An exciting and immersive 13 day tour of Paris, Amsterdam & Rome

Imagine living like the "peasants" here?

Desiring something different, Queen Marie Antoinette had a hamlet erected where she could supervise servants milking cows, tending pigs, collecting eggs from chickens.  She dressed down to play her part, but apparently never got her hands dirty, as far as we know.  Her peasant cottage only had two living rooms, a billiard room, a dining hall, and a library.  If you are accustomed to palaces, only two living rooms is roughing it.  Lest the queen got tired of it all, she could return to the Petit Trianon, a beautiful chateau built on the grounds of the Grand Trianon, which was the retreat chateau built on the grounds of the Palace of Versailles, which was a retreat from the Louvre Palace in Paris.

Feel like a king, feel like a queen, hopefully you'll feel good looking out across the park

The Parc de Versailles, features some 800 hectares of manicured lawns, stunning fountains, and the Grand Canal, all masterminded by André Le Nôtre. Highlights include the Neptune and Apollo Fountains, the Trianon Palaces, and the Queen's Hamlet. This vast garden symbolizes royal power, but you are welcomed to enjoy yourself on these pleasure grounds.

There are palaces, and then there is Versailles...

Enlarged by for Emperor Louis XIV as an escape from the dreary political tension of Paris, Versailles might have been the most luxurious palace in the world.  Even now, the building stuptifies with its grandeur and elegance, a stunning representation of the French monarchy's opulence. The famous Hall of Mirrors is just one of many, many (2300!)  stunning rooms, only a small percentage of which are open for display.  It might be too much, or one visit might never be enough.

Imagine living like the "peasants" here?

Desiring something different, Queen Marie Antoinette had a hamlet erected where she could supervise servants milking cows, tending pigs, collecting eggs from chickens.  She dressed down to play her part, but apparently never got her hands dirty, as far as we know.  Her peasant cottage only had two living rooms, a billiard room, a dining hall, and a library.  If you are accustomed to palaces, only two living rooms is roughing it.  Lest the queen got tired of it all, she could return to the Petit Trianon, a beautiful chateau built on the grounds of the Grand Trianon, which was the retreat chateau built on the grounds of the Palace of Versailles, which was a retreat from the Louvre Palace in Paris.

Yes, the Dutch Have Royalty, and You Can Often Visit Their Home.

Amsterdam's Royal Palace, originally built as the city hall in the 17th century during the Dutch Golden Age, stands majestically in Dam Square. Renowned for its classical architecture and opulent interiors, the palace serves as one of the King's official residences and is used for state visits, awards ceremonies, and other official functions. Its rich history and architectural grandeur, including lavish rooms and intricate sculptures, reflect Amsterdam's past prominence and wealth.

Examine hundreds of years of stories and histories.

The Jewish Historical Museum in Amsterdam, set in the city's former Jewish Quarter in four 17th-century synagogues, delves into Jewish traditions, religion, and contributions to Dutch society. It features artifacts, personal Holocaust stories, and interactive exhibits, highlighting Amsterdam's Jewish heritage and its impact on the Netherlands. This museum fosters understanding and dialogue, making it vital for anyone interested in exploring Jewish history and culture.

Yes, the Dutch Have Royalty, and You Can Often Visit Their Home.

Amsterdam's Royal Palace, originally built as the city hall in the 17th century during the Dutch Golden Age, stands majestically in Dam Square. Renowned for its classical architecture and opulent interiors, the palace serves as one of the King's official residences and is used for state visits, awards ceremonies, and other official functions. Its rich history and architectural grandeur, including lavish rooms and intricate sculptures, reflect Amsterdam's past prominence and wealth.

Examine hundreds of years of stories and histories.

The Jewish Historical Museum in Amsterdam, set in the city's former Jewish Quarter in four 17th-century synagogues, delves into Jewish traditions, religion, and contributions to Dutch society. It features artifacts, personal Holocaust stories, and interactive exhibits, highlighting Amsterdam's Jewish heritage and its impact on the Netherlands. This museum fosters understanding and dialogue, making it vital for anyone interested in exploring Jewish history and culture.

Enjoy this quintessential windmill in Haarlem...

... And the story of its place in the hearts of locals. Windmill De Adriaan, perched on the banks of the River Spaarne in Haarlem, is a striking landmark that offers a glimpse into Dutch windmill engineering since its original construction in 1779. Though it was rebuilt in 2002 after a devastating fire decades before, De Adriaan retains its historic charm and functionality, demonstrating traditional milling techniques used for various purposes, including producing paint, tobacco, and flour. Visitors can explore the interior through guided tours, learning about the windmill's mechanics and its role in Dutch culture and industry.

A Swell Tower and Church in Zwolle

The Grote Kerk (St. Michael's Church) in Zwolle, notable for its late Gothic architecture, dates back to the 15th century. Though its tower was aimed to outdo Utrecht's Dom Tower, it remains unfinished thanks to a series of lightning strikes. The church's interior features a carved pulpit, an ornate organ, and beautiful stained glass windows. The church has indirectly given Zwolle's inhabitants their nickname, Blauwvingers (Bluefingers).  For once, a Dutch story that doesn't reward frugality.

Enlighten Yourself with a Wise Visit to this Enlightenment Museum

The Teylers Museum in Haarlem, Netherlands, is a remarkable journey back into the Age of Enlightenment, where art and science converge in the oldest museum in the country. Established in 1784, it houses an eclectic collection ranging from rare books and fossils to historical scientific instruments and works by great masters like Michelangelo and Rembrandt. The museum's unique atmosphere is enhanced by its preserved 18th-century interior, offering visitors a genuine experience of stepping back in time.

Enjoy this quintessential windmill in Haarlem...

... And the story of its place in the hearts of locals. Windmill De Adriaan, perched on the banks of the River Spaarne in Haarlem, is a striking landmark that offers a glimpse into Dutch windmill engineering since its original construction in 1779. Though it was rebuilt in 2002 after a devastating fire decades before, De Adriaan retains its historic charm and functionality, demonstrating traditional milling techniques used for various purposes, including producing paint, tobacco, and flour. Visitors can explore the interior through guided tours, learning about the windmill's mechanics and its role in Dutch culture and industry.

Contemporary in an Old City Can Be Beautiful Too

The MoCo Museum dedicates itself to showcasing modern, cutting-edge works from some of the most influential artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. Situated in a renovated townhouse in the heart of Amsterdam, it offers a dynamic and engaging art experience, featuring both permanent and temporary exhibitions. Highlights include pieces by Maria Abramović, Banksy, Andy Warhol, and other iconic figures who have shaped the contemporary art scene. The museum's intimate scale allows for a personal exploration of the artworks

This museum will defintely make your eyes sparkle.

The Diamant Museum in Amsterdam delves into this dazzling gem's history, highlighting Amsterdam's significance in the diamond industry since the 16th century.  Simultaneously, it showcases its journey from raw stones to exquisite jewelry, emphasizing the art of diamond cutting and polishing, and, of course, features a collection of gems and artifacts,.

Find Tickets and Trinkets related to the Rijks- and Van Gogh Museums

Located on Museumplein (Museum Square), this convienent shop is operated by both museums to contend with the overflow at their respective ticket offices.  Even this shop can become busy.  However, if you don't plan on visiting the museums, but still want to pick up some souvenirs, this is your spot: both museums supply this store with their own merchandise.

The Van Gogh Museum - How Can't You Be Impressed?

Maybe no other artist since Michelangelo has touched the Western World as deeply as Vincent Van Gogh.  His exhuberent palates of color, the frenetic pace at which he painted, the humanity of his subjects, not to mention the pathos of his own life, all combined to make unforgettable works - many of whic hare at this museum.  Millions of words have been written about the man and his art; but somehow, seeing them live often leaves a person speechless.

Column formerly dedicated to Emperor Marcus Aurelius; a statue of St. Paul now stands in place of his.

If you turn left at the far end of the Temple of Adrian, you'll arrive at the Column of Marcus Aurelius (Colonna di Marco Aurelio). The column located on Piazza Colonna commemorates the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius and his victories over the Germanic tribes in Danubian and Marcomannic wars. It was modeled on Trajan's Column (which is located in Trajan's Forum). The column consists of 27 or 28 blocks of Carrara marble, each of 3.7 meters (12 ft) diameter, and was nicknamed the Centenaria, "hundred-footer" because it was 100 Roman feet or 29.60 meters high. On the top of the column was a statue of Marcus Aurelius; today, the apostle Paul stands there.

One of the main streets in Rome.

The main street running alongside the Piazza Colonna is one of the main streets in Rome, called the Via del Corso. It is remarkable for being absolutely straight in an area characterized by narrow meandering alleys and small piazzas. Its runs 1.5km from Piazza del Popolo all the way to Piazza Venezia and is one of the busiest shopping streets in Rome. You’ll find lots of large international stores all over the street including major retailers such as Nike and Zara, as well as smaller Italian retailers where bargains on boutique pieces of Italian clothing and souvenirs can be found.

Stand in one of the most beautiful squares in Rome, home to the famous Fontana dei Fiumi Fountain by Bernini.

A Roman rendezvous, Piazza Navona is, for many people, the most beautiful square in the world. Like many of Rome's landmarks, Piazza Navona is located over the foundations of an ancient monument, a 30,000 seat stadium of Domitian. The former tiers of seats have since made way for ornate fountains, exuberant baroque palazzi, and bustling pavement cafes. The square has long been the hub for local life, hosting Rome's main market for over 300 years. Today it attracts a colorful circus of tourists, performers, hawkers, street artists, and pigeons. The first visit to Piazza Navona might well result in a stiff neck from gazing up at all the sumptuous Baroque beauty.

Visit this iconic former pagan temple converted into a Christian church.

This sanctuary of impressive dimensions is one of the best-preserved buildings of ancient Rome. Erected by Agrippa in 27 BC, the Pantheon was originally a Pagan temple. The building's consecration as a church in 609 AD saved it from the abandonment, destruction, and the worst of the spoliation that befell the majority of ancient Rome's buildings during the early medieval period. Its greying exterior may look its age, but inside, a spectacular experience awaits. With light streaming through its oculus, the marble-clad interior seems vast. The Pantheon is home to some notable tombs, including those of painters Annibale Carracci and Raphael and King Vittorio Emanuele II.

Book early if you want to see the Vatican Museum's monumental works of art from the greatest Italian artists of the Renaissance.

The Vatican Museum is actually 26 different museums, which include not only exhibitions but chapels, apartments, and other rooms of the Vatican palace, covering a huge range of fine and applied arts patronized by the popes. There's also an outstanding collection of ancient antiquities (including even the Emperor Nero's red stone bathtub), a gallery of hand-painted maps, and whole rooms turned into works of art. In addition to ancient and medieval works of art, you'll see masterpieces by the "who's who" of the Italian Renaissance, including Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, Titian, and Caravaggio. Other highlights include panels by the brilliant monk-artist Fra Angelico, works from the Venetian school, including Vavarini, and much, much more.  Booking in advance is highly recommended as otherwise you can wait for hours or not even be able to get in at all.

Explore the gigantic and incredibly beautiful church known as "the greatest of all churches of Christendom".

The basilica is one of the chief pilgrimage sites in the Christian world, and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Rome. The basilica is the symbolic center of the church not only because the Pope frequently celebrates Mass there, but because it is believed that the apostle St. Peter is buried beneath it. Catholics consider Peter as the first Bishop of Rome and "the rock" upon which the Catholic Church was built, in accordance with Christ's instructions. Inside you can admire sculptures by Bernini as well as Michelangelo's famous sculpture of the Virgin Mary holding the crucified Jesus, known as The Pietà. The church's elaborate and impressive golden interior is a sight to behold. Other sights include St Peter's tomb, the Papal crypts in the necropolis under the basilica, as well as the dome, which rewards visitors with views over Rome.  Entry is free, but queues to visit the Basilica can be lengthy, so it is highly advised to either get there early or to purchase a skip the line entrance. The dome is also paid entry. 

Escape the crowds in this oasis of green hidden behind the walls of the Vatican.

Accessible only via a guided tour, the gardens are definitely worth a visit. Just as the Popes have for hundreds of years, you can stroll the gardens and relax amidst the greenery, while taking in the perfect view of St. Peter's. 

Stand in the middle of this famous square in which the faithful gather to hear the Pope give audiences and celebrate mass.

As one of the most superb conceptions of its kind in civic architecture, St Peter’s Square is the masterpiece of Gian Lorenzo Bernini and makes a wonderful approach to one of the world’s most magnificent churches, St Peter's Basilica. An oval rather than an actual square, the piazza, laid out in 1656-67, is partially enclosed by two semi-circular colonnades on which stand 96 statues of saints and martyrs. At the center of the oval stands an 84-foot (26m) tall Egyptian obelisk of red granite.

Gaze up at the world's most famous ceiling, the masterpiece of Michelangelo.

This famous chapel inside the Vatican Museums is best known for Michelangelo's 16th-century painted ceiling of "The Creation of Adam" and "The Last Judgement" fresco that covers the whole altar wall of the chapel. The jaw-dropping sight is not to be missed, considered one of the top highlights of visiting the Vatican Museums and one of the top artistic wonders of the world. 

Book early if you want to see the Vatican Museum's monumental works of art from the greatest Italian artists of the Renaissance.

The Vatican Museum is actually 26 different museums, which include not only exhibitions but chapels, apartments, and other rooms of the Vatican palace, covering a huge range of fine and applied arts patronized by the popes. There's also an outstanding collection of ancient antiquities (including even the Emperor Nero's red stone bathtub), a gallery of hand-painted maps, and whole rooms turned into works of art. In addition to ancient and medieval works of art, you'll see masterpieces by the "who's who" of the Italian Renaissance, including Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, Titian, and Caravaggio. Other highlights include panels by the brilliant monk-artist Fra Angelico, works from the Venetian school, including Vavarini, and much, much more.  Booking in advance is highly recommended as otherwise you can wait for hours or not even be able to get in at all.

See a Michelangelo-designed church built within the former Baths of Diocletian.

In 1561, almost 1000 years after the baths of Diocletian fell into disuse, Pope Pius IV decided to build a basilica consecrated to Our Lady of the Angels within the baths. He commisioned the 86-year-old Michelangelo to plan the church, making use of some of the existing structures of the baths. Today a visit to the basilica gives you an idea of the enormous size of the baths. The church was constructed at the site of the former frigidarium (a large cold pool which would be used to close the pores after using the hot baths) and incorporates several elements of the former thermae. The vestibule occupies the former tepidarium (a Roman-style relaxation room) and the imposing entrance is an exedra of the caldarium (a room with a hot plunge bath). Other highlights include the meridian solar line running across the floor, which still accurately calculates the length of the year and the summer and winter solstices. There is also an impressive organ with 5,400 tubes. It is capable of leaving those visitors lucky enough to hear it spellbound.

Visit one of Rome's greatest but most unheralded museums of antiquity.

This light-filled museum holds one of the best classical art collections in the world. The ground and first-floor feature famous Greek and Roman sculptures, mosaics and statues, as well as impressive sarcophagi and high reliefs. The second floor showcases the best preserved Roman frescoes in the world, which are considered the highlight of the museum. Originally located in Villa of Livia (the wife of Augustus) and Villa Farnesina, these colourful frescoes, sometimes covering an entire room, offer a unique view into life in ancient Rome and the critical importance of gardens, nature, and the villa atmosphere to upper echelon Romans. A must visit room is the painted garden room of Villa Livia. There is also a cinema room with a video showing a 3D reconstruction of the Villa Farnesina as it would have been, showing the layout of the rooms in the villa and the frescoes you had seen just moments before. 

Walk the ruins of what was once the largest themal baths in the ancient Roman world.

Covering an area of more than 13 hectares (some 32 acres), the bath complex was commissioned by Emperor Diocletian in 298 AD, with a capacity to host over 3,000 people (twice as many as the Baths of Caracalla). The baths were made of bricks, coated in marble and decorated with mosaics and sculptures. The complex included a gymnasium, a library, a large outdoor swimming pool and cold, hot, and tepid public baths. They remained open until 537 when the Goths cut off the aqueducts in an attempt to conquer Rome. After they fell into disrepair and were left abandoned. Even though only a small part of the public bath complex can be seen and visited, it is extremely impressive, with the possibility to see at some points the high ceilings the baths possessed. The interior includes part of the National Museum of Rome and a permanent exhibition on pre-historic populations of the area. In the outdoor part of the baths, it is possible to stroll through a sixteenth-century garden with nearly 400 works of art, including statues, sarcophagi and reliefs. 

See a Michelangelo-designed church built within the former Baths of Diocletian.

In 1561, almost 1000 years after the baths of Diocletian fell into disuse, Pope Pius IV decided to build a basilica consecrated to Our Lady of the Angels within the baths. He commisioned the 86-year-old Michelangelo to plan the church, making use of some of the existing structures of the baths. Today a visit to the basilica gives you an idea of the enormous size of the baths. The church was constructed at the site of the former frigidarium (a large cold pool which would be used to close the pores after using the hot baths) and incorporates several elements of the former thermae. The vestibule occupies the former tepidarium (a Roman-style relaxation room) and the imposing entrance is an exedra of the caldarium (a room with a hot plunge bath). Other highlights include the meridian solar line running across the floor, which still accurately calculates the length of the year and the summer and winter solstices. There is also an impressive organ with 5,400 tubes. It is capable of leaving those visitors lucky enough to hear it spellbound.

Discover the crypt and catacombs of an ancient Christian burial site estimated to hold half a million bodies.

The catacombs are the most important landmark along the ancient Appian Way route because they include the Crypt of the Popes, which contained the remains of nine popes buried between the 2nd and 4th centuries. In times of persecution, the catacombs also provided a secret place of worship for early Christians. There are five levels and roughly 12 miles (20km) of passageways. Over time, the catacombs were mostly forgotten as the relics of the popes and saints they contained had been moved to different churces of Rome. It was not until the 19th century that Italian architects rediscovered it.

Discover the crypt and catacombs of an ancient Christian burial site estimated to hold half a million bodies.

The catacombs are the most important landmark along the ancient Appian Way route because they include the Crypt of the Popes, which contained the remains of nine popes buried between the 2nd and 4th centuries. In times of persecution, the catacombs also provided a secret place of worship for early Christians. There are five levels and roughly 12 miles (20km) of passageways. Over time, the catacombs were mostly forgotten as the relics of the popes and saints they contained had been moved to different churces of Rome. It was not until the 19th century that Italian architects rediscovered it.

Discover the crypt and catacombs of an ancient Christian burial site estimated to hold half a million bodies.

The catacombs are the most important landmark along the ancient Appian Way route because they include the Crypt of the Popes, which contained the remains of nine popes buried between the 2nd and 4th centuries. In times of persecution, the catacombs also provided a secret place of worship for early Christians. There are five levels and roughly 12 miles (20km) of passageways. Over time, the catacombs were mostly forgotten as the relics of the popes and saints they contained had been moved to different churces of Rome. It was not until the 19th century that Italian architects rediscovered it.

Discover the crypt and catacombs of an ancient Christian burial site estimated to hold half a million bodies.

The catacombs are the most important landmark along the ancient Appian Way route because they include the Crypt of the Popes, which contained the remains of nine popes buried between the 2nd and 4th centuries. In times of persecution, the catacombs also provided a secret place of worship for early Christians. There are five levels and roughly 12 miles (20km) of passageways. Over time, the catacombs were mostly forgotten as the relics of the popes and saints they contained had been moved to different churces of Rome. It was not until the 19th century that Italian architects rediscovered it.