Paris, Provence and the Côte d'Azur

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Saturday April 13: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Sunday April 14: Paris

Bienvenue! Paris greets you today. Relax and become acquainted with this beautiful city's cobblestoned streets, quaint cafés and lively neighborhoods. View impressionist paintings or sip wine at a local bistro. View the city from the top of the Eiffel Tower or from the butte of Montmartre. (D)

Day 3, Monday April 15: Paris

Your day begins with a guided sightseeing tour that takes you past some of the most famous attractions in Paris. Your expert local guide will show you the magnificent Arc de Triomphe at the top of the Champs-Élysées, Napoleon's final resting place at Les Invalides and the Gothic wonder of Notre Dame. End your afternoon with the art of local cuisine at a French cooking lesson. Hands-on instruction teaches you to make classic Parisian dishes before you sample the delicious results. Tonight, you may wish to walk around Montmartre. This cultural and artistic district is worth the visit for the bustling energy of the artists and hipsters as well as the stunning views of the City of Light. (B,D)

Day 4, Tuesday April 16: Paris

Today there is a full-day excursion to the châteaux of the Loire Valley where French kings of the Middle Ages and Renaissance spent their summers. Visit imposing Chambord and elegant Chenonceau, enjoy a wine tasting in Vouvray. (B,D)

Day 5, Wednesday April 17: Paris

Today is free to explore Paris at your leisure. (B,D)

Day 6, Thursday April 18: Paris

Depart Paris for Reims, France. Enjoy a champagne tasting this morning at Mercier, followed by free time for lunch on your own and view the cathedral of Reims, where for centuries the French kings were crowned. After, enjoy an afternoon tasting at Champagne Lanson before returning to Paris. This evening enjoy a dinner cruise on the Seine (late seating.) (B,D)

Day 7, Friday April 19: Provence

This morning journey to the south of France on the high-speed TGV train to the city of Avignon, famous for its medieval bridge and the Palace of the Popes. Upon arrival enjoy an olive oil tasting at the Moulin de la Chartreuse followed by a lunch at the Bistrot du Moulin. This afternoon enjoy a Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine tasting. Note lunch is included instead of dinner today. (B,L)

Day 8, Saturday April 20: Nice

This morning depart for Nîmes, see the Roman Arena and the Maison Carrée. On your way to Aix-en-Provence, stop at the Château de Calissane for a late morning wine tasting. Enjoy free time in Aix for lunch before heading to Nice. (B,D)

Day 9, Sunday April 21: Nice

This morning head to the quaint and charming hilltop Provencal city of St. Paul de Vence for lunch on your own and free time before returning to Nice in the afternoon to enjoy a farewell dinner on the French Riviera that night. (B,D)

Day 10, Monday April 22: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)