Itinerary for: Wonderful France 2010 (FWOF)
- Avignon
- Pont du Gard
- Les Baux-de-Provence
- Arles
- Aix-en-Provence
- St. Tropez
- Nice
- Monaco
- Cannes
- Route Napoleon
- Lyon
- Dijon
- Paris
Day 1:
Welcome to Paris! After hotel check-in, time to relax. Tonight, enjoy a Welcome
Drink with your Tour Director and travelling companions and then later maybe take
an evening excursion of this beautiful city which really glitters by night?
Hotel: Evergreen Laurel
Day 2:
An early start this morning as we drive along the ‘Autoroute du Soleil’ past Auxerre and through the vineyards of Burgundy to the Rhône Valley. On arrival in Avignon we enjoy an orientation tour which shows us views of the impressive Palace of the Popes and the famous ruined bridge straddling the River Rhone, the inspiration for the famous French song “Sur le Pont d’Avignon”. Later we enjoy dinner at our hotel. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Mercure Cité Des Papes
Day 3:
Watch out for a Hidden Treasure today! But first we see the Pont du Gard, then Les Baux–de–Provence village before we head to Arles. Here we see the Roman amphitheatre and Romanesque cathedral and enjoy a guided walking tour of the city, which has so many associations with the great artist, Vincent Van Gogh. Next on to the elegant city of Aix-en-Provence where we enjoy dinner in a typical provencal family restaurant. (Buffet breakfast / 'Be My Guest' Dinner)
Hotel: Novotel Aix Beaumanoir
Day 4:
Today we drive through the scenic hills to the coast and the glitzy resort of St. Tropez. Always a favourite with celebrities, both past and present, it first became famous during the time of Brigitte Bardot. We enjoy a boat trip to neighbouring Ste. Maxime before continuing first to sophisticated Cannes where we see the Film Festival Centre on the Boulevard de la Croisette, and then on to Nice, the capital of the Côte d’Azur. Here this evening we enjoy a Highlight Dinner of local specialities in one of the city’s many bustling restaurants. (Buffet breakfast / Highlight dinner)
Hotel: Boscolo Plaza
Day 5:
Our orientation includes a drive along the Promenade des Anglais, views of the Place Massena, the old town and the port. Then we take a truly scenic drive to visit the Principality of Monaco where we will see the palace of the ruling Grimaldi family and the cathedral where both Princess Grace and Prince Rainier are buried. (Buffet breakfast)
Day 6:
This morning we follow part of the Route Napoleon as we head inland and travel via Manosque and the Durance Valley to the town of Sisteron. We take an alpine route along the Col de la Croix to arrive in the second city of France, Lyon, which stands at the confluence of the Rhone and Saone rivers. (Buffet breakfast)
Hotel: Novotel Gerland
Day 7:
Today we journey via the vineyards of Macon to the gastronomic city of Dijon, home to the Dukes of Burgundy and renowned for its mustard! We have time to shop for tasty souvenirs before we depart for Paris and our hotel. (Buffet breakfast)
Hotel: Renaissance La Defense
Day 8:
Our guided sightseeing tour includes the ascent of the Eiffel Tower to the second level by elevator, where we have magnificent views across the whole city. We see the Champs Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe, Place de la Concorde and Notre Dame Cathedral on the Île de la Cité. Our main highlight will be a walking tour through the gardens of Les Invalides where we visit the tomb of the Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. Later, maybe take a trip out to the Palace of Versailles or to Giverny? Tonight, we enjoy a special Farewell Dinner together with our Tour Director and our new-found friends. (Buffet breakfast / Farewell dinner)
Day 9:
This morning after breakfast, bid ‘au revoir’ to Paris, your fellow travellers and Tour Director as our tour of France comes to an end. (Buffet breakfast)
Day 10:
Transfers on arrival at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport will operate at 08.30, 11.00 and 13.30. Passengers arriving later should make their own way to the first hotel. Return transfers from the last hotel will arrive at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport at 08.00 and 11.30.