Wonderful France

Discover romance, sophistication and French joie de vivre in Paris - the launchpad to a memorable journey through the picturesque countryside of France. Explore the grand boulevards and labyrinthine lanes of the City of Light before meeting your Travel Director and companions for a Welcome Reception. We take to the streets this evening to see some of the city's most iconic sights, including the Champs Élysées and Arc de Triomphe, lit up in all its glorious splendour for you to admire.

Join a Local Specialist to delve into the hidden squares and secret lanes of a Paris not normally frequented on the beaten track. Your short insider walk concludes in one of Paris's loveliest squares. Soak up the authentic atmosphere and local day-to-day life of the Parisians as you meander through quaint historic neighbourhoods, before ascending to the second level of the iconic Eiffel Tower for spectacular panoramic views of the city - the grand boulevards, manicured gardens and iconic Seine stretch as far as the eye can see. Spend your evening embracing the pageantry of Paris and perhaps experience a traditional Parisian Cabaret.

Journey through the picture-perfect Burgundy wine region and stop in its walled regional capital, Beaune - perhaps most famous for the colourful geometric-tiled Hôtel-Dieu. We continue to the great gastronomic capital of Lyon, where we spend tonight. Discover the historic treasures of its well preserved Old Town or perhaps indulge in delicious Beaujolais flavours in a local Bouchon - the choice is yours.

Meandering through the French countryside, we enjoy free time in Aix en Provence for a delicious lunch and the sweet flavours of Calissons, stopping in the glamorous Principality of Monaco en route to the sun-kissed shores of the French Riviera. View the Palace which has been the home of the Grimaldis since the 13th century and the cathedral where the late Princess Grace and Prince Rainier were married. This evening, we enjoy a delicious Regional Meal together in Monaco before arriving at our hotel where we'll spend the next two nights.

Walk in the footsteps of the world's big stars strolling along the sophisticated streets of Cannes on this day at leisure in the French Riviera. See the famous Palais des Festivals at the end of La Croisette, relax on the beach with the beautiful people, or visit the delightful hilltop town of St. Paul de Vence, a favourite haunt of the rich and famous.

We arrive by boat on the sun-kissed shores of glitzy St. Tropez for a leisurely morning sojourn to soak up our glamorous surrounds. Continuing to Arles, we admire the Romanesque Cathedral and Roman amphitheatre, once the site of bloody battles and exhilarating chariot races. Tread in the footsteps of Vincent Van Gogh with your Local Specialist exploring the fascinating heritage of a city that was once an important Phoenician trading port. We arrive in the ancient city of Avignon, once the Seat of the Papacy and today a popular pilgrimage site, where we will spend the next two nights. Our orientation of this extraordinary historic city includes views of the imposing Palace of the Popes and the famous ruined bridge straddling the River Rhône, which inspired the famous French song, sur le pont d'Avignon.

We ramble atop the impressive Pont du Gard aqueduct in the company of a Local Specialist and learn about the history of this elevated architectural wonder that has spanned the Gardon River since Roman times. We return to Avignon for lunch and some time at leisure. Tonight, we enjoy delicious Provençal flavours with the widow of Pierre Salinger at a memorable Be My Guest meal in a converted historic mill on the banks of the River Sorgue.

The picture-perfect French countryside is our constant companion as we take the high-speed TGV train through the heart of France, past Auxerre and the sprawling vineyards of Burgundy back to Paris where you have the rest of the afternoon to explore the city on your own terms. This evening we celebrate an unforgettable sojourn through France at a Farewell Dinner with our Travel Director and newfound friends.

This morning after breakfast, it's time to bid Paris a sad au revoir as our fascinating journey through France comes to an end. Transfers are available. Conditions apply.