Tour Details - Paris and Provence 2012

Welcome to Paris, France’s glittering capital! Relax after check-in or start exploring this amazing city. Join your Travel Director and fellow travelling companions later for a Welcome Reception followed by an evening drive to see the city’s impressive illuminations - the perfect introduction to your holiday!(Welcome Reception)

Your expert Local Guide takes you on a sightseeing tour of Paris this morning. View the Champs Élysées, Arc de Triomphe and Notre Dame. Ascend to the second level of the Eiffel Tower and see the city in all its glory. Spend the rest of the day seeing the sights of your choice. You might like to round off your day with a famous Parisian cabaret show.(Buffet Breakfast)

Today is free for you to explore the delights of Paris. The city is home to many world-renowned galleries and museums including the Louvre, Musée D’Orsay and Les Invalides, featuring Napoleon’s tomb. Cruise along the River Seine, stroll through the Tuileries or take an excursion to Monet’s garden at Giverny. Use your included ‘hop-on hop-off’ sightseeing ticket it’s a great way to get around the city !(Buffet Breakfast)

Take the high-speed TGV train from Paris to Aix-en-Provence, a vibrant student city featuring an abundance of grand period architecture. See the sights during your orientation including Place de la Rotonde, Cours Mirabeau and the thermal springs. Spend free time afterwards exploring on your own, shopping in chic boutiques or simply relax with a cool drink on a café terrace and watch the world go by.(Buffet Breakfast)

Drive through beautiful Provençal countryside to Ménerbes, immortalised by Peter Mayle in his book ‘A Year in Provence’. Experience a delicious Be My Guest lunch of local dishes at a family run winery in the famous Luberon area and learn about the excellent wines which are produced here. Return later to Aix-en-Provence with free time to do as you please.(Buffet Breakfast / Be My Guest dinner)

Your orientation tour of Avignon includes the famous broken bridge, the bustling Place de I’Horloge and the Palace of the Popes, an immense fortification built in the 14th century. After shopping for souvenirs continue to Nimes, where your orientation tour shows you the Roman Arena and the 2,000 year old Roman Temple, known as the Maison Caree.(Buffet Breakfast)

Your day starts with a visit to St. Remy de Provence Market to buy fresh produce for your culinary adventure! Join your companions for a cookery class from a qualified chef at a nearby restaurant, work together to produce a delicious lunch and eat it! Return later to your hotel in Nimes and spend the evening relaxing.(Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Lunch)

A short drive brings you to Arles where you see the Roman Amphi and Romanesque cathedral during your walking tour with your expert Local Guide. Drive south to coastal Cassis and take an included cruise around the bay and view the limestone coves – calanques − which provide shelter for local wildlife. Later continue to Nice where your orientation includes the Promenade des Anglais, Place Massena and the Old Town.(Buffet Breakfast)

Drive along the elegant Côte d’Azur to Monaco. See the Palace of the Grimaldi family − they have ruled from this residence for 700 years − and the Cathedral where Princess Grace and Prince Rainier are buried. Continue along part of the Grand Prix circuit to Monte Carlo with the chance to visit a casino − you might get lucky and win! Later in Nice, there is time to shop for souvenirs or relax.(Buffet Breakfast)

Spend the day exploring Nice at your lesiure. Visit the flower market in the old town. Maybe relax on the beach or swim in the Mediterranean. This evening, raise a toast to your fellow travellers at a celebratory Farewell Dinner with wine in a local restaurant.(Buffet Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)

Say farewell to this magical country and your newfound friends at the end of a remarkable holiday. Airport transfers are available. Conditions apply.(Buffet Breakfast)