X

Spotlight on the French Riviera

Resort:Spotlight on the French Riviera
Operator:
Destination: Europe, France
Price From: £1329.00

Overview

Discover the chic resorts and beautiful scenery that attract the rich and famous to this exquisite coastline. Unpack for a leisurely 6-night stay in the French Riviera and explore the fabulous Cte dAzure. Spend time in the fairy-tale principality of Monaco. Discover the opulence of the Rothschild Villa and Gardens. See artisans create perfume. Visit Grasse and St. Paul de Vence. Enjoy leisure time to explore on your own. Shop like a local at Nices colorful flower market and Antibes’ classic Provencal open-air market.

Itinerary

Day 1: Overnight Flight

The fabulous French Riviera awaits your arrival, complete with elegant coastal resorts, superb dining, fabulous shopping and fascinating museums. Unpack your bags just once and stay at a single hotel for your entire adventure which begins with an overnight flight to France.

Day 2: Nice (French Riviera), France – Tour Begins

Your tour commences in the stunning Mediterranean city of Nice, long revered as the playground of the rich and famous. With an average of nearly 300 sunny days per year, Nice is a seaside paradise. Check into your magnificently located hotel its directly across from the sea! This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner featuring delightful French cuisine artfully presented.

Day 3: Nice

Get to know Nice while on a tour of the city. Discover its vibrant local flower market where much more than brightly colored blooms are sold. Next is a trip to the lively seafront Promenade des Anglais and Place Massena, the towns center of activity. The remainder of your day is at leisure to relax on the beach, peruse the local shops or take in the scenery at a sidewalk caf.

Day 4: St. Jean-Cap-Ferrat – Monaco

Today, travel the spectacular coastline and pass the charming town of Villefranche-sur-Mer, east of Nice. In St. Jean-Cap-Ferrat, called the crown jewel of the French Riviera, you visit the impressive Rothschild Villa and Gardens. This stunning seaside palazzo overlooks the Mediterranean and boasts seven themed gardens. Later, a tour of Monaco will introduce you to the famous Casino of Monte Carlo, the Place des Armes, Princes Palace, Avenue des Beaux Arts, and the Cathedral of Monaco, where Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace are buried.

Day 5: Antibes – St. Paul de Vence

Journey to charming Antibes to enjoy the typical Provenal market and explore this ancient port town, a favorite of Picasso and F. Scott Fitzgerald. Next is historic St. Paul de Vence, situated atop a hill overlooking the beautiful countryside. This walled medieval town is filled with traditional buildings, hidden alleyways, fabulous restaurants and many specialty shops. As you explore, soak in its distinctive light, said to have inspired Matisse, Braque, Chagall and many other artists.

Day 6: Day at Leisure

The day is yours to create your own adventure. The old city is the perfect place to explore antique shops and boutiques, or indulge in some scrumptious world-renowned French pastry.

Day 7: Grasse – Gourdon

Learn the secrets of perfume making with a tour of the Fragonard Parfumerie in Grasse, where fragrant formulations have been prepared since 1782. Spend time soaking up the atmosphere of this charming town. Visit the fascinating museum dedicated to the artist Fragonard and the Museum of Provenal Costume. Then, follow the road high above the Loup River Gorge to Gourdon for an unparalleled panoramic view. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of an unforgettable trip.

Day 8: Nice – Tour Ends

Depart for home with many wonderful memories of your journey through the Cote d’Azur.