Provence & Côte D'Azur

14 day tour inc. arrival/departure days

The South of France has been one of the most fashionable tourist destinations for more than a century. The attractions of Nice, Cannes and the mountain villages that overlook the deep blue Mediterranean speak for themselves. And Monaco, with its famed gambling capital of Monte Carlo literally, shouts its presence. Then there is Provence, the inspiration of a thousand artists and writers from pre-history to contemporary times. Even the shortest stay illustrates the magnetic pull of this region; its history, unspoilt towns and villages, chic Riviera resorts, gastronomic delights, scenic diversity and above all, the incredible light so beloved of painters.
 

DEPARTURE DATES & PRICES FOR YEAR 2003

Price: US$2,549.00 Single Supplement: US$495.00
 

DAY ONE - SATURDAY

Arrival Nice where you'll be met and transferred to our centrally located hotel. People will be arriving at different times throughout the day, but we hope you'll have some time to stroll along the famous Promenade des Anglais and choose a place for your first Mediterranean meal tonight. Dinner tonight is not included in the tour.

DAY TWO - SUNDAY

This morning, we'll drive along either the Grande or Moyen Corniche to Monaco. This will be the first of many scenic delights of this tour. Once in Monaco, there will be time to explore this, the second smallest country in the world, which has been ruled by the same dynasty for 700 years. This afternoon we'll visit one of the local 'perched villages' such as Eze. This might give us a chance to work off our lunch while building an appetite for our dinner!

Note: the evening meal is served late in France. We'll seldom be dining before 7.30 to 8.00pm. Dining in France is considered an experience and you can expect to be seated for some time. The evenings give us the opportunity of reflecting on the day's sightseeing and planning the following day's activities. We shouldn't be too worried about retiring late as we'll not often be leaving for the day's touring much before 9.15am as attractions don't open until mid morning.

DAY THREE - MONDAY

A day of herbs and perfumes will start in the ancient fortified village of St. Paul-de-Vence. ‘Every turn taken in St. Paul could transfer to canvas.’ With the aroma of the famous ‘Herbes de Provence,’ perusing the many boutiques lining the alleyways, and exploring the artists' galleries, is sure to be one of your lasting memories of the tour. Neighbouring Vence will be the lunch stop allowing time afterwards to explore, amongst other things, the 10th century cathedral of St Verun and its mosaic by Marc Chagall

DAY FOUR – TUESDAY

Today we'll spend time in the film festival town of Cannes, perhaps stopping for a while to watch the locals enjoying their unique sport 'boules'. Maybe, you might even join them for a game! Depending on group interests and local events, we'll use the rest of our day for leisurely exploration of the scenic coast between Cannes and St Raphael and climb one of the narrow hilly interior roads into the Pic de l'Ours. Alternatively, your guide may suggest exploring Cannes on day 5 on our way to Aix-en-Provence and using today to explore either the scenic mountains around Sospel or even crossing the border for a brief visit to scenic resorts on the Italian coast.

DAY FIVE - WEDNESDAY

We’ll commence our journey today with a drive along the rugged coastline, taking in the most spectacular scenery of the Côte d’Azur. En route, we’ll pass through the film festival town of Cannes and the charmingly situated Port of St. Raphael, if we haven't explored here on day 4. Our alternative itinerary to Aix will take us past the Montagne St Victoire, the mountain idolised by Cezanne, and typical interior towns en route. We'll be taking excursions down the back roads to discover sights and experiences often missed by those taking the main highways.

DAY SIX – THURSDAY

DAY SEVEN – FRIDAY

Heading further inland, we’ll follow the route of the Durance river to Avignon. As we meander through the vineyards, we may indulge in a ‘picnic provençal.’ Our route will take us through Menerbes, the village immortalised by Peter Mayles 'A Year in Provence'. It's recommended that if you haven't already read this book it makes ideal pre-tour reading.

Our choice of accommodations for the next three nights is selected from several chateau style properties or small family-run hotels we use approximately twenty minutes from Avigon itself. Here, we have more of an opportunity to experience French life than we would if following the standard coach-tour tour itinerary and staying in the city itself.

DAY EIGHT – SATURDAY

Wine and Romans! Whilst wandering throughout the vineyards of the Côtes-du-Rhone, we’ll be visiting two of the most spectacularly preserved feats of the Roman Empire: the aqueduct of the Pont-de-Gard and the Roman theatre of Orange. Our classical day will end with a visit to the famous wine caves of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. This is a perfect balanced day and one when the photographers aboard are certain to want to ensure they are fully loaded!

DAY NINE – SUNDAY

A relaxed day to enjoy the many pleasures of Avignon. Our featured highlight of the day is the walled city of Avignon. For most of the 14th century Avignon was home to the Catholic popes and the city became the capital of Christianity. The presence of the Church transformed the appearance of the old medieval city and the Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes) dominates the old historic core of the city. Another 'must see' is, of course, the St Bénézet Bridge (Pont St-Bénézet), known to generations of school children who have learnt to sing that catchy tune 'Sur le pont, Avignon...'. Today’s visit is an example of our concept of 'organised independence'. You'll be free to wander at leisure having been given a full brief by your guide on how to make the most of your time here

DAY TEN – MONDAY

During today’s excursion, we’ll venture further west into Languedoc country. A visit to the Roman ‘Square’ Temple of Nimes will be cooled off by the effervescence of the nearby Perrier source. Then, turn south for the region known as the Camargue with our first stop at the fortified village of Aigues-Mortes, Latin for ‘dead waters'. It was developed in the middle of nowhere by St Louis, who set off on the Crusades from here. Further into the Camargue, we’ll see France’s proud claim to having one of the top spots for natural history, with views of flamingos amongst other tropical birds. A short hop afterwards, passing the pure white horses of the region, will take us into Van Gogh’s Arles.

DAY ELEVEN – TUESDAY

Heading into the ‘Little Alps’ our first visit will take us into the Huguenot stronghold of Les Baux-de-Provence. Situated on a precipice, the town will reward us with a view of ‘half of Provence.’ The village itself is simply incredible, carved as it's been almost out of the very rock of the hilltop. There are few places that truly deserve the description 'unique' but this certainly is one of them. Please note this is one of the many sites on this tour that is not accessible by any form of motorised transport and involves considerable walking. We re-emphasise that the majority of these are unsuitable for those with impaired mobility.

DAY TWELVE – WEDNESDAY

Today, we have no need of our trusty mini-van as the day is spent in Arles. A guided walk through the narrow streets of Arles will offer us scenes painted by Van Gogh himself. The local market is not to be missed, and the Roman Amphitheatre, once seating 21,000, is one of the largest and most complete ancient monuments of it’s kind, rivalling those of Rome itself. Our day spent here is a real highlight of the tour. There is also the opportunity for some interesting shopping for regional goods and souvenirs. Once again, those who enjoy merely sitting at a pavement café, drinking a bottle of the local wine and watching life pass by, will not be disappointed by the many opportunities to do so.

DAY THIRTEEN – THURSDAY

Our return eastward to Nice may take us on a brief visit to Marseille, dubbed 'Gateway to the Orient & Africa'. We will certainly be following the scenic coastal road along the Côte d'Azur and through some of the famous towns and traditional villages that sit beside the sea. An undoubted highlight will be the most chic of all Mediterranean resorts, St Tropez. We will return to Nice, our nightstop for tonight.

DAY FOURTEEN – FRIDAY

Alas, we must face the inevitable and a return flight home. You may, of course, have decided to extend your time and be spending a few more days in Nice or perhaps travelling on to join another tour. If leaving, you'll be transferred to the airport or rail station, as appropriate. The beauty of the Côte d'Azur and countless historic, cultural and scenic highlights of Provence will be providing you with memories and pleasant reminiscences for many months, if not for years to come.