Cote D’Azur and Provence, France

Tour Itinerary

Day 1

Today you will depart on your overnight flights to Nice. Dinner and a light breakfast onboard.

Day 2

Upon your arrival in Nice you will be transferred to your hotel. Since check in time is later in the afternoon you will have ample time to orientate yourself to the ambiance of this delightful town.

Overnight – Holiday Inn Nice or similar.

Day 3

This morning you will embark on a tour of Nice which is located on the French Riviera in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. Blessed by a sunny, temperate climate Nice attracts visitors from around the world. Among its many attractions are its beautiful beaches, its lovely seaside promenade and its many museums. Your tour will also take you to Monte Carlo, famous for its Casino. Monte Carlo located in the principality of Monaco offers a stunning view of the Cote D’Azur. (B, D)

Overnight – Holiday Inn Nice or similar.

Day 4

Your day will be at your leisure. This delightful town offers an array of opportunities for a relaxing day on the French Riviera. (B)

Overnight – Holiday Inn Nice or similar.

Day 5

This morning you will travel from Nice to Avignon which is situated in the heart of Provence. Avignon was for a time, the capital of Christendom during the middle ages. Today the city retains a strong link with its past. The Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes), the Saint-Benezet bridge, called the “pont d’Avignon” as well as the ramparts that surround the old town are just a few of the monuments listed by UNESCO as World Heritage sites. Avignon will be your home for the next six nights and will act as a base for exploring Provence. (B)

Overnight – Avignon Grand Hôtel or similar.

Day 6

Your morning will begin with a visit to Chateauneuf du Pape for a wine tasting after which you will head to Uzes for lunch. Your afternoon will take you to Pont du Gard. The Pont du Gard is a bridge, part of the aqueduct of Nîmes, which was built by the Roman Empire between AD 40 and 60 to transport fresh water across the Gardon River. The Pont du Gard is 900 feet long, 160 feet high, with a maximum span of about 8.5 feet. It was actively used as a source of fresh water by the citizens of Nîmes between the first and sixth centuries AD. (B)

Overnight – Avignon Grand Hôtel or similar.

Day 7

Our journey today will take us to Isle sur la Sorgue. L’Isle sur la Sorgue is one of those places in Provence that one has to see. The river Sorgue surrounds the city as if to hug it. This ancient town is also filled with canals that can be crossed by small bridges that lead into court yards and small avenues filled with shops and cafes. On our return to Avignon, we will pass through the village of Menerbes where we can enjoy its magnificent views. We will also make a short stop in Oppede-le-Vieux. This small village is another of the timeless towns perched in the hills that dot the dramatic landscapes of the Luberon region of Provence. Our last stop will be in Bonnieux. Built on a plateau above the valley, Bonnieux is a frequent stage on the famous Tour de France cycle race and a majestic example of the medieval era. (B)

Overnight – Avignon Grand Hôtel or similar.

Day 8

Your tour today will take you into the Les Baux region of Provence. Set in the heart of the Alpilles regional country park, Les Baux-de-Provence is a listed heritage site that has won titles such as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France”. Your tour of this serine area will also include a visit to an olive farm as well as a visit to St Remy de Provence and the St. Paul Asylum. It was at the St. Paul Asylum that Vincent Van Gogh spent a great deal of time. Expect to arrive back in Avignon in the late afternoon. (B)

Overnight – Avignon Grand Hôtel or similar.

Day 9

Your day will be at your leisure. (B)

Overnight – Avignon Grand Hôtel or similar.

Day 10

No visit to Provence is complete without a visit to Arles. This enchanting town is dotted with Roman ruins and is one of the most popular destinations in Provence. After your city tour, you will have plenty of time to enjoy this charming town before returning to Avignon in mid afternoon. (B)

Overnight – Avignon Grand Hôtel or similar.

Day 11

This morning we will bid farewell to Avignon and make our way to Marseille visiting Aix en Provence enroute. The town of Aix itself dates back to early Roman times and certainly there is still some evidence of their occupation in the region. However, it is art that has made Aix so popular. Aix was home to Cezanne whose paintings populate many of the finest galleries in the world. It is these images that have drawn artists from around the world to this quaint town.

On arrival in Marseille, you’ll have a tour of the city before checking into the hotel. Marseille is the second largest city in France by population, its biggest Mediterranean port and the economic center of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. Founded by the Phocaeans in 600 BC Marseille is one of the oldest cities in all of Europe. With over a million inhabitants it offers a different flavour from the small villages of Provence. (B)

Overnight – IBIS Marseille Gare Saint Charles or similar.

Day 12

Your day will be at your leisure. (B, D)

Overnight – IBIS Marseille Gare Saint Charles or similar

Day 13

Today you will be returning to Canada, bidding farewell to this charming area of France. (B)

Itinerary subject to change.

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