Paris & Rome Women’s Photo Adventure

We rise early this morning to photograph sunrise at the Eiffel Tower. Early morning light on this famous Parisian icon is beautiful, and you’ll be able to shoot from several different angles including the classic view from the Esplanade du Trocadéro, an elevated terrace, where Adolf Hitler stood on June 23, 1940, surveying Paris after the French surrender.

We return to the hotel for breakfast, and then we spend time on the famous Champs-Elysees for shopping, lunch, and to photograph the stunning view of the Arc of Triumph.  In the late afternoon and early evening, we visit the world famous Louvre.  At twilight, the classic architecture is particularly beautiful.  Overnight Mercure Hotel.

This morning, after breakfast, we spend time exploring famous Montmartre.  This historic, bohemian hilltop district in Paris is known for its artistic heritage and winding cobblestone streets. Crowned by the iconic Sacre-Coeur Basilica, it offers sweeting city views, quirky cafes, and sites like the Moulin Rouge and the Love Wall.

After lunch we enjoy a class in making French pastries such as macarons, croissants, and crepes. This is followed by a night photography session at the Eiffel Tower to capture the remarkable light show.  Overnight Mercure Hotel.

After breakfast we take a taxi to the Paris Opera House.  We are the first in line so when we enter the sumptuous interior, initially there are no people to interfere with our picture taking. The architecture here is stunning.  Just a block away is the beautiful Lafayette Galeria where you’ll be able to shop in a stunning art nouveau environment that was completed in 1912. On the rooftop, there is a beautiful, elevated view of Paris.

After lunch in the Galeria, we head to Notre-Dame Cathedral to photograph the classic exterior as well as the medieval interior.  Just a block away is the incredible 13th century Sainte-Chapelle with the most beautiful stained glass windows in the world.  This is a great opportunity to use a wide angle lens to create a pano of the interior.  Overnight Mercure Hotel.

Wake up early to enjoy sunrise at the Spanish Steps. Built in the early 18th century, the staircase was designed to connect the Bourbon Spanish Embassy with the Trinità dei Monti church above. At sunrise, this usually crowded landmark is peaceful, atmospheric, and perfect for photos.

We continue on to the famous and very beautiful Trevi Fountain, Rome’s most iconic Baroque fountain. Completed in 1762, it depicts Neptune taming the waters. Tradition says that tossing a coin into the fountain ensures your return to Rome. We then return to our hotel for a late breakfast and relaxation time.

In the early afternoon we spend the day exploring the city. We’ll visit the Piazza del Collegio Romano, a historic square once home to the Roman College founded by the Jesuits in the 16th century.  From there, a short walk leads us to the beautiful Church of Saint Ignazio di Loyola which is famous for its stunning Baroque interior and remarkable trompe-l’oeil ceiling. This is an artistic technique that uses hyper-realistic imagery and forced perspectives to create an optical illusion.

If time allows, we will end the day with a visit to the stunning Pantheon, an ancient Roman temple built in 26 A.D. Overnight Mercure Roma Centro Colosseo Hotel 

After breakfast we visit the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel.  The museum houses over 70,000 works collected by popes over the centuries including masterpieces by Raphael, Caravaggio, and Michelangelo plus ancient Roman sculptures by unknown artists. The highlight is the Sistine Chapel where Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes (1508 - 1512) depict the story of Creation. The famous Last Judgement covers the alter wall.

Following lunch we visit St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.  The interior art and architecture will keep you captivated, and if you want to photograph a commanding view of Rome, climb to the top of the Basilica and you’ll be rewarded with one of the best urban views in Europe.  Overnight Mercure Roma Centro Colosseo Hotel 

After breakfast, we will depart (Rome airport code FCO) for our respective home countries, knowing we've had amazing and fulfilling experiences in art, architecture, history, culture, cuisine, and photography.