Day : 1
Arrive Paris (2 Nights)
Number of Days : 1
Discover romance, sophistication and French joie de vivre in Paris - the launch pad to a memorable journey through the French countryside. Explore the grand boulevards and winding lanes of the City of Lights, before meeting your Travel Director and companions for a Welcome Reception. We take to the streets this evening to see some of the city's most iconic sights, including the Champs Élysées and Arc de Triomphe, standing in all its glorious splendour for you to admire.
Day : 2
Paris Sightseeing and Free Time
Number of Days : 1
Join a Local Specialist to delve into the hidden squares and secret lanes of a Paris not normally frequented by tourists. Visit Notre Dame Cathedral then soak up the authentic atmosphere and local day-to-day life of the Parisians as you stroll through historic neighbourhoods. Spend your evening embracing the pageantry of Paris and perhaps experience a traditional Parisian Cabaret.
Day : 3
Paris – Beaune – Lyon
Number of Days : 1
Journey through the picture-perfect Burgundy wine region and stop in its walled regional capital, Beaune - most famous for the colourful geometric-tiled Hôtel-Dieu. We continue to the gastronomic capital of Lyon, where we spend the night. Discover the historic treasures of its well-preserved Old Town or perhaps indulge in delicious Beaujolais flavours in a local bouchon - the choice is yours.
Day : 4
Lyon – Aix-en-Provence – Monaco – French Riviera (2 Nights)
Number of Days : 1
Follow the Rhône Valley south, enjoying some free time in Aix-en-Provence for a delicious lunch and the sweet flavours of Calissons, then stop in the glamourous Principality of Monaco bound for the sun-kissed shores of the French Riviera. View the Palace, which has been the home of the Grimaldis since the 13th century, and the cathedral where the late Princess Grace and Prince Rainier were married. This evening, we enjoy a delicious Regional Meal together in Monaco before arriving at our hotel, where we'll spend the next two nights.
Day : 5
French Riviera Free Day
Number of Days : 1
Explore the French Riviera on your day at leisure. Relax on the beach with the beautiful people, or visit the delightful hilltop town of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, a favourite haunt of the rich and famous.
Day : 6
French Riviera – St. Tropez – Avignon (2 Nights)
Number of Days : 1
We arrive by boat in glitzy St. Tropez for a leisurely morning sojourn to soak up our fashionable surrounds. Continue onto the ancient city of Avignon, once the Seat of the Papacy, where we will spend the next two nights. Our orientation of this extraordinary historic city includes views of the imposing Palace of the Popes and the famous ruined bridge straddling the Rhône, which inspired the famous French song, Sur le pont d'Avignon.
Day : 7
Pont du Gard And Arles Excursion
Number of Days : 1
We cross the impressive Pont du Gard aqueduct in the company of a Local Specialist and learn about the history of this elevated architectural wonder that has spanned the Gardon River since Roman times. Continue to Arles, to admire the Romanesque Cathedral and Roman amphitheatre, once the site of bloody battles and exhilarating chariot races. Tread in the footsteps of Vincent Van Goph with your Local Specialist, exploring the heritage of a city that was once an important Phoenician trading port. Tonight, we enjoy delicious Provençal flavours as we 'Connect With Locals' and join the widow of Pierre Salinger for a memorable Be My Guest meal in a converted historic mill on the banks of the Sorgue.
Day : 8
Avignon – TGV Train – Paris Free Time
Number of Days : 1
The picture-perfect French countryside is our constant companion as we take the high-speed TGV train through the heart of France, past Auxerre and the sprawling vineyards of Burgundy back to Paris where you have the rest of the afternoon to explore the city on your own terms. This evening we celebrate an unforgettable sojourn through France at a Farewell Dinner with our Travel Director and newfound friends.
Day : 9
Depart Paris
Number of Days : 1
This morning after breakfast, it's time to bid Paris a fond au revoir as our fascinating journey through France comes to an end. Transfers are available. Conditions apply.