11-Nights Classic European Vistas: Cities, Mountains & Lake from $3,459

This 12-day trip through Europe connects its two most fashionable cities, Paris and Milan, weaving through beautiful Switzerland and northern Italy en route.

A four night stay gives you time to explore Paris in depth. Spend a day exploring with your hop-on, hop-off bus pass, taking in up to fifty popular tourist spots around the city. Multilingual commentary will help you put your discoveries into context as you uncover the tales of Paris. The following day takes you off the tourist trail to the Fragonard Perfume Museum. The sensory feast continues with lunch at La Boutique des Saveurs, along with a wine tasting, ideal for beginners, connoisseurs, and everyone in between. Your last full day in Paris includes a walking tour from Palais Royal to Opera Garnier, exploring the secret passageways and back alleys of Paris.

Go on to Switzerland, and the often-mentioned, but rarely understood city of Geneva. See the UN headquarters, the Flower Clock, and the Old Town on a guided tour. Then perhaps opt for a cruise on Lake Geneva to admire the snow-capped mountains, Bellerive Castle and other sights, all with commentary as you pass by. Then drive to Annecy, where canals and colourful houses create one of the most unique villages in the Alps. Another Alpine village awaits at Chamonix, where you’ll have the morning at leisure to explore before returning to Geneva.

Head to Milan, the fashion and financial capital of Italy. In Milan, a tour will help you get your bearings, taking in the famous boutiques, cathedrals, and natural attractions. Then take some time to explore on your own, but don’t bother trying to squeeze in a glimpse of The Last Supper. It’s included on the comprehensive da Vinci tour you’ll take the following day. Visit the Sala di Leonardo and see the Atlantic Codex, then skip the line at the Maria delle Grazie to see the famous painting.