12-Day France and Italy Itinerary: Explore Paris, French Riviera, Rome, and Venice

Day 1: Paris Arrival

Paris, France on August 27, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Café de Flore

Start your day with a classic Parisian breakfast at the famous café, enjoying fresh croissants and coffee in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
EUR15, 1h

10:30am

Visit the Louvre Museum

Explore the world-class art collection including the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. The museum opens at 9:00am and is less crowded in the morning.
EUR17, 3h

2:00pm

Lunch at Le Fumoir

Enjoy contemporary French cuisine near the Louvre, with a relaxing atmosphere perfect for a midday break.
EUR30, 1.5h

4:00pm

Walk along the Seine and visit Notre-Dame Cathedral

Stroll along the Seine River and visit the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral to appreciate its Gothic architecture.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Le Comptoir du Relais

Dine at this classic Parisian bistro offering traditional dishes in a cozy setting. Reservations recommended.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 2: Paris Highlights

Paris, France on August 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Angelina

Famous for its hot chocolate and pastries; a delightful start located on Rue de Rivoli near Tuileries Garden.
EUR20, 1h

9:30am

Eiffel Tower Visit

Pre-book tickets to avoid queues and enjoy panoramic views of Paris from the top of this iconic landmark.
EUR25, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at 58 Tour Eiffel

Dine inside the Eiffel Tower with creative French cuisine offering beautiful views of the city.
EUR45, 1.5h

2:00pm

Visit Musée d'Orsay

Explore impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces in a beautifully converted railway station. Open 9:30am-6pm.
EUR16, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at Luxembourg Gardens

Enjoy the serene atmosphere with fountains and statues in this popular Paris park.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Le Relais de l’Entrecôte

Famous steak-frites restaurant with a secret sauce; no menu and very casual.
EUR35, 1.5h
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Day 3: Versailles Day Trip

Versailles / Paris, France on August 29, 2025

8:00am

Early breakfast at hotel or local bakery

Grab a quick French pastry and coffee to start your day early.
EUR10, 0.5h

9:00am

Travel to Palace of Versailles

Take the RER C train from Paris to Versailles Château Rive Gauche station; journey about 1 hour.
EUR7, 1h

10:30am

Tour Palace of Versailles and Gardens

Explore the grand palace, Hall of Mirrors, and the famous gardens. The palace opens at 9:00am.
EUR20, 4h

2:30pm

Lunch at Angelina Versailles

Enjoy a refined lunch inside the palace grounds famous for French cuisine and pastries.
EUR35, 1.5h

4:00pm

Return to Paris and leisure time

Optional shopping or visiting local cafés in Paris upon return.
Variable, rest of afternoon

7:30pm

Dinner at Bouillon Pigalle

Affordable and lively Parisian eatery serving classic dishes in a casual atmosphere.
EUR20, 1.5h
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Day 4: Travel to French Riviera

Nice, France on August 30, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up before travel with a hotel breakfast or nearby café.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Train from Paris to Nice

Take a high-speed TGV train from Paris Gare de Lyon to Nice Ville; approximately 5.5 hours.
EUR60-100, 5.5h

2:00pm

Check-in to hotel and lunch

Lunch at local Nice café, such as La Voglia, offering Niçoise specialties.
EUR25, 1.5h

4:00pm

Promenade des Anglais walk

Enjoy an afternoon stroll along Nice’s famous seaside promenade and beaches.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Le Bistroy

Cozy bistro serving fresh Mediterranean cuisine focusing on local ingredients.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 5: French Riviera Exploring

Nice and Monaco, France on August 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Emilie’s Cookies

Enjoy homemade pastries and coffee specialization in a charming setting.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Day trip to Monaco

Take a short 30-minute train ride to Monaco to see the Prince’s Palace, Oceanographic Museum, and Casino.
Train EUR8, Museums EUR15, 5h

2:30pm

Lunch at Café de Paris Monte-Carlo

Dine in an iconic café with views of the Casino Square and elegant atmosphere.
EUR45, 1.5h

5:00pm

Return to Nice and relax on the beach

Spend the late afternoon unwinding on Nice’s pebbly beaches.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Restaurant JAN

Michelin-starred fine dining experience combining French and South African flavors.
EUR80+, 2h
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Day 6: Nice Culture & Leisure

Nice, France on September 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at local boulangerie

Sample fresh croissants and baguettes to start your day.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Visit Marc Chagall Museum

Home to one of the largest collections of Chagall’s works, open 10:00am-6:00pm.
EUR10, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Le Safari

Enjoy fresh seafood and local specialties in Place Rossetti.
EUR30, 1.5h

2:00pm

Explore Old Town (Vieux Nice)

Wander narrow streets, boutique shops, and markets with vibrant colors and scents.
Free, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Chez Palmyre

Authentic Niçoise cuisine in a quaint, family-run setting. Reservations recommended.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 7: Travel to Rome

Rome, Italy on September 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a fresh breakfast before departure.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Flight from Nice to Rome

Take a morning flight (~1.5h) from Nice to Rome Leonardo da Vinci Airport.
EUR60-120, 1.5h

11:00am

Check-in and lunch

Lunch at Roscioli nearby the city center serving excellent Roman dishes.
EUR35, 1.5h

1:30pm

Visit Colosseum and Roman Forum

Explore the iconic ancient amphitheater and adjacent ruins. Open 8:30am-7:00pm.
EUR16, 3h

5:00pm

Walk through Piazza Venezia and Capitoline Hill

Enjoy important historic sites and city views at sunset.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria Vecchia Roma

Taste traditional Roman dishes in a classic trattoria popular with locals.
EUR30, 2h
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Day 8: Vatican & Rome Art

Rome, Italy on September 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Regoli

Famous pastry shop near Termini for cornetti and espresso.
EUR10, 1h

9:00am

Visit Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Pre-book skip-the-line tickets to see vast museums and Michelangelo’s masterpiece. Open 9:00am-6:00pm; last entry 4:00pm.
EUR30, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Ristorante Arlu

Classic Roman cuisine close to Vatican City.
EUR25, 1.5h

3:00pm

St. Peter's Basilica

Visit the largest church in the world with stunning art and architecture. Climb the dome for panoramic views.
Free, Dome climb EUR10, 2h

6:00pm

Relax at Piazza Navona

Enjoy the lively atmosphere, fountains, and street artists as evening approaches.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Osteria del Pegno

A cozy eatery with authentic Roman flavors, perfect for intimate dining.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 9: Ancient Rome & Trastevere

Rome, Italy on September 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Panella

Historic bakery offering sweet treats and coffee in central Rome.
EUR12, 1h

9:00am

Visit Pantheon and Trevi Fountain

Explore the Pantheon’s architectural marvel and toss a coin into Trevi Fountain to ensure a return to Rome.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Lunch at Gelateria La Romana

Savor some of Rome’s best artisanal gelato and light snacks.
EUR15, 1h

1:00pm

Explore Trastevere neighborhood

Wander this charming district with narrow alleys, medieval churches, and vibrant street life.
Free, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Da Enzo al 29

Traditional Roman dishes with a welcoming atmosphere; booking ahead recommended.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 10: Travel to Venice

Venice, Italy on September 5, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before the journey.
Included, 1h

8:40am

Train from Rome to Venice

Take a high-speed train, about 3h 45m, from Rome Termini to Venice Santa Lucia station.
EUR50-90, 3h45m

12:30pm

Check-in and lunch at Osteria alle Testiere

Delicious Venetian seafood in an intimate setting near the Grand Canal. Reservations needed.
EUR50, 1.5h

2:30pm

Visit Piazza San Marco and Basilica

Explore Venice’s main square and the magnificent St Mark’s Basilica. Basilica open from 9:30am-5:00pm.
Free entry, museum EUR5, 2h

5:00pm

Rialto Bridge and Market

Walk to the famous Rialto Bridge and explore the nearby fish and produce market.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Antiche Carampane

Known for fresh seafood and Venetian classics, this restaurant is a hidden gem.
EUR45, 2h
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Day 11: Venice & Murano

Venice, Italy on September 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Tonolo

Highly recommended for sweet pastries and espresso near Santa Croce.
EUR12, 1h

9:15am

Visit Doge’s Palace

Tour the grand palace and prison; pre-book tickets. Open 9:00am-7:00pm.
EUR25, 2h

11:30am

Walk along the Grand Canal

Enjoy views of Venice’s iconic waterways and historic buildings.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria Al Gatto Nero (Murano)

Take a vaporetto to Murano and enjoy authentic lagoon seafood at this famous restaurant.
EUR40, 1.5h

2:30pm

Murano Glass Museum

Learn about the history and art of glass making on Murano island. Open 10:00am-5:00pm.
EUR10, 1.5h

5:30pm

Return to Venice and relax

Enjoy a leisurely evening stroll and maybe a spritz at a local bar.
Variable, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Osteria alle Testiere

Return to this popular spot if you wish, or try another Venetian trattoria of your choice.
EUR50, 2h
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Day 12: Final Day in Venice

Venice, Italy on September 7, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Hotel or local café

Relaxed start with a local breakfast near your accommodation.
Included or EUR12, 1h

9:30am

Gondola ride

Experience Venice’s iconic canals with a private gondola ride. Duration about 30-40 minutes.
EUR80, 40m

11:00am

Visit Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Tour modern art in this beautiful museum located in the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni; open 10:00am-6:00pm.
EUR15, 1.5h

1:00pm

Lunch at Bacareto Da Lele

Try traditional Venetian cicchetti (small snacks) and a casual lunch near the Rialto area.
EUR20, 1h

2:30pm

Last stroll and shopping

Spend your last afternoon exploring shops selling Murano glass, lace, and Venetian masks.
Variable, 2h

6:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Ristorante Quadri

Fine dining with views of Piazza San Marco to celebrate the end of your trip.
EUR90+, 2h
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