Mainly 2–3-night stays in each location. Comfortable travel days with numerous stops. Requires 1-3 miles of walking per day that might involve some uneven surfaces, such as cobblestones and stairs.
Meet your Travel Director and fellow guests at the hotel before joining a Welcome Dinner at a classic local restaurant with cuisine inspired by country recipes.
Journey through the vine-clad scenery of the Champagne region. Admire the green shoots in spring, full summer foliage or the russet autumnal hues, this is a glorious region throughout the year. Visit the city of Troyes and admire its medieval Old Town with its colorful half-timbered houses while sipping a glass of champagne. On arrival in Dijon, an orientation by your Travel Director reveals the charming architecture and history of the city.
Enjoy the Burgundy capital of Dijon. Its many handsome buildings recall the time when the Dukes of Burgundy were more powerful than the Kings of France. Perhaps take the opportunity to visit the wine capital of Burgundy, Beaune? In the evening, don't miss the chance of an optional Burgundy wine tasting and traditional dinner in the Premier Cru village of Fixin.
Travel towards the Mâconnais and Beaujolais before turning east into the Alps. A scenic symphony awaits you as you ascend into the high Alps and climb towards Mont Blanc, Western Europe’s highest mountain. Your destination is the fashionable ski resort of Chamonix. Take in panoramic views of the mountain peaks and valley below from the Chamonix cable car. In the evening you may choose to try a local pierrade at a local trendy eatery in a traditional chalet. This Optional Experience provides the chance to try a typical regional meal, cooked on a table barbecue using on a hot stone.
In the morning, embark on a beautiful journey to the lakeside town of Annecy, dramatically situated between lake and mountains, it's a medieval spectacle and a summer getaway for the French and the Swiss locals. Enjoy free time for lunch in Little Venice, aptly named for the network of canals criss-crossing through the Old Town. Explore the city’s many lovely bridges at your leisure. Continue on to your hotel in Grenoble. This evening, savor a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.
Glorious mountain scenery will be yours to enjoy as you travel along a spectacular route, used by the Emperor Napoleon when he returned from his first exile to try to take the throne of France once more. Continue through Provence to the French Riviera to reach the elegant resort of Nice. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore as you wish. In the evening, why not walk through old town Nice, ending in Cours Saleya where dinner is at your leisure at one of the many lovely bistros?
Wake up ready to rub shoulders with the jet-set on the glamorous Côte d’Azur. Unlock the secrets of the French perfume industry with a visit to a perfumery, where fragrance experts waft exclusive scents from stoppered bottles. Then enjoy a drive along part of the Grand Prix circuit in Monaco and with Insight Choice enter the Oceanographic Museum dedicated to the concept of the Mediterranean Science Commission or visit the Royal Palace of Monaco and see Monaco Cathedral, housing the tomb of Princess Grace. The rest of the day is set aside for you to enjoy the French Riviera at your own pace. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to visit the medieval village of Eze and its hill-top Botanical Gardens for a spectacular view of the coastline?
Visit the medieval village of Saint-Paul de Vence, perched high above the Riviera beaches. A walk through its winding streets reveals elegant fountains, vine-covered stone walls and views of mountains and sea. Enjoy a lesson in the French sport of pétanque. Steady your hand and get ready to test your newfound skills as you take part in a game, completed by a glass of pastis, a French apéritif. Continue to Aix-en-Provence to see the sumptuous mansions lining the Cours Mirabeau and on to your hotel.
Head to beautiful Arles and learn about its historical connection to Vincent Van Gogh. After, journey to Pont du Gard to see the magnificent ancient Roman aqueduct bridge. Continue on to Avignon to enjoy views of the remaining arches of the Pont d'Avignon and the fortified Papal Palace.
A scenic drive through the Alpilles takes you to Chateau De Luc, for a wine tasting and MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Cross the fertile Languedoc region, before journeying inland to the fortified town of Carcassonne. Travelers are often amazed at their first sight of this medieval gem, known for its fortress - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a complete set of ramparts and a medieval keep. Travel to Albi, the birthplace of Toulouse Lautrec. During your orientation with your Travel Director, marvel at iconic sites including the views of Toulouse Lautrec Museum and the famous awe-inspiring cathedral, before spending the remainder of the day at leisure.
Enjoy a full day at leisure, to relax and soak up the atmosphere of Albi. This evening savor a delicious dinner of carefully selected fresh ingredients, at a local restaurant.
Stop in Cahors, famous for its Black Wine, and see the Pont Valentré. You'll also have the opportunity to explore the open air market - full of fresh, seasonal produce and local delicacies, it's an experience to delight all of the senses. Travel to Rocamadour and enjoy free time to explore this medieval town perched on a cliffside above the Alzou River and known as a resting place for pilgrims traveling through France on the Camino de Santiago to Spain. Later we make our way to our hotel nestled in the countryside of La Roque-Gageac.
Start the day with a morning drive into the stunning Valley of the Dordogne to visit Lascaux II, where the world-famous prehistoric cave paintings have been faithfully reproduced. Continue to the beautiful town of Sarlat-la-Canéda, its medieval core blessed with fine historic golden limestone houses. Enjoy a delicious Farm-to-Table Dinner, prepared with locally sourced ingredients and served with wines from the region.
During your time in Paris, see the impressive Eiffel Tower, the Luxor obelisk in the center of the Place de la Concorde and enjoy a drive along the Champs Élysées to Napoleon's Arc de Triomphe. You are in for a memorable evening with a delicious Celebration Dinner of excellent French cuisine and wine to toast your journey through France.
Today, bid farewell to your journey along the country roads of France as you transfer to the airport.
Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.
Seine Cruise and Illuminations (Available on Day 1)The City of Light really lives up to its name when the city's monuments, buildings and bridges are lit up in all of their glory. First, a specially-designed sightseeing boat takes us for an unforgettable cruise along the Seine and beneath famous bridges to appreciate the Left and Right Banks and the Île de la Cité and St Louis. Then, we'll enjoy an illuminations tour, when the rubies and diamonds of the Champs Élysées and the Eiffel Tower are at their magnificent best.
Adult Price: €47 Beaune & the Burgundy Wine Road (Available on Day 3)We take a scenic drive through the most prestigious vineyards of Burgundy - the Cote d’Or, where every village sign reads like a premium wine list. Arriving in Beaune we'll discover this charming city on foot, taking in the architectural jewel of the region - the Hospices de Beaune.
Adult Price: €34 Burgundy Wine Tasting & Dinner (Available on Day 3)The Premier Cru village of Fixin is your destination for this evening. Our visit begins at a winery, where a third-generation winemaker will take us to see some of his vines before he walks us through the elaboration process. Then he'll take us to a 16th-century cave to taste a selection of his wines. Later, we'll enjoy a wonderful dinner, sampling the rich flavors of Burgundy
Adult Price: €83 Alpine Drive & Savoyard Dinner (Available on Day 4)The varied seasonal conditions of the Alps has resulted in an honest, robust cuisine fashioned from local ingredients. A spectacular, scenic drive high into the mountains, takes you through the national reserve of the Aiguilles Rouges, (Red Peaks) to a former farmer's lodge, now lovingly converted into a restaurant. You are welcomed with an apéritif before enjoying a delicious dinner of traditional Savoyard specialties. Wine is included.
Adult Price: €81 Nice Old Town at Night (Available on Day 6)Enjoy a walk with your Local Expert through the historic and colorful maze of alleyways and streets of the Old Town in Nice. See Piazza Rozzetti, stroll along Rue Droite and finish in Cours Saleya for dinner at leisure in one of the hundreds of bistros and outdoor restaurants. Coach transfers are included.
Adult Price: €27 Eze & Botanical Gardens (Available on Day 7)Today we'll follow the narrow winding cobbled alleys through Eze village; a medieval gem filled with old stone archways, flower decked houses, shady squares and gurgling fountains. Visit the hill-top Botanical Gardens, where an impressive collection of cacti, sculptures and other rare plants surround the remains of an ancient chateau. After resting our feet by the contemplation pool, we'll reach the high point of our visit, literally, with fabulous panoramic views over the coast.
Adult Price: €30 Traditional Niçoise Dinner (Available on Day 7)Provence wouldn't be Provence without sampling the local fare. Tonight, a nirvana of Niçoise specialties will be spread before you, colorful salads and meat dishes paraded from the kitchen, all made with fresh seasonal produce. Wine, beer and soft drinks are included but make sure you leave room for dessert!
Adult Price: €81 Wonders of Aix (Available on Day 8)Bathed in the special light of Provence, we'll discover the elegant city of Aix with a Local Expert. Wander around its beautiful narrow streets and charming squares, embellished by fountains or hot springs. Each 17th or 18th Century house has a story to tell. Birthplace of the painter Paul Cézanne, Aix is still a painter's and photographer's delight.
Adult Price: €38 Village in the Sky (Available on Day 11)Driving through the vineyards of Gaillac, we'll soon arrive at Cordes-sur-Ciel, a medieval village that rises into the sky like a mirage. Together with our Local Expert, we'll enjoy a guided tour of the 13th century streets lined with Gothic houses sheltered behind timber doors. Shops filled with traditional crafts, art galleries and panoramic views ensure that Cordes-sur-Ciel fascinates all those who visit - a place not to be missed.
Adult Price: €44 An Evening on the Dordogne (Available on Day 13)Locally known as the “Grande Aygue”, the River Dordogne wends through the local countryside. For centuries the river was the commercial center of the valley and river boats known as gabarres transported goods to towns and villages along its banks. Join us for a cruise on a replica gabarre and admire the magnificent views of the valley from the water, including some of the most prestigious chateaux of Perigord, all while enjoying a drink with your companions.
Adult Price: €36 Moulin Rouge Cabaret and Dinner (Available on Day 14)Enjoy dinner and cabaret, including wine and champagne, at the world-famous Moulin Rouge – the original Paris cabaret. Immortalized by the award-winning film of the same name, this Parisian institution features 60 dancers and entertainers and over 1000 costumes!
Adult Price: €205 La Nouvelle Eve Cabaret and Dinner (Available on Day 14)Nestled in the heart of Montmartre, Nouvelle Eve has been spotlighted by ‘Emily in Paris’ and has hosted events for high-fashion icons like Dolce & Gabbana, Christian Louboutin and Vivienne Westwood. An icon of Parisian elegance for 125 years, this chic revue theater is your ticket to an unforgettable night. An a la carte meal and dazzling cabaret will bring the French Cancan to life before your eyes. Performances run from April 20 to October 26.
Adult Price: €163 Giverny Excursion (Available on Day 15)A lovely drive takes us along the Seine to the village of Giverny, where the impressionist artist Monet lived for the last 43 years of his life. Enjoy a visit to see his fascinating house with its blend of colors. However, it's in the garden where the spirit of the artist is most revealed. A spectacular array of color is created by poppies, delphiniums, lupins, peonies, irises and roses, while the water garden is a wistful dream of bamboo, willow and rustic bridges sweeping over the water lilies, one of Monet's favorite subjects.
Adult Price: €54