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Essence of Provence & the French Riviera: Avignon, Aix-en-Provence & Nice

Duration
9 Days
Prices From:
AU$ 3,410

FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: See the quintessential highlights of Provence and the French Riviera in 9 days. In Avignon, visit the famous Pope's Palace, Les Baux and St. Remy de Provence. Explore the lively city of Aix-en-Provence and the charming hilltop villages of Luberon. Finally, discover Nice, Eze, Monaco and ritzy Monaco.


This 9-day French vacation takes you through Provence and along the French Riviera to visit Avignon, Aix en Provence, Nice, and Monaco. It features first-class accommodations, small group tours, and pairs nicely with a trip to Paris. 

Your journey begins in Avignon, the Provencal city known for being the home of the Papacy in the 14th century. A three-hour walking tour will delve into this medieval history, starting on top of the fortified city walls before skipping the line at the Pope’s Palace to see this gorgeous Gothic palace that used to be the centre of the Roman Catholic Church. Continue to the Place de l’Horloge before ending with a glass of Cotes du Rhone wine in the Old Town. While based in Avignon, you’ll head on a small group tour of nearly towns. See the Roman amphitheatre in Arles and admire the landscapes made famous by Van Gogh’s paintings. After enjoying the audiovisual show at Carrieres de Lumiere, reach Orange, where you’ll see the Roman Arch of Triumph and ancient theatre before you drive through the vineyards on route to Chateauneuf-du-Pape, where you’ll enjoy a wine tasting. 

Ride the train to Aix en Provence, where you’ll stay two nights while exploring more beautiful villages. A small group tour will take you to the best of Luberon, starting in Bonnieux, where you’ll see the 12th-century church surrounded by cedars. Continue to Lourmarin to see the Renaissance castle before passing the Roman Bridge of Pont Julien and see the ochre cliffs and colourful clifftop homes of Roussillon. End your tour in Gordes, built on the hilltop and known for its fortified castle and church. 

Continue into the French Riviera and stay in Nice, that famous town on the Mediterranean. A city tour takes you from Castel Park overlooking the bay to Place Garibaldi, where you’ll see some of the old buildings before swinging by newer ones on the Promenade des Art. You’ll also spot Cimiez, the winter home of Queen Victoria, the Roman arenas at Cemenelum, and the Russian Cathedral before ending at a flower market in the Old Town. While in Nice, you’ll take a day trip into Monaco. Stop by the hilltop village of Eze and tour a perfumery on route. Then reach the tiny country to see the Prince’s Palace, the Formula 1 track, and the famous casinos, yachts, and shops of ritzy Monte Carlo. 

At the end of your stay in Nice, you’ll head to the airport to connect to your next destination. 


 

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Duration
9 Days
Prices From:
AU$ 3,410

Itinerary View Trip Map

Day 1

Avignon TGV Train station to Avignon Hotels or city centre

Duration1 Hour

Avignon Grand Hotel

This charming hotel is located in Avignon, lying within easy access of a host of attractions in the area. The hotel is nestled amidst the splendour and charm of this impressive wine-growing region, lying just a short distance away from the famous walls of the city. The hotel is situated in close proximity to the Palais des Papes, the Place de l'Horloge and the train station. This wonderful hotel extends a warm welcome to guests upon arrival. The guest rooms are tastefully designed, offering a relaxing setting in which to escape the bustle of daily life. Guests are invited to take advantage of the wide range of facilities and services that the hotel has to offer. Guests can enjoy delightful dining in the mornings at this hotel, for the perfect start to the day.

Meal Plan ROOM and ONLY
Duration3 Nights
Day 2

Small Group Avignon and Pope's Palace Walking Tour

Take a 3-hour shared walking tour to explore the historical center of Avignon with an expert guide. Climb up to the top of the fortified medieval city walls to discover Avignon stretching in all its beauty along the Rhone River. Discover the rich historical past of Avignon where the papacy established in the early 14C. Enjoy skip-the-line access and follow your guide inside the Pope's Palace, the largest Gothic-styled Palace in Europe. In this maze of galleries, chambers and chapels, imagine its luxurious furnishing and sumptuous decoration from the medieval period. Walk on the cobbled streets to the Place de l'Horloge and find out about the secret of the painted windows. See the Town Hall topped with its clock tower and the theatre. Your tour will end with a glass of Cotes du Rhone wine served in a historical place close to the Pope's Palace

Duration3 Hours
Day 3

Small Group Arles, Les Baux and Chateauneuf du Pape

This small-group tour to discover the treasures of Provence from Arles to Les Baux de Provence, Saint-Remy-de-Provence, Orange, and Chateauneuf-du-Pape. In Arles, walk through the city to discover the Roman heritage such as the amphitheater, the Roman theater, and other ancient sites. On your visit, see the landscapes as captured by painter, Van Gogh, between 1888 and 1890, such as La Maison Jaune, Le Cafe la Nuit, Le Jardin de l'Hotel Dieu. If traveling on Saturday, you will enjoy the Arles market.

Next, take a brief photo stop in Les Baux-de-Provence to admire the village from the Val d'Enfer panoramic view. Here, you will also enjoy the audiovisual show in the Carrieres de Lumiere, a multimedia exhibition of famous paintings and artists that are displayed on the walls of the quarry accompanied by music. The Carrieres de Lumiere is closed from January to the beginning of March; more time will be allowed in the village of Les Baux during this period. In Saint-Remy-de-Provence, take a look at Saint-Paul de Mausole to see some sites painted by Van Gogh (entrance fee not included).

Next will be a panoramic tour of the city of Orange to discover the Roman Arch of Triumph, the symbol of the Roman imperialism glory. Visit the impressive Roman Theater and see the stage wall. Drive through the vineyards between Orange and Chateauneuf-du-Pape, and stop for a panoramic view on the Rhone river valley from the old-castle of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Enjoy a wine tasting in a property in Chateauneuf-du-Pape before heading back to Avignon.

Duration10 Hours
Day 4

Avignon Hotels or city centre to Avignon TGV Train station

Duration1 Hour

Aix en Provence TGV Railway Station to Aix en Provence hotel or city centre Sunday

Duration1 Hour

Grand Hotel du Roi Rene Aix en Provence Centre MGallery

The Grand Hôtel Roi René Aix en Provence Centre, 4* hotel, is a 5 minute walk from the Cours Mirabeau and the Aix city center. Discover the cozy universe of the Grand Hotel Roi René Aix en Provence Centre. Succumb to the relaxing comfort of the MGallery By Sofitel rooms. Enjoy a Provencal speciality at the La Table du Roi restaurant. Relax on the terrace, by the heated swimming pool (from April 5th) or take advantage of the hotel's fitness room. Paid parking upon reservation.

Meal Plan ROOM and ONLY
Duration2 Nights
Day 5

Small Group Hilltop Villages in Luberon

On this small-group tour, explore the most beautiful and charming hill-top villages in Luberon, a must-do in Provence. Take a photo stop in Bonnieux, a picture-perfect Provencal village, on top of which stands a 12th-century church surrounded by century-old cedars. Enjoy free time in the village of Lourmarin, one of the most beautiful villages in France, famous for its Renaissance castle. Continue to Roussillon through the Roman bridge Pont Julien. The charming village of Roussillon is perched on top of the cliff of an old ochre quarry. The village is a painter's palette, a magical place where combinations of oxides give an infinite variety of colors to the ochre and can be found in the landscape and on the frontage of its houses. Gordes offers an extraordinary vision of a village erected on the cliff and the fortified castle and church dominate the typical houses of the village which were built with stones from the rock on which they are fitting.

Duration6 Hours
Day 6

Aix en Provence hotel or city centre to Aix en Provence TGV Railway Station

Duration1 Hour

Nice Train Station to Nice Hotels

Duration1 Hour

The Deck Hotel by Happyculture

The 4-star Deck Hotel by HappyCulture is located in Nice City Centre, a 5-minute walk from the Promenade des Anglais, the sea front, the central square Place Massena and the main shopping street Jean-Medecin. The Deck Hotel embraces the HappyCulture Collection concepts of cultivating a sense of values, experiences, attention to detail and embracing the spirit of the city and its unique surroundings.

Meal Plan Full Breakfast
Duration3 Nights
Accommodation

The Deck Hotel by Happyculture

More Info

Location View map
  • starstarstarstar

    The Deck Hotel by Happyculture



    The 4-star Deck Hotel by HappyCulture is located in Nice City Centre, a 5-minute walk from the Promenade des Anglais, the sea front, the central square Place Massena and the main shopping street Jean-Medecin. The Deck Hotel embraces the HappyCulture Collection concepts of cultivating a …

    The 4-star Deck Hotel by HappyCulture is located in Nice City Centre, a 5-minute walk from the Promenade des Anglais, the sea front, the central square Place Massena and the main shopping street Jean-Medecin. The Deck Hotel embraces the HappyCulture Collection concepts of cultivating a sense of values, experiences, attention to detail and embracing the spirit of the city and its unique surroundings.

    Facilities

    • 24 Hour Reception
    • Breakfast Room
    • Business Corner
    • Concierge
    • Game Room
    • Terrace
    • WiFi

    More Details

Day 7

Private Nice City Tour

Take a private tour of Nice with an expert tour guide.

During this tour, you will learn the history, legends and stories about the French Rivera's most visited city, Nice. A mix of sun and sea, la belle-epoque, elegant and gritty, the French Riviera is one of the most visited regions in all of France and it's capital, Nice, is the perfect base to explore the historical old town including the Promenade des Anglais, Place Massana and Cours Saleya market and much more. You will also discover the unmissable sites including ancient Greek and Roman remains, the Lympia Harbour and the Russian Cathedral. Your guide will share interesting facts about the characters and personas that have shaped the history and culture of the city including Jellinek Mercedes, Giuseppe Garibaldi and Queen Victoria.

At the end of this tour, there is a possibility to have an exclusive visit and wine tasting at the Chateau Cremat (optional), a jewel located on the hills of Nice and discover its influence the famous fashion designer, Coco Chanel!

Duration4 Hours
Day 8

Tour Monaco, Monte Carlo and Eze ex Nice

Experience panoramic views from the cliff's roads leading from Nice to Monaco. At the bend of which you'll discover a charming hilltop village with a breathtaking view: Eze. Afterwards you'll awaken your senses through a guided tour of perfumery, the true essence of Provence. Continue your trip toward the principality of Monaco, a multi-faced country that will reveal the charm of the old town, crowned by the Prince's Palace, the majestic cathedral that hosts Grace Kelly's grave, as well as the outstanding oceanographic museum. The amazing lap of the Formula 1 track will unveil the high precision of the "Grand Prix" course. Then discover the legendary square of Monte-Carlo, amuse yourself with luxurious shopping, strolling by fancy cars, mega-yachts and chic casinos or simply watch the city from the renowned Cafe de Paris.

Duration8 Hours
Day 9

Nice Hotel/Port/Train Station to Nice Airport

Duration1 Hour

Other Information

DEPARTURES:

Thursday: April to October

PRICE INCLUDES:

  • Private arrival and departure airport transfers 
  • 3 nights first-class accommodations in Avignon 
  • 2 nights first-class accommodations in Aix-en-Provence 
  • 3 nights first-class accommodations in Nice 
  • Private transfer services between train stations and hotels 
  • Small Group Avignon and Pope's Palace Walking Tour (max 8 guests) 
  • Small Group Treasures of Provence (max 8 guests)
  • Small Group Hilltop Villages in Luberon (max 8 guests) 
  • Small Group Nice City Tour (max 8 guests)
  • Small Group tour of Monaco, Monte Carlo and Eze ex Nice (max 8 guests) 
  • Breakfast daily (excluding Day 1)

PRICE EXCLUDES:

  • Travel insurance
  • Train Tickets between cities
  • International airfare & airfare taxes
  • Visa fees if applicable
  • Meals and beverages not mentioned
  • Gratuities
  • Items of a personal nature

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquire

 

DP AVITPK9DNICFR
17 Aug 2023
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