Spotlight on the French Riviera

It’s time to live the good life and embark on a getaway to the fabulous French Riviera, or <I>Côte d'Azur</I>. Its elegant coastal resorts, superb eateries, chic boutiques, and captivating museums make it the ultimate sunny retreat for the elite. Unpack your bags just once and stay at a single hotel for your entire adventure, which begins with an overnight flight to France.

Your tour commences in the stunning city of Nice, a coastal pearl of the Mediterranean known for its legendary opulence and balmy beaches. With an average of 300 sunny days per year, Nice is a seaside paradise. As arrival times will vary, there is no scheduled sightseeing today. Spend the day as you wish, exploring the city independently. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner in <I>Vieux Nice</I> featuring Mediterranean-inspired French cuisine.

Get around like a local by navigating the tram this morning. Get familiar with the tramway routes to use to your advantage in your free time later. With a local expert, discover Nice by meandering through the city’s famed and colourful flower market. Then, delve into the Old Town, sampling local delicacies while on a tasting tour. The rest of the day is yours. Perhaps you’ll return to your hotel and stroll along the lively seafront <I>Promenade des Anglais</I>. You may even stay downtown and visit one of Nice’s world-class art galleries, such as the Chagall or the Matisse museums. Maybe you’ll find your favourite café for the week and soak in the local life.

Travel along the spectacular <I>Corniche</I> coastal road to the Principality of Monaco. On a walking tour, view the changing of the guards and visit the Cathedral of Monaco — the permanent resting place of Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace. Then <B>it’s your choice!</B> Visit the Prince’s Palace of Monaco to tour this grand residence <B>-OR-</B> hop on a “little train” tour,* taking in Monaco’s history and sights, including views of Monte Carlo Casino.

This morning, head to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, referred to as the crown jewel of the French Riviera. Learn the secrets of perfume making during a hands-on workshop and tour of the Fragonard perfumery, where fragrant formulations have been prepared since 1782. Spend time soaking up the atmosphere of a <I>Provençal</I> hill town: the medieval village of Éze. Explore the village’s timeless charm and the Exotic Garden before returning to Nice.

Journey to Cannes and sail** across the Bay of Cannes to the tiny island of Saint-Honorat, belonging to the monks of Lérins Abbey. Pause to taste the locally produced wine before returning to Cannes to perhaps rub elbows with Europe’s elite. Walk in the footsteps of celebrities when you see the Film Festival Palace and the iconic red carpet featured during the Cannes Film Festival. During free time, explore the cobbled lanes of the <i>Le Suquet</i> neighbourhood or the lively Forville farmers’ market.

The day is yours! Enjoy your free time relaxing and taking in the laid-back atmosphere along the Riviera. Perhaps you’ll join an optional excursion that takes you to discover Dolceacqua, a gem of the Italian Riviera nestled in the mountains, before savouring the local cuisine during an included lunch.

This morning, venture to historic St. Paul de Vence, situated atop a hill overlooking the beautiful countryside of Provence. Explore this walled medieval village, soaking in its distinctive light, said to have inspired Matisse, Braque, Chagall, and other artists. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of an unforgettable trip.

Depart for home with many wonderful memories of your journey through the <i>Cote d'Azur</i>.