Day 1: Paris

Welcome to Paris! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions, and leave the hotel for a welcome dinner with wine at one of Paris’ lively restaurants. Also enjoy an orientation drive to get a first impression of the “City of Light.” (Dinner)

Day 2: Paris

Sightseeing with a Local Guide features the Arc de Triomphe, Opéra, Madeleine, Louvre, and Champs-Elysées. Visit magnificent NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL, and for a panoramic view, take the elevator to the second floor of the EIFFEL TOWER. Time to explore Paris on your own or choose from our optional excursions to the magnificent Louvre Museum, to Montmartre, and a cruise on the beautiful Seine river. (Breakfast)

Day 3: Paris - Versailles

Enjoy a special visit to the magnificent PALACE AND GARDENS OF VERSAILLES before heading for Burgundy. Arrive in Beaune, capital of the region, where a special WINE TASTING awaits you at the famous Marché aux Vins wine cellar. Later, head for your overnight hotel, Le Cep, ideally located in the heart of the medieval town and just a couple of steps away from the famous Hôtel-Dieu and Notre Dame Basilica. (Breakfast)

Day 4: Versailles

Stop at Pont du Gard and admire the largest remaining Roman Aqueduct in France, a monumental feat of engineering completed in the year 19 BC. Continue to Avignon, a town on the Rhône River that in the 14th century became the residence of the popes. During your walking tour, take pictures of the magnificent Palace of the Popes and the famous bridge, and browse through the colorful shops that sell traditional products of the Provence, like cloth, honey, herbs, and candy, like nougat. Next is the pleasant town of Aix-en-Provence, where you will stay for two days. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 5: Beaune

Aix-en-Provence is one of France’s most elegant cities. It was the birthplace of painter Cézanne, and has always attracted artists from all over. Explore its center during your walking tour, wander through the maze of small streets and along shaded Cours Mirabeau, and enjoy a café au lait with calissons (a traditional French confectionery). Balance of the day is at leisure. Why not join our optional excursion to spectacular Baux-de-Provence to make the most of your stay? (Breakfast)

Day 6: Beaune - Avignon

Enjoy a highlight visit to the picturesque hilltop town of St. Paul de Vence. Marvel at the many art galleries and little shops. Then, turn to the glittering Mediterranean Sea and reach the miniature country of Monaco, built on a rocky peninsula and famed for its nightlife. Capture the spirit and beauty of this magical place in your overnight surroundings situated on the Cap d’Ail harbor. You may wish to join an optional excursion to see the palace and royal church of Monaco town, and to try your luck at the Monte Carlo casino. (Breakfast)

Day 7: Avignon - Aix

Morning at leisure to dabble in the blue Mediterranean Sea. In the afternoon, drive along the Basse Corniche to Nice, “Queen of the Riviera.” Free time to explore and walk along the famous Promenade des Anglais. Continue along the Moyenne Corniche with spectacular views to the town of Èze. Here, enjoy a unique highlight: visit the famous Fragonard perfume factory and CREATE YOUR OWN FRAGRANCE before joining a special farewell dinner with wine at a local restaurant to celebrate the success of your vacation. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 8: Aix

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning (the nearest airport is Nice). (Breakfast)