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Luxury Gold
OFFER ID 1556305
Ultimate France
Frolic in France and Monaco on this 14-day guided tour. In spectacular Saint-Tropez, a Local Expert will guide you along the coastal town’s ancient walls for stunning views of the sea below. See three architecture styles beautifully combine at the Aix-en-Provence Cathedral. Slide into the passenger’s seat of a vintage car for a drive through the countryside, then sip on wine at a countryside winery. Watch as lights dance across a limestone quarry at the Carrières de Lumières show. In Paris, admire the glittering Eiffel Towel and the majestic Arc de Triomphe.
Dining Summary
13 nights from $12,475 per person
Luxury Gold: Ultimate France
Day 1 - Welcome to the French Riviera
Transfer to your hotel before dining waterside at Fontvieille marina. Enjoy an evening drive along the legendary Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit to the Grimaldi Palace.
Accommodations: Fairmont Monte Carlo.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 - Nice Sightseeing Relaxed Start
In Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, join a Local Expert touring the opulent Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. Continue to Nice where joining a Local Expert on a walk through the streets of Old Nice viewing the opera house, admire the Sainte-Réparate Cathedral and maybe taste some socca at the colorful food market on the Cours Saleya.
Accommodations: Fairmont Monte Carlo.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 - Star-studded St. Tropez
Step into the glamour of the French Riviera in St. Tropez with a Local Expert. Taste the local Tarte Tropézienne at the bakery where it was originally created.
Accommodations: Chateau de Fonscolombe, Aix-en-Provence.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 - Aix-en-Provence Relaxed Start
Follow the footsteps of Paul Cézanne along the Old Town and tree-lined boulevard of Cours Mirabeau and enjoy a French pastry and coffee in one of the most prestigious residences. Then curate your visit at the stunning Chateau La Coste winery and open-air museum. Or, join a Local Expert for a relaxed walk among the installations created by the best modern artists and architects.
Accommodations: Chateau de Fonscolombe, Aix-en-Provence.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 - Calanques National Park Relaxed Start
Today is ripe with adventure as you journey through traditional French hilltop villages and stop in the quaint cobbled town of Le Castellet en route to Cassis and board your private cruise to Calanques National Park. Journey past towering, reddish-brown limestone cliffs looming over turquoise waters, narrow and deep fjord-like inlets, and hidden beaches. In the afternoon, relax at your boutique hotel by strolling or cycling in the Chateau gardens, trying your hand at the classic French game of pétanque on the lavish grounds - glass of pastis at hand or lounging by the pool. This evening, indulge in a 3 Course Dinner at the beautiful Chex Gilbert.
Accommodations: Chateau de Fonscolombe, Aix-en-Provence.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 - French Icons
Visit the village of Lourmarin to browse the stalls of its famous market. Take a seat in your vintage Citroen 2CV and embark on a chauffeured drive through the Luberon mountains, through lush vineyards and scenic villages arriving at the Domaine de la Citadelle winery to taste its wines with a picnic prepared by local chef Madame Dromer.
Accommodations: Maison Albar L'Imperator, Nimes.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7 - Les Baux Relaxed Start
Visit the renowned Pont du Gard, a well-preserved Roman aqueduct. Observe how this three-level, 900-footlong bridge was built out of soft yellow limestone blocks from a nearby quarry. Stop in Avignon and admire the Palace of the Popes, the famous broken bridge and beautiful squares shaded by leafy platanes. Continue through the Alpilles National Park to the village of Les Baux-de-Provence.
Accommodations: Maison Albar L'Imperator, Nimes.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 - Arles and Carcassonne Sightseeing Relaxed Start
Journey on to the fortified city of Carcassonne, one of the largest surviving medieval walled cities in Europe. Explore Van Gogh's town of Arles and visit the Roman Amphitheater with a Local Expert. Journey through Camargue to your hotel in Carcassonne in the heart of the city.
Accommodations: Hôtel de la Cité Carcassonne - MGallery, Carcassonne.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9 - Carcassonne and the Languedoc Region Relaxed Start
After exploring Carcassonne venture into the rolling countryside to the village of Lastours overlooked by its four Cathar castles. Meet Jean-Marc Boyer, the Michelin-starred Chef of Le Puits du Trésor where you enjoy a traditional French cooking class and savor the food you have prepared accompanied by local wine. Relax on our evening cruise of the Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Accommodations: Hôtel de la Cité Carcassonne - MGallery, Carcassonne.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 10 - Bordeaux and St. Émilion
Journey to the enchanting city of Bordeaux where you will have time to have lunch and explore this elegant, 18th century jewel on the banks of the Garonne. Refreshed and ready to explore further afield, visit the nearby, charming town of St. Émilion, regarded as one of the most beautiful in France and one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. After time visiting its winding cobbled streets and 12th-century monolithic church, drive through the lush vineyards to Chateau de Ferrand, home to Madame Bic and Monsieur Chandon. Here we enjoy a tour of the winery followed by a tasting of some of its fine vintages and an exclusive dinner in a wonderful setting.
Accommodations: Hôtel Burdigala, Bordeaux.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11 - Bordeaux Sightseeing Relaxed Start
Learn about the 18th-century architecture of Vieux Bordeaux with a Local Expert. Or set off on a leisurely bike ride around the Garonne River before ending at the picturesque Jardin Public.
Accommodations: Hôtel Burdigala, Bordeaux.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 12 - Travel to Paris Relaxed Start
After a leisurely breakfast, board your high-speed train that whisks you through the French countryside to Paris, the most romantic city in the world. Enjoy lunch in the Montparnasse district before setting off to see the landmark sights of the capital city including Notre Dame, the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs-Élysées and the Eiffel Tower. Enjoy an evening at leisure in this dazzling city.
Accommodations: Hôtel Napoléon, Paris.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 13 - Paris Sightseeing Relaxed Start
Join a Local Expert to discover the artists of Montmartre or explore the hidden squares and galleries of Paris. Tonight, the climax of your French trip will be a celebration dinner on the glittering Eiffel Tower: a chance to bid a fond farewell to your fellow travelers and this wonderful city.
Accommodations: Hôtel Napoléon, Paris.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 14 - Depart Paris
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before your private transfer to the airport for your onward journey.
Meals: Breakfast
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
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