Treasures of France
| Resort: | Treasures of France |
| Operator: | |
| Destination: | Europe, France, Monaco |
| Price From: | £2079.00 |
OverviewWelcome to the City of Lights. Your tour begins in the worlds cultural capital Paris. Grand sights such as Notre Dame Cathedral, the Place de la Concorde and the Champs Elysees await during your 3-night stay. Enjoy dinner with breathtaking views on the Eiffel Tower. Cross the countryside aboard the high speed TGV Train on your way to Provence. Stay three nights in charming Aix-en-Provence. Travel to Nimes and explore the best-preserved amphitheater in France. Visit Avignon where you will enjoy a tour and a visit to the famous Palace of the Popes. Experience the best of local French cuisine at a cooking demonstration. Savor a guided tasting of the mouthwatering combinations of French chocolate and red wines. Explore the bustling morning market in Saint-Rmy-de-Provence. Tour Czannes workshop in the town of Aix-en-Provence. Experience the good life in Nice and visit the famous local flower market. Learn the secrets of perfume making at an interactive demonstration. Witness the splendor of the Principality of Monaco as your journey comes to a close on the glittering Riviera. ItineraryDay 1: Overnight FlightJourney through the best of France as you explore lively Paris, romantic Provence and delightful Nice, making many fascinating discoveries along the way. Day 2: Paris, France – Tour BeginsYour tour begins in Paris, the City of Light. Tonight, sample delicious French cuisine and witness breathtaking views during dinner at the Eiffel Tower. Following dinner, get a different perspective on the city during a Seine River cruise. As you glide along, admire Paris glittering skyline. Day 3: ParisCome to know the dramatic highlights of Paris your way by coach or by metro! You may choose to take a splendid panoramic coach tour that includes a stop for a short walking tour inside the impressive Notre Dame Cathedral. Or, for a truly local experience, perhaps you will choose to join a guide who will take you to some of Paris most iconic sights by Metro. Either way youll see the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral, Champs-Elysees, Place de la Concorde, and the magnificent Place Vendome. Write your own story during a free afternoon. Perhaps you would enjoy an optional excursion to the magnificent palace and gardens of Versailles for a glimpse into the lifestyle of French Kings and Queens in the 17th century. This evening, an optional dinner and show at Paris oldest cabaret is offered. Day 4: ParisThe entire day is yours to enjoy the city as you like. You may choose to relax or explore the surrounding countryside on your own. This morning, you may join an optional tour, Paris Behind The Scenes a local guide will take you by metro and by foot off the beaten path to magnificent places throughout the city including the ancient Marais neighborhood, Place des Vosges, The Palais Royal, and through some of Paris most beautiful covered passages. Or, perhaps you will join an optional excursion to the world-renowned Louvre museum, home to the iconic Mona Lisa. Day 5: Paris – TGV Train – Aix-en-ProvenceClimb aboard the high speed TGV Train and fly through the beautiful French countryside on your way to Provence. Delve into the Provencal landscape during a visit to the picture-perfect village of Gordes and the beautiful lavender fields. Visit the Lavender Museum and learn about this precious plant, its unique distillation process, and its uses throughout history. Later, travel to Aix-en-Provence and tour this wonderful city, including the atelier (workshop) of the famous painter Czanne. Relax this evening and enjoy fine French dining at its best at your hotels elegant restaurant. Day 6: Aix-en-Provence – Nimes – Aix-en-ProvenceThe city of Nimes reveals its deep history during a tour that includes a visit to the elliptical Roman amphitheater, the best preserved in France and still used as a bull fighting arena to this day. Visit the Maison Carre (Square House), a small Roman temple; the 18th-century Jardins de la Fontaine (Gardens of the Fountain), built around the Roman Thermae ruins; and the Tour Magne (Great Tower), a ruined Roman tower. This afternoon, return to Aix-en-Provence for time at leisure to explore this lovely town, once frequented by Hemingway and the inspiration to many artists. Day 7: Aix-en-Provence – Saint-Rémy – Chateauneuf-du-Pape – Aix-en-ProvenceDepart for Saint-Rmy where you will enjoy a visit to the bustling morning market in the city square a Provencal tradition! Next, your journey brings you to the famous wine region of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. An expert guide leads you through the mysteries of wine and chocolate at a private tasting. Arrive in Avignon for a delightful tour of this historic walled city. Avignon, often called the City of Popes, acted as a center of European religion for 70 years when the Popes moved there in 1309. Take a moment at the famous Roman Bridge of Avignon before enjoying some time for independent exploration. Complete your day with a cooking demonstration and fine French cuisine at a local restaurant. Day 8: Aix-en-Provence – Antibes – Grasse – NiceJourney to Antibes to rub shoulders with Europes elite in this Riviera getaway. After some free time to explore, continue to Grasse, the worlds center of perfume making. Learn the secrets of perfume making, from extraction to distillation, while visiting a famous perfumerie. Then participate in a special workshop where you will create your own fragrance. Take home a unique and personal souvenir from this memorable hands-on experience. Then its off to Nice, the renowned playground of the rich and famous. Day 9: Nice – Monaco – NiceThis morning youll feel like a local as you stroll through the colorful and fragrant flower market in Nice. Then youre off to discover Place Massena and the lively seafront Promenade des Anglais. Your journey takes you to witness the splendor of Monaco, the dazzling gem of the Riviera. A panoramic tour highlights the famous and extravagant Casino of Monte Carlo and the spectacular 13th-century Princes Palace. Pause to see the Cathedral of Monaco, where Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace are buried. Day 10: NiceRevel in a day of leisure. Spend your day discovering Nices world-class shopping; sample the many French delicacies found in the south of France; or simply relax and take in the laid-back atmosphere along the Riviera. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a quaint restaurant. Day 11: Nice – Tour EndsDepart for home with many wonderful memories. |
