Comprehensive 19-Day Europe Tour: Paris, Rome, Loire Valley, Bordeaux & Dordogne Highlights in Spring 2025

Day 1: Arrival & Rest

Paris, France on April 30, 2025

5:25pm

Arrival at Charles de Gaulle Airport

Land at Paris Charles de Gaulle or Orly Airport and proceed through customs to start your adventure.
Included in flight, 1h

6:00pm

Travel to Ibis Paris Bercy Village

Take public transit or taxi to your hotel and settle in. The hotel check-in close to 9:30 PM.
Variable transport cost, 1h30m

8:30pm

Light Dinner Nearby

Grab an easy dinner at a café nearby Ibis Paris Bercy, such as Le Paris Bercy, serving classic French dishes until 10 PM.
EUR20, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Paris Highlights

Paris, France on May 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café de Flore

Start your day with a traditional Parisian breakfast of croissants and coffee at this iconic Saint-Germain-des-Prés café, open from 7 AM.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Jardin du Luxembourg

Stroll through the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens to enjoy sculptures, fountains, and peaceful green spaces. Opens at 7:30 AM.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Lunch at La Petite Rose des Sables

Enjoy a light lunch of French bistro fare near Luxembourg Gardens, open until 3 PM.
EUR25, 1h

1:00pm

Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur

Visit this iconic basilica in Montmartre, climb to the dome for panoramic views. Open 6 AM to 10:30 PM.
Free (dome climb approx. EUR6), 2h

3:30pm

Explore Montmartre neighborhood

Wander the charming Montmartre streets, visit artist squares and cafés.
Free, 1h30m

5:30pm

Early Dinner at Le Refuge des Fondus

Experience a fun fondue meal in Montmartre; closes at 9:30 PM.
EUR30, 1h30m

8:00pm

Night River Seine Cruise with Bateaux Mouches

Enjoy a scenic evening cruise on the Seine to see illuminated Paris landmarks. Cruise starts around 8 PM, lasting 1-1.5 hours.
EUR20, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Rome Arrival & Classics

Rome, Italy on May 2, 2025

6:40am

Flight Paris to Rome

Early flight to Rome, Italy arriving at 8:45 AM. Transfer to Airbnb and drop bags by 11:30 AM.
Flight cost varies, 2h5m

12:00pm

Borghese Gallery and Park

Visit the famous Borghese Gallery featuring Renaissance art; booked entry at noon. Nearby park ideal for relaxation after the indoor tour.
USD70, 2h

2:30pm

Lunch at Casina Valadier

Enjoy upscale lunch with views inside Borghese park, open until late afternoon.
EUR40, 1h30m

4:30pm

Pantheon Visit

Explore the ancient Pantheon with its massive dome, open until 7 PM.
Free, 45m

5:30pm

Spanish Steps

Walk to the famous Spanish Steps for people watching and sunset views.
Free, 30m

6:15pm

Piazza del Popolo & Trevi Fountain

Leisurely stroll through these iconic piazzas and toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain at dusk.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante Aroma

Dine overlooking the Colosseum with traditional Roman cuisine; reservations recommended.
EUR50, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Vatican & Rome

Rome, Italy on May 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Caffè Sant’Eustachio

Start early with Rome’s famous espresso and pastries near the Pantheon.
EUR10, 45m

9:00am

Sistine Chapel Tour

Visit the Sistine Chapel with booked tickets, marveling at Michelangelo’s frescoes.
USD148, 2h

11:30am

St. Peter's Basilica

Explore Vatican’s grand basilica with booked entry, climb the dome for amazing views.
USD68, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch near Vatican at Pizzarium Bonci

Enjoy gourmet Roman pizza by the slice, highly rated for quality and speed.
EUR20, 1h

3:30pm

Vatican Museum

Continue exploring the vast Vatican Museums, including the Raphael Rooms and art collections.
Included in Sistine price, 2h

6:00pm

Castel St. Angelo Walk

Take a walk along the Tiber riverside to Castel St. Angelo for photos and a brief visit. Open until 7 PM.
EUR15, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Osteria dell’Angelo

Traditional and cozy eatery in central Rome serving authentic Italian cuisine.
EUR35, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Florence Day Trip

Florence, Italy on May 4, 2025

7:00am

Early Train to Florence

Take an early high-speed train (approx 1.5 hrs) to Florence for a day of Renaissance art and architecture.
EUR50, 1h30m

9:00am

Florence Duomo & Brunelleschi’s Dome

Visit Florence Cathedral and climb the dome for spectacular city views; open 8:30 AM–7 PM.
EUR20, 2h

11:30am

Accademia Gallery (David)

View Michelangelo’s David and other Renaissance masterpieces. Booking recommended; opens 8:15 AM–6:50 PM.
EUR25, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria Mario

Popular spot for Tuscan specialties, open for lunch until 3 PM.
EUR30, 1h

2:30pm

Boboli Gardens and Pitti Palace

Explore expansive gardens and Renaissance palace with art collections, open until 6:30 PM.
EUR20, 2h

4:30pm

Leisure stroll & gelato at Piazza della Signoria

Enjoy the lively square and local gelato shops before catching an evening train back to Rome.
EUR10, 1h

6:00pm

Train back to Rome

Return trip by high-speed train; relax and have a light dinner on arrival in Rome.
EUR50, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner near Airbnb

Stop at a local trattoria like Da Enzo al 29 for Roman classics.
EUR30, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Ancient Rome

Rome, Italy on May 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Panella - L'Arte del Pane

Well-known bakery offering a unique selection of pastries and artisanal breads; opens from 7 AM.
EUR12, 45m

9:30am

Colosseum Tour

Explore the legendary amphitheater with a booked guided tour to beat the crowds.
USD100, 2h

11:30am

Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Walk through the ruins of the ancient Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, included in Colosseum ticket.
Included, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Aroma Restaurant roof terrace

Enjoy Italian cuisine with a view of the Colosseum, open from noon.
EUR45, 1h30m

3:30pm

Capitoline Hill

Visit the Capitoline Museums and Piazza, the historic heart of Rome.
EUR15, 1h30m

5:30pm

Stroll and Optional Trastevere visit

Walk through the picturesque Trastevere neighborhood with charming streets and squares, perfect for a relaxed early evening.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria Da Teo

Popular Trastevere spot known for fresh pasta and Roman specialties.
EUR35, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Return Paris & Historic Walk

Paris, France on May 6, 2025

7:00am

Flight back to Paris

Morning flight from Rome to Paris for a day of exploring the historic heart of Paris.
Flight varies, 2h

10:00am

Breakfast near Ile de la Cité

Relax with croissants and coffee at Café Saint-Régis on Ile Saint-Louis.
EUR15, 1h

11:00am

Historic Paris Walk

Explore Notre-Dame Cathedral exterior and surroundings, walk to Latin Quarter famous for cafés and bookshops.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Le Procope

Historic café in the Latin Quarter, serving classic French dishes since 1686.
EUR35, 1h30m

2:45pm

Sainte-Chapelle

Visit the stunning stained glass chapel with booked tickets for 4:30 PM, explore independently prior to entry.
EUR12, 1h30m

4:30pm

Sainte-Chapelle Tour

Enjoy the breathtaking stained glass windows in this gothic chapel.
Included, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Les Papilles

Cozy bistro near Latin Quarter offering fresh seasonal menus.
EUR40, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Versailles Day Trip

Versailles, France on May 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby bakery

Simple and quick breakfast to prepare for a full day at Versailles.
EUR10, 30m

9:00am

Travel to Versailles

Take train RER C from Paris to Versailles Château at the Palace entrance around 10:30 AM.
EUR7, 1h30m

11:00am

Palace of Versailles Tour

Enjoy the exquisite gardens and chateau interiors with your booked entry at 11 AM.
USD125, 4h

3:00pm

Lunch at Angelina Versailles

Refined cafe inside Versailles grounds known for hot chocolate and pastries.
EUR30, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return to Paris

Travel back to Paris city center for the evening.
EUR7, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Granite

Enjoy a refined dining experience at Granite restaurant, reservation at 7:30 PM.
EUR80+, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Paris Museums

Paris, France on May 8, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Carette Trocadéro

Beautiful spot near Eiffel Tower known for excellent pastries and coffee.
EUR15, 45m

10:30am

Orangerie Museum

Explore Monet’s Water Lilies and other Impressionist masterpieces with your pre-booked tickets.
Included, 1h30m

12:00pm

Louvre Museum

Visit the world’s largest art museum with booked tickets at noon, highlights include Mona Lisa and Egyptian Antiquities.
Included, 3h

3:30pm

Light Snack at Angelina

Rest with famous hot chocolate and pastries in the Tuileries Garden area.
EUR20, 1h

5:00pm

Meet Brandie arrival

Welcome Brandie on her arrival around 5 PM.
Free, 30m

7:00pm

Plan visit to Paris Catacombs (to book exactly 1 week prior)

Prepare for next day visit, ensure to book tickets exactly one week before arrival for entry.
Booking pending, n/a

8:00pm

Dinner at Le Soufflé

Enjoy a unique soufflé specialty restaurant with elegant atmosphere.
EUR50, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Iconic Paris

Paris, France on May 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Holybelly 5

Popular brunch spot serving hearty breakfast in a casual setting, opens 8 AM.
EUR20, 1h

9:30am

Eiffel Tower visit

Climb or take elevator to Eiffel Tower for views of Paris; best early to avoid crowds.
EUR25, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at 58 Tour Eiffel

Enjoy gourmet lunch experience on 1st floor of Eiffel Tower.
EUR60, 1h30m

2:00pm

Arc de Triomphe

Visit the Arc and climb to the top for sweeping avenue views, open 10 AM - 10:30 PM.
EUR13, 1h

3:15pm

Self-guided Champs-Élysées Walk

Enjoy strolling the famous avenue down to Tuileries Garden for gardens and sculptures.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Relax at Tuileries Garden

Sit and watch the gardens, fountains, and people; perfect to unwind.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Les Ombres

Dine under the Eiffel Tower with exceptional views and refined French cuisine.
EUR70, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Loire Valley Arrival

Loire Valley, France on May 10, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local cafe

Enjoy a quick breakfast before traveling to Loire Valley by train or car.
EUR10, 30m

9:00am

Travel to Loire Valley

Take train or rental car to the Loire Valley region; journey approx. 2-3 hours.
EUR40, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Château de Chambord restaurant

Lunch onsite at Château de Chambord to enjoy French cuisine amid iconic Loire chateau grounds.
EUR35, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Château de Chambord

Explore the grand Renaissance castle, its double helix staircase, and surrounding parklands. Château is open 9 AM–5 PM.
EUR15, 2h

4:30pm

Check into local accommodation

Settle in your Loire Valley lodging to prepare for next day explorations.
Varies, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at La Table du Coq

Enjoy an elegant dinner featuring local specialties in a quaint Loire Valley village.
EUR40, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability