Day 1 Direct flight from Shanghai to Rome
All day
About national transport:
For France, Italy, and Switzerland, the international leg is a direct flight on China Eastern Airlines, and can be combined with China Eastern Airlines' nationwide interline services. For example, if you're traveling from Chengdu, we can book a China Eastern Airlines flight from Chengdu to Shanghai 24-48 hours before departure. Specific fares vary depending on the flight, so please contact your product manager for details.
丨 Full refund if visa is rejected:
How to cancel the visa:
After the trip, you will need to collect your passport and round-trip boarding passes and send them to the consulate for visa cancellation. This is expected to take about half a month. Please arrange your itinerary after returning to China.
About the team:
This itinerary is a China-TravelNote independent tour with a maximum of 25 people. A China-TravelNote tour leader will be arranged upon confirmation.
·morning
According to flight information, tourists are requested to arrive at Shanghai Pudong International Airport 3 hours in advance and take the flight to Rome, the capital of Italy.
9.25 Confirmed flights:
MU787, Shanghai - Rome, 12:30 - 19:10, flight time 13 hours
The time difference between Shanghai and Rome is 6 hours (Daylight Saving Time)
Upon arrival in Rome, we will arrange for you to be picked up at the airport and then check into the hotel to rest. Please rest up and look forward to the itinerary that will begin tomorrow.
Day 2 Full day tour of Rome
·morning
Rome—the Eternal City. Founded on April 21, 753 BC, Rome boasts a 2,700-year history. Its ancient Roman ruins, Renaissance art and architecture, and religious influences make it a captivating travel destination.
After breakfast at the hotel, we'll visit the famous Colosseum (entrance and guided tour). Built nearly two thousand years ago, it was the venue for gladiator contests and animal fights during the Roman era and is listed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Don't miss the Arch of Constantine next to the Colosseum, built to commemorate Constantine I's victory at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge.
The Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill are also important ancient Roman ruins. The two building complexes are connected. The Roman Forum was the city center of ancient Rome, and the Palatine Hill is the oldest area of Rome. It is said that Romulus founded the city of Rome on the Palatine Hill in 753 BC. The word "Palace" in English evolved from the name of the Palatine Hill.
·afternoon
After a free lunch, we continued our “wandering” around Rome.
Follow in Audrey Hepburn's footsteps and relive the romantic story of the classic film "Roman Holiday" at the Trevi Fountain. Italians believe that this will bring good luck by throwing a coin into the water.
Stroll to the beautiful Piazza di Spagna: Located at the foot of the hill where the Trinity Church of Rome is located, it is famous for its Spanish Steps leading up to the church. It is the venue for open-air concerts. Domingo and Pavarotti have performed here. The scene where Audrey Hepburn eats ice cream in the movie "Roman Holiday" was filmed here. You can come here to take photos as a souvenir.
Day 3 Rome → Florence
·morning
It is definitely impossible to visit all the sights of Rome, a city with a history of thousands of years, in one day.
Today we will leave you some free time in Rome. During this free time, you can freely go to the Tiber River to admire Castel Sant'Angelo and the Kingdom of Religions, or freely visit other interesting museums/squares in Rome.
Since travel agencies cannot arrange tours of the "Country within a Country", if you want to visit the museum, you must purchase your tickets in advance. The recommended ticket purchase time is September 27, 9:00-9:30 am.
·afternoon
In the afternoon, we will go to Florence. This ancient city was once translated by Xu Zhimo as "Florence". As the birthplace of the European Renaissance, every corner of the city is filled with a strong artistic atmosphere.
Arrive in Florence and check into the hotel to rest.
Day 4 Florence Full Day
·morning
Italy's Renaissance originated with the Medici family, and a visit to the Uffizi Gallery (entry, no guided tour) is like opening an art history textbook: Botticelli's "Primavera," Leonardo da Vinci's sketches, Raphael's soft-lit portraits... You'll stand before the works of the world's top artists and feel the brilliance and glory of humanity as they depict them.
At noon, enjoy the Florence T-bone steak, which is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a strong charcoal aroma. It is an indispensable delicacy on local tables.
·afternoon
In the afternoon, enjoy a classic stroll through the city. Step onto Ponte Vecchio, Florence's oldest stone bridge, flanked by goldsmith shops and galleries, and bathed in the gentle flow of water. Crossing the bridge is Piazza della Signoria, once the heart of the political system, lined with statues and steeped in history. Enter the Galleria della Signoria, and you'll discover that this isn't simply an exhibition, but a public art lifestyle.
We'll conclude the day by ascending Piazzale Michelangelo, Florence's most legendary observation deck. Sunlight shimmers on the red rooftops, the dome of Santa Maria del Fiore looms in the distance, and the silhouettes of the Arno River and the old town unfold before us, creating a picturesque scene.
Day 5 Florence → Venice
·morning
After breakfast, we'll visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (free admission). From this dome, the light of the Renaissance illuminates the entire city, its red brick dome and white marble facade gleaming in the sun. While the interior lacks the grandeur of the exterior, the most noteworthy area is the frescoes inside the dome, including "The Last Judgment," by the 16th-century Florentine painter Giorgio Vasari.
After the tour, we headed to the most "tilted" scenery in Italy, the town of Pisa.
·afternoon
After a free lunch, we will explore the town of Pisa.
First, we'll visit Piazza dei Miracoli, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pisa's iconic landmarks are arrayed on the lush green lawns: the Leaning Tower of Pisa (exterior), built in the 12th century and tilted due to sinking foundations, is the world's most popular photo-op. Next to it is the majestic and elegant Pisa Cathedral (exterior), a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture. The square also boasts Italy's largest baptistery, renowned for its resonant dome.
After our visit to Pisa, we headed north to check into our hotel near Venice.
Day 6 Venice → Italian town
·morning
In the afternoon, take the [water bus] that locals use to travel between cities and check in the "Water City" [Venice]. As one of the few cities in the world built entirely on water, the city consists of 117 small islands connected by more than 150 canals.
Arrive at Piazza San Marco, the heart of Venice. Surrounded by the old and new administrative buildings, St. Mark's Basilica (exterior), and the Campanile (exterior), the square is captivating. Accompanied by flocks of pigeons and sunlight, every frame here feels like a cinematic scene. You can choose to ascend the Campanile San Marco at your own expense for panoramic views of the floating city and the distant horizon at the end of the lagoon.
Arrange a gondola ride and glide gently through the narrow alleys. Along the way, you'll see residents hanging laundry, flowers and vines dangling from windowsills... The daily life of Venice becomes tangible.
Enjoy Shuicheng seafood platter + squid noodles at noon
·afternoon
After lunch, we will have some free time to explore Venice. We will then gather and leave in due time to stay in a small town in northern Italy.
Friendly reminder: the National Day itinerary to France, Italy and Switzerland does not include a tour of the Milan city area.
Day 7 Italian Town → Lucerne
·morning
Today we will end our Italian trip and officially enter the Swiss mountains. It will take about 3 hours to drive to Lucerne, the pearl of the Swiss lakeside. The small town has classic Swiss lake and mountain scenery and is peaceful and comfortable.
·afternoon
We then visited the Dying Lion, one of Switzerland's most iconic sculptures. This stone lion commemorates the Swiss mercenaries who died during the French Revolution.
Next, we visited the Musegg Walls (Inside), a well-preserved 14th-century wall that bears witness to Lucerne's history. The Männliturm Tower, a popular Instagram spot, offers stunning views of Lucerne's Old Town and the surrounding lake. It's a popular check-in spot on Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book).
Finally, we strolled to Lucerne's landmark, the Chapel Bridge. Built in the 14th century, this medieval wooden bridge spans the Reuss River. Over a hundred historical murals on the bridge vividly depict Lucerne's past, transporting you back in time.
Day 8 Lucerne → Golden Pass → Jungfraujoch → Interlaken
·morning
Switzerland is also known as the "Land of Trains". Today, we took the scenic train [Golden Pass Train] from Lucerne. Through the panoramic glass windows of the train, the Swiss landscape seemed like a slowly unfolding painting. Lakes, forests, mountains and valleys unfolded one after another along the way, which was breathtakingly beautiful.
·afternoon
After disembarking, board the renowned Jungfrau Railway, which will take you through the breathtaking valley to Jungfraujoch Station, at an altitude of 3,454 meters, where you'll experience breathtaking views from above. Once on the Jungfraujoch, you'll be captivated by the breathtaking scenery. The rolling snow-capped mountains, azure skies, and sprawling glaciers create a fairytale-like experience. You can also visit the Ice Palace and explore the wondrous world of ice sculptures and snow art.
After going down the mountain, we arrived at the small town of Grindelwald. In the near distance were lush green pastures and ranch cottages, and in the distance were towering snow-capped mountains. This place can be said to be the cover of a classic Swiss postcard.
Overnight in Interlaken or a nearby town.
Day 9 Interlaken → Spiez/Bern → Beaune
·morning
After breakfast, we'll drive to picturesque Spiez, considered by many to be Switzerland's top town. Nestled on the shores of Lake Thun, nestled against vineyards and overlooking the reflections of snow-capped mountains, it feels like a village straight out of a fairytale. As we stroll along the harbor promenade, the sight of swans swimming leisurely and the shimmering waters of the lake create a soothing experience.
Afterward, you'll travel to Bern, Switzerland's capital—a discreet political center beloved for its quaint medieval streets and terracotta rooftops. Stroll through the UNESCO-listed Old Town, discover the mechanical timekeeping marvel of the Clock Tower, stop at the Mann-Eater Fountain, and pass by Albert Einstein's former residence, experiencing authentic Swiss life.
·afternoon
After a free lunch, we will cross the western foothills of the Alps, bid farewell to the snow-capped peaks and head for France.
We will slowly drive from Switzerland into eastern France, along the vineyards and hills, and finally arrive in the heart of Burgundy, where we will check into the hotel for a rest.
Day 10 Beaune → Paris
·morning
After breakfast, depart for the Palace of Versailles (with guided tour). This magnificent palace was once the court of the French monarchs, where Louis XIV established a luxurious court culture.
Entering the Palace of Versailles, the most famous are the King's and Queen's Halls, where the ceiling murals depict the glorious deeds of Louis XIV, and the gorgeous crystal chandeliers and golden carved decorations show a luxurious court style; the Hall of Mirrors is also very famous. This 73-meter-long magnificent corridor has a ceiling depicting the glory of the King of France, and 357 huge mirrors inlaid on the walls, with a garden view opposite.
Then we will go to the city of Paris and stay at the hotel in the city of Paris that night
Day 11 Paris Full Day
·morning
As the capital of France, Paris is a world-renowned cultural center, filled with museums, theaters, concert halls, and art galleries. This romantic city, shimmering with a unique brilliance, attracts tourists and dreamers alike, making it one of the most desirable cities in the world.
After breakfast, we'll visit the Louvre Museum (with guided tour). The museum itself is a work of art. Built in the 12th century, this palace was once the residence of the King of France. Its architectural style blends classical and Renaissance elements, and its magnificent facade and exquisite sculptures are breathtaking.
As one of the world's most renowned art museums, it houses a rich and diverse collection of art treasures. Within this magnificent castle, you'll discover artwork spanning over a thousand years, from ancient Egypt to modern times. Whether it's Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa," Michelangelo's "David," or masterpieces from the Renaissance, you'll be captivated by the collection.
·afternoon
In the afternoon, we will take you to experience the famous buildings, attractions and neighborhoods in Paris, such as the Champs-Elysées and the Arc de Triomphe, which was built by Napoleon to show off his military achievements and is also the largest arch in the world.
We will then visit the Palais de Chaillot and the Trocadero Gardens, which face the Eiffel Tower across the Seine River and have been featured on many magazine covers and in many movies. We will then proceed to the iconic Eiffel Tower (exterior), which stands on the Champ de Mars in Paris, France. It is a symbol of French culture and the tallest building in Paris.
·night
As night falls, take a Seine River Cruise with Dinner, savoring Western cuisine while enjoying a glass of wine. Admire Parisian sights like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral from the window, taking in the romantic and captivating scenery of Paris and savoring the highlights of your vacation.
Day 12 Paris → Shanghai
All day
Today, it is time to board the plane back home and leave this enchanting land, but the precious memories of this trip will remain in my heart forever.
We will arrange airport pickup and handle tax refund procedures 3 hours before flight departure.
10.6 Confirmed Flights:
MU554, Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) - Shanghai Pudong (PVG), 13:25 - 07:00+1, flight time: 11 hours and 30 minutes
Day 13 Arrival in Shanghai
All day
We're expected to arrive in Shanghai around 7:00 AM Beijing time on October 7th, concluding our romantic trip to France, Italy, and Switzerland. Looking forward to your colorful travelogues!
Due to regulations, all European embassies have a (though not very) chance of requiring applicants to attend an interview at the embassy after their return. If this happens, please understand and cooperate, and attend the interview within the designated timeframe to avoid impacting future visa applications. Travel and accommodation expenses incurred during the interview are the responsibility of the applicant.
The visa cancellation time for relevant European countries is usually around 15 working days. When you sign up for a tour, please pay attention to your other exit arrangements after returning to China.
