Soak up the sun and spot the stars in the French Riviera. Strung along 71 miles of azure coastline, this is the glamour capital of France, where grand hotels line fashionable seaside promenades, mega-yachts dock next to fishermen unloading the day’s catch, and the gently lapping waters of the Mediterranean sparkle invitingly. For a chance to walk the red carpet, visit Cannes. This formerly sleepy fishing village transforms into a playground for the ultra-rich each year during the Cannes Film Festival. Take in a film, amble along La Croisette—Cannes’s glitzy promenade and keep a lookout for celebrity sightings. As the French Riviera’s largest city and unofficial capital, Nice is sure to delight with its world-class art museums, stellar dining, and old-world decadence. Explore the lively markets or wander through the narrow alleys and cobblestone lanes of the historic Old Town, perhaps stopping for a warm bowl of bouillabaisse, the region’s famous fish stew, along the way.
HIGHLIGHTS
- 7 Nights at a 4 star hotel in Cannes– home of the world famous Film Festival
- Monaco
- Monte Carlo
- Eze
- Lerin Islands
- St. Tropez
- Grasse
- St. Paul De Vence
- San Remo
- Antibes
- Nice
INCLUSIONS
- Round trip airfare
- Airline fuel surcharges and taxes and fees
- 7 Nights First Class Hotel
- 12 Meals (7B, 1L,4D)
- Sightseeing per itinerary
- Admissions per itinerary
- Professional Tour Manager
- Baggage handling
- Hotel transfers
- Day 1 - Your trip begins with an overnight transatlantic flight to the amazing French Riviera. Relax and enjoy the in-flight meal service and on-board entertainment.
- Day 2 - Nice/Cannes: Upon arrival, you will clear passport control and customs and then meet your C I Destinations Tour Manager. Once aboard our motor coach, the scenic transfer begins along the beautiful coast road via Juan-les-Pins to Cannes. There, you will find your hotel. After check-in, there will be time to freshen up and relax. Be sure to stroll out of the hotel on to one of the most elegant seaside promenades in the world: La Croisette. There will be a “get acquainted” meeting before a delicious welcome dinner. (D)
- Day 3 - Cannes/Mougins: After breakfast, enjoy a relaxing boat ride to Lerins Island. This island features beautiful gardens, a monastery, and picturesque views of Cannes. We will return to the mainland for a guided orientation drive around Cannes. Highlights of the drive include: Palais des Festivals, the lovely harbor, and the Old Town, Le Suquet. It is said that Cannes is a place of riches, a place to enjoy the finer things of life, and we will surely feel this as we take in the sights. In the afternoon, enjoy the Rue d’Antibes, Cannes most famous shopping street, or head for the promenade with its beautiful flower beds and beaches gently caressed by the blue Mediterranean Sea. This evening we’ll drive out into the country to enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in the medieval village of Mougins. (B,D)
- Day 4 - Monaco/Monte Carlo: Following breakfast, we will drive along the breathtaking coast to the principality of Monaco. This tiny independent state consists of only 475 acres. Royalty, athletes, movie stars, and celebrities make Monaco their home. Monte Carlo is the capital of the principality. It is home to the Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium, the lovely Princess Grace Rose Gardens, the world-famous Grand Casino, and the Royal Palace. We’ll be there in time for the changing of the guard at 11:55 AM. This afternoon is yours to explore. (B)
- Day 5 - St. Tropez/Marseilles: Our sightseeing takes us westward along the coast. Our first stop is beautiful St. Tropez. The village has a lovely old town and intriguing museums. Continuing our journey, we pass by the port of Toulon before arriving in Marseilles. There will be time for lunch in Marseilles before continuing with the tour of the city. Founded by the Greeks 2500 years ago, Marseilles is the oldest and second largest city in France. We’ll see the Canebiere, a street of many shops and cafés, a lively symbol of the city. Nearby is the Town Hall dating from 1663 and the Cathedrale de la Major dating from 1893 with its twin domed towers and marbled interior. We will visit the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde. The 150 foot high tower with its gilded figure of the Virgin is the very emblem of Marseilles. Tonight dinner is on your own in Cannes. (B)
- Day 6 - Cannes/Grasse/St. Paul de Vence: This morning we drive into Grasse, center of the world-wide perfume industry. Its many small distilleries provide the essences to perfume manufacturers in Paris, London, and Rome. We will visit a distillery and see firsthand how the flowers of the region are processed to provide the fragrant essences that are the basis of all perfumes. Our tour continues to the fortified town of St. Paul de Vence. The painter Chagall lived here. You may want to stroll through the town’s narrow passageways, browse the galleries and shops, and enjoy lunch before returning to Cannes. (B,L)
- Day 7 - Italy/San Remo/Ventimiglia: Today’s excursion is to the beautiful Riviera Liguria of Italy. We’ll visit San Remo Italy’s oldest winter health resort. The main economy of this region is the production of olive oil and flowers grown for export throughout the world. We will stop in the town of Ventimiglia, situated at the mouth of the River Roia. Later, visit the nearby village of Dolceaqua to see its unusual bridge and pretty parish church. We will have dinner this evening in Italy. (B,D)
- Day 8 - Nice/Cannes: Today we visit the city of Nice. We will drive along the world famous Promenade des Anglais, lined with magnificent palms and planted with vibrantly colored blooms, on our way to visiting the old Jesuit church of Saint Jacques. This afternoon catch up on those last minute souvenirs or revisit places of special interest. Tonight, enjoy a special farewell dinner with music and merriment. (B,D)
- Day 9 - Nice/USA: Following breakfast you will transfer to the Nice airport for your return flight home, taking with you many wonderful memories of the French Riviera. (B)
