European Splendor: London to Rome via Paris

Red & white striped Byzantine style Catholic Cathedral.

Red-&-white striped Victorian Catholic cathedral in Byzantine style with gold, mosaics & marble interior.

Historic landmark and monument, Buckingham Palace is the home to the British Monarch and Royal Family. Its opulent staterooms are open for touring at certain times of the year and the changing of the palace guards outside its grounds is a sight worth trying to catch!

Royal London & Westminster Abbey

Embark on a self-guided walk through one of the most famous areas of London, Westminster and St James, where London's history, grandeur, tradition, and regal charm unfold before you. Visit the iconic Westminster Abbey where centuries of coronations and royal weddings echo through its Gothic halls, walk up stately avenues, and discover the lush oasis of St James's Park leading to Buckingham Palace, the heart and soul of the British Monarchy. Witness the grandeur of the Changing of the Guard and explore the ceremonial side of London passing by the Horse Guards Parade, Household Cavalry Museum and more.

Westminster Abbey is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and one of Britain’s most iconic landmarks, serving for centuries as the coronation church and final resting place for monarchs, poets, and statesmen alike.

Introduction to London Tour

Explore the key monuments of London's history with a leading expert on this 3 hour private guided walking tour that takes you from Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament to Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace to St Paul's Cathedral.

Introduction to London Tour

Explore the key monuments of London's history with a leading expert on this 3 hour private guided walking tour that takes you from Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament to Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace to St Paul's Cathedral.

Introduction to London Tour

Explore the key monuments of London's history with a leading expert on this 3 hour private guided walking tour that takes you from Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament to Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace to St Paul's Cathedral.

Introduction to London Tour

Explore the key monuments of London's history with a leading expert on this 3 hour private guided walking tour that takes you from Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament to Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace to St Paul's Cathedral.

The British Museum is one of the world’s most comprehensive and iconic museums, home to over eight million artifacts—including the Rosetta Stone and the Parthenon sculptures—spanning two million years of global history.

The British Library is the UK’s national library and one of the largest in the world, home to over 170 million items—including treasures like the Magna Carta, Shakespeare’s First Folio, and handwritten Beatles lyrics.

Central London - British Museum

This central London district is a haven for history buffs, book lovers, and culture seekers. The British Museum houses a world-class collection of treasures, while the British Library holds literary gems, including Shakespeare’s First Folio. Fans of classic literature can explore the Charles Dickens Museum, set in the author’s former home. Nearby, King’s Cross delights Harry Potter fans with the famous Platform 9¾, while the towering BT Tower stands as a symbol of London’s telecommunications legacy. With its mix of museums, literary landmarks, and iconic sights, this area offers a fascinating glimpse into London’s cultural and intellectual heritage.

The British Museum is one of the world’s most comprehensive and iconic museums, home to over eight million artifacts—including the Rosetta Stone and the Parthenon sculptures—spanning two million years of global history.

Rail Drop-off Taxi

London Black Cab taxis are generally reliable and honest, so this could be cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer if the distance isn't too far. Hailing a cab will be more expensive than a pre-arranged taxi with companies such as UBER or Addison Lee.  London streets can get very congested, but if you are picked up 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours prior to departure, you should have plenty of time to catch your train. Instructions for calling a taxi or taking public transport (which is often faster but not recommended if you have a lot of luggage) and finding your way around your specific rail station are included in the Full Itinerary.

Rail Drop-off Taxi

London Black Cab taxis are generally reliable and honest, so this could be cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer if the distance isn't too far. Hailing a cab will be more expensive than a pre-arranged taxi with companies such as UBER or Addison Lee.  London streets can get very congested, but if you are picked up 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours prior to departure, you should have plenty of time to catch your train. Instructions for calling a taxi or taking public transport (which is often faster but not recommended if you have a lot of luggage) and finding your way around your specific rail station are included in the Full Itinerary.

Rail Drop-off Taxi

London Black Cab taxis are generally reliable and honest, so this could be cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer if the distance isn't too far. Hailing a cab will be more expensive than a pre-arranged taxi with companies such as UBER or Addison Lee.  London streets can get very congested, but if you are picked up 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours prior to departure, you should have plenty of time to catch your train. Instructions for calling a taxi or taking public transport (which is often faster but not recommended if you have a lot of luggage) and finding your way around your specific rail station are included in the Full Itinerary.

Rail Drop-off Taxi

London Black Cab taxis are generally reliable and honest, so this could be cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer if the distance isn't too far. Hailing a cab will be more expensive than a pre-arranged taxi with companies such as UBER or Addison Lee.  London streets can get very congested, but if you are picked up 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours prior to departure, you should have plenty of time to catch your train. Instructions for calling a taxi or taking public transport (which is often faster but not recommended if you have a lot of luggage) and finding your way around your specific rail station are included in the Full Itinerary.

Paris Highlights Walking Tour

Embark on a captivating 4-hour walking tour of the center of Paris, the City of Lights, where history and modernity blend seamlessly along its enchanting streets. Starting from Odette Pastry Shop (77 Rue Galande), you will explore the heart of this dynamic city and learn how to navigate Paris as a local.

Paris Highlights Walking Tour

Embark on a captivating 4-hour walking tour of the center of Paris, the City of Lights, where history and modernity blend seamlessly along its enchanting streets. Starting from Odette Pastry Shop (77 Rue Galande), you will explore the heart of this dynamic city and learn how to navigate Paris as a local.

Paris Highlights Walking Tour

Embark on a captivating 4-hour walking tour of the center of Paris, the City of Lights, where history and modernity blend seamlessly along its enchanting streets. Starting from Odette Pastry Shop (77 Rue Galande), you will explore the heart of this dynamic city and learn how to navigate Paris as a local.

Paris Highlights Walking Tour

Embark on a captivating 4-hour walking tour of the center of Paris, the City of Lights, where history and modernity blend seamlessly along its enchanting streets. Starting from Odette Pastry Shop (77 Rue Galande), you will explore the heart of this dynamic city and learn how to navigate Paris as a local.

Louvre Museum

It might be the greatest art museum in the world; it certainly is the largest with over 380,000 objects; to view every single one for even a minute apiece would take 75 days.  And those descriptions still don't do the building and its collection justice. Marvel at treasures inside, including Leonardo Da Vinci's mysterious woman, the Mona Lisa, and everything from an Egyptian masterpiece of mummification to the famed Hellenistic sculpture, Venus de Milo, to patriotic French masterpieces like Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People. Although the Louvre is vast and ever-crowded, with some strategy and a few helpful tips your visit will take in maximum artworks with minimal hassle.

Louvre Museum

It might be the greatest art museum in the world; it certainly is the largest with over 380,000 objects; to view every single one for even a minute apiece would take 75 days.  And those descriptions still don't do the building and its collection justice. Marvel at treasures inside, including Leonardo Da Vinci's mysterious woman, the Mona Lisa, and everything from an Egyptian masterpiece of mummification to the famed Hellenistic sculpture, Venus de Milo, to patriotic French masterpieces like Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People. Although the Louvre is vast and ever-crowded, with some strategy and a few helpful tips your visit will take in maximum artworks with minimal hassle.

Louvre Museum

It might be the greatest art museum in the world; it certainly is the largest with over 380,000 objects; to view every single one for even a minute apiece would take 75 days.  And those descriptions still don't do the building and its collection justice. Marvel at treasures inside, including Leonardo Da Vinci's mysterious woman, the Mona Lisa, and everything from an Egyptian masterpiece of mummification to the famed Hellenistic sculpture, Venus de Milo, to patriotic French masterpieces like Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People. Although the Louvre is vast and ever-crowded, with some strategy and a few helpful tips your visit will take in maximum artworks with minimal hassle.

Louvre Museum

It might be the greatest art museum in the world; it certainly is the largest with over 380,000 objects; to view every single one for even a minute apiece would take 75 days.  And those descriptions still don't do the building and its collection justice. Marvel at treasures inside, including Leonardo Da Vinci's mysterious woman, the Mona Lisa, and everything from an Egyptian masterpiece of mummification to the famed Hellenistic sculpture, Venus de Milo, to patriotic French masterpieces like Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People. Although the Louvre is vast and ever-crowded, with some strategy and a few helpful tips your visit will take in maximum artworks with minimal hassle.

Airport Dropoff by Taxi

Paris taxis are generally reliable and honest, so taking a taxi is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. Your hotel will be happy to arrange a pick up for you. If you are picked up about 3.5 hours before your departure time, you should arrive at the airport with a little over two hours to spare. If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra fifteen minutes or so. There are also alternative transport instructions for buses and trains in the Full Itinerary if wish you save on the taxi fare.  line-holder  NOTE : If you're leaving from Beauvais Airport you should definitely take a shuttle bus because it's 75km/46.6mi from the city center.

Airport Dropoff by Taxi

Paris taxis are generally reliable and honest, so taking a taxi is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. Your hotel will be happy to arrange a pick up for you. If you are picked up about 3.5 hours before your departure time, you should arrive at the airport with a little over two hours to spare. If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra fifteen minutes or so. There are also alternative transport instructions for buses and trains in the Full Itinerary if wish you save on the taxi fare.  line-holder  NOTE : If you're leaving from Beauvais Airport you should definitely take a shuttle bus because it's 75km/46.6mi from the city center.

Airport Dropoff by Taxi

Paris taxis are generally reliable and honest, so taking a taxi is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. Your hotel will be happy to arrange a pick up for you. If you are picked up about 3.5 hours before your departure time, you should arrive at the airport with a little over two hours to spare. If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra fifteen minutes or so. There are also alternative transport instructions for buses and trains in the Full Itinerary if wish you save on the taxi fare.  line-holder  NOTE : If you're leaving from Beauvais Airport you should definitely take a shuttle bus because it's 75km/46.6mi from the city center.

Airport Dropoff by Taxi

Paris taxis are generally reliable and honest, so taking a taxi is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. Your hotel will be happy to arrange a pick up for you. If you are picked up about 3.5 hours before your departure time, you should arrive at the airport with a little over two hours to spare. If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra fifteen minutes or so. There are also alternative transport instructions for buses and trains in the Full Itinerary if wish you save on the taxi fare.  line-holder  NOTE : If you're leaving from Beauvais Airport you should definitely take a shuttle bus because it's 75km/46.6mi from the city center.

Book early if you want to see the Vatican Museum's monumental works of art from the greatest Italian artists of the Renaissance.

The Vatican Museum is actually 26 different museums, which include not only exhibitions but chapels, apartments, and other rooms of the Vatican palace, covering a huge range of fine and applied arts patronized by the popes. There's also an outstanding collection of ancient antiquities (including even the Emperor Nero's red stone bathtub), a gallery of hand-painted maps, and whole rooms turned into works of art. In addition to ancient and medieval works of art, you'll see masterpieces by the "who's who" of the Italian Renaissance, including Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, Titian, and Caravaggio. Other highlights include panels by the brilliant monk-artist Fra Angelico, works from the Venetian school, including Vavarini, and much, much more.  Booking in advance is highly recommended as otherwise you can wait for hours or not even be able to get in at all.

Explore the gigantic and incredibly beautiful church known as "the greatest of all churches of Christendom".

The basilica is one of the chief pilgrimage sites in the Christian world, and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Rome. The basilica is the symbolic center of the church not only because the Pope frequently celebrates Mass there, but because it is believed that the apostle St. Peter is buried beneath it. Catholics consider Peter as the first Bishop of Rome and "the rock" upon which the Catholic Church was built, in accordance with Christ's instructions. Inside you can admire sculptures by Bernini as well as Michelangelo's famous sculpture of the Virgin Mary holding the crucified Jesus, known as The Pietà. The church's elaborate and impressive golden interior is a sight to behold. Other sights include St Peter's tomb, the Papal crypts in the necropolis under the basilica, as well as the dome, which rewards visitors with views over Rome.  Entry is free, but queues to visit the Basilica can be lengthy, so it is highly advised to either get there early or to purchase a skip the line entrance. The dome is also paid entry.

Escape the crowds in this oasis of green hidden behind the walls of the Vatican.

Accessible only via a guided tour, the gardens are definitely worth a visit. Just as the Popes have for hundreds of years, you can stroll the gardens and relax amidst the greenery, while taking in the perfect view of St. Peter's.

Vatican City

Rome is unique in the world in that it contains an independent country within its city limits - the Vatican City, from where the Pope administers the Catholic Church. The symbolic center of Catholicism is St Peter's Basilica, the second-largest Catholic church in the world and among the most beautiful. The Vatican Museum contains one of the greatest collections of art in existence, including Michelangelo's jaw-dropping Sistine Chapel. The popes had a bigger influence on Rome than just the collection of art. The Pope's title is actually Bishop of Rome, and popes administed the city for centuries, shaping its architecture & public spaces. Rome was re-built to be an example of urban beauty, and the Vatican was meant to be the showcase within the showcase. Their success is evident from the throngs of visitors who flock here even today.

Stand in the middle of this famous square in which the faithful gather to hear the Pope give audiences and celebrate mass.

As one of the most superb conceptions of its kind in civic architecture, St Peter’s Square is the masterpiece of Gian Lorenzo Bernini and makes a wonderful approach to one of the world’s most magnificent churches, St Peter's Basilica. An oval rather than an actual square, the piazza, laid out in 1656-67, is partially enclosed by two semi-circular colonnades on which stand 96 statues of saints and martyrs. At the center of the oval stands an 84-foot (26m) tall Egyptian obelisk of red granite.

Gaze up at the world's most famous ceiling, the masterpiece of Michelangelo.

This famous chapel inside the Vatican Museums is best known for Michelangelo's 16th-century painted ceiling of "The Creation of Adam" and "The Last Judgement" fresco that covers the whole altar wall of the chapel. The jaw-dropping sight is not to be missed, considered one of the top highlights of visiting the Vatican Museums and one of the top artistic wonders of the world.

See the square Michelangelo designed to mark the spot of Rome's legendary origins.

This square at the top of the Capitoline Hill, Piazza del Campidoglio, is a lovely piece of town planning designed by Michelangelo. It is surrounded on three sides by stately palaces and an open-end featuring a balustrade. This is the historical center of ancient Rome, and to reflect this fact, Pope Paul III ordered that the famous gilded bronze equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius be moved here from the Lateran hill.  Off of one corner of the square you will find a reproduction of the famous Lupa Capitolina, that is, the statue of the she-wolf that suckled the legendary founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus. Wander just a bit further and you will be rewarded with an amazing view over the Forum. You'll also find the Capitoline Museums in one of the 15th century palaces fronting the square. These are some of the oldest collections in Rome, containing Classical Roman, Greek, and Egyptian sculptures, as well as Renaissance art.

Take a look around the world's first shopping mall.

Trajan's Forum was the last great forum built in Rome and rivaled the original Forum in scale and grandiosity. However, the only significant structure that remains now is the semicircular ruins of the Trajan Markets, which are often described as the world's first shopping mall. Arcaded passageways led to offices, shops, and apartments, situated in a multi-story structure. It is still possible to visit some of these levels. Within Trajan's Market you will find the Museum of Imperial Fora, one of the best interactive museums covering Ancient Rome. The labeling in English is unsurpassed and the exhibition rooms both in the museum and the rooms of the markets provide a superb introduction to Roman life and the architecture and building methods that were lost for centuries after the fall of the Roman Empire. Two or three hours spent here is time well invested.

Relive a saga of war and conquest on this carved frieze as it winds its way up a 140-foot high ancient column.

Built in 113 AD out of 18 massive blocks of marble, the column is decorated with exquisitely executed reliefs which spiral up around it. There are over 2,500 carved figures, and the column tells a detailed and highly visual tale of the Emperor Trajan’s Dacian wars. At the top of the column once stood a statue of the victorious Emperor (replaced by St Peter in 1588), and a spiral stone staircase inside led to a platform from which extensive views could be enjoyed over the rooftops of the city. Today the column is visible from the Piazza Venezia without a ticket, but those with a particular interest in Roman history might consider hiring a private guide who can explain the story depicted by the column in more detail.

Piazza Venezia

The Piazza Venezia is not only the central hub of Rome, but is also located at the foot of the Capitoline Hill, which is the ancient heart of Rome. Thus it was chosen as a fitting space for a memorial to the first king of modern Italy, Victor Emmanuel II, who led the unification of the Italian states in the 1860s. The gigantic monument now overlooks the Piazza Venezia in overwhelming marble glory, standing as an unmissable symbol of Italian unity. The open space and dramatic setting were used to great effect by Mussolini, who staged rallies here. However, the monument is just one of the several sights that can be found around Piazza Venezia, an area often overlooked by tourists who pass from the historic center directly to the Colosseum further down the street. For instance, just below it you'll find Trajan's Forum, containing some of Rome's most notable ruins, and just above it on the Capitoline Hill, an elegant square designed by Michelangelo.

Visit this grand monument and ascend to the roof through an elevator at the back for the wonderful views of the Roman Forum and Colosseum.

Standing grand and mighty on Capitoline Hill overlooking Piazza Venezia, the monumental marble temple honouring Italy's first king Vittorio Emanuele II is a sight often overlooked by tourists. The impressive wedding cake-like building is home to one of the best views in Rome. Ascend to its rooftop and you can enjoy amazing views over the Roman Forum and Colosseum.  The monument is also the sight of the Altar of the Fatherland (Altare della Patria), which includes an altar to the goddess Rome, and a shrine to the Italian Unknown Soldier, thus making the monument a sort of secular temple dedicated to the country. However, it's unlikely the relatively modest and unassuming Vittorio would have appreciated this massive monument built to his legacy. Inaugurated in 1911 to symbolize the achievement of Italian unity, it irrevocably changed the aspect of the city, throwing out of scale the Capitoline hill itself and causing indiscriminate damage. Familiarly known as ‘Mussolini’s typewriter’ (it was finished during his regime in 1937), it is thought by some locals to be a colossal monstrosity, although for others its symbolic importance makes it a place of reverence, regardless of any architectural criticism.

See the square Michelangelo designed to mark the spot of Rome's legendary origins.

This square at the top of the Capitoline Hill, Piazza del Campidoglio, is a lovely piece of town planning designed by Michelangelo. It is surrounded on three sides by stately palaces and an open-end featuring a balustrade. This is the historical center of ancient Rome, and to reflect this fact, Pope Paul III ordered that the famous gilded bronze equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius be moved here from the Lateran hill.  Off of one corner of the square you will find a reproduction of the famous Lupa Capitolina, that is, the statue of the she-wolf that suckled the legendary founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus. Wander just a bit further and you will be rewarded with an amazing view over the Forum. You'll also find the Capitoline Museums in one of the 15th century palaces fronting the square. These are some of the oldest collections in Rome, containing Classical Roman, Greek, and Egyptian sculptures, as well as Renaissance art.

Private Transfer to Rome Fiumicino or Ciampino Airport

A car service will pick you up from your hotel and take you directly to Rome Fiumicino Airport. This is a private transfer for you and your travel party. You do not need to pay the driver as the cost of the private transfer is included in your itinerary.   IMPORTANT NOTE:  Please be aware the car service can fit up to 1 checked item of luggage and 1 personal item per person, such as a purse or small backpack. If you think you will have more baggage, please inform your travel consultant as this may result in an additional fee.

Private Transfer to Rome Fiumicino or Ciampino Airport

A car service will pick you up from your hotel and take you directly to Rome Fiumicino Airport. This is a private transfer for you and your travel party. You do not need to pay the driver as the cost of the private transfer is included in your itinerary.   IMPORTANT NOTE:  Please be aware the car service can fit up to 1 checked item of luggage and 1 personal item per person, such as a purse or small backpack. If you think you will have more baggage, please inform your travel consultant as this may result in an additional fee.

Private Transfer to Rome Fiumicino or Ciampino Airport

A car service will pick you up from your hotel and take you directly to Rome Fiumicino Airport. This is a private transfer for you and your travel party. You do not need to pay the driver as the cost of the private transfer is included in your itinerary.   IMPORTANT NOTE:  Please be aware the car service can fit up to 1 checked item of luggage and 1 personal item per person, such as a purse or small backpack. If you think you will have more baggage, please inform your travel consultant as this may result in an additional fee.

Private Transfer to Rome Fiumicino or Ciampino Airport

A car service will pick you up from your hotel and take you directly to Rome Fiumicino Airport. This is a private transfer for you and your travel party. You do not need to pay the driver as the cost of the private transfer is included in your itinerary.   IMPORTANT NOTE:  Please be aware the car service can fit up to 1 checked item of luggage and 1 personal item per person, such as a purse or small backpack. If you think you will have more baggage, please inform your travel consultant as this may result in an additional fee.