How to Get There -The Modern Grand Tour

Blend private jet with superyacht cruising with a modern reimagining of the classic 17th – 19th century aristocratic journey through Europe. Discover not just where to go, but the most stylish way to get there.

Long before airline lounges, or even passports, Europe’s elite embarked on a rite of passage known as the Grand Tour – a months-long journey through the continent’s cultural capitals. From the salons of Paris to the ruins of Rome, they traveled in style, and here we replicate the pilgrimage through the iconic stops of the Grand Tour – marrying the speed of private aviation with superyacht cruising – for the discerning traveler who values not only where they go, but how they get there.

London, England

Begin your journey in classic British style. Touch down by private jet at Farnborough Airport and check in to Claridge’s or The Dorchester – two icons of London elegance. Between private viewings at Mayfair Gallery and bespoke tailoring appointments along Savile Row, toast the city with a champagne afternoon tea at Claridge’s.

As evening falls, take your seats at The Royal Opera House for a world-class performance before enjoying dinner at The River Restaurant by Gordon Ramsay at The Savoy.

The Flight: Republic Airport, New York – Farnborough, UK
Distance: 2,930 nm
Flight time: 5:50 hours

The Aircraft: Falcon 10X
Passengers: up to 19
falcon10X.com

Florence, Italy

Arriving in Tuscany is like stepping into a Botticelli painting. The city of the Medici offers frescoed villas, curated gallery tours, and long lunches in the rolling hills. Stay at the 19th-century Villa Cora or the palatial Four Seasons Firenze.

Visit the Uffizi Galleries on a private tour, or take a vintage Alfa Romeo through the Chianti countryside for lunch among the vines, before being chauffeured to Livorno, where your yacht awaits.

The Flight: London – Florence
Distance: 660 nm
Flight time: 2:05 hours

The Aircraft: Phenom 300
Passengers: up to 6
netjets.com

The Italian & French Rivieras

Board GLADIATOR and cruise along Italy’s storied Ligurian coast toward Cinque Terre, a string of five fishing villages clinging to dramatic cliffsides – Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Drop anchor off Portofino, where aperitivi cocktails await on the terrace of the Hotel Splendido.

From Portofino, cross the Ligurian Sea to Monaco, arriving in time for dinner ashore at Louis XV – Alain Ducasse at the Hôtel de Paris, a Riviera institution. After a peaceful night anchorage in the nearby bay of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, begin the day with an early morning dip before heading to Cap d’Antibes.

Lunch at the iconic Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc, perfect for toasting the Riviera chapter of your Grand Tour.

The Yacht: GLADIATOR

Length: 146’4” (44.6m)
Guests: 10
Distance: 143 nm
Itinerary: Livorno – Cinque Terre – Monaco – Cap d’Antibes

Venice, Italy

From Nice, your jet lifts off once more for a flight over the Alps to Venice, where a classic mahogany water taxi awaits to take you to the Belmond Hotel Cipriani on Giudecca Island. Private gondolas and palazzo dinners await.

Explore the Venice Biennale with exclusive curator-led access, or slip behind closed doors for private viewings of masterworks rarely seen by the public.

The Flight: Nice – Venice
Distance: 246 nm
Flight time: 38 minutes

The Aircraft: Cessna Citation Latitude®
Passengers: up to 9
txtav.com

Athens & The Cyclades

Continue eastwards with a flight to Athens. Take a moment to admire the Acropolis from a rooftop terrace, or head straight to LA BLANCA, anchored along the Athenian Riviera. From here, cruise to the Cycladic islands of Paros and Antiparos.

Known for their understated charm, the sister islands offer candlelit taverns and secluded coves. Here, the vibe is barefoot glamour — with chic beach clubs by day and elegant soirées by night. Finally, arrive in Santorini and head up to the clifftop towns of Fira and Oia. Take in the sunset from the caldera edge for epic views over the Aegean Sea and your yacht anchored below.

The Flight: Venice – Athens
Distance: 770 nm
Flight time: 2:10 hours

The Aircraft: Phenom 300
Passengers: up to 6
netjets.com

The Yacht: LA BLANCA
Length: 194’ (59m)
Guests: 12
Distance: 137 nm
Itinerary: Athens – Paros – Mykonos – Santorini

Paris, France

Leaving behind the waterborne leg of your Grand Tour, fly from Santorini to Paris for the final part of your vacation. Check into Hôtel Plaza Athénée, where the recently renovated Royal Suite awaits.

Explore ateliers on Avenue Montaigne, dine at Le Relais Plaza, or ascend the Eiffel Tower after hours – long after the crowds have departed – for a fitting finale to your modern-day Grand Tour.

The Flight: Santorini – Paris
Distance: 1,285 nm
Flight time: 3:40 hours

The Aircraft: Cessna Citation Latitude®
Passengers: up to 7
txtav.com