Itinerary Details
Paris & Provence
Day 1 ARRIVE IN PARIS, FRANCE Your Small Group Discovery Begins! At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink at the hotel.
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Day 2 PARIS C’est magnifique! Discover Paris aboard a vintage French car as your driver guides you on a private sightseeing tour of Paris. From your 2CV car enjoy views of Paris’ historic enclaves and hidden treasures. Top the morning off with a welcome wine and cheese tasting lunch at a local restaurant with a local expert on hand to introduce you to the delicious varieties. (B,L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Jump in for a quick getaway in Paris courtesy of a private Citroen 2CV. After all, this was the getaway choice of James Bond in the 1981 film, For Your Eyes Only! Its revered design in engineering and horsepower was first unveiled in Paris in 1948 as an alternative to traditional horse-powered wagons of rural France. Since then, the Citroen has remained a cultural icon in France and beyond—and now is at your small group’s service to take you through the sensational sights of the City of Light. Just don’t forget to yell, “Shotgun!”
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Day 3 PARIS–AVIGNON The City of the Popes This morning, travel to Avignon by high-speed train. Follow your Local Guide to discover the highlights of this walled town on the banks of the River Rhône. See the famous bridge and visit the Papal Palace. Free time to explore more on your own. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURAL GEM Avignon’s 14th-century heyday saw the Pope move his Papal residency as a retreat from Rome. It’s incredible to think that the imposing fortress-like Papal Palace –and largest Gothic building in the world—was completed in less than 20 years! Visit the palace with your Local Guide and be enthralled by this UNESCO World Heritage Site and the stories behind it.
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Day 4 AVIGNON–PONT DU GARD–ARLES–AIX-EN-PROVENCE Architectural Gems Visit Pont du Gard, the largest remaining Roman aqueduct in France and an architectural marvel. Next onto Arles, a fascinating city of historic importance, ancient Roman monuments, and a place of inspiration for artists, including Vincent Van Gogh. [LF] Together with an artistic guide, discover why the renowned impressionist painter spent over a year living in Arles during a prolific period, creating more than 300 drawings and paintings during his stay. Later arrive at your hotel in Aix-en-Provence, the city of beautiful boulevards. (B)
LOCAL FAVORITE
SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Join a local artist to uncover Van Gogh’s Arles, especially for your small group with a guided visit to the historic centre of Arles. Learn about the master Impressionist's life and basics of his painting techniques with a workshop to create your own masterful vignette reproduction of a Van Gogh painting to make a big impression of your own!
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE ACCOMMODATION Located in the heart of Aix-en-Provence on the celebrated Cours Mirabeau, the Negrecoste Hotel & Spa is a boutique hotel that offers charm and comfort in the perfect location for your small group to explore Aix-en-Provence.
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Day 5 AIX-EN-PROVENCE Sweet Provence Follow your Local Guide on a sightseeing tour to discover Aix-en-Provence. Walk along the elegant Cours Mirabeau boulevard, see the Mazarin Quarter, the Jewish Quarter, and the City Hall. Visit the Cathedral of the Holy Saviour, a national monument of France. After exploring, treat yourself to a visit to the Calisson Museum to learn about this traditional French candy, including a tasting! (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CHARMING HOSPITALITY Located in the heart of Aix-en-Provence on the celebrated Cours Mirabeau, the Negrecoste Hotel & Spa is a boutique hotel that offers charm and comfort in the perfect location for your small group to explore Aix-en-Provence.
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Day 6 AIX-EN-PROVENCE. EXCURSION TO ST. REMY DE PROVENCE, LES BAUX DE PROVENCE, GORDES & ROUSSILLON Picture Perfect Provence Enjoy a full day to discover hidden gems dotted around the colorful countryside of Provence. At St. Remy de Provence, visit the monastery of St. Paul de Mausole, a former asylum whose most famous guest was Vincent Van Gogh. Experience the artistic walls of the quarry of Les Baux de Provence and stroll along the streets of Gordes and Roussillon, deemed amongst Frances most beautiful villages. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
INDUSTRIAL ART Les Carrières des Lumières was once a busy limestone quarry providing stone for local building construction. Over time the demand for stone decreased and the quarry finally closed. It was later used as a film location before opening its doors in 2012 as a cultural space, renowned for digital art exhibits where famous works of art are projected onto the former quarry’s walls.
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Day 7 AIX-EN-PROVENCE–FRENCH RIVIERA The Art of French Living This morning, head south towards the famous French Riviera. En-route stop at a local wine estate, which incorporates an open-air museum of contemporary art, for a wine tasting experience and lunch. Later today arrive at your hotel located on the beautiful French Riviera. (B,L)
LOCAL FAVORITE
FRENCH FLAVORS Take an amazing opportunity to visit the Commanderie de Peyrassol a stunning wine estate, once in the hands of the Knights Templar. Enjoy a guided tour of the cellars, learn about organic wine production, and browse the contemporary art displays set in a background of vineyards and olive groves. A comprehensive wine-tasting offers local wines, before a delicious lunch is served.
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Day 8 FRENCH RIVIERA The Good Life on the Côte d'Azur Enjoy a leisurely day on the glamorous French Riviera with time to explore with a spot of shopping, lingering in the local cafes, or relaxing with a day at the seaside. This evening, enjoy a delicious farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE Take advantage of an optional excursion to the Principality of Monaco, the glamorous millionaire playground located on the French Riviera: the second smallest sovereign state in the world. Join your Tour Director for a walking tour through the Old Town, where you’ll admire the cathedral, royal palace, and more. Then, relax and enjoy a delightful lunch in a quaint restaurant.
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Day 9 FRENCH RIVIERA Safe travels until we meet again! Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. Nearest airport is Nice (B)
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