= Journeys Featuring AKP Projects
France | Simply French
 Barrel Halls of France |
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Click to download PDF itinerary:
9 days / 8 nights
| Location | Nights |
| Paris | 3 |
| Burgundy | 2 |
| Provence | 3 |
Day 1 Arrive Paris
Bienvenue à Paris! A warm A&K welcome to the French capital and a private transfer to your hotel.
Paris (Choice of category)
Day 2 Design Your Day Paris
Rich in culture, this breathtaking city on the River Seine is a study in sophistication. Today you will have an introduction to the iconic sights of the city: the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysées and the Ile de la Cité, beautiful Notre Dame Cathedral, and the 13th century Sainte Chapelle, a pearl of Gothic architecture. During your visit to the Eiffel Tower you are treated to a unique behind-the-scenes tour. Enter the original engine room, which still operates the elevators, discover the old bunker hidden under the Champ de Mars and admire the beautiful view over the esplanade. During this exclusive visit, many intriguing facts about the history of the Tower are revealed, from the initial project to the challenges of its construction.
This afternoon, tour one of the city’s finest museums. Choose from: the world’s largest art museum, the renowned Louvre, home to one of the most important collections in the Western world, with some 35,000 works on display including Da Vinci’s ‘Mona Lisa’ and the ‘Venus de Milo’; the lesser-known but exceptionally interesting Musée Marmottan, where paintings from Monet’s private collection of his own work and that of his fellow artists are exhibited; or the Musée d'Orsay, housed in a converted railway station and exhibiting examples of Impressionist, Fauvist and late Romantic works (B).
Paris (Choice of category)
Day 3 Design Your Day Paris
Comb the streets of Paris this morning with a local restaurant critic and food expert, uncovering and tasting some of the city’s gourmet secrets. Your tour could include a glimpse into the life of a dedicated chocolatier whose handmade delicacies are made in true artisan style, or a tour of a cheese cellar beneath one of the city's authentic fromageries.
This afternoon, follow your own heart. Travel further afield to Giverny, where Monet lived and worked in his country house and garden from 1883 to 1926, and experience his intimate surroundings, including the famous Japanese bridge and lily pond in the gardens. Or take a trip to Chantilly, visiting the Chateau de Chantilly with its marvellous illuminated medieval manuscripts, tapestries and paintings as well as the Grandes Ecuries - the grandest stables in France - where you will see various breeds of horses and equine paraphernalia. You may also choose to visit Versailles to admire the splendid palace of the great Sun King Louis XIV, visiting the grand State Apartments and the extensive gardens (B).
Paris (Choice of category)
Day 4 Paris - Dijon – La Bussiere Sur Ouche
Enjoy A&K’s Concierge Rail service as you travel First Class by train south-east to Dijon, Burgundy’s provincial capital. On arrival, enjoy a walking tour in the Old Town, where you will be delighted by the magnificent half-timbered houses and the Palais des Ducs, which houses the Fine Arts Museum. Continue to your hotel, a converted Cistercian abbey set in 15 acres of beautiful parkland. The old buildings have been transformed into a luxurious country house hotel where you can relax and enjoy the unique, refreshing atmosphere (B).
Burgundy (Choice of category)
Day 5 Beaune
Today, spend a full day in the picturesque wine country surrounding Beaune. Visit the Clos de Vougeot, one of the largest single vineyards in Burgundy producing grand cru wines, and indulge in a little tasting. Explore the wine capital of Beaune, with its 15th-century Hospice whose elaborate tiled roof is an icon of the Burgundy region (B).
Burgundy (Choice of category)
Day 6 La Bussiere Sur Ouche – Avignon
Journey south to Avignon, enjoying A&K’s Concierge Rail Service. The remainder of your day is at leisure (B).
Provence (Choice of category)
Day 7 Avignon
Dominated by its Papal Palace, Avignon is a vibrant Provencal town with abundant character. Discover its glories with a walking tour including a visit to the very impressive fortified Palace. Make your way to the antique street market to pick up a memento before witnessing a sweeping panorama of the town and the mighty Rhône River. Afternoon is at leisure (B).
Provence (Choice of category)
Day 8 Avignon
It’s time to explore the region. Start with a visit to the delightful market in St Remy de Provence, where you will find a splendid array of regional produce including wild mushrooms, olives, honey, dried herbs and spices. Visit the Roman antiquities, followed by an olive-oil tasting at a mill. Afterwards, visit the ruined medieval citadel of Les Baux and the astonishing nearby “Cathedral of Images” carved out of the rock. The day concludes with a visit to the impressive Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct built with astonishing daring as part of a complex irrigation system (B).
Provence (Choice of category)
Day 9 Depart Marseille
Adieu la France! Transfer to Marseille airport where your journey ends (B).
Note: Itinerary departs Wednesdays.
Optional Extensions
Choose to combine your journey with one of A&K’s fantastic extensions. Not to be missed, these additions are specially selected by our travel specialists.
View our 'Spain | Spanish Sojourn Itinerary'
View our 'Spain | Spanish Serenade Itinerary'
View our 'Portugal | Portuguese Delights Itinerary'
View our 'Europe | Canal and River Cruising Options'
View our 'Europe | Luxury Rail Journeys Venice Simplon - Orient - Express Options'
Enquire Now
Take a glimpse into the life of a dedicated chocolatier who trained with the very best before opening his own boutique, or tour a cheese cellar beneath one of Paris’ authentic fromageries
Symbol of Paris and France, the Eiffel Tower belongs to the circle of the world’s most visited monuments. A&K takes you on a fascinating “Behind The Scenes” Private Tour. Accompanied by a licensed guide, you will enter the original engine room, which still operates the elevators, discover the old bunker hidden under the Champ de Mars, wander through the technical gallery on the first floor, and admire the beautiful view over the esplanade. During this exclusive visit, many intriguing facts from the story of the Eiffel Tower will be revealed, from the initial project to the challenges of its construction.
Choice of Accommodation
| City | Platinum | Gold |
| Paris | Hotel Le Meurice (Deluxe Room) | Hotel Daniel (Classic Room) |
| Burgundy | Abbaye de la Bussiere (Deluxe Room) | Abbaye de la Bussiere (Superior Room) |
| Provence | La Mirande, Avignon (King Room) | La Mirande, Avignon (Queen Room) |
Shopping at the village markets of Provence is one of life’s greatest pleasures, and St. Rémy has one of the region’s best. Arrive early for fresh produce. Regional specialties include dried herbs and spices, olives, honey, oils, vegetables, antiques and fabrics. During the winter months (November to February) the prized ‘black diamond’ truffles from Vaucluse are available. St. Rémy de Provence market is open Wednesdays only.
