. The well-known abbey is the most important religious shrine in Catalonia. The monastery is home to La Moreneta, the black Madonna. The black-faced Madonna statue holding the holy child in her lap is the guardian of the spirit and soul of the local people.
In the afternoon, explore the vibrant and charming city of Barcelona. The attractions include the Columbus Monument and La Rambla. Continue to visit the iconic Sagrada Familia, the masterpiece of the architectural genius Antoni Gaudí, known as the "architect poet." Afterward, visit the exterior of Camp Nou, the famous football stadium, for photos and souvenir shopping. Then, proceed to Montjuïc Hill to visit the Olympic Stadium, which hosted the 1992 Olympic Games. From the hill, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city. The remaining time is free for leisure activities at the bustling Catalunya Square. Return to the hotel after dinner.
* Note: Camp Nou will undergo major renovations starting from June 2023 and is expected to last for approximately 2 years.
* Reservation visit time: 15:00 - 15:30. Due to limited daily access control in Sagrada Família church, and to avoid disappoint, we recommend customer who strongly request to visit this place to book tickets online in advance on www.sagradafamilia.org.
 

After having breakfast at the hotel, you’ll leave Barcelona for Spain’s third largest city, Valencia. In Valencia's history, the city was celebrated as the gateway to the Mediterranean. It’s commercially and culturally rich, with Moorish and Arab culture and food. Although today’s Valencia is less prominent, it’s still an important city for large commerce exhibitions and trade fairs to be held in throughout the year.
Upon arrival, you will visit the Modernisme Plaza of the City Hall of Valencia, Valencia’s Ancient City Gates and the Valencia Cathedral, where the true Holy Grail is preserved.a photo stop at Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. After the tour the day is rounded off with a drive into Alicante.
 

In the morning, you depart for the city of Granada on the plateau of the Andalusian province. This historic city has been ruled by the Visigoths and Arabs. It became the last stronghold of the Arab dynasty during its eight-hundred- year-long rule of the Iberian Peninsula. In the 15th century, King Ferdinand successfully expelled the Arabs and managed to unite Spain. You would enter and visit the Alhambra, a Moorish citadel and palace, also known as the Red Palace. Alternatively, heading to visit the old city of Granada, with its exquisite and delicate architecture. Following that, embark on a drive to the Mijas, a self-paid group activity, to visit famous white village and winding streets, charming nooks and crannies, flower decked house and numerous tiny squares.
* Due to limited daily access control in Alhambra Palace, and to avoid disappointment, we recommend customer who strongly request to visit this place to book tickets online in advance on https://www.alhambra-patronato.es/.
* Reservation visit time: 1:30- 2:30pm. 
 

In the morning, Embark on a self-paid group activity in the morning and head to Ronda, the birthplace of Spanish bullfighters. Ronda proudly holds the distinction of being home to Spain's oldest bullring, where the love, hatred, and passion of the fighters of that era were witnessed. Despite its seemingly serene facade, Ronda emanates a vibrant Spanish charm that is unmatched. The town's romantic and peaceful white houses perched on the dramatic cliffs serve as a testament to its allure.
After the group activity to Ronda or Mijas the tour will go northbound to the largest city of the autonomous region of Andalusia, Seville. This city was the capital of the Muslim dynasty, considered to be the guardian angel of culture in Andalusia and the birthplace of the flamenco dance. Seville is the primary setting of many operas, of which the best known is Bizet’s Carmen. As the fourth largest city in Spain, it has hosted the Universal Exposition of Seville in 1992. Upon arrival, you will visit the Seville Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral and the third-largest church in the world. Its completion dates back to the early 16th century and now the cathedral halls serve as the Royal Chapel, the burial place of the kings for over a century. The tomb of Christopher Columbus, who discovered the New World, is also in the church as a credit to the great navigator.
From there onwards you will see the Alcázar of Seville, which used to be a Muslim palace and a Spanish Royal Palace. The upper levels of the Alcázar are still used by the royal family as the official Seville residence today, which makes it the oldest royal palace still in use in Europe. It was registered in 1987 by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, along with the Seville Cathedral. We will walk to Santa Cruz, Torre del Oro (the Tower of Gold) and Maria Luisa Park, where the 1992 World Expo was located. In Plaza de España (Spain Square), you can admire crafted porcelain paintings, detailing the history and elegance of historical Spain.
Please note that the drop off time is for reference only and may vary slightly due to traffic/unforeseen circumstances.
Drop-off time: around 19:00 PM
Drop-off point: Seville Central Santa Justa Station