17 days Country Roads of France ( Summer 2018 )
Leafy vineyards, majestic mountains, Riviera sunshine, Roman remains and fortified towns, combined with great food and wine, make for an engaging ‘Tour de France'.
| Day | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Your Journey Begins. | Board your overnight flight to Europe. ( flight not included ) |
| 2 | Welcome to Paris. | Airport transfers depart from Charles de Gaulle Airport for your hotel at 08:30, 11:00 and 13:30. Relax and settle in, or start exploring this great capital, before joining your Travel Director and fellow guests at 17:30 for a Welcome Dinner at a cosy Left Bank bistro, with the opportunity to mingle and get to know each other over a pleasant evening. Hotel: Paris Marriott Rive Gauche Hotel. Meals: Dinner with Wine |
| 3 | Troyes, Chablis and on to Dijon. | Journey to Troyes, in the Champagne region, famous for its magnificent core of medieval buildings, appropriately shaped like a champagne cork. Continue to Burgundy, once a powerful duchy and synonymous with fine wine. Stop in the quiet village of Chablis which gives its name to one of the most famous French wines. Join an expert vintner for a taste and introduction to these refreshing, steely whites. Continue on to your hotel in Dijon. Hotel: Grand Hotel Dijon La Cloche. Meals: Buffet Breakfast, Dinner with Wine |
| 4 | Relaxed Start Free Time in Dijon. | (Relaxed Start) Enjoy the Burgundian capital of Dijon. Its many handsome buildings recall the time when the Dukes of Burgundy were more powerful than the Kings of France. Perhaps take the opportunity to visit the wine capital of Burgundy, Beaune? In the evening, don't miss the chance of an optional Burgundy wine tasting and traditional dinner in the Premier Cru village of Fixin. Hotel: Grand Hotel Dijon La Cloche. Meals: Buffet Breakfast |
| 5 | Chamonix | Travel towards the Mâconnais and Beaujolais before turning east into the Alps. A scenic symphony awaits you as you ascend into the high Alps and climb towards Mont Blanc, Western Europe’s highest mountain. Your destination is the fashionable ski resort of Chamonix. In the evening you may choose to try a local pierrade at a local trendy eatery in a traditional chalet. This Optional Experience provides the chance to try a typical regional meal, cooked on a table barbecue using on a hot stone. Hotel: Chalet Hôtel Le Prieuré Meals: Buffet Breakfast |
| 6 | Relaxed Start Lakeside Annecy and Chambéry. | (Relaxed Start) In the morning, embark on a beautiful journey to the lakeside town of Annecy, dramatically situated between lake and mountains, it's a medieval spectacle and a summer getaway for the French and the Swiss locals. Enjoy free time for lunch in Little Venice, aptly named for the network of canals criss-crossing through the Old Town. Explore the city's many lovely bridges at your leisure or perhaps embark on a boat trip on Lake Annecy? Continue on to Chambry, appreciating views of woodlands, traditional villages and mountain peaks along the way. Enjoy a delicious Farm-to-Table Dinner, prepared with locally-sourced ingredients, and served with wines from the local region. Hotel: Mercure Hotel Chambéry. Meals: Buffet Breakfast, Dinner with Wine |
| 7 | The French Riviera to reach Nice. | Glorious mountain scenery will be yours to enjoy as you travel along a spectacular route, used by the Emperor Napoleon when he returned from his first exile to try to take the throne of France once more. Continue to the French Riviera to reach the elegant resort of Nice. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore as you wish. In the evening, why not walk through old town Nice, ending in Cours Saleya where dinner is at your leisure at one of the many lovely bistros? Hotel: Radisson Blu Hotel Meals: Buffet Breakfast |
| 8 | Monaco and the Côte d’Azur. | Wake up ready to rub shoulders with the jet-set on the glamorous Côte d’Azur. Unlock the secrets of the French perfume industry with a visit to a perfumery, where fragrance experts waft exclusive scents from stoppered bottles. Then enjoy a drive along part of the Grand Prix circuit in Monaco and walk with your Travel Director through the old town to see the Royal Palace, yacht-filled harbour and to visit the cathedral, housing the tomb of Princess Grace. The rest of the day is set aside for you to enjoy the French Riviera at your own pace. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to visit to the medieval village of Eze and its hill-top Botanical Gardens for a spectacular view of the coastline? Hotel: Radisson Blu Hotel Meals: Buffet Breakfast |
| 9 | Picturesque Provence to Avignon. | Visit the medieval village of Saint-Paul de Vence, perched high above the Riviera beaches. A walk through its winding streets reveals elegant fountains, vine-covered stone walls and views of mountains and sea. Continue to Aix-en-Provence to see the sumptuous mansions lining the Cours Mirabeau, before continuing to the pretty village of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Enjoy a wonderful introduction to the famous wine, tasting the difference for yourself as you learn about the various grape varieties that are allowed into the final blend of the prestigious Chateauneuf-du-Pape wine. Continue to Avignon, your home for the next three nights. Hotel: Avignon Grand Hotel/Hotel Novotel Avignon Centre. Meals: Buffet Breakfast, Dinner with Wine |
| 10 | Relaxed Start Arles and Avignon. | (Relaxed Start) Head to the beautiful town of Arles, the ancient capital of Gaul, and follow in the footsteps of Vincent Van Gogh during an orientation tour with your Travel Director. See the greatest of the Roman remains, the incredible three-tiered Pont du Gard. View the remaining arches of the 12th century Pont Saint-Benezet and the Pont d'Avignon of the famous song. Walk through the medieval battlements to the town centre, dominated by the fortified Papal Palace. The rest of your day is at your leisure. Hotel: Avignon Grand Hotel/Hotel Novotel Avignon Centre. Meals: Buffet Breakfast |
| 11 | Relaxed Start Free Time in Avignon. | Enjoy a full day at leisure to relax and soak up the atmosphere of Avignon. Why not take the chance to visit Les Baux-de-Provence, one of the most picturesque villages in France, where you can visit an Olive Mill and sample some of the finest olive oil in France? During your free evening, perhaps visit Villeneuve-les-Avignon and enjoy a delicious meal served in stunning surroundings? Hotel: Avignon Grand Hotel/Hotel Novotel Avignon Centre. Meals: Buffet Breakfast |
| 12 | Carcassonne and to Albi. | Cross the fertile Languedoc region, before journeying inland to the fortified town of Carcassonne. Travellers are often amazed at their first sight of this medieval gem, known for its fortress - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a complete set of ramparts and a medieval keep. Travel on to Albi, the birthplace of Toulouse Lautrec. During your orientation with your Travel Director, marvel at iconic sites including the Toulouse Lautrec Museum and the famous awe-inspiring cathedral, before spending the remainder of the evening at leisure. Hotel: Hotel Saint Antoine Meals: Buffet Breakfast, Dinner with Wine |
| 13 | Cahors, Rocamadour and Sarlat. | Stop in Cahors, famous for its Black Wine, and see the Pont Valentré. You'll also have the opportunity to explore the open air market - full of fresh, seasonal produce and local delicacies, it's an experience to delight all of the senses. Travel to Rocamadour and enjoy free time to explore this medieval town perched on a cliff side above the Alzou River and known as a resting place for pilgrims on their way to Spain. Continue to the beautiful town of Sarlat-la-Canéda, its medieval core blessed with fine historic golden limestone houses. Hotel: La Hoirie, Sarlat-la-Canéda Meals: Buffet Breakfast, Dinner with Wine |
| 14 | Exploring the Dordogne Valley. | Start the day with a morning drive into the stunning Valley of the Dordogne to visit Lascaux II where the world-famous prehistoric cave paintings have been faithfully reproduced. On return to your hotel, sample some of the local Dordogne specialties when you visit a local farm. Hotel: La Hoirie, Sarlat-la-Canéda Meals: Buffet Breakfast |
| 15 | Paris, The City of Light. | Travel onwards to immerse yourself in the beautiful city of Paris where on arrival you are free to explore this fascinating city as you wish. As evening descends, the City of Light lives up to its name as the monuments, buildings and bridges are lit up in all their glory. For that special touch of excitement and glamour don't miss the chance to join an Optional Experience to one of the world-famous cabaret shows. Hotel: Le Méridien Etoile Meals: Buffet Breakfast |
| 16 | Romantic Capital on the Seine. | During your time in Paris, see the impressive Eiffel Tower, the imposing facades of the Louvre, the obelisk in the centre of the Place de la Concorde and enjoy a drive along the Champs Elysses to Napoleon's Arc de Triomphe. In small groups, venture into areas where Parisians go about their daily lives, with your local foodie guide. Explore a patisserie, boulangerie, fromagerie and chocolatier, all tiny, but wondrous and a treat to all senses as you sample the delicacies along the way. You are in for a memorable evening starting with a delicious Celebration Dinner at a local French bistro, serving delicious French cuisine and wine. Hotel: Le Méridien Etoile Meals: Buffet Breakfast, Dinner with Wine |
| 17 | Au revoir Paris | Your departure transfer will arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport at 08:00 or 11:00. Meals: Buffet Breakfast |