Three-Week Scenic Journey from Paris through France to Northern Italy Ending in Nice

Day 1: Paris Arrival

Paris, France on May 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café de Flore

Enjoy a classic Parisian breakfast with croissants and coffee at one of Paris’s most iconic cafés, open from 7:00am.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Visit the Louvre Museum

Explore world-famous art including the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo; opens at 9:00am, best to arrive early to avoid crowds.
EUR17, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Le Fumoir

Dine near the Louvre with classical French cuisine; a perfect spot for a leisurely meal.
EUR35, 1h30m

3:00pm

Stroll along the Seine and visit Notre-Dame Cathedral

Walk the scenic riverbank and admire Gothic architecture; the cathedral grounds are free to visit.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Le Procope

Experience traditional French dishes in one of Paris’s oldest restaurants, open until 11pm.
EUR50, 2h

Day 2: Paris to Lyon

Paris to Lyon, France on May 16, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast to prepare for travel.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Train from Paris Gare de Lyon to Lyon Part-Dieu

Take the high-speed TGV train; journey takes approximately 2 hours.
EUR60, 2h

11:00am

Explore Vieux Lyon

Wander through the atmospheric old town, known for Renaissance architecture and traboules.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse

Taste local produce and gourmet specialties at this famous food market, open till 3pm.
EUR30, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière

Enjoy panoramic city views and stunning basilica interiors; open 8am-7pm.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Le Café Comptoir Abel

Sample authentic Lyonnaise cuisine in this traditional bouchon restaurant, open until 10:30pm.
EUR45, 2h

Day 3: Explore Provence Region

Avignon, France on May 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at local pâtisserie

Enjoy fresh pastries and coffee at a local bakery before heading out.
EUR10, 1h

9:00am

Drive/train to Avignon

Travel approximately 2 hours southeast to Avignon, famous for its Papal Palace.
EUR40, 2h

11:30am

Visit Palais des Papes

Tour this impressive 14th-century fortress and palace, open 9am to 7pm.
EUR12, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at La Table d'Uzès

Savour Provencal cuisine specializing in fresh regional ingredients; open noon to 2:00pm.
EUR40, 1h30m

4:00pm

Walk across Pont Saint-Bénézet

Explore this iconic medieval bridge and enjoy views of the Rhône River.
EUR5, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at L'Essentiel

Enjoy contemporary French dining with a Provencal twist, open until 9:30pm.
EUR50, 2h

Day 4: Provence Lavender & History

Gordes & Roussillon, France on May 18, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Light breakfast before heading to scenic villages.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Visit Gordes Village

Explore one of the most beautiful villages in France, famed for stone houses and village views; open all day.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Visit nearby lavender fields (seasonal)

In mid-May, early blooming may be visible in certain locations—ask local guides for best spots for photo ops.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at La Bastide de Gordes

Delight in fine dining with stunning views, open noon to 2pm.
EUR55, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Roussillon Ochre Trail

Walk the trail through vibrant ochre cliffs and colourful landscapes; open daylight hours.
EUR5, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Le Petit Jardin

Relax with local flavours and garden views in Roussillon, open until 9:30pm.
EUR40, 2h

Day 5: To Milan, Italy

Avignon to Milan, Italy on May 19, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up before travel day.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Train from Avignon to Milan

Take a direct high-speed train to Milan; journey takes approx. 6h, check latest schedules.
EUR70, 6h

3:00pm

Check-in and rest at hotel in Milan

Settle into accommodation after long travel.
Varies, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano)

Explore the iconic cathedral and rooftop terraces; open 9am to 7pm.
EUR15, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Savini

Traditional Milanese dishes in an elegant historic setting, open until 11pm.
EUR55, 2h

Day 6: Milan Exploration

Milan, Italy on May 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pavé

Enjoy modern Italian pastries and coffee; opens at 7:00am.
EUR12, 1h

9:30am

Visit Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II & La Scala

Stroll one of the world’s oldest shopping malls and take a guided tour of the famous opera house; La Scala tours run at specific times, check availability.
EUR20, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria Madonnina

Cozy spot with authentic Italian home cooking, open noon to 3pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Sforza Castle and Parco Sempione

Tour the historic castle and relax in the park, open 7am to 7pm.
EUR10, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Osteria del Binari

Traditional Milanese cuisine in a rustic setting, open until 11pm.
EUR45, 2h

Day 7: Lake Como Day Trip

Milan to Lake Como, Italy on May 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Breakfast before day trip.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Train to Como

Take train from Milan to Como; approx. 1h travel time.
EUR10, 1h

10:00am

Boat tour on Lake Como

Cruise the picturesque lake to visit towns like Bellagio and Varenna; boats run from 9am to 6pm.
EUR25, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch in Bellagio at Trattoria San Giacomo

Enjoy lakefront dining with Italian classics, open noon to 3pm.
EUR40, 1h30m

3:00pm

Explore Bellagio village

Wander through cobbled streets and visit gardens like Villa Melzi.
EUR10, 2h

6:00pm

Return train to Milan

Travel back after a full day of sightseeing.
EUR10, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at Cioccolatitaliani

Relax with light meals and dessert in a lively setting, open late.
EUR25, 1h30m

Day 8: Italian Riviera

Milan to Genoa, Italy on May 22, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare for journey south along the coast.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Train to Genoa

Travel about 1h30m south to Genoa, historic port city with rich culture.
EUR20, 1h30m

10:30am

Visit Genoa Aquarium

One of Europe’s largest aquariums; open 9:30am to 6:30pm.
EUR25, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria da Maria

Casual local spot offering Ligurian specialities, open noon to 3pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

3:00pm

Walk through old town & Port

Explore UNESCO-listed historic centre and harbour area.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Cavour 21

Enjoy fresh seafood and Ligurian dishes; open until 11pm.
EUR50, 2h

Day 9: Cinque Terre Day Trip

Genoa to Cinque Terre, Italy on May 23, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early start for day exploring Cinque Terre.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Train to Cinque Terre

Take train from Genoa to Riomaggiore, approx. 1h30m.
EUR15, 1h30m

9:30am

Hike Cinque Terre Trails

Walk parts of scenic coastal trails between Riomaggiore and Monterosso; trails open daylight hours, some sections require ticket EUR7.50.
EUR7.50, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Ristorante Miky in Monterosso

Savour fresh seafood with sea views; open noon to 3pm.
EUR40, 1h30m

3:00pm

Relax on Monterosso Beach

Sunbathe or swim at one of the best beaches on the Cinque Terre coast.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Return train to Genoa

Travel back to Genoa for overnight stay.
EUR15, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Osteria di Vico Palla

Traditional Ligurian cuisine near the port, open until 10:30pm.
EUR40, 2h

Day 10: To Nice, France

Genoa to Nice, France on May 24, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start day with breakfast before travelling to Nice.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Train from Genoa to Nice

Scenic coastal train ride takes approx 3h30m, booking recommended.
EUR40, 3h30m

12:00pm

Check-in and lunch in Nice Old Town

Explore Old Town Nice and enjoy lunch at La Rossettisserie, famed for roast meats, open noon to 3pm.
EUR35, 1h30m

3:00pm

Walk Promenade des Anglais

Relax on the famous seaside promenade and beaches; open daylong.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Visit Castle Hill Park (Colline du Château)

Climb or take lift for panoramic views of Nice and its coastline; park open until sunset.
Free, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at Le Safari

Enjoy traditional Niçoise cuisine on Cours Saleya, open until 11pm.
EUR45, 2h

Day 11: Nice & Day Trips

Nice, France on May 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Emilie's Cookies

A delightful bakery offering pastries and light breakfast, opens at 8am.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Visit Marc Chagall National Museum

Explore a unique collection of Chagall’s works; open 10am-6pm.
EUR10, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Acchiardo

Enjoy home-style Provençal cooking in a traditional setting; open noon to 2:30pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

2:30pm

Afternoon trip to Èze village

Visit the medieval village on a hill with stunning views and botanical gardens; accessible by bus, open daylight hours.
EUR5, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at La Merenda

Savour traditional Niçoise dishes in a cosy environment; open until 10pm.
EUR40, 2h