Southern Europe Private Tour (SPA004) Italy - France - Andorra - Spain 13 Days 12 Nights

Pick you up at the airport in Rome, Italy’s capital. "All roads lead to Rome" holds true from antiquity to the present day, as Rome remains one of the world's most visited cities, rich in historical significance spanning over 2,800 years. Travel time is 2.5 hours. We will take you to visit the Colosseum, the massive open-air amphitheater in the center of Rome used for gladiatorial contests and battles with wild beasts. Completed in 80 AD, the elliptical structure measures 527 meters in circumference, stands 57 meters high, and could seat over 60,000 spectators. It was chosen as 1 of the New 7 Wonders of the World in 2007 (2550 BE).

Next, we will take you to visit the Roman Forum, which served as the civic center for political assemblies, administration, religious worship, and daily life in ancient Rome. Developed over 900 years, today only ruins remain, yet its sheer grandeur is still deeply felt. Then, we will take you to visit the viewpoint on Palatine Hill, offering stunning vistas overlooking the Roman Forum and the Colosseum.

We will take you to visit the Trevi Fountain, where legend holds that if you turn your back and toss a coin with your right hand over your left shoulder while making a wish, you are destined to return to Rome. Afterward, we will take you to visit the Spanish Steps, a famous gathering spot for young Italians, and enjoy shopping on Via Condotti, Rome's most glamorous fashion avenue packed with luxury boutiques and top designer brands.

hotel Overnight Rome · example hotel Ibis Roma Fiera ***

Today, take you to visit Vatican City, situated within Rome and the official residence of the Pope, the head of the Roman Catholic Church. Recognized as the smallest independent state in the world (0.44 square kilometers), its heart is St. Peter's Basilica. Explore the Vatican Museums, an immense museum complex housing countless masterpieces of art, highlighted by the Sistine Chapel featuring the world-famous fresco "The Creation of Adam." Admire St. Peter's Square and St. Peter's Basilica, the quintessential symbols of visiting the Vatican. Climb the 551 steps to the top of the dome for a panoramic high-angle view overlooking the magnificent square.

hotel Overnight Rome · example hotel Ibis Roma Fiera ***

Today, travel to Siena, covering a distance of 232 kilometers (about 2.5 hours). Visit Piazza del Campo, the grand main square at the heart of the city. See Fonte Gaia (Fountain of Joy), built in 1419, which marked the terminus of the aqueduct system bringing fresh water into the city center for public use; it is rectangular, crafted from marble, and decorated with intricate stone carvings. Visit Palazzo Pubblico, built in 1297, which served as the seat of government in medieval times for the Council of Nine. The palace exterior is a prime example of medieval Gothic-influenced architecture, with stone at the lower levels and brick above, featuring windows with gentle inward curves designed to harmonize with the outward curve of the Piazza del Campo. Towering nearby is Torre del Mangia, constructed between 1325 and 1344, purposefully built to stand taller than any tower in neighboring cities, including the tower in Florence. Next, visit Piazza del Duomo, showcasing Siena's unique adaptation of Gothic architecture, built between 1215 and 1263, consisting of 3 parts: the Duomo, the Bell Tower, and the Baptistery.

hotel Overnight Sienna · example hotel Hotel Duomo ***

Today, we take you on a journey to Florence (Firenze in Italian), a distance of 75 kilometers, taking about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Florence is a city of art located along the banks of the Arno River, which was historically a trading hub and the birthplace of various artistic and architectural movements. It has been a World Heritage Site since 1982.

Visit Piazza Michelangelo, a viewpoint offering panoramic views overlooking Florence, with uniform orange-tiled rooftops across the entire city and the majestic dome of the Duomo standing out prominently, looking even more striking when illuminated at night.

Admire the grand Duomo, and nearby, visit Ponte Vecchio, the iconic bridge and symbol of the city built across the Arno River. Unlike typical bridges, it features shops lining both sides—historically butcher shops, but now bustling with art and jewelry boutiques.

Visit Piazza della Signoria and Santa Maria Novella Church near the train station, with its facade of patterned white and green marble. Explore Piazza del Duomo, a square home to landmarks emblematic of Renaissance art, and admire Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, the 4th largest cathedral in Europe.

hotel Overnight Florence · example hotel Ih Hotels Firenze Business ****

Today, we travel to Pisa, a distance of 85 kilometers, taking just over 1 hour. Pisa was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. Visit the charming little church of Santa Maria della Spina beside the Arno River, followed by the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Completed in 1350 after 177 years of construction, this eight-story cylindrical white marble tower stands 55 meters tall with 293 steps, leaning approximately 3.9 meters off-center. It was never intended to tilt, but began sinking and leaning during the construction of the third floor due to soft underlying ground.

In the same area, admire Duomo di Pisa (Pisa Cathedral) and the Baptistery, located to the west of the cathedral, with its central baptismal font. This circular baptistery in Pisa was historically used for religious instruction and baptisms.

hotel Overnight Pisa · example hotel Grand Hotel Bonanno ****

Explore the Italian Riviera - the 5 coastal towns of Cinque Terre - La Spezia. Travel 80 km to La Spezia and take a boat or train to explore the 5 stunning coastal towns of this World Heritage Site. Cinque Terre is located on the Italian Riviera; CINQUE TERRE means Five Lands (FIVE LANDS), comprising 5 villages: MONTEROSSO AL MARE, VERNAZZA, CORNIGLIA, MANAROLA, and RIOMAGGIORE, with RIOMAGGIORE and MANAROLA being especially charming.

These coastal villages offer breathtaking, magnificent, and unforgettable scenery. Spend the whole day exploring each town as time permits, then travel to stay overnight in La Spezia. Alternatively, you can stay overnight in the coastal towns, but accommodations are limited, compact, and not very convenient.

If time permits, you can also choose to explore LA SPEZIA, one of Italy's historically significant commercial and naval ports.

hotel Overnight Cinque Terre · example hotel Hotel Residence Mondial ***

Today, we take you to Nice, France, traveling 282 kilometers (about 3 hours and 20 minutes). Nice is France's famous seaside resort city, situated near Cannes.

Visit the Public Beach and Place Massena in the heart of Nice, famous for its vibrant and beautiful colors.

Enjoy free time for shopping in Nice at your leisure.

hotel Overnight Nice · example hotel Kyriad Nice Port ***

We will take you to explore the charming, picturesque villages of Provence, beginning with Gordes. Stop for photos at the scenic roadside viewpoint before entering the village—the most stunning photo spot. Enjoy a stroll through Gordes, where terraced stone houses cascade down the hillside, creating its signature charm. Next, visit another hilltop village, Roussillon, where houses are built from local ochre stone, giving it a distinctive, unique character.

Afterward, visit Les Baux-de-Provence, another village perched high on a rocky plateau. Filled with white stone houses, quaint boutiques, and colorful accents, this village is delightfully lively and vibrant.

hotel Overnight Avignon · example hotel Hotel ibis Styles Avignon Sud ***

After breakfast, we depart for Valensole, located 138 kilometers away. Valensole is an enchanting small town world-renowned for lavender viewing. Stroll through the compact town center lined with local shops and restaurants. Then, enjoy a full, immersive day exploring the lavender fields (Lavender field in Valensole), venturing all the way to Plateau de Valensole.

hotel Overnight Avignon · example hotel Hotel ibis Styles Avignon Sud ***

Today, we take you to Carcassonne, France. Carcassonne is a living medieval fortress city and a famous travel destination in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of southwestern France. With an ancient history dating back to pre-Roman times, it is recognized as one of France's most remarkable medieval fortified cities. Visit The Carcassonne Citadel, encircled by magnificent ramparts that stand proudly to welcome visitors. Explore the historic fortified town (La Cité), featuring residential houses, boutique shops, cafes, brasseries, souvenir shops, and many other fascinating spots.

hotel Overnight Carcassonne · example hotel ibis Carcassonne Centre ***

Today, we take you to the Pyrenees in northern Spain for a scenic hike to appreciate the natural splendor of this mountain range.

Next, journey to Andorra, a tiny principality nestled between France and Spain. Visit the capital, Andorra la Vella, a charming small city that is easy to explore on foot. Admire the ancient stone church of Església de Sant Esteve, the Romanesque Sant Joan de Caselles Church, and the historic stone church of Església de Sant Martí de la Cortinada, restored in the 17th century. Visit the Roques al carrer Museum.

hotel Overnight Pyrenees · example hotel NH Hesperia Andorra La Vella ****

Today

Today, we travel to Barcelona, Spain. Known as the Mediterranean metropolis, Barcelona is a flourishing, beautiful hub of maritime trade and commerce, and a premier European destination that Europe lovers must not miss.

Stroll along the world-famous pedestrian boulevard, La Rambla, and shop for local treats at Mercat de la Boqueria. Admire the Columbus Monument (Monument a Colom or Columbus Monument) at the end of La Rambla. Explore the historic Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic) and marvel at Barcelona's supreme landmark: the Sagrada Família, Antoni Gaudí's timeless masterpiece currently under construction and slated for completion in 2026. Admire Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (La Pedrera / Casa Milà). Take the cable car up Montjuïc hill for breathtaking panoramic views over the entire city of Barcelona, and visit the National Art Museum of Catalonia (Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya).

hotel Overnight Barcelona · example hotel Abba Garden ****

Today, we transfer you to Barcelona-El Prat Airport in Barcelona, Spain, for your scheduled flight back to Bangkok (arriving at the airport 3 hours prior to departure).

If your flight departs in the afternoon or evening, we will take you on a further morning tour of Barcelona before transferring you to the airport.