If you haven’t been to Paris in the last several years, there’s so much new in the city that we’ve designed a whole trip around it. Notre Dame has re-opened to rave reviews. New museums have been created; old ones revamped and remodeled. And some places have only recently been open to the public at all.

Naturally, we’ll spend quite a bit of time exploring the recently restored magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral. On another day, we’ll visit the Basilica Cathedral of Saint Denis, the very first Gothic cathedral ever built, and the traditional burial place of the kings and queens of France.

We’ll enjoy the spectacular architecture and art at the Fondation Louis Vuitton, designed by American architect Frank Gehry. In fashion, we’ll see the new museum La Galerie Dior, a glimpse into French haute couture and a celebration of Christian Dior’s designs and those of his successors.

The Musée Carnavalet has re-opened after years of renovation with its intriguing galleries showcasing the history of the city. Nearby on the Place des Vosges, called the most beautiful square in Paris, we’ll visit the restored apartments of Victor Hugo, who wrote The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

And all Paris is talking about the fabulous apartments on view at the historic Hotel de la Marine on Place de la Concorde.

We’ll also travel outside the city to the historic chateau of Chantilly. Our visit includes a tour of the impressive public rooms, including its art museum whose collection is said to be second only to that of the Louvre. We’ll also have our own guided tour of the luxurious private apartments.

We’ll stay in our favorite hotel in Paris, the Relais Monceau, located very near the Parc Monceau and the historic house museum, the Nissim de Camondo.

Plus – since you love Paris – you’ll also have some free time to re-visit your favorite places in the City of Light.

In the fall, join us to explore Siena, historic rival of Florence, with its spectacular Duomo, winding narrow streets and gracious central Campo, perfect for an evening drink and people-watching. Outside of Siena is Tuscany’s agricultural heart, with its familiar rolling hills studded on the ridges by lines of dark cypresses.

Eric will share his knowledge of the Sienese art and history, including at the majestic black and white striped Duomo. Siena’s city motto is, “Cor magis tibi Seni pandit,” (“Siena opens its heart even wider to you”), and you’ll feel its welcome and walkable scale immediately. We’ll stroll to historic sites from both the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

Because agriculture lies at the heart of Tuscany’s history and culture, we’ll visit a working farm, and we’ll enjoy tastings of some of Tuscany’s most notable products: wines and cheeses.

On other days, we’ll visit several of the most characteristic of Tuscany’s hill towns – each quite different in character. From an authentic working farm, we’ll observe San Gimignano’s distinctive skyline of 14 towers. In the city, we’ll have plenty of time to explore its museums, churches, shops – and its most famous gelato.

Pienza is a graceful and harmonious small town – completely rebuilt and designed to humanistic principles by Pope Pius II during the Renaissance. We’ll visit the Pope’s Palace there, as well as taste the varieties of the famous Pecorino cheese the city is known for.

The charming town of Montepulciano is known for its wines, so we’ll definitely taste some there.

In Siena, we’ll stay for the week at the Hotel Athena. Located in a quiet neighborhood right up against the old city walls, it has a terrace with spectacular views of the countryside.

We’ll end our trip in Florence for a couple of days, where we’ll visit the Uffizi Gallery and the Palazzo Vecchio. Our Florence hotel, the degli Orafi, is located right on the Arno, so you might want to extend your stay there even longer.

Fall is a beautiful time to visit Tuscany. The days are usually cool, crisp and sunny, and most of the tourists have headed home. We’ll wander along the narrow streets in every town, letting our imaginations run away with us as we soak in the history…and, of course, savor the food and wine.In the fall, join us to explore Siena, historic rival of Florence, with its spectacular Duomo, winding narrow streets and gracious central Campo, perfect for an evening drink and people-watching. Outside of Siena is Tuscany’s agricultural heart, with its familiar rolling hills studded on the ridges by lines of dark cypresses.