Wonderful France

1. ARRIVE PARIS (2 NIGHTS) Welcome to Paris. Relax after your journey or take a leisurely stroll through the City of Light. This evening meet your Travel Director and companions for a Welcome Reception. Later enjoy an evening drive to see some of the most famous Parisian landmarks including the Champs Élysées and the Arc d'Triomphe. Meal(s) Welcome Reception Hotel Renaissance La Defense 2. PARIS SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME Today your Local Specialist reveals not just where, but how real Parisians live and shop, showing you the enchanting hidden squares and secret passages of one of Paris' oldest historical neighbourhoods. This short insider walk finishes at one of Paris's loveliest squares, little known to outsiders, but a real favourite of the locals. Visit the second level of the Eiffel Tower for breathtaking views across the city. Tonight why not experience a traditional Parisian Cabaret? Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast 3. PARIS – BEAUNE – LYON Journey through the Burgundy wine region and stop in the regional capital Beaune. Later arrive in Lyon, the great gastronomic city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Perhaps discover the Old Town or consider a Beaujolais dinner in a local 'Bouchon'. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast Hotel Novotel Gerland 4. LYON – AIX-EN-PROVENCE – MONACO – FRENCH RIVIERA (2 NIGHTS) Arrive to Aix-en-Provence, home of Paul Cezanne. See the sights during your orientation including Place de la Rotonde, Cours Mirabeau and the thermal springs. Later travel to the Principality of Monaco. View the Palace of the ruling Grimaldi family and the cathedral where the late Princess Grace and Prince Rainier were married. Later arrive at your hotel on the French Riviera. This evening why not dine in one of the many local restaurants? Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast Hotel NH Nice 5. FRENCH RIVIERA FREE DAY Spend today as you wish. The Côte d'Azur is a sparkling and pristine stretch of famous coastline. You might like to relax on the beach, shop in elegant boutiques or perhaps visit the hilltop town of St. Paul de Vence. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast 6. FRENCH RIVIERA – PONT DU GARD – AVIGNON (2 NIGHTS) Visit Pont du Gard aqueduct with a Local Specialist. Enjoy a guided walk along the top of the impressive aqueduct which dates back to Roman times. Later arrive in Avignon where your orientation includes views of the imposing Palace of the Popes and the ruined bridge straddling the River Rhône. This bridge inspired the famous French song 'sur le pont d'Avignon'. This evening join your companions for dinner at the hotel. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast Dinner with Wine Hotel Mercure Pont d’Avignon 7. ARLES EXCURSION Today travel to Arles and marvel at the Roman amphitheatre and Romanesque Cathedral during your sightseeing with a Local Specialist, a city where Vincent Van Gogh lived for a time. Tonight enjoy a delicious Be My Guest meal in a converted historic mill on the banks of the River Sorgue. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast Be My Guest Dining 8. AVIGNON – TGV TRAIN – PARIS This morning take the high speed TGV train through the heart of France, past Auxerre and the sprawling vineyards of Burgundy back to Paris. Tonight celebrate with your Travel Director and new-found friends at a Farewell Dinner in the City of Light. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast Farewell Dinner Hotel Evergreen Laurel 9. DEPART PARIS This morning after breakfast, say ‘au revoir' to Paris, your fellow companions and Travel Director as this fascinating journey through France comes to an end. Transfers are available. Conditions apply. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast