Toronto → Paris → South of France → Italy: 9‑Day Highlights Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Paris

Morning: Depart Toronto on an overnight flight, arriving at Charles de Gaulle Airport. Transfer to your boutique hotel in the 1st arrondissement and settle in.

Afternoon: Take a relaxed stroll along the Seine, stopping at the iconic Eiffel Tower for your first glimpse of the city’s skyline.

Evening: Enjoy a welcome dinner at a classic Parisian bistro in the Latin Quarter, sampling escargot and a glass of French wine.

Day 2: Classic Paris

Morning: Explore the world‑renowned Louvre Museum, focusing on the Mona Lisa and the ancient Egyptian collection.

Afternoon: Wander through the historic Montmartre district, visiting the Sacré‑Coeur Basilica and watching street artists at Place du Tertre.

Evening: Cruise the Seine on a dinner bateau, admiring illuminated landmarks such as Notre‑Dame and the Musée d’Orsay.

Day 3: Paris to Nice (South of France)

Morning: Catch a high‑speed TGV train from Paris Gare de Lyon to Nice, enjoying scenic views of the French countryside.

Afternoon: Check into a sea‑front hotel on the Promenade des Anglais and take a leisurely walk along the pebble beach.

Evening: Dine on fresh Mediterranean seafood at a waterfront restaurant in Vieux‑Nice, followed by a gelato stroll through the colorful Old Town.

Day 4: Nice & Cannes

Morning: Visit the vibrant market at Cours Saleya in Nice, sampling local olives, cheeses, and pastries.

Afternoon: Take a short train ride to Cannes to stroll the Croisette, snap photos of the Palais des Festivals, and relax on the sandy beach.

Evening: Return to Nice for a sunset cocktail at a rooftop bar overlooking the Mediterranean.

Day 5: Provence – Avignon & Lavender Fields

Morning: Join a guided day trip to Avignon, touring the Papal Palace and the historic Pont d’Avignon.

Afternoon: Drive through the Luberon hills to admire blooming lavender fields (seasonal) and quaint villages such as Gordes.

Evening: Return to Nice; enjoy a relaxed dinner of Provençal ratatouille and a glass of rosé.

Day 6: Travel to Florence, Italy

Morning: Depart Nice by train to Milan, then transfer to a high‑speed Frecciarossa to Florence, crossing the Alpine border.

Afternoon: Check into a historic hotel near the Duomo, then begin exploring the city’s artistic heart, including the Uffizi Gallery (pre‑booked tickets).

Evening: Savor a Tuscan dinner of bistecca alla fiorentina paired with Chianti in a trattoria overlooking the Arno River.

Day 7: Florence & Pisa

Morning: Climb the Duomo for panoramic views of Florence’s terracotta rooftops, then visit the Baptistery and Giotto’s Campanile.

Afternoon: Take a quick train to Pisa to photograph the iconic Leaning Tower and explore the surrounding Piazza dei Miracoli.

Evening: Return to Florence for a leisurely walk across the Ponte Vecchio and a gelato at a riverside shop.

Day 8: Rome – Ancient Wonders

Morning: Arrive in Rome by train and drop luggage at your centrally located hotel near the Pantheon.

Afternoon: Tour the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill with a knowledgeable guide.

Evening: Dine in Trastevere, sampling carbonara and tiramisu, then toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain for good luck.

Day 9: Departure

Morning: Enjoy a relaxed breakfast on a balcony overlooking the city, then visit the Pantheon and nearby piazzas for last‑minute photos.

Afternoon: Transfer to Rome Fiumicino Airport for your flight back to Toronto, reflecting on a whirlwind European adventure.

Evening: Arrive in Toronto, with memories of art, cuisine, and stunning vistas from Paris to Italy.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Eiffel Tower – 2 hrs – $30
• Louvre Museum – 3 hrs – $20
• Montmartre & Sacré‑Coeur – 2 hrs – Free
• Seine Dinner Cruise – 2 hrs – $95
• TGV Paris‑Nice – 5.5 hrs – $120
• Cours Saleya Market – 1.5 hrs – $15 (tasting)
• Cannes Croisette – 2 hrs – Free
• Avignon Papal Palace – 2 hrs – $15
• Lavender Fields Tour – 3 hrs – $40
• Frecciarossa Nice‑Florence – 7 hrs – $150
• Uffizi Gallery – 2.5 hrs – $25
• Florence Duomo – 2 hrs – $20
• Pisa Leaning Tower – 1.5 hrs – $30
• Colosseum & Forum – 3 hrs – $30
• Trevi Fountain – 1 hr – Free
• Accommodation (8 nights) – – $1,200
• Meals (average $60/day) – – $540
• International Flights (Toronto‑Paris‑Toronto) – – $850
• Inter‑city Trains (Paris‑Nice, Nice‑Florence, Florence‑Rome) – – $420
• Miscellaneous (local transport, tips) – – $200
Total estimated cost: $3,925

Tips

If you need more time, add an extra day in the French Riviera to visit Monaco and Saint‑Tropez, or extend your stay in Italy with a day trip to the Amalfi Coast. To shorten the trip, skip the Provence day and fly directly from Nice to Rome, reducing travel time while still experiencing the core highlights.