Southwest Europe Grand Tour | Paris + Italy + Provence Lavender + Alhambra Palace: A 28-Day Private Luxury Journey

Explore the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, a magnificent blend of Gothic and Classicism. Wander beneath the semi-circular arcades of the Place de la Libération, imagining the glory of Louis XIV's era. Then, step into the Notre-Dame Church of Dijon to admire its intricate gargoyles and the Jacquemart clock.

Cross the Franco-Swiss border in a Mercedes business van, arriving at the shores of Lake Lucerne for a tranquil evening at the foot of the Alps.

Awaken to the morning light on the Chapel Bridge, watching the water tower and flower-bedecked bridge reflect in the emerald waters of Lake Lucerne. Then, pay homage at the Lion Monument, feeling its poignant and serene artistic power.

Visit Sforza Castle to feel Milan's layered history. Walk through the glass-vaulted Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and finally, stand beneath the white marble spires of the Milan Duomo, experiencing the pinnacle of Gothic architecture.

Drive to the floating city of Venice.

Take a private boat to the main island. Feel the former glory of the Venetian Republic in St. Mark's Square, cross the Bridge of Sighs, and listen to tales of romance and regret. You may choose to ride a gondola, gliding through winding canals to experience the unique charm of a city "with rivers for streets and boats for cars."

Travel south along Italy's highways towards the "Eternal City" of Rome.

Hear the roar of gladiators in the ruins of the Colosseum. Witness the empire's glory at the Arch of Constantine. Stroll through Piazza Venezia, gazing up at the majestic white marble monument. Then, toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, making a wish to return to Rome. Finally, recreate the romance of "Roman Holiday" on the Spanish Steps.

Travel in the evening to Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance.

Stroll through the city Xu Zhimo called "Firenze." Visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, marveling at Brunelleschi's red dome. Then, admire the masterpieces of the open-air sculpture museum in Piazza della Signoria.

On the Piazza dei Miracoli, take photos with the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, feeling the prosperous spirit of this medieval maritime republic.

Travel along the Ligurian coast to the scenic town of Sanremo.

Visit the Prince's Palace of Monaco, experiencing its "Belle Époque" traditions of luxury.

Visit the medieval cliffside village of EZE. At the Fragonard perfume factory, discover the soul of French perfumery.

Arrive in Cannes and feel the star-studded glamour of the film capital in front of the Palais des Festivals.

Drive to the gastronomic capital of Lyon.

Take a Seine River cruise to admire the romance of Paris from the water. Gaze at the Gothic spires of Notre-Dame Cathedral, look up at the iron lattice of the Eiffel Tower, and finally, feel the glory of the Napoleonic era beneath the Arc de Triomphe.

Enter the Louvre, journeying through 8,000 years of art history, from the Mona Lisa's smile to the Venus de Milo's grace. Then, stroll down the Champs-Élysées, from the Egyptian obelisk at Place de la Concorde all the way to the Arc de Triomphe. In the afternoon, enjoy shopping at Galeries Lafayette or explore the art of scent at the Fragonard Perfume Museum in Paris.

From Constitution Square, overlook the magnificent views of the Luxembourg Gorge and feel the unique charm of this pocket-sized grand duchy.

Visit the birthplace of Karl Marx and the ancient Roman Porta Nigra.

Stroll through Heidelberg University, gaze up at the ruins of Heidelberg Castle, and cross the Old Bridge, feeling the spirit of poetry and distant lands.

Arrive in Frankfurt.

Pause before the Grossmünster, stroll along the shores of Lake Zurich, and feel the elegance and bustle of Bahnhofstrasse.

Return to Lucerne to revisit the classic sights of the Chapel Bridge and the Lion Monument.

Admire the Jet d'Eau on Lake Geneva, visit the Palace of Nations (European headquarters of the UN), and see the exquisite Flower Clock.

Travel to Annecy, known as the "Venice of the Alps" or "Balcony of the Alps," and admire its picturesque canals and colorful houses.

Arrive in Valence.

Visit the Palais des Papes, stroll through the Rocher des Doms, and gaze at the Pont Saint-Bénézet (the broken bridge). If it is lavender season, we will detour to Valensole to wander through the purple fields.

Drive to Spain to begin exploring the city of Gaudí.

Visit Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia, a UNESCO World Heritage site of fantastical charm. Then, admire the undulating facade of Casa Milà, inspired by nature.

Visit Park Güell, experiencing Gaudí's playful use of color and whimsy.

Drive to Valencia to visit the City of Arts and Sciences, a stunning example of futuristic architecture.

Visit the Alhambra Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This last Moorish palace, with its intricate carvings and serene courtyards, whispers tales of past glory and melancholy.

Visit the Seville Cathedral (resting place of Christopher Columbus) and the Royal Alcázar of Seville, appreciating the beauty of Mudéjar architecture.

Arrive in Lisbon in the evening, gazing at the 25 de Abril Bridge and feeling the sea breeze.

Visit the Jerónimos Monastery and the Monument to the Discoveries, feeling the glory of the Age of Discovery. Then, head to Belém Tower and taste the world-famous Pastéis de Belém.

Drive to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of the European continent, and feel the grandeur of "where land ends and sea begins."

Visit Toledo Cathedral, experiencing its grandeur and exquisite detail.

Arrive in the Spanish capital, Madrid, in the evening.

Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid, experiencing the luxury of Europe's third-largest royal palace. Then, stroll through Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol, searching for the "Kilometer Zero" plaque. In the afternoon, you can immerse yourself in art at the Prado Museum or enjoy shopping on Gran Vía.

Visit the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar and the Aljafería Palace.

Return to Barcelona in the evening.

Stroll up the steps of Girona Cathedral, feeling the weight of history.

Visit the Dalí Theatre-Museum, entering the fantastical dream world of this surrealist master.

Admire the ancient Roman Maison Carrée and the Nîmes Arena.

Feel the tranquility of this historic city in eastern France.

Arrive in Lyon in the evening.

Stroll among the half-timbered houses, feeling the romance of Alsace.

Arrive in Frankfurt in the evening.

Visit the majestic Cologne Cathedral, feeling the solemnity of its twin spires soaring into the sky.

Drive to the Dutch capital, Amsterdam, and feel the vibrant energy of this city of freedom at Dam Square.

Experience the Dutch pastoral landscape.

Visit the Peace Palace.

Arrive in Rotterdam and admire modern architecture like the Cube Houses.

Experience the allure of the world's diamond capital.

Take a boat trip to admire the ancient Belfry of Bruges and the Basilica of the Holy Blood.

Visit the Atomium, and take photos at the Grand Place and with Manneken Pis.

Return to Paris in the evening, concluding this magnificent journey across Europe.