France and Italy are the two of the popular destinations in Europe, and this itinerary takes in the best of both countries, from dazzling big cities to relaxing beaches to delicious dinners at sidewalk cafes.

Starting in the City of Lights, Paris, you will work your way down through the sunflower fields and ritzy beaches of southern France, continuing into Italy where giant pizzas and palazzos await you. From famous monuments and giant museums to quiet moments shared with friends and food at a corner ristorante, this itinerary will immerse you in many facets of the European experience and have you saying bonjour and buon giorno in no time.

Note: Depending on the time of year you travel, you may want to take this trip in reverse. Northern France is colder than central Italy, which can be very hot, and you want to time your travels to be in the best weather. However no cloud could ever obscure the beauty of these two countries, beloved by backpackers year after year, making the combined trip an ideal first excursion into Europe.

Highlights

Cruise on the Seine River at sunset when all of Paris turns pink in the falling light. Get lost in the student-loved Latin Quarter, then get found in the shadow of the gargoyles of Notre Dame cathedral. Walk around the ramparts of the Papal Palace at Avignon out onto to the half-built bridge. Sip pastis at the wobbly table of a sidewalk café on a tree-lined boulevard in Aix-en-Provence. Smell the sea breeze, swim on the French Riviera, and lick the salt off your lips. Get out of the way of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, which you will swear is about to fall over right now. Experience Michelangelo’s David in Florence. Savor the Tuscan sun, take any road to arrive in Rome to walk in the footsteps of Cleopatra and Julius Caesar. Eat the biggest calzone you have ever seen in your life.

Suggested Route

Starting Point: Paris

Ending Point: Rome

Time Frame: 14 days or more

France: Land in Paris and give yourself at least three days in the cultural capital, plus a few more if you want to day trip to Versailles, Chartres, or Champagne. Take the high speed TGV train to Avignon and base there or in Aix as you explore Provence for a couple of days. Continue on to the French Riviera, staying in Nice for a couple of days.

Italy: Train through the Italian Riviera, stopping if you wish, before arriving in Pisa for a night. Continue on to Florence for a few nights, then ride down to Siena in Tuscany for a taste of the Italian countryside. End your trip in Rome with at least three days where you will experience Vatican City, the Coliseum, and a million speeding scooters.