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DAY 1, Thursday - Depart for France
Depart for France
DAY 2, Friday - Arrive in Paris
Arrive in Paris, the City of Lights; transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to rest, relax and enjoy the endless delights of Paris. In the evening, join your Tour Manager and fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner at a French Bistro
Overnight: Paris
Meals: Dinner
DAY 3, Saturday - Paris City Tour
This morning, take a guided city tour of Paris, including a drive along the Champs Elysées to the Arc de Triomphe. View the Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, the Latin Quarter, and the lively Opera district. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure or, join the optional tour to magnificent Versailles to witness the grandeur of French classical architecture on the visit to the Palace and extravagant State Apartments
Optional: Palace of Versailles (PM)
Overnight: Paris
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4, Sunday - TGV Train to Avignon, Pont du Gard
After breakfast, transfer to the train station for your journey to Provence by the high-speed TGV train. Enjoy vistas of Burgundy and the Rhone Valley during the comfortable ride. Upon arrival in Avignon, proceed to view the Pont du Gard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is the most ancient Roman aqueduct in France. Next, drive to the Rhone vineyards and the lovely town of Chateauneuf du Pape, where you will enjoy a sampling of some of the wines for which Rhone is famous. Transfer to the hotel in Avignon. Later, take an orientation tour with your Tour Manager. View some of the city's landmarks, including the famous broken bridge, and the lively Place d'Horloge, before dinner at a local restaurant
Overnight: Avignon
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5, Monday - Medieval Pope's Palace
Today, visit the Papal Palace, one of the largest and most significant medieval Gothic buildings in Europe. Afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the lively atmosphere of this charming city, or join the optional tour to Arles & St. Remy de Provence. Take a tour of Arles where you will see Langlois Bridge, the Roman Amphitheater and the 12th century Cathedral of St. Trophime. Your guide will show you the exact places where artist Vincent Van Gogh sat to create some of his most famous paintings. Continue to St. Rémy-de-Provence to see Saint-Paul-de-Mausole, the asylum where Van Gogh spent some of his troubled last days. The artist spent a year at the hospital and created some of his most celebrated paintings here, including "The Starry Night" and "Irises"
Optional: Van Gogh's Arles & St. Remy de Provence (PM)
Overnight: Avignon
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6, Tuesday - Cannes, Nice
After breakfast this morning, depart for the French Riviera. Admire the scenery which inspired so many of the impressionist artists. You will pass by the Mont St. Victoire and the Abbey of Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume en route to elegant Cannes. Drive along the Boulevard de la Croisette to see the Film Festival Center and the harbor. Pay a visit to a French perfumery in Grasse before arriving in Nice. Tonight, perhaps join the optional tour to Monte Carlo by night. Drive along the dazzling Corniche road to the Principality of Monaco. Stop at the world-famous Monte Carlo Casino, one of the Riviera's most frequented landmarks. Monte Carlo is the epitome of wealth and glamor; a prime destination for royalty and some of Hollywood's most famous actors and actresses. View the route of the Grand Prix, the luxury boats in the harbor and the Prince's Palace, atop the famed "Rock". Enjoy the lights of the coastline on your return to Nice
Optional: Monte Carlo by Night (PM)
Overnight: Nice
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7, Wednesday - Full Day in Nice
A day at leisure to soak up the sun, swim in the Mediterranean, stroll the Promenade des Anglais or see the Old Town, and Place Massena. Perhaps take a mini-train up to the "Colline du Château" for panoramic views of the city and "Bay of the Angels" or visit one of the museums. This morning you may wish to join the optional tour to St. Paul de Vence. Drive into the pine-scented hills above Nice to visit the hilltop St. Paul de Vence - a walled town which still retains its medieval character and is a haven for artists - a treasure trove of workshops and galleries. Wander the cobbled streets to the central fountain, and see the burial place of Marc Chagall. This evening, celebrate your final night in France together with a Farewell Dinner
Optional: St. Paul de Vence (AM)
Overnight: Nice
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8, Thursday - Depart France
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
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