Art, History and Culture – Tour of France

Today we depart from the United States to France. Enjoy superb in-flight service and meals as we cross the Atlantic Ocean.

We arrive at Nice International airport. Welcome to the French Riviera which stretches across half of France’s eastern Mediterranean coast to the Italian border. The French Riviera has long been one of Europe’s premier tourist destinations. Before checking into our hotel, enjoy a short orientation tour of the fashionable city of Nice, capital of the Riviera. Visit the exceptionally interesting Old Town with its narrow streets, numerous shops, and colorful markets. In the afternoon, enjoy free time. Nice is known for its many museums, notably the Musee Marc Chagall, or enjoy a stroll along the famous palm-lined boulevard Promenade des Anglais. In the evening, you are invited to a welcome reception and dinner.
Overnight – Nice (D)

This morning we travel to Monaco. The kingdom is located between mountains and sea and is the home of the 700-year dynasty of the Grimaldi family. The most well-known member of this family was Grace Kelly, the American actress and wife of Prince Rainier. Visit the Rock of Monaco, the Cathedral, and Tomb of Princess Grace. View the changing of the guard in front of the Grimaldi Palace. From the garden of the Rock, enjoy a superb panoramic view of Monte Carlo. Afterwards we travel through Corniche Route which offers an astounding view of the coast and its elaborate villas. Continue to Grasse and visit the typical village of St. Paul-De Vence surrounded by 14th century walls. This village offers beautiful landscape views which inspired the great masters: Picasso, Chagall and Matisse. Arrive in Grasse where we visit the Parfumerie Galimard founded over 250 years ago. Galimard produces scents for world famous perfumeries. Time is available to browse through the perfumery after which we return to Nice.
Overnight – Nice (B,D)

Today, as we travel to Aix-en-Provence, we stop in Cannes, home to one of the most important film festivals in the world. We then enter Provence, a lovely region of France that enjoys constant sunshine. This area, with its intensity of light, vibrant colors and blue skies, makes us realize why so many great French artists found their inspiration here, especially Paul Cezanne. Have an orientation tour of Aix-en-Provence, the City of the Thousand Fountains, and visit the workshop of Cezanne where he painted so many of his works of art. Proceed to our hotel in Avignon.
Overnight – Avignon (B,D)

This morning we leave Avignon behind and travel to the heart of Provence and the Camargue National Park which captured the imagination of Vincent Van Gogh. A visit to the former hilltop stronghold village of Les Baux-de-Provence offers you a gorgeous view of Provence and the Camargue landscapes. We have a guided tour of Arles, capital of the Camargue region, formerly a Roman provincial center. You’ll visit Les Arenes, a 2nd century Roman amphitheater still in use today. The walking tour also includes a visit to the 12th century Roman gothic church of Saint-Trophime. You will note that not much has changed in Arles since Van Gogh immortalized the city and surroundings in his paintings. View the Van Gogh Bridge. Next, we travel to Aigues-Mortes, a small city surrounded by high walls built during the 13th century by the Crusaders who then left this region to fight in the Holy Land. Return to our hotel in Avignon.
Overnight – Avignon (B,D)

Hot buffet breakfast in hotel. Following breakfast, we visit the walled city of Avignon. In the 14th century, Avignon served as the Papal residence. We visit the Palais des Papes, a gothic palace built for the pontiffs. Proceed to the Roman aqueduct, Pont du Gard, one of the most well-preserved aqueducts in the world. Continue our journey on the TGV, Europe’s fastest train, to Paris. Arrive in Paris and transfer to hotel.
Overnight – Paris (B,D)

Hot buffet breakfast in hotel. No visit to Paris would be complete without a visit to the city of Versailles where we find the most opulent palace in France. Built in the mid 1600’s during the reign of Louis XIV, the Sun King, it reflects his taste for luxury and self-glorification. No residence of similar proportions was ever created. Witness the impressive facade and visit the State Apartments, the historic Hall of Mirrors and the enormous gardens with lovely fountains, statues and the Grand Canal. In the afternoon, we tour Paris, the City of Lights and Romance. Enjoy the sweet smell of croissants that have just been taken out from the oven of the boulangeries. Enjoy a guided city tour that will let us discover famous landmarks of the city including: Napoleon’s magnificent Arc de Triomphe, the Champs Elysees, Place de la Concorde, the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower with its astounding view of Paris from above and Notre Dame de Paris that inspired Victor Hugo’s famous story, The Hunchback of Notre Dame. After this breathtaking day, we return to our hotel. In the evening, perhaps you can enjoy the glamour of a cabaret or stroll along the tree-lined boulevards.
Overnight – Paris (B,D)

Hot buffet breakfast in hotel. Today we have a full-day excursion to Normandy. On June 6, 1944, the combined Allied Forces, some 156,000 troops, landed at five beaches along the Normandy coast of Northern France to begin the massive thrust eastward to Germany; it was the largest invasion in history. More than a month of heavy fighting ensued before Caen was finally secured on July 9th. The beaches, code-named Utah, Gold, Juno, Sword, and “Bloody Omaha,” leave many with a tear in their eye. In St. Laurent-Sur-Mer, we will see a chronological presentation of all phases of the occupation until the day of the landings along with an exhibition of guns, uniforms and military vehicles. Continue to the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial near Omaha Beach and remember all those who died in the name of Peace and Freedom. After this emotional day, we return to Paris.
Overnight – Paris (B,D)

Hot buffet breakfast in hotel. Today is our last day in the City of Lights. Enjoy free time at your own leisure. Museums, shopping, sites, etc. In the evening, enjoy our Gala Farewell Dinner.
Overnight – Paris (B,D)