2 Centre tour of southern France - Provence & the Cote d’Azur

FROM 21 SEPTEMBER 2024 - 28 SEPTEMBER

Fly into Marseille and begin your tour of Provence -surrounded by olive groves, vineyards, rolling hillsides, ochre coloured rocks, the scent of thyme and lavender! Provence oozes serenity and magic simultaneously!

THE ITINERARY

3 nights Avignon (Provence); 4 nights Nice (Cote d’Azur)

Day 1: Saturday

Day 1: Saturday

Transfer from Marseille airport to your 4* hotel in the centre of Avignon - Hotel de l’Horloge.

Avignon is one of France’s most fascinating and historic towns full of culture and history. It was the capital of the papacy from 1309 to 1377.  Recognised for its architectural beauty and historic importance, the centre  of Avignon was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995. Fairytale  winding streets, pastel-coloured patisserie and sunny pavements cafes  make Avignon’s old town one of the dreamiest places in Provence to quaff  espressos or a chilled glass of rose wine.

Day 2: Sunday

In the morning after breakfast you will enjoy a fascinating walking tour of Avignon with your English speaking Guide and visit the world famous Palais des Papes.

In the afternoon you are free to explore the city or relax and watch the world go by!

Day 3: Monday

No trip to Avignon would be complete without a visit to Châteauneuf-du Pape, including a scenic drive through some of the most beautiful Provencale villages, wine tasting and a tour of the vineyard at Maison Bouachon at Chateauneuf-du-Pape and a delicious lunch.

Day 4: Tuesday

Today you leave Avignon by air-conditioned private coach and head towards the Côte d’Azur, stopping on the way in Cassis for lunch and a boat trip. 

Cassis is a wonderful place to stroll about with its picturesque fishing port lined with cafes and restaurants. Overlooked by a centuries-old château, it’s known for pebbly beaches and its calanques, narrow inlets framed by steep,  limestone cliffs. The water is so crystal clear it feels more like the Indian ocean than the Med!! 

Your visit to Cassis includes a boat trip around the calanques.

You will stay in the fabulous 4* West End hotel in the centre of Nice

Day 5: Wednesday

Nice, famous for its flower market, the Promenade des Anglais, fabulous restaurants and excellent museums and art galleries, your first day will be all yours to get lost in the winding alleyway of the old town, climb up to the  Chateau for stunning 360-degree views or check out the works of Matisse. 

You might want to hop on a train for a quick and easy journey along the coast to Cannes or Antibes? Whatever you choose to do, our host can help advise and point you in the right direction. Today is a free day!

Day 6: Thursday

Today you’ll travel by air-conditioned coach to Monaco where your guide will take you to the Palace and to the Cathedral where Grace Kelly and her husband Prince Rainier are laid to rest. From here you will see the  Oceanographic Museum and then head over to the fabulous Monte  Carlo. See the famous F1 Grand Prix race track, the Casino, the glamorous luxury boutiques and hotels, and not forgetting of course the unforgettable views over the Mediterranean. After enjoying some refreshments in the  Place du Casino you will head onto the enchanting village of Eze. This beautiful village dates back to the middle ages and clings impressively to the mountainside above the Mediterranean Sea, between St Jean Cap Ferrat and  Monaco. Panoramic views, and ancient façades, are some of the most memorable features of this lovely village. Here you’ll stop for lunch and also be led through the unusual experience of oil and vinegar pairing. Something not to be missed! 

Then it’s back to Nice by coach and an evening to relax.

Day 7: Friday

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

The final full day in this beautiful part of the world includes a private transfer to the stunning village of St Paul de Vence. This medieval village is a real mecca for artists, who have been coming here since 1920. Among others, Picasso, Dufy, Matisse, and Marc Chagall have stayed here and created their works. Walk through the narrow streets of the village and you will pass charming little galleries, shops, restaurants, and art studios, or sit at one of the cafes next to the impressive fountain in the Place de la Grande  Fontaine and watch the world go by. You might also want to visit the world-famous museum of modern art, Fondation Maeght. Then it’s back to Nice for a final evening to relax and enjoy the local amenities. 

Day 8: Saturday  

Unfortunately, all good things much come to an end! Today we’ll help you with your onward travel, whether you’re going to Nice airport or heading off on your own to explore further. Hotel check-out will be between 11am and midday.

Dates: 21 September 2024 for 7 nights  

PRICE: £3100 per person

PLEASE NOTE FLIGHTS ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE ABOVE PRICE BUT WE WOULD BE HAPPY TO HELP BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS.

Tour Includes:

  • 7nights single occupancy in 4-star accommodation:- 

    • 3 Avignon, including breakfast 

    • 4 nights Nice, including breakfast 

  • Transfer from Marseille airport. 

  • Private bus from Avignon to Nice 

  • Local bus tours when included in the itinerary 

  • The meals below are included – other restaurant bookings are A la  Carte and each person pays their own bill 

    • breakfasts included in the hotel stays 

    • Lunch in Eze 

    • Lunch in Chateauneuf du Pape

  • Services of English-speaking host manager throughout

  • Entrance fees per itinerary 

Not Included:

  • Tips and gratuities 

  • Alcohol and other beverages 

FAQs

  • Yes, you do. Please ensure you have full personal travel insurance for the trip. Personal, comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for each individual joining the tour and should be purchased by the individual prior to booking. Your travel insurance MUST include airline cancellation cover.

  • No, all rooms are single occupancy only.

  • In Paris, September tends to be around 22 - 25C (in the mid-70s F) although some days, especially early in the month, can see afternoon high temperatures reaching 28C (into the high 70s F). The weather in Avignon and Nice is usually warmer with plenty of sunshine and lots of people finding it warm enough to swim in the sea.

  • We need a minimum of 12 people to run the trip; 12 is also the maximum we will take on this particular tour.

  • A reasonable level of mobility is required as there will be some walking, mainly on the flat, and not all attractions have elevators.

  • A 30% deposit is required at time of booking to secure your place: $1050 or €973.80 or £870. The balance has to be paid by 28 July : $2450 or €2272.20 or £2030.

  • Cancellation prior to balance payment = 50% loss of deposit. Cancellation after balance payment = 100% cancellation charges. PLEASE NOTE THERE WILL BE A CHARGE OF 2.9% Please complete the box below and one of our team will be in contact to take payment.

  • If the French Government ban travel due to COVID then we will issue a full refund. If travel is prohibited by other respective Governments then we will issue a credit note or full refund depending on the circumstances.