Day 1-2 DEPART CANADA
Overnight flight to Paris.
Day 2-3 ARRIVE PARIS
Welcome to Paris! Relax and unwind or get acquainted with the City of Light. Take a stroll along the banks of the River Seine and browse through the stalls of the bouquinistes (booksellers). This afternoon, meet for a Welcome Drink with your travelling companions and your Tour Director.
Day 3-4 PARIS - ANNECY
Travel south from the capital and pass through the magnificent forests of Fontainebleau and see the rich rolling farmland of the Auxerre region. From the vine-clad hills of Burgundy across the Jura Mountains to the Alps and on to the charming town of Annecy, the scenery is a kaleidoscope of colour. Explore the town’s narrow arcaded streets, stroll along quiet canals and admire the medieval buildings. See the Château d’Annecy, which dominates the town and the snow-capped peaks of the Alps. Tonight, experience a Be My Guest dinner featuring delicious regional specialities in a local restaurant.(Buffet Breakfast / Be My Guest dinner)
Day 4-5 ANNECY - CHARTREUSE - GRENOBLE - AIX-EN-PROVENCE
A spectacular morning drive takes you through picturesque mountain valleys. See the Chartreuse massif where Carthusian monks have produced their powerful alcoholic elixir for more than three centuries. Pass the Olympic city of Grenoble towards Sisteron on the Route Napoleon (weather conditions permitting), and arrive at Aix-en-Provence. A vibrant student city with an abundance of elegant 19th century architecture, traffic-free squares, hot springs, and wonderful shops and boutiques, Aix is France’s most popular provincial city. Visit the Place de la Rotonde and the Cours Mirabeau. Why not take a walk in the footsteps of Paul Cézanne, who, like many Impressionist painters, lived and worked in this beautiful town.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 5-6 AIX-EN-PROVENCE - ST PAUL DE VENCE - NICE (2 nights)
Visit the famous Fragonard Perfumery at Grasse, a charming 18th century building set in the heart of the old town. Tour the medieval hilltop town of St. Paul de Vence, well-known for its art galleries and museums, and still home to many working artists. Further south you arrive at the palm-fringed city of Nice. A former maritime power, the picturesque city is culturally renowned and has a temperate climate, making it the ideal winter escape. This evening, enjoy a Highlight Dinner in a local restaurant with your fellow travellers.(Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Dinner)
Day 6-7 NICE ORIENTATION AND EXCURSION TO MONTE CARLO
Your orientation tour includes the spectacular Promenade des Anglais, Place Masséna and the Old Town. After a scenic drive to glamorous Monte Carlo, see the famous casino in the playground of the rich and famous!(Buffet Breakfast)
Day 7-8 NICE - CANNES - ST TROPEZ - MARSEILLE
The scenery around Nice is astounding so grab your camera! Driving along the coast to Cannes, see the palm-lined Boulevard de la Croisette and the Film Festival Centre. Admire the yachts in the marina on the way to St. Maxime, where a local ferry takes you to St. Tropez (weather permitting), the resort made famous by Brigitte Bardot. Through Hyérès, overlooking the so-called Iles d’Or (Golden Isles), and past the pretty resorts of Bandol and La Ciotat, you arrive at Marseille, France’s second biggest city.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 8-9 MARSEILLE SIGHTSEEING - ARLES - AVIGNON
Your expert Local Guide brings the vivid history of Marseille - the country’s largest commercial port - to life. Along the Corniche, appreciate the spectacular views across the Mediterranean. Visit Notre Dame, the newly-refurbished Town Hall district and the charming old port with its restaurants and fishing boats. From Marseille you drive to the old Roman city of Arles to see the splendid Romanesque architecture at the Cathedral of St. Trophime, the Roman arena, and the Café La Nuit depicted in Van Gogh’s famous painting. In Avignon, see the monumental Palace of the Popes, built in the 14th century, the bustling Place de l’Hôrloge and the bridge made famous in the song, Sur le Pont d’Avignon. Afterwards, explore the streets of the old town.(Buffet Breakfast)
Day 9-10 AVIGNON - CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE - LYON
Travel along the Rhône valley to Châteauneuf-du-Pape - an area promoted by the Avignon Papacy in the 14th century - where you stop for a wine tasting session. See the Papal Palace and admire the magnificent views across Avignon and the Luberon. In Lyon, discover the 19th century elegance of Place Bellecour and the modern architecture of the Part Dieu district. See the Old Town from the banks of the River Saône.(Buffet Breakfast)
Day 10-11 LYON - TGV TRAIN - PARIS (2 nights)
Ride on the famous high speed TGV through Burgundy’s fertile vineyards and the rolling farmland of Auxerre to the fascinating city of Paris. Tonight, consider visiting the most celebrated nightclub in the world, the Moulin Rouge, for a spectacular cabaret show featuring the can-can.(Buffet Breakfast)
Day 11-12 PARIS SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME
The Champs Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, Place de la Concorde, Left Bank, Opéra House, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre - see the city’s biggest sights on your guided tour this morning. Scale the dizzy heights of the Eiffel Tower to the second level (by elevator, of course!) for sensational panoramic views across Paris. Spend the rest of the day as you wish. The city is home to many distinguished museums and art galleries - you’ll be spoilt for choice! Perhaps consider an afternoon excursion to see the impressive Palace of Versailles on the outskirts of Paris. This evening, join your Tour Director and fellow for a Farewell Dinner with wine in a local restaurant.(Buffet Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)
Day 12-13 PARIS - CANADA
Say ‘au revoir’ to Paris, your Tour Director and fellow travelers as you prepare to return home with treasured memories. Transfers are available, conditions apply.(Buffet Breakfast)