Spotlight on the French Riviera
November 9 - 17, 2023
*Booking Discount $3,199.00pp dbl / $3,699.00 pp sgl
Status: Full
Itinerary: November 9, 2023 Thursday
November 10, 2023 Friday
November 11, 2023 Saturday
November 12, 2023 Sunday
November 13, 2023 Monday
November 14, 2023 Tuesday
November 15, 2023 Wednesday
November 16, 2023 Thursday
November 17, 2023 Friday
- Zoom Recording Link copy and paste in your browser:
- https://collette.zoom.us/rec/play/xsGkXzGnejtbwjpy6cvsKclHhVwrjdk5Knp97Yt1X2z5ha-AEGVRyqrCGoQo9v3t6QS6vM6-jmfyYxPh.jP9QpLVp7JzQQSWf?continueMode=true&_x_zm_rtaid=fH8_8i8jQ_q-QaOHScdX9Q.1673708387913.c66e2a94e961897216752dbb6c638aa1&_x_zm_rhtaid=195
- HIGHLIGHTS…
- Nice, Food Tour & Tasting, Nice Flower Market, Monaco, Monte Carlo, Choice on Tour, Grasse, Fragonard Perfumery Workshop, Cannes, Saint- Honorat Island & Wine Tasting, Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, St. Paul de Vence
Itinerary: November 9, 2023 Thursday
Overnight Flight - It’s time to live the good life and embark on a getaway to the fabulous French Riviera, or Côte d'Azur. With its elegant coastal resorts, superb eateries, chic boutiques and captivating museums, it’s 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.
Nice (French Riviera, France - Tour Begins - 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. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner in Vieux Nice featuring Mediterranean-inspired French cuisine. (D)
Nice: the Flower Market & the Local Foodie Get to know Nice with a local expert. Meander through the city’s famed flower market and be enhanced by brightly colored blooms. Then, delve into the Old Town, sampling local delicacies while on a tasting tour. The rest of the day is yours. Perhaps you will visit one of Nice’s world-class art galleries, such as the Chagall or the Matisse Museums. Or find your favorite café for the week and soak in the local life. (B, L)
Monaco: Alluring & Royal Travel along the spectacular Corniche 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 it’s your choice! Explore the tiny Principality on a panoramic Little Train tour* taking you across to Monte Carlo for views of its famous Casino -OR- visit the Oceanographic Museum, perusing its aquarium and the collection of fossils and skeletons amassed by the great researcher Jacques Cousteau. (B)
Hilltop Grasse & Perfume Workshop Today, 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 this charming Provençal hill town before returning to Nice for an evening at leisure. Perhaps you’ll join an optional excursion to a petanque lesson and tournament, including an open bar and some tasty snacks. (B)
Glamorous Cannes - Saint-Honorat Island & Wine Tasting Journey to Cannes and 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 Le Suquet neighborhood or the lively Forville farmer’s market. Then, sail** across the Bay of Cannes to the tiny island of Saint- Honorat, belonging to the monks of Lérins Abbey. Pause for a taste of the locally produced wine before returning to Nice in the late afternoon. Back in Nice this evening, savor a winepaired tasting menu highlighting the delights of the South of France. (B, D)
Once Upon a Villa Head to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, referred to as the crown jewel of the French Riviera, where you’ll visit the impressive Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. Uncover the lush gardens replete with jaw-dropping views of the Mediterranean Sea. Your visit to the villa is complete with lunch served in the charming tearoom overlooking the Bay of Villefranche. Back in Nice, enjoy free time to relax and take in the laid-back atmosphere along the Riviera. Perhaps you’ll stroll along the lively seafront Promenade des Anglais or set off in search of the whimsical architecture of St. Nicholas’ cathedral. (B, L)
St. Paul de Vence: An Artist’s Haven 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 travelers for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of an unforgettable trip. (B, D)
Tour Ends Depart for home with many wonderful memories of your journey through the Cote d'Azur. (B)