3 Weeks in Europe - From London to Rome

One of the many things to do in London is to see a show. London, like New York, is famous for its theatre scene, and watching a show in one of the iconic theatres is a fantastic experience. During our trip, we were fortunate to see Les Miserables, which turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip.

Another must-visit attraction in London is the Tower of London. The Tower of London is a castle located on the north bank of the Thames river, and it offers a range of activities to visitors. One of the highlights of visiting the Tower of London is seeing the Crown Jewels. Additionally, visitors can explore the White Tower and learn about the Ravens that guard the Tower. You can explore the Tower of London on your own, join a group tour, or book a private tour that is more customized to your interests, including tours that are kid-friendly.

For a panoramic view of London, the London Eye is an ideal place to visit. The entire ride around takes approximately 30 minutes, and the London Eye is the tallest observation wheel in Europe.

London has several delightful squares to explore, with Trafalgar Square being the most famous. Trafalgar Square is certainly worth a visit, but there are other squares in London that you should also visit, such as Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, and Covent Garden, to name a few. Each square has its own unique experience, and you'll find a wealth of history and beauty in them.

Travelling from London to Paris is a breeze, and one of the fastest and most convenient ways to do so is by taking the Eurostar. This high-speed train transports you from London to Paris in just about two and a half hours, and travels under the English Channel.

If you travel to Paris on the Eurostar, you'll arrive at Gare du Nord. From there, you can easily take the subway to any location in Paris or arrange a private transfer to take you to your hotel.

Paris is famous for its food, and one of the best ways to explore the city's many culinary delights is on a food tour. Both group and private tours are available in different neighborhoods around Paris, including Le Marais, the Latin Quarter, and Montmartre.

Take advantage of a visit to the Louvre - no trip to Paris is complete without it. If you are in Paris on a Friday, the Louvre is open late and less crowded. We visited on a Friday evening and got up close to see the Mona Lisa, which is usually hard to do.

Paris has a wide variety of museums that provide an opportunity to explore art and culture. One of the museums is the Musee d'Orsay, located in an old train station with an extensive collection of impressionism. Other museums worth visiting include the Musee Picasso, Musee de l'Orangerie, Musee Rodin, and Centre Pompidou.

If visiting Paris for the first time, you should check out the Eiffel Tower. There are various ways to visit the tower, such as climbing the stairs or taking an elevator to the second floor or the top. Additionally, you can enjoy a meal at Madame Brasserie or a glass of champagne. It is advisable to book tickets in advance to avoid long queues. You can purchase tickets online and receive a designated time slot. Alternatively, you can book a tour, and the tour operator will handle all the arrangements.

Consider taking a day trip to Versailles and/or Giverny while in Paris. The Palace of Versailles is one of the most beautiful palaces in the world and is located just a short distance from Paris. You can get there by train, private transfer, or by joining a tour. If you prefer, you can also tour Giverny to see where Monet lived and his gardens. Depending on how you like to explore places, you can either go by train or book a private tour for a more luxurious experience that will take you to both locations. They will pick you up in Paris and take you by private transfer to see both places and tell you about their history. Don't miss the Hall of Mirrors and the gardens when visiting Versailles.

Montmartre is situated in the 18th arrondissement, on the outskirts of Paris city center. Despite being away from the heart of the city, it is still considered a must-visit destination. This is the artistic district of Paris, where famous artists like Van Gogh used to live. If you visit Montmartre, you should stop by the Place du Tertre, where many artists still sell their artwork today. While there, you can also visit the Sacre-Coeur and enjoy a unique view of Paris. Montmartre still has a village feel, and taking a stroll through the cobblestone streets is highly recommended. You can easily reach Montmartre by subway or take a private tour.

The Moulin Rouge is one of Montmartre's most extraordinary and iconic experiences. The windmill out front of the Moulin Rouge has been a symbol of the city for over 100 years, and the theater has been hosting shows for just as long. Stepping into the theater is like stepping back in time, and the show will surely entertain you with its humor and overall great experience.

Depending on your preference, there are a couple of options to travel from Paris to Venice. The fastest way is to take a flight, but the most unique and luxurious way is by train. You can now experience the Orient Express, which offers a night train from Paris to Venice in style and luxury. You will board the train just before dinner and enjoy comfortable accommodations to sleep, waking up in the morning in Venice. This is not your typical overnight train; instead, it is an experience of timeless luxury. This way, you can make the most of your trip and not lose a day in either city.

Upon arrival in Venice, whether by plane or train, the only way to access the city is by water taxi or bus due to the absence of cars.

Venice is a unique European experience with multiple canals and bridges to explore. Be prepared to do a lot of walking.

Explore St. Mark's Square and Doge's Palace - St. Mark's Square is one of the city's most well-known but lowest parts. It is a beautiful square with several restaurants and shops that you can visit. Additionally, Doge's Palace is located in the same area. To see both sites, you can take a guided tour of St. Mark's Square, St. Mark's Basilica, and Doge's Palace. However, it is essential to note that St. Mark's Square is prone to flooding, especially between October and January.

A trip to Venice can only be considered complete by taking a gondola ride through its beautiful canals. You can go to several places for a ride, but the best way to do it is by booking a private gondola ride before your trip. You can even request a serenade during your journey.

Consider visiting Murano Island during your trip to Venice. Murano Island is renowned for its exquisite glass-making. You can tour various glass factories and witness the glassblowers at work, creating intricate art pieces. You can also purchase glassware from these factories, and they will ship it to your home. Additionally, you can combine this visit with a tour of Burano Island, famous for its lace-making.

The Venice Carnival is a highly recommended experience, especially in late January and early February. It is important to note that this is a popular time for tourists to visit Venice, so expect bigger crowds. Nevertheless, it is still worth it for the unique experience of witnessing the costumes and masks that Venice is renowned for.

If you're looking for a unique way to explore the city, consider taking a water tour. These tours will take you through the city by boat, offering a different perspective and view. Many of these tours also include walking portions to experience both sides of the city.

The most convenient and quickest way to travel from Venice to Florence is by train, which takes just over two hours.

Florence is a stunning city in the Tuscany region of Italy, known for its rich history and unique culture. Each area of Italy has its own distinct character, and Florence is no exception.

If you're a wine enthusiast, you must take the chance to take a wine tour in Tuscany, one of Italy's most famous wine regions. Multiple wineries in the area offer tours, and they can pick you up from your hotel and take you to the wineries. During these tours, the expert winemakers will guide you through the winemaking process and provide a tasting of the wines they offer. Depending on your preference, you can visit one winery or multiple wineries in one day.

A visit to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, also known as Duomo, is a must-do activity in Florence. It is located in the heart of the city and is the third-largest cathedral in the world. Designed by Arnolfo di Cambio, the cathedral is a stunning piece of architecture that attracts visitors worldwide. I recommend booking a skip-the-line tour to save time and avoid frustration from standing in line. You can also visit the museum and the bell tower while you're there.

If you're in Florence, it's worth taking a day trip to either Pisa or Cinque Terre, or even both if you have the time. The easiest way to do this is by booking a guided tour to pick you up from your hotel and take you to both places. While in Pisa, snap a picture of the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Visit Ponte Vecchio - Ponte Vecchio is the only bridge in Florence that was spared during WWII and still stands today. You can visit multiple shops, and you will have a beautiful view of the river. This bridge was built in the 1300's and is like walking back in time.

Getting from Florence to Rome is even easier than from Venice to Florence. The easiest and best way to do it is by train, which takes about one and a half hours.

Rome is an incredible city brimming with history and ancient ruins, which are blended in with the modern city. Whether you are interested in architecture, history, or churches, Rome has something for everyone.

One of my favorite places in Rome is the Trevi Fountain area, where I usually stay. Although it may seem like a typical tourist attraction, it's still worth visiting just to see it. Remember to throw a coin in the fountain, as it's believed to bring good luck and ensure your return to Rome. When in the area, I highly recommend trying the gelato at Gelateria Valentino, located at Via del Lavatore, 96, 00187 Roma RM, Italy. It's one of the best gelato spots that I've ever been to!

Visiting the Colosseum in Rome is a must-do. You can explore it on your own by purchasing tickets or opt for a guided tour, either in a group or privately. Going on a tour ensures that you get everything, and you will have the opportunity to learn more about the Colosseum.

A pizza and gelato tour is a wonderful way to explore Rome's food scene. I enjoyed this tour a lot, as it not only offered a chance to taste the delicious pizza and gelato but also provided insights into the history of pizza in Rome and the origins of its ingredients. This tour is suitable for adults and kids, and it's an excellent opportunity to learn about the city's culinary culture while enjoying some of its most iconic dishes.

Vatican City is an essential destination for anyone visiting Rome, regardless of their religious beliefs. It offers a rich history, impressive art, and immense significance. During our visit, we took a tour of the Vatican Museum, which allowed us to witness the magnificence of the Sistine Chapel while learning about its history. Additionally, visiting St. Peter's Basilica and St. Peter's Square is a must-see in Vatican City. If you love Italian art, Vatican City is a crucial destination to explore in Rome.

Rome is a sprawling metropolis that can be difficult to navigate on your own. One of the best ways to see as much of the city as possible in a short amount of time is by booking a private guided tour. These tours can be tailored to your preferences and interests, allowing you to easily explore Rome's many attractions. Additionally, tour guides are an excellent source of recommendations for local restaurants and eateries.