PARIS & the FRENCH RIVIERA

April 18-26, 2020 ... or ... September 19-27, 2020 

1st Day: We board our plane for the overnight flight to France.

2nd Day: Upon arriving at Nice International Airport, we take the short drive to the famed French Riviera city of Cannes, where we check into our hotel for the next 5 nights. After freshening up a bit, we are treated to a delicious welcome dinner in one of Cannes’ finest restaurants. (D)

3rd Day: This morning we visit the ultimate mountaintop village, Eze. We pass through the village’s 14th century fortified gate and ruined castle to discover its quaint, narrow streets, shops, boutiques, restaurants and art galleries & studios. And the views of the Mediterranean from its lush tropical Exotic Garden are truly jaw dropping. Following this fascinating visit we drive along the scenic coastal road overlooking the Mediterranean as we make our way to Monaco. Located between sea and mountains, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea on one side and France on the other, the Principality of Monaco is the world’s second smallest country. Our tour of the city features views of the Cathedral of Monaco, Oceanographic Museum, the Prince’s Palace, the ramparts and St. Martin’s Gardens. We’ll also see the world famous Casino de Monte- Carlo, which created the great wealth of the royal family of Monaco – the Grimaldis. (B)

4th Day: Today we visit the city of Nice, known as the “Queen of the Riviera.” Our tour has us seeing the Promenade des Anglais, with its many hotels and residences facing the Mediterranean, Castle Hill, Place Rosetti and the 17th century Palais Lascaris. A visit to Nice would not be complete without a visit to its Old Town. This historic part of Nice feels like a medieval village with narrow streets curving between old buildings with red-tile roofs, small restaurants and open-air markets. We’ll also enjoy a delicious lunch in one of Nice’s most popular restaurants. After lunch we drive along the coast for a visit to Antibes, which is still surrounded by massive ramparts that date back to the 16th century. You will see Fort Carre, the Chateau Grimaldi and the Vieux Port and delight in strolling through Antibes’ Old Town. (B,L)

5th Day: Another great day awaits us as we drive to Aix-en-Provence, considered one of France’s most elegant cities. It is the birthplace of the artist Cézanne and its natural light and beauty have attracted great artists from around the world for years. We’ll take a pleasant walk through the Market Square, along the maze of small streets, the Quartier Mazarin and along the shaded Cours Mirabeau. We’ll admire the magnificent Aix Cathedral as we see the city as Cézanne lived it, seeing the places dear to him, the cafes where he met his friends and the beautiful surrounding countryside. Before returning to Cannes, we are treated to a pleasant wine-tasting to experience the great wines of the region. We enjoy another tasty dinner tonight. (B,D)

6th Day: A tour of the Cannes city center begins the day as we stroll along the famous Boulevard de la Croisette, the famous seaside street lined with palm trees, toward the Old Quarter. You’ve probably seen it on television many times when watching highlights of the glamorous Cannes Film Festival. You’ll get a great view of this little gem of a city, the surrounding hills, beautiful bay and Lerins Island from the terrace of the Church of Notre-Dame de l’Esperance. We’ll then drive to Grasse, the world’s capital of the perfume industry. We’ll visit one of the famous perfume factories to learn the process of creating perfumes. After returning to our hotel to freshen up, we drive to the picturesque village of Mougin. You’ll be seduced by the narrow streets and superb ancient houses and understand why so many artists, including Pablo Picasso, chose to live here. The day is topped off with dinner in one of Mougin’s outstanding restaurants. (B,D)

7th Day: A relaxing and scenic day is on tap today as we board the TGV High Speed train from Nice to Paris. You’ll have time to chill out with a glass of wine, a good book or interesting conversation as you enjoy the wonderful views afforded us: the beautiful blue waters of the Mediterranean on the Cote d’Azur, Avignon, Marseille and the Rhone Valley. Upon arriving in the center of Paris, we transfer to our hotel where we have accommodations for the next 2 evenings. (B) 

8th Day: We take a tour of Paris, the “City of Light” today. We’ll see the city’s many landmarks including the Arc de Triomphe, Place de la Concorde, Cathedral of Notre Dame, the Champs Elysées and, of course, the Eiffel Tower. Just viewing the incredible architecture of the buildings is like walking through an outdoor art museum. In the afternoon we’ll be delighted with a lovely cruise on the Seine River. A wonderful Farewell Dinner is the perfect way to end this fascinating tour. (B,D)

9th Day: We transfer to the airport for our return flight home with "Memories...to Last a Lifetime!" (B)

Price: $3,079 per person, double occ

Our Tour Package Includes:
* Accommodations for 7 nights
* 7 Breakfasts, l lunch & 4 dinners
* Sightseeing & admissions
* The scenic cruise of Paris on the Seine
* The ride on the TGV High Speed train
* The services of a professional tour escort
* Gratuities for all included meals
* Taxes 
* Transfers in France 

Airfare is additional