European Art & Culinary Journey: Paris, Barcelona & Rome

Begin your European adventure in the City of Light. Settle into your centrally-located hotel in the Marais or Saint-Germain area, then take an easy orientation walk through the charming Left Bank. Explore the Latin Quarter's winding streets, visit Shakespeare and Company bookshop, and enjoy your first authentic French dinner at a classic bistro.

Dive deep into art history at the magnificent Louvre Museum. Arrive early to see the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo before crowds arrive. After a leisurely lunch at Café Marly overlooking the pyramids, explore the elegant Right Bank neighborhoods, window shop along Rue de Rivoli, and discover charming cafés. Evening in the lively Marais district with dinner at a traditional French restaurant.

Morning at the stunning Musée d'Orsay to admire Impressionist masterpieces in the beautiful former railway station. Stroll along the Seine to explore vibrant food markets—either Marché Bastille or Rue Montorgueil—sampling artisan cheeses, fresh bread, and local delicacies. Afternoon walk through charming neighborhoods, discovering hidden passages and boutiques. Farewell Parisian dinner at a cozy bistro.

Morning flight to Barcelona. Check into your hotel in the Gothic Quarter, perfectly positioned for exploring on foot. Afternoon walking tour through the medieval labyrinth of narrow streets, discovering the Cathedral, Roman ruins, and charming plazas. Evening tapas crawl through El Born neighborhood, hopping between authentic tapas bars to sample patatas bravas, jamón ibérico, and local wines.

Start at MUHBA (Barcelona History Museum) to explore ancient Roman ruins beneath the city. Walk to the nearby Picasso Museum in El Born. Afternoon stroll along elegant Passeig de Gràcia to admire Gaudí's Casa Batlló and La Pedrera from outside. Explore the trendy Eixample district's boutiques and cafés. Dinner at a contemporary Catalan restaurant featuring innovative takes on traditional dishes.

Morning visit to La Boqueria market on Las Ramblas for breakfast and market browsing—fresh fruit juices, local pastries, and seafood displays. Explore MACBA (Contemporary Art Museum) in the trendy Raval neighborhood. Walk through Raval's multicultural streets discovering vintage shops and street art. Lunch at the historic Marché des Enfants Rouges. Afternoon free for shopping or relaxing. Final Barcelona evening with dinner at a rooftop restaurant.

Flight to Rome and check into your centrally-located hotel near Termini or city center. Afternoon orientation walk through the historic center—Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona. Each masterpiece is within easy walking distance. Soak in the atmosphere of ancient squares and baroque fountains. Traditional Roman dinner at a trattoria in the charming Trastevere or Monti neighborhood, enjoying cacio e pepe and local wine.

Early entry to the Vatican Museums to experience the Sistine Chapel and Raphael Rooms with fewer crowds. Marvel at centuries of papal art collections. Visit St. Peter's Basilica and climb the dome for panoramic views (elevator available). Afternoon walk across the Tiber to explore the charming streets of Trastevere or the Jewish Ghetto. Dinner at a traditional Roman trattoria sampling carbonara and artichokes.

Morning exploring the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, walking through ancient ruins where emperors once strolled. Visit the iconic Colosseum with skip-the-line tickets. Lunch in the trendy Monti neighborhood at a local osteria. Afternoon walk to the Baths of Diocletian and National Roman Museum for fascinating ancient artifacts. Evening passeggiata (stroll) through the city center, gelato in hand, ending with dinner near Campo de' Fiori.

Final morning in Rome for any last-minute exploration or souvenir shopping. Visit a local market or revisit a favorite neighborhood for one last espresso and cornetto. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a trattoria before heading to the airport. Depart Rome with memories of art, history, and incredible meals across three magnificent European capitals.