Soak up the glitz and glamour of the French Riviera before exploring the unspoilt towns, villages and vineyards of Provence with a new small group tour from Tempo Holidays.
ITINERARY (Best of Provence & French Riviera)
Day 1 Tue: Nice – Monaco – Nice
Drive along the coast to Monaco and explore this dazzling playground of the rich and famous. Return to Nice via the hilltop village of Eze and the exquisite Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild.
Day 2 Wed: Nice – Vence – Cap d’Antibes
Visit St Paul de Vence, a charming village famous for its herbs and perfumes. Drive to the neighbouring town of Vence, where you can admire Matisse’s Rosaire Chapel and the Chagall mosaic in the Cathedral of St Véran. Continue to the coastal region near Cap d’Antibes. [B,D]
Day 3 Thu: Cap d’Antibes – Cannes – Antibes – Cap d’Antibes
Travel to Cannes and spend some time exploring this glitzy Riviera resort. Continue to Antibes and discover this pretty town at your leisure. [B]
Day 4 Fri: Cap d’Antibes – Aix-en-Provence
Travel along back roads to Aix-en-Provence, where you will visit the studio of Paul Cézanne. The city’s other historical highlights include the Saint Sauveur Cathedral, the ruins of the old Roman town, the 17th-century Mazarin Quarter and the Arbaud Museum. [B, D]
Day 5 Sat: Aix-en-Provence
Enjoy a walking tour of this historic town and spend the afternoon exploring at your leisure. [B]
Day 6 Sun: Aix-en-Provence – Avignon – Saint-Remy-de-Provence
Drive past picturesque vineyards and hilltop villages to Avignon. Must-see sights in this medieval city include the imposing Palais des Papes and the famous St Bénézet Bridge. [B]
Day 7 Mon: Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
Meander through the vineyards of the Côtes-du-Rhône to Orange, the site of a magnificent Roman theatre. Continue to a private vineyard to enjoy a typical Provençal lunch with wonderful wines. [B]
Day 8 Tue: Saint-Rémy-de-Provence – Nîmes – Arles
Travel to Nimes to admire its remarkable 1st-century Roman aqueduct. Head south through the fertile Camargue region, stopping off at Aigues-Mortes before arriving in Arles. Dating back to the 7th-century BC, this Gallo-Roman city has inspired many artists including Van Gogh and Picasso. [B,D]
Day 9 Wed: Arles
Enjoy a walk through the narrow streets of Arles, marvelling at the local market, the Roman amphitheatre and several scenes from Van Gogh’s paintings. Spend the afternoon exploring this fascinating town at your leisure. [B]
Day 10 Thu: Arles – Les Baux-de-Provence – Arles
Enjoy a day trip to Les Baux-de-Provence, situated on a rocky precipice in the heart of the Alpilles mountain range. Visit some of the town’s beautifully restored buildings including the medieval castle and St Vincent’s Church. [B,D]
Day 11 Fri: Arles - Marseille - Nice
Pay a visit to bustling Marseille, where you can admire the basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde and explore the lively Old Port. Return to Nice, where the tour ends on arrival. [B]
INCLUSIONS
•10 nights accommodation in character hotels
•English-speaking driver/guide
•Transportation by mini-coach
•10 breakfasts (B), 4 dinners (D)
•Sightseeing as per itinerary
•Entry to Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, Paul Cézanne’s studio, the Pope’s Palace and St Bénézet Bridge in Avignon, and the Roman Theatre in Orange.
ITINERARY (Champagne Circuit)
Day 1 Reims
Arrive in Reims and make your own way to the Hotel de La Paix, located in an exceptional setting near Reims Cathedral. Spend the rest of the day exploring this historic town at your leisure.
Day 2 Reims – Épernay – Reims
Take a drive along the scenic Route du Champagnes, which meanders through picturesque vineyards and villages past famous champagne houses such as Bollinger, Gosset and Deutz. Stop for a guided tour and tasting at Moët & Chandon, then continue to Épernay for a stroll along the Avenue de Champagne. Enjoy lunch at a local winery or champagne bar, where you will have a chance to sample more of the region’s sparkling varieties. Drive on through the Marne Valley to Dom Perignon’s tomb in Hautvillers before returning to Epernay to visit one of the region’s 1000 family-run wineries. (BL)
Day 3 Reims
Embark on a short morning tour of Reims, where you will see renowned champagne manufacturers such as Veuve Clicquot, Taittinger and Pommery. Continue to the Mumm Maison de Champagne, which was founded in 1827 and now supplies sparkling wine to the British Royal Family. Enjoy lunch and a champagne-tasting before experiencing a guided tour of the famous Reims Cathedral, which contains over 2300 statues and is regarded as one of Europe’s most important Gothic structures. This afternoon we explore the vineyards of the Montagne de Reims region and enjoy a final tasting on a family estate near Reims before returning to your hotel, where the program concludes. (BL)
INCLUSIONS
• 2 nights accommodation in charming 3 star Hotel de La Paix (or similar)
• 2 breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L)
• Transportation by air-conditioned minibus
• Certifed bilingual guide
• Champagne tastings and sightseeing as per itinerary
EXCLUSIONS
Transportation to and from Reims; transfers; meals not specified; tips
Best of Provence & French Riviera is valid for sale and travel until 31 Dec 12. The advertised price is valid for departures until 31 Dec 12. Champagne Circuit is valid for sale and travel until 31 Dec 12. The advertised price is valid for Tue-Fri departures until 31 Dec 12.
