Paris to the Côte d’Azur

Arrive into the French capital and transfer to your hotel located on the fashionable Left Bank.

Hotel Madame Reve

Take a walking tour of the Latin Quarter exploring the narrow alleyways and winding streets with your guide as you learn about the evolution of Parisian architecture, from the chaotic streets of the Left Bank to the uniform grandeur of those on the Right. Amble through the stunning Luxembourg Gardens and on to the Centre Pompidou. This quirky building houses the National Museum of Modern Art. Ride the exterior escalator to the top for panoramic views of the Marais and drinks as the sun sets.

This evening, continue your exploration of the iconic sights of Paris in your own piece of French history, a Citroën 2CV. Escorted by an expert local guide, gain an in-depth understanding of the history behind some of the city’s most famous monuments set against a timelessly romantic backdrop, the breeze rustling your hair as a procession of Paris’ brilliantly illuminated landmarks rolls past.

Alternatively, you may choose to tantalize your taste buds with a culinary tour taking in one of Paris' most dynamic neighbourhoods – Le Marais. Meander through the districts iconic cobbled streets where you will discover some of the best of French gastronomy, including mouth-watering hams, pâtés and cheeses. Every tasting deserves a sweet finale; your tour culminating with a visit to a wonderful French pâtisserie.

Hotel Madame Reve | Meals: B

Considered by many to be the world’s greatest museum, discover the Louvre this morning on a specially curated visit. With a mesmerising collection spanning works from ancient antiquity to the mid-19th century, you’ll be introduced to some of the most famous such as the exquisite ‘Venus de Milo’ and Da Vinci’s incomparable ‘Mona Lisa’.

Alternatively, you may choose to travel to the southwest of Paris for a guided visit to Versailles, the location of the huge palace that was constructed in the 17th century for Louis XIV, the Sun King. It became the model for grand houses of royalty all over Europe. Take a tour of the opulent State Apartments that culminate in the magnificent Gallery of Mirrors. You may like to stroll in the formal ornamental gardens that are embellished with many fountains, and see the Grand Canal that stretches into the distance across the park.

Hotel Madame Reve | Meals: B

Journey south by high speed train to Avignon and transfer to your charming hotel which is situated in a peaceful cobbled square at the foot of the Palais des Papes.

La Mirande | Meals: B

Dominated by the Papal Palace, Avignon is a vibrant Provençal town with plenty of character, and today you’ll discover it on a walking tour that starts at the Place de l’Horloge (Clock Square) and enters the great palace where seven popes reigned supreme during their 'schism' with Rome between 1309 and 1377 and whose grand proportions convey the power and glory of the period.

Alternately, indulge in a delectable, hands-on private cooking class at your hotel. Accompanied by the hotel chef, you will visit the local market to curate a menu according to seasonal produce before returning to the hotel for your cooking class. A couple of hours later, your delicious meal will be ready to enjoy, accompanied by carefully selected wines from the Rhone Valley.

La Mirande | Meals: B

Today, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities.

Head to the the historic town of Orange, once the Roman capital for a large area of northern Provence. Visit two of Europe's finest Roman monuments – both inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List – a theatre dating back to the beginning of the Christian era and the original Arc de Triomphe with time to explore the modern city of Orange.

Explore Arles, originally founded in the seventh century BC by the Phoenicians. It boasts a wealth of classical antiquities which are highlighted at the state-of-the-art Museum of Ancient Arles. Afterwards, wander through the city’s shady squares and sun-baked streets appreciating the magical light which so inspired Van Gogh.

Discover the delightful regions of Luberon, Gordes and Menerbes, featuring lavender fields, vineyards, orchards, rolling hills and a verdant nature dotted with beautiful villages and rural communities.

Savour the famous wines of Provence with an expert guide visiting several of the area’s best vineyards and cellars including Chateauneuf Du Pape to enjoy an amazing tasting experience with a master sommelier.

La Mirande | Meals: B

This morning you are driven east to Aix-en-Provence where you visit the Musée-Atelier de Paul Cézanne where the legendary post-Impressionist artist painted some of his most well-known works. Continue to Nice, in the heart of the French Riviera, and your boutique hotel in the Old Town.

Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel | Meals: B

Get your bearings this morning at the top of Colline du Château (Castle Hill) and enjoy show-stopping views of the city and bay before returning to the historic Old Town. Next stop the lively Cours Saleya, where colourful stalls of fresh flowers, fruit and vegetables are a photographer’s dream. Later visit the Musée Matisse, which features a collection of works donated to the city by the artist and his heirs, and the Musée Marc Chagall housing the artist’s biblical works among many others.

Other options for today include a guided half day tour by bicycle. Discover the labyrinthine streets of the Old Town, riding down the Promenade des Anglais seafront walkway, seeing the Place Masséna and Place Garibaldi and, if you are feeling energetic, you could ride up to La Colline du Chateau.

Or, you may choose to set out with an expert food guide exploring Nice's unique traditional gastronomy, such as ‘socca’, a chickpea-flour pancake; ’pissaladiere’, a unique type of onion tart; and ‘les petits farcis’, vegetables stuffed with sausage meat. You will also visit some of the Old Town's best local food stores, perhaps including a wine shop, a family-run pasta shop and a cheesemonger selling locally-sourced produce.

Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel | Meals: B

Today, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities.

Explore the glittering seaside city of Monte Carlo, and the mountains and coast of Monaco that surround it including the glorious ‘Belle Epoque’ Casino, the Palais Princier (Prince’s Palace), the medieval mountaintop village of Eze and the peninsula of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat to walk around the beautiful Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild set in stunning private gardens.

Board a private yacht for a leisurely cruise around the idyllic Lerins Islands, a small archipelago of four islands just off the coast near Cannes that are rich with a unique history matched with historical sites, beautiful panoramas and spectacular natural features.

Discover Nice’s best kept secret organic vineyard by eBike. Enjoy views of the glistening blue Mediterranean Sea verdant green hills as you travel by eBike to a meet up with a passionate winemaker who will take you around his lovingly cared for vineyards, learn about the sophisticated production processes, and enjoy sampling some of his wines.

Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel | Meals: B

Transfer to Nice airport for your onward flight.

Meals: B