Paris, Provence & the French Riviera

Paris is one of the most beautiful cities on earth, a truth easily appreciated on a stroll that could yield one stunning vista after another.
Introduction

Paris has all but exhausted the superlatives that can reasonably be applied to any city. Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower have been described countless times, as have the Seine and the subtle (and not-so-subtle) differences between the Left and Right Banks. Yet, what writers have never been able to even slightly reflect is the grandness and magic.

Duration
8 Days
Starting At
$2079 per person
Style
Escorted
Departures
June 2018 - October 2018
The Journey
Paris, Avignon, Nice
Roundtrip Flights From U.S. Included
Yes
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Tour Highlights

What's Included

Not Included

Tour Highlights

  • Drive along the Champs Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe and continuing to the iconic Eiffel Tower
  • Enjoy the views of French landscape with a ride on the high speed TGV Train
  • View the Pont du Gard, an ancient Roman aqueduct
  • Stop at the Pope’s Palace, the former papal residence
  • Enjoy a wine tasting in Chateauneuf du Papes
  • Visit a French Perfumery in Grasse

What's Included

  • Flights New York-Paris, Nice-New York (other departure cities available for an additional cost)
  • 6 nights accommodations
  • Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
  • All transfers
  • 9 meals: 6 breakfasts, 3 dinners with wine
  • Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
  • Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
  • Services of local guides in Paris and Avignon

Not Included

  • Visas (if applicable)
  • Tipping – an entirely personal gesture
  • Optional activities

The Itinerary

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Day 1

Depart for France

Depart for France.

Day 2

Arrive in Paris

Arrive in Paris, the City of Lights; transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to rest, relax and enjoy the endless delights of Paris. In the evening, join your Tour Manager and fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner at a French Bistro.

Overnight: Paris | Dinner

Day 3

Paris

This morning, enjoy a guided city tour of Paris, including a drive along the Champs Elysées to the Arc de Triomphe. View the Eiffel Tower, Cathedral of Notre Dame, Les Invalides where Napoleon is buried, the Latin Quarter, and the lively Opera district. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure or join the optional tour to magnificent Versailles to witness the grandeur of French classical architecture on the visit to the Palace and extravagant State Apartments.

Overnight: Paris | Breakfast

Day 4

Avignon

After breakfast, transfer to the train station for your journey to Provence by the high-speed TGV train. Enjoy vistas of Burgundy and the Rhone Valley during the comfortable ride. Upon arrival in Avignon, proceed to view the Pont du Gard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is the most ancient Roman aqueduct in France. Next, drive to the Rhone vineyards and the lovely town of Chateauneuf du Pape, where you will enjoy a sampling of some of the wines for which Rhone is famous. Transfer to the hotel in Avignon and spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure.This evening, enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Avignon | Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5

Avignon

Today, enjoy an orientation tour of the town, including the famous broken bridge, the lively Place d’Horloge and the Papal Palace, one of the largest and most significant medieval Gothic buildings in Europe. Afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the lively atmosphere of this charming city, or join the optional tour to St. Rémy-de-Provence & Les Baux. Visit St. Rémy-de-Provence to see the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole, the asylum where Van Gogh spent some of his troubled last days. Then head for the heart of the Camargue to Arles, where you will see the Roman Arena and the 12th-century Cathedral of St. Trophime. From here, drive north along densely forested slopes to Les Baux – a gorgeous hilltop town in the French countryside. Often labeled “the most beautiful village in France”.

Overnight: Avignon | Breakfast

Day 6

Nice

After breakfast this morning, depart for the French Riviera. Admire the scenery which inspired so many of the impressionist artists. You will pass by the Abbey of Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, and the Mont St. Victoire en route to elegant Cannes. Drive along the Boulevard de la Croisette to see the Film Festival Center and the harbor. Pay a visit to a French perfumery in Grasse before arriving in Nice. Tonight, perhaps join the optional tour to Monte Carlo by night. Drive along the dazzling Corniche road to the Principality of Monaco to visit the world-famous Monte Carlo Casino, one of the Riviera’s most frequented landmarks. Monte Carlo is the epitome of wealth and glamor; a prime destination for royalty and some of Hollywood’s most famous actors and actresses. View the route of the Grand Prix, the luxury boats in the harbor and view the Prince’s Palace, atop the famed “Rock”. Enjoy the lights of the coastline as you return to Nice.

Overnight: Nice | Breakfast

Day 7

Nice

A day at leisure to soak up the sun, swim in the Mediterranean, stroll the Promenade des Anglais or see the Old Town, and Place Massena. Perhaps take a mini-train up to the “Colline du Château” for panoramic views of the city and “Bay of the Angels” or visit one of the museums. This morning you may wish to join the optional tour to St. Paul de Vence. Drive into the pine-scented hills above Nice to visit the hilltop St. Paul de Vence – a walled town which still retains its medieval character and is a haven for artists – a treasure trove of workshops and galleries. Wander the cobbled streets to the central fountain, and see the burial place of Marc Chagall. This evening, celebrate your final night in France together with a Farewell Dinner.

Overnight: Nice | Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8

Depart France

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Breakfast

Know Before You Go

The Fine Print

All prices are per person based on double occupancy.

Prices are correct at time of publication; however, as airfares continually fluctuate and classes of service may have limited capacity, prices and availability will change accordingly.

Deposit due upon booking. Reservations accepted until sold out.

Deposits are nonrefundable and nontransferable.

Final payment is due 60 days prior to departure with some exceptions where payment is due earlier. Payment plans available.

Passport must be valid 6 months beyond travel dates. Visa requirements vary dependent upon your nationality, the countries you are visiting, whether you require a single or a multi entry visa and the duration of your stay. Some visas can be obtained upon arrival at the airport, others must be procured in advance, and embassy’s can often take several weeks to process them, so it is important that you start thinking about obtaining your visa at the time of booking. For more information about visa requirements, visit the US Department of State.

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