Art and Architecture of France
Embark on an artistic and culturally enriching exploration of France. Trace the country’s rich cultural legacy from the iconic museums of Paris to the serene landscapes that inspired Monet in Giverny and Honfleur, and the resplendent Renaissance châteaux nestled in the Loire Valley.
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Program Overview:
Venture into world-renowned museums, explore the residences and havens of legendary artists, and marvel at the exquisite architecture and gardens adorning the Loire Valley châteaux.
Tailor your experience with guided tours of the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and other museums that align with your group’s interests! Wander through the enchanting port town of Honfleur, cherished by the Impressionists for its colorful boats and half-timbered houses. Traverse the Loire Valley to discover renowned and hidden châteaux, where Renaissance architecture and immaculate formal gardens captivate your senses. En route, pay homage to artistic luminaries by visiting Claude Monet’s residence in Giverny, the castle retreat of Auguste Rodin and Camille Claudet, and the manor house that served as Leonardo da Vinci’s final abode.
Program Highlights:
- Cruise along the Seine and view the famous monuments of Paris
- Explore the stomping grounds of famous artists on a guided walking tour of Montmartre.
- Experience the incomparable collections of the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay.
- Witness the masterpieces of Claude Monet as you explore his residence in Giverny and the timeless port town of Honfleur.
Experience the allure of history and exceptional architecture by staying in a historic château nestled in the heart of the Loire Valley, where each visit to other châteaux unveils centuries of captivating stories.
Sample Itinerary
Daily Itinerary
You’ll start in Rome, known as the “Eternal City” by the ancient Romans, then make your way to Florence, the capital of arts, and finally head to Sienna, the loveliest medieval city.
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Daily Itinerary
Today you’ll start your adventure to Italy to make unforgettable memories.
Arrival, Rome, Florence
Upon arrival in Rome you’ll meet your local Tour Manager and start the drive to Florence. In the afternoon, you’ll take a walking tour of this city famous for its art and architecture. The city was the center of the Florentine Republic founded in 1115 AD and is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance during the Middle Ages, also home to the Medici, one of history’s most important noble families. During your tour you’ll see the famous Florence Cathedral and Baptistery known as the Duomo, a magnificent gothic structure built in the 1300’s includes artwork by Giotto and engineering by Brunelleschi. Afterwards, you’ll see the Basilica of Santa Croce which is the burial place of famous Italians including Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli. Then you’ll continue to the Accademia, where you’ll see Michelangelo’s original statue of David. You’ll also visit the Piazza della Signoria, the Ponte Vecchio and other sites during your tour.
Pisa, Florence
This morning, you’ll take a drive to Pisa where you’ll see the famous leaning tower. The tower is the bell tower of the cathedral of the city of Pisa. It was constructed more than 800 years ago and leans because the original designers did not realize how unstable the soil was. It began to lean before it was completed, but the construction took over 100 years. After your visit, you’ll head back to Florence for some free time and then dinner.
Uffizi Gallery, Florence
This morning you’ll head into Florence for a visit to the Uffizi Gallery, one of the oldest and most famous museums of the western world and home to famous works by Michelangelo and Da Vinci. You’ll then have some free time for lunch and shopping in Florence.
Overnight in Florence.
Siena, Rome
Today you’ll start your journey to Rome. On the way, you’ll make a stop in the Medieval hill-town of Siena. This fascinating walled city is built on a hill top and was first settled by the Etruscans over 2,500 years ago. You’ll have a chance to stroll through the charming pedestrian streets and to see the “Campo” or main square where the annual Palio (horse race) takes place every summer. Afterwards, you’ll continue the drive to Rome where you’ll have dinner and then see the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps at night.
Rome
To start the day, you’ll take a tour of Ancient Rome. Here you’ll learn about the history of this thriving civilization that began as early as the 8th century BC and grew to become one of the largest empires in the ancient world. Your first stop will be the Roman Forum which served for centuries as the center of Roman public life. Throughout the years, it served as a venue for public speeches and criminal trials, a market place, and as the site for ancient government buildings. After the tour, you’ll continue to the Coliseum, an elliptical amphitheater in the center of Rome and the largest ever built in the Roman Empire. Its construction was completed in 80 AD and is a 50,000 seat stadium used for gladiator battles and other public performances. At the end of the day, you’ll see the Pantheon and Piazza Navona at night.
Vatican City, Rome
Today you’ll visit Vatican City and see St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museum, and the Sistine Chapel. In the afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to perform in Rome (to be confirmed). In the evening, you’ll take a walk along the Tiber River in the trendy area of Rome known as Trastevere.
Departure
Your Italy adventure comes to an end today as you start your journey back home.
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Our Services
Each tour planned with Contemporary Tours includes comprehensive travel arrangements, detailed customary itineraries, and a Travel with Confidence Promise to exceed you and your group’s expectations!
Itineraries
Complete custom-tailored and flexible tours to enhance and support the goals of your program. Our travel experts have the knowledge and the resources to plan every aspect of your itinerary from start to finish! Itineraries can be accessed through our free mobile app for Android and IOS devices.
Accommodations
Hotels are conveniently located within the central part of the city to maximize the time you have accessing the attractions at your destination. From 3 to 5-star hotels or accomodations that fit your needs, we will work with you to determine the best possibilities for your group.
Transportation
Reservations for round trip transportation including instrument transportation for performance groups are available. We have long-standing relationships with air and land providers throughout the world. Your group will travel using the most efficient means throughout the tour.
Meal Arrangements
Local cuisine is an integral part of the culture and central to a traveler's experience. We carefully select restaurants that expose your group to the flavors of the local cuisine. All-Inclusive or non-inclusive, the choice is yours!
Tour Manager
Our certified Tour Managers are prepared to work with you and your group, from the moment the plane lands to the final day on the itinerary. They will help guide your group while on tour and provide assistance with any needs that arise!
Convenient Billing and Payments
Flexible deadlines and payment schedules with the option to select participant billing, registration and payments are made directly to Contemporary Tours using our online tools!
