9 Days Marseille to Nice.
Highlights Include: Arles, Aix-en-Provence, St. Remy de Provence, Les Baux-de-Provence, Menerbes, St. Paul de Vence, Eze, and Monte Carlo.
Looking for an exciting Group itinerary? Here’s a unique suggested group itinerary of the south of France, including the Riviera. Sights on this itinerary include Arles; Aix-en-Provence; St. Remy de Provence; Remoulins – to visit the spectacular Pont du Gard; Les Baux-de-Provence; Menerbes; St. Paul de Vence; Eze, and Monte Carlo. There is so much to see in Provence and the Riviera; and since the distances traveled each day are not that far, you can have longer stays at each hotel with less packing and unpacking, which your guests really love!
Provence & The Riviera
DAY 1 ARRIVE MARSEILLE: Welcome to France! Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be met by your tour director. After transfer into Marseille, France’s oldest city, you will have a guided walking and riding sightseeing tour of Vieux Port, or Old Port, and other vibrant parts of the waterfront. Marseille is a recharged eclectic city with many diverse neighborhoods and flavors. You’ll also take a trip up to see Notre Dame, the beautiful Cathedral with breathtaking views of Marseille and the Mediterranean. A welcome dinner is included this evening at the hotel. (D)
DAY 2 MARSEILLE / LES BAUX / ST. REMY / AVIGNON: Breakfast is included at the hotel. This morning, weather permitting, you’ll take a boat cruise to Chateau D’if, the place where Alexander Dumas’ fictitious character, Edmund Dantes or the Count of Monte Cristo, spent 14 long years behind bars after a false arrest. Later this morning you’ll travel to the tiny village of Les Baux-de-Provence in the southern Alpilles, for amazing views of Provence and to see the village’s medieval castle. Then you’ll visit St-Rémy-de-Provence, the birthplace of the French astrologer Nostradamus and one of the most pleasant towns in Provence, with a medieval old town full of galleries and shops encircled by a tree-shaded boulevard with cafes and restaurants. You will visit some of the town’s major attractions, including the Roman ruins of Glanum and Monastère de St-Paul-de-Mausole, the 12th-century monastery where van Gogh sought treatment and where he was inspired to paint some of his best works. Later this afternoon, arrive in Avignon where you’ll have free time before an included dinner at a local restaurant. (B/D)
DAY 3 AVIGNON / PONT DU GARD / AVIGNON: After an included breakfast you will have a city tour of Avignon. This UNESCO World Heritage city, with its old town encircled by medieval ramparts is full of fascinating sights, but pride of place goes to Palais des Papes, the 14th-century home of the papacy. After a tour of the palace, you will head outside to the city walls to Pont St-Bénezet, Avignon’s ancient bridge that now sits stranded halfway across the Rhône River. Then leave Avignon for a visit the Pont du Gard to spend time at the museum and at the bridge, a Roman aqueduct, dating back to the 1st Century B.C. The engineering will amaze you, and the pristine yet grandeur of the site is truly a highlight of Provence. Afterward visit nearby Chateau Neuf du-Pape for a visit to Henry Bouachon Vineyards. Return to Avignon where the rest of the afternoon and evening are on your own. (B)
DAY 4 AVIGNON / ARLES / AIX-EN-PROVENCE / AVIGNON: Have breakfast at the hotel. Then drive to the beautiful Roman city of Arles. You will start with a walk through the old town that so enchanted van Gogh. Head to the Théâtre antique/Amphithéâtre (Les Arènes), where you can wander among the ruins of a Roman theater after taking a tour of the impressive site. Visit the enormous Cytoportico, the underground ruins, which was built around 25 B.C., and is the foundation of the Roman forum. Then take a visit to view the Van Gogh Bridge, also known as Pont Langlois, before heading to Aix-en- Provence. Your visit in Aix will include a sightseeing tour and entrance to Cezanne’s atelier, which still looks as though he just stepped out for a minute and will be right back. After this enchanting and informative day, you’ll head back to Avignon, where you’ll have some time on your own. (B)
DAY 5 AVIGNON / LUBERON / AVIGNON: Breakfast is included this morning. Then drive east from Avignon towards The Luberon and visit the village of Bonnieux. You may want to walk to this pretty hilltop village to explore the northern side of the Luberon area. Along the way to Bonnieux, take time to visit two of the best-known hilltop villages, Gordes, and Roussillon. You’ll also see another picturesque village of Ménerbes and Lacoste, with the ruins of the chateau that was home to the Marquis de Sade. Your tour director will give you the intricate details of each unique destination today! On the way back to Avignon, stop at a local winery to taste some Provence specialties! (B)
DAY 6 AVIGNON / CANNES / ST. PAUL DE VENCE / NICE: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel this morning, then head to the Cote d’Azur, where you’ll stay for the next 3 nights. On the way to Nice, have a stop in Cannes, home to the famous film festival, where you have a photo op on the “red carpet”. Take a guided tour of this glimmering town located on the Riviera, home to the rich and famous! You’ll have some free time for lunch and to wander around this seaside spectacle before heading to the quieter, inland area of St. Paul de Vence. St. Paul is a beautiful medieval fortified village perched on a narrow spur between two deep valleys. Have a walking tour of this enchanting and popular stop and a visit to the Cathedral before working your way back to the coast and to Nice. This evening, enjoy an included dinner at a local restaurant. (B/D)
DAY 7 NICE / EZE / MONACO / NICE: After your included breakfast at the hotel, this morning you’ll have a city tour of Nice, some walking – you wouldn’t want to miss the fabulous market – and some driving so you can truly enjoy this beautiful Mediterranean town. Then take a short drive into the hills to visit Èze, which has been described as an “eagle’s nest” because of its location overlooking a high cliff with its spectacular views of the Mediterranean below. Have a fun visit to the Fragonard Perfumery, for some information on how perfume is made and even a sample or two! Later this afternoon visit the small principality of Monaco, which was home to Grace Kelly who was the Princess of Monaco. You’ll visit her tomb at the Cathedral and might even get to see the changing of the guard at the palace she once called home. An included walking tour will take you to the Casino and to see the Grand Prix route. Head back to Nice for the night. (B)
DAY 8 NICE: Breakfast is included this morning at your hotel. Today you have a full day to enjoy Nice and all it has to offer. Your tour director can give you some ideas of how to spend the day. This evening we’ll enjoy an included farewell dinner where you can share the stories of the past week with your fellow travelers. (B/D)
DAY 9 NICE / USA: Transfer to Nice airport for your trip home. (B)
Customize to Suit
The above suggested itinerary can be customized to suit; more or less meals, different cities and/or sightseeing based on your clients’ interests. You name it, our expert group specialist professionals will put it together for you. Please call 1-800-818-8455, or simply complete the group request form, and we’ll get back to you with your proposal.
Inclusions
- Private airport transfers in Marseille on Day 1 and Nice on Day 9
- Twin-bedded rooms in 4- or 5-Star hotels; hotel taxes, service charges and baggage handling
- 8 breakfasts; 4 dinners
- Services of an English-speaking local travel expert
- Travel by private, luxury, air-conditioned mini-coach
- Sightseeing, special features and scenic highlights as indicated in the itinerary, including admission charges
- Portfolio of travel documents
- 24-hour emergency customer service while in France
Private Departures
Please Call 1-800-818-8455 for Group Rates on this Custom Group Journey
This suggested itinerary can be customized to suit; more or less meals, different cities and/or sightseeing based on your clients’ interests. You name it, our expert group specialist professionals will put it together for you. Please call 1-800-818-8455, or simply complete the group request form, and we’ll get back to you with your proposal.
Group Discounts
On custom journeys, discounts vary depending on group requirements. Typically, travel with a group of 20 and the 21st traveler receives a 100% discount* off the land portion of the vacation price. A second traveler receives a 100% discount* off the land on a group of 40 paying passengers.
*Per person prices are land only and based on two people sharing a room. Above dates represent “land start” date. Air: Please note that airfares are not included in the prices above. Journeys Connect can quote you the lowest possible GROUP airfare available on the day that you book. Minimum of 10 seats from same gateway. Less than 10 air seats will require full payment at time of booking. Single Room Supplement: On Request. Triple Room Reduction: On Request. Group discounts cannot be combined with our Triple Room discounts. Not valid on Specialty, Customized Vacations or River Cruises, optional extensions, extra nights, airfares, taxes and fees, flight supplements, or airport transfers. Other restrictions may apply. All passengers’ names must be advised before the discount is applied. *Group discount is on a twin-share basis only.
Contact Journeys Connect
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Travel professionals, please call and speak with one of our Group Specialty Professionals:
1-800-818-8455