7-Nights A Week In… The French Riviera, Provence and Paris - Land Journey from $6,190

Tauck

OFFER ID 1504487

A Week In… The French Riviera, Provence and Paris

Some of them first came to the south of France at the invitation of innkeepers, wise men all, who asked artists like Matisse, Chagall and Picasso to spend the weekend as their guest and leave behind a painting or sculpture in exchange for a good meal and bed. Many, like Cézanne and Vincent van Gogh, stayed on, leaving a legacy of painted memories that forever illuminate places like Nice, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Aix and St-Rémy-de-Provence... Thankfully for us, much of their work is available to us in museums from Provence to Paris to destinations the world over, where moments in time are immortalized, landscapes are honored for eternity and a week filled with culturally rich discoveries and artful treasures lingers long after you return home... For one week, savor the bounty of Provençal life at tastings in wineries and olive orchards alive with local flavor... in architectural icons inspired by Romans, poets and popes... and in joie de vivre of Paris, aglow with glamour, past and present. Begin in delightful Nice; explore glittering Monte-Carlo, historic Avignon and Aix-en-Provence, and see firsthand what inspired van Gogh in St-Rémy. Enjoy an adventurous walk on the Pont du Gard; a locally guided visit inside Avignon's fortress-like Palais des Papes; and a high-speed rail journey to Paris for a three-night stay highlighted by a River Seine luncheon cruise and more in the storied French capital.

7 nights from $6,190 per person

Itinerary

Tauck World Discovery: A Week In… The French Riviera, Provence and Paris

Day 1 Nice, France
Arrive Nice

Tour begins: 3:30 PM, Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée. A transfer is included from Nice Côte d'Azur Airport to Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée. Explore Old Town on a guided walk this afternoon, then join us for a welcome cocktail reception and dinner at your five-star luxury hotel, occupying a former Art Deco casino located on Nice's legendary Promenade des Anglais.

Meals: D

Day 2 Nice, France
Discovering Nice and Monte-Carlo

A marvelous day in southern France begins with a panoramic tour of seaside Nice, whose "Old Town" recalls the days when aristocrats and royals spent their winters here; see the Port and the Promenade des Anglais and the Cimiez District, a leafy, upscale neighborhood in the north of the city known for its historic, elegant apartment buildings, expansive gardens and Roman ruins. Here, you'll enjoy a visit to Musée Marc Chagall, a national museum spotlighting religious-inspired works by the Russian-born painter who made France his home. Next, head for Monaco to get a taste of life in glamorous Monte-Carlo, including lunch on the terrace of the elegant Fairmont Monte Carlo. Then spend some free time in Monaco-Ville, the oldest part of the city (also known as Le Rocher, or "The Rock"), where you have time to explore as you please. Return to your hotel in Nice for the evening.

Meals: B, L

Day 3 Aix-en-Provence, France
Where Impressionists Dreamed

From Nice, begin the day with a visit to the picturesque walled town of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, a Provençal hilltop town that was built in the 13th century, for an orientation tour led by your Tauck Director; you'll be taken with its medieval look and easily understand why it became an artists' enclave. After some free time to explore Saint-Paul-de-Vence on your own, continue on for an afternoon spent among the fountains, squares and medieval center of lovely Aix-en-Provence; imagine great artists like Paul Cézanne and others at work amidst the spectrum of colors found in "Aix" as you explore and enjoy lunch as you please in town, and join your local guide for a walking tour. Arrive late afternoon in St-Rémy-de-Provence to spend the next two nights at charming Le Vallon de Valrugues & Spa, where you'll enjoy dinner this evening.

Meals: B, D

Day 4 Avignon, France
St-Rémy & Avignon

No journey in Provence is complete without exploring the landscapes that inspired Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh, where olive groves, cypress trees, and flowers the colors of the rainbow greet you. You'll do just that when you join your Tauck Director for an introductory tour of St-Rémy-de-Provence, where van Gogh spent a year of his life at a monastery that served as an asylum – a period of creativity that produced 150 of his most beloved paintings, including Starry Night, Wheat Field with Cypresses and Irises. This afternoon, en route to Avignon, visit an olive oil estate for a tour and tasting. Avignon has reigned as one of Europe's most beautiful medieval cities since the 14th century when it was briefly the capital of Christendom and the home of the Roman Catholic popes. Following an orientation tour of this well-preserved riverside city, explore the four-towered, fortress-like Palais des Papes with a local guide, revealing the treasures and lifestyles of the pontiffs who reigned here for almost 70 years. Join us this evening for a memorable dinner at one of Avignon's top restaurants, featuring a wine tasting, before returning to your hotel in St-Rémy.

Meals: B, D

Day 5 Paris, France
An eternal Aqueduct & The TGV to Paris

Depart St-Rémy this morning and travel to the Pont du Gard – a testament to human ingenuity. The three-level, 164-ft.-high "bridge" was built by the Romans to carry fresh water over the River Gardon nearly 2,000 years ago; a very rare opportunity to cross the very top of the bridge through the aqueduct where the water once ran and a visit to the museum. After a boxed lunch, board the high-speed TGV train in Avignon for a rapid rail journey in first class to inimitable Paris and a three-night stay at the newly renovated Sofitel Le Scribe Paris Opéra; dine at the hotel this evening.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 6 Paris, France
Bonjour la Cité... and a Seine lunch cruise

A guided orientation tour today gives you a great overview of Paris and includes the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées, Place de la Concorde, the Eiffel Tower and more. Then, combine two Parisian pleasures as you feast on a sumptuous lunch from the kitchen of Chef Alain Ducasse while gliding along the River Seine aboard Ducasse sur Seine, a floating restaurant created by the famous chef. Ducasse sur Seine is the only electric restaurant boat on the Seine... from an environmental perspective, it emits significantly less noise and no pollution. As the soul of Parisian cuisine comes to life on your plate, the city's landmarks float by, each one a unique confection. Explore more of the amazing French capital as you wish for the rest of the day and evening.

Meals: B, L

Day 7 Paris, France
A grand farewell to Paris

Join our local guide this morning for a visit to a Paris museum, then spend the afternoon exploring this fabulous city as you please. Join us for our farewell dinner tonight at a venue with memorable views of this remarkable city – and bid adieu to Paris in true Tauck style!

Meals: B, D

Day 8 Paris, France
Journey home

Tour ends: Paris. Fly home anytime. Your transfer is included from Sofitel Le Scribe Paris Opéra to Charles de Gaulle International Airport, Orly Airport or a Paris train station. You should allow a minimum of 3 hours for flight check-in.

Meals: B

Featured Destinations

Paris

Aix-en-Provence

Nice

Nice is undoubtedly the place for the opening up of art and culture. The Côte d'Azur has inspired, from time immemorial, the greatest painters, writers and musicians. It has compelled recognition of its avant-garde across the Atlantic, its museums are holding prestigious collections in edifices of renowned architecture. Nice is full of an extraordinary artistic and cultural heritage. The gentle way of life sustains the imaginary world of artists and stimulates their creativeness. A cultural and aesthetic atmosphere prevails here; the cultural life is intense. It is punctuated by temporary exhibitions in the museums and the municipal galleries, by the programming of the theatres of which the most important is the Theatre of Nice - National Dramatic Centre - directed by Jacques Weber. The Opera House of Nice's Theatre proposes events of great quality.

Excursions

Nice: Picturesque Towns of the Cote d’Azur – 8 hours

Nice - Shore Excursion - Discovery of Saint-Paul de Vence, Haut de Cagnes & Gourdon - 8 hours

Nice Shore Excursion - Discovery of Nice, Eze & Monaco - 8 hours

Nice Shore Excursion - Discovery of Grasse, Cannes & Antibes - 8 hours

Nice - Full Day Tour - 8 hours

Nice Shore Excursion. This excursion will give you a wonderful glance at the beautiful city of Nice on the Riviera. You will be impressed by the colors of its market and during the afternoon you could visit Matisse Museum showing an important collection of the painter.

9:00 am: Be met at the foot of your cruise ship.

Everything is emphasized in Nice; the bright sunlight makes the colors flash. The green pines happily rub shoulders with the blue of the Mediterranean Sea and that of the sky. It is easy to see why the Côte d’Azur fascinates so many people. Many of the artists, painters, writers, sculptors and musicians who contributed to the city’s fame, have museums here, dedicated to their works.

In the morning, the Cours Saleya has daily flower and food markets. Low buildings border the length of Cours Saleya, separating it from the sea.

You will view the luxurious Belle Époque-style residences, including the fabulous Négresco palace, built on the sea front. The Négresco, whose dome can be admired from the Promenade des Anglais, is the finest example of Belle Époque architecture. Visit the Russian Church (open from Tuesdays to Sundays from 9:00 am to 12:00 and from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Closed during religious ceremonies).

Enjoy a walking tour of the old town. The old town’s soul and history are reflected in the narrow streets and alleys that curve, in an irregular fashion, among old buildings and red-tiled roofs. Give your taste buds a new experience and enjoy some socca with a glass of wine. Socca is a local specialty made from chickpea flour, and a trip to Nice would not be complete without having tasted it! Enjoy lunch at leisure in a typical restaurant in Nice. During the afternoon you could visit Matisse Museum. Situated on the hill of Cimiez, it displays an important monographic collection of works.

5.00 pm: return to your Hotel.

Tour Duration: 8 hours.

Tour can operate: Any Day

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes.

Physical Activity Level: Moderate.

Included:
Deluxe minivan that can carry up to 6 passengers
Professional English-speaking guide-driver who will chauffeur you on your sightseeing-tour and is licensed to guide and accompany you on walking tours as well as into museums and monuments.
24-hour assistance available during your stay
All taxes
Free entrance to Matisse Museum
(Matisse Museum is open every day except on Tuesdays from 10:00 to 6:00 pm)

Not Included:
Tips
Lunch or dinner

Nice & Cannes - Full Day Tour - 8 hours

Nice and Cannes Shore Excursion. This excursion is perfect for those who wish to discover the chic French Riviera: in Nice, you will be impressed by the colors of its market and during the afternoon pursue this excursion with the beautiful city of Cannes, famous for hosting every year the Film Festival.

9:00 am: Be met at the foot of your cruise ship.

Drive to Nice. Everything is emphasized in Nice; the bright sunlight makes the colors flash. The green pines happily rub shoulders with the blue of the Mediterranean Sea and that of the sky. It is easy to see why the Côte d’Azur fascinates so many people. Many of the artists, painters, writers, sculptors and musicians who contributed to the city’s fame, have museums here, dedicated to their works. You will view the luxurious Belle Époque-style residences, including the fabulous Négresco palace, built on the sea front. The Négresco, whose dome can be admired from the Promenade des Anglais, is the finest example of Belle Époque architecture. Visit the Russian Church (not available on Sunday mornings). Enjoy a walking tour of the old town. Enjoy lunch at leisure in a typical restaurant.

During the afternoon, drive to Cannes. Your guide will escort you to visit the city main points of interest:

Old town— The usual narrow winding streets filled with restaurants and souvenir shops. Covered Market (Marché Forville)— For a spectacular eating and viewing food experience, no other market in Cannes beats this for scale and variety.

Palais des Festivals— Down La Croisette is the famous Palais des Festivals, where stars of the screen gather and watch films screened during the festival. Irresistible not to pose for a photograph on the 22 steps leading up to the entrance.

Port— Admire the yachts of the rich and possibly famous - though true mega-yachts will be found at the International Yacht Club down the coast in Antibes.

La Croisette— Cannes catwalk beside the sea, it is the center of the city's tourist activity and known for its luxury hotels and boutique shops.

5.00 pm: return to your Hotel.
Tour Duration: 8 hours.

Tour can operate: Any Day

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes.

Physical Activity Level: Moderate.

Included:
Deluxe minivan that can carry up to 6 passengers
Professional English-speaking guide-driver who will chauffeur you on your sightseeing-tour and is licensed to guide and accompany you on walking tours as well as into museums and monuments.
24-hour assistance available during your stay
All taxes

Not Included:
Tips
Lunch or dinner

Nice, Villefranche & St Jean Cap Ferrat - Half Day Tour - 4 hours

Nice, Villefranche and St Jean Cap Ferrat Shore Excursion. You will be impressed by Nice’s lights and colors. In Villefranche you will have the opportunity to see the Chapelle Saint-Pierre which was restored by Jean Cocteau. Then, visit St. Jean Cap Ferrat, an exceptional site on the Mediterranean coast.

9:00 am or 2:00 pm: Be met at the foot of your cruise ship or your hotel.

Everything is emphasized in Nice. In this natural, rocky setting, the sun highlights the yellow shades of flowers and the ochre-colored houses. It is easy to see why the Côte d’Azur fascinates so many people. Many of the artists, painters, writers, sculptors and musicians who contributed to the city’s fame, have museums here dedicated to their works. You will view the luxurious Belle Époque-style residences, including the fabulous Négresco palace that is built on the sea front. The Négresco, whose dome can be admired from the Promenade des Anglais, is the finest example of Belle Époque architecture. In the morning, the Cours Saleya has daily flower and food markets. There are scores of stands, and you will find everything from professional merchants with their well-displayed wares to farmers that offer their fresh produce and live fowl on folding tables. Low buildings border the length of Cours Saleya, separating it from the sea.

Continue on to Villefranche and visit the Chapel Saint Pierre. This old "Norman" style chapel, devoted to St-Pierre, the patron saint of fishermen, was completely restored and decorated by Jean Cocteau. The artist wanted to decorate the chapel and make it into a place of worship, dedicated to the fishermen from Villefranche, Beaulieu and St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Jean Cocteau wanted his artwork to evoke certain episodes in the Saint's life in a way that would be comprehensible to all.

Time permitting, continue your trip and drive towards St. Jean Cap Ferrat, an exceptional site on the Mediterranean coast. Its tranquility and warm climate make it a well-known vacation spot.

1:00 pm or 6:00 pm: Return to your ship or to your hotel.
Tour Duration: 4 hours.

Tour can operate: Any Day

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes.

Physical Activity Level: Moderate.

Included:
Deluxe minivan that can carry up to 6 passengers
Professional English-speaking guide-driver who will chauffeur you on your sightseeing-tour and is licensed to guide and accompany you on walking tours as well as into museums and monuments.
24-hour assistance available during your stay
All taxes

Not Included:
Tips
Lunch or dinner

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges

09/20/2024 - 09/27/2024

from $7,490 per person

09/29/2024 - 10/06/2024

from $7,490 per person

10/06/2024 - 10/13/2024

from $6,190 per person

* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.

Prices Start At

from $6,190 per person

Length

7 Nights

Air City

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Vacation Rating

Deluxe
Fine dining, on-site bars or lounges and room service with extended hours are characteristic of deluxe establishments. Guest services usually include valet parking, concierge services, baggage assistance and laundry services. Other on-site facilities often include shops and boutiques, full service spas, full fitness facilities with pools and tennis courts. Business amenities may include available up-to-date technology and support staffs available for services. Attention to detail is apparent in the guestrooms which typically have stylish furnishings, quality bedding and bath products and often provide an evening turn down service.

Remarks

Prices are per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability and change without notice. Prices reflect land only accommodations, airfare is additional. Blackout dates/seasonal supplements may apply. Itinerary and map subject to change. Offer subject to availability and change without notice. Some restrictions may apply. Please click here for a description of the travel style options provided by Tauck.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID

1504487

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