SOUTH OF FRANCE AND PROVENCE MEDITERRANEAN SPLENDORS
With an Optional Marseille Extension
Air and Land 9 Days, 8 Nights Including Hotels, Meals, Day Trips. Airfare available from various gateways
Discover the many charms of Provence, a sun-drenched region in southeastern France nestled between Italy and the Mediterranean. From your stay in Avignon, set out on an unforgettable journey through some of southern France’s most captivating towns, including Orange, St. Rémy, Les Baux-de-Provence, Arles, and Aix-en-Provence. Explore the historic treasures of Avignon, the famed City of the Popes, and Orange, where remarkably preserved Roman landmarks offer a fascinating window into the ancient world. Stroll through the charming market town of St. Rémy, soak in the timeless beauty of Les Baux-de-Provence perched dramatically on its rocky hilltop, and discover Arles, whose light and character inspired Vincent van Gogh. Then experience the elegance of Aix-en-Provence, celebrated for its graceful architecture, lovely squares, and artistic spirit. Your journey continues to the sparkling French Riviera, where you will stay in glamorous Nice and enjoy visits to vibrant Cannes, home of the world-famous film festival, as well as the dazzling enclaves of Monaco and Monte Carlo. Complete your southern France experience with an optional extension to Marseille. This enchanting program invites you to savor the very best of Provence and the Riviera.
DESTINATION HIGHLIGHTS
3 nights in Avignon, the city of the Popes • Palais des Papes, largest Gothic palace ever built • Majestic Pont d’ Avignon • Ancient Villages of Provence • Roman Theatre of Orange, a World Heritage site • Famous Rhône wine region and Wine Tasting • St. Remy de Provence home of Vincent van Gogh • Les Baux de-Provence • Fabulous Roman ruins of Arles • Gordes, hilltop village • The Senanque Abbey, founded in 1148 by Cistercian monks • Lavender Museum • Spectacular Aix en Provence • 4 nights in Nice • Bustling and elegant city of Cannes • Year-round sunshine and outstanding food • Glitz and glamour of Cannes and Monte Carlo • Hilltop towns of Eze and St. Paul-de- Vence • Fragonard perfume factory visit • Villefranche • Marseille • St Tropez, home of Brigitte Bardot • Notre-Dame de la Garde and much, much, more.
MAIN PROGRAM INCLUDED FEATURES
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AIR TRANSPORTATION Air transportation from New York
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FIRST-CLASS ACCOMMODATIONS First Class hotel accommodation for 7 nights
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MEALS 10 included meals consisting of 7 breakfasts and 3 dinners
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THE PROGRAM Sightseeing, including local guide and all entrance fees as follows: a city tour of Avignon, a tour of Orange, St. Remy, Les Baux and Arles, a tour of Aix-en-Provence, a city tour of Nice, a tour of Cannes and St. Paul-de-Vence. Optional tours available
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JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY Our program encompasses cultural connections, in-depth learning on the local economy and social systems, and interaction with locals such as a visit to a winery, and demonstrations on olive oil and cheese
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PROFESSIONAL TOUR DIRECTOR Assistance of a professional Tour Director for the entire length of the tour upon arrival in France
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FIRST-CLASS MOTORCOACHES Touring by private first-class air-conditioned motorcoach
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BAGGAGE HANDLING AND TRANSFERS Baggage handling for one piece of checked luggage outside of the airport
OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO MARSEILLE
INCLUDED FEATURES
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FIRST-CLASS ACCOMMODATIONS 2 nights in a first-class hotel
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MEALS 2 meals - 2 breakfasts
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THE PROGRAM Sightseeing, including local guide and entrance fees as follows: a tour of St Tropez, a full day tour of Marseille, and much, much, more
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PROFESSIONAL TOUR DIRECTOR Assistance of a professional tour director for the entire length of the tour
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FIRST CLASS MOTORCOACHES Touring by private first-class air-conditioned motorcoach
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BAGGAGE HANDLING AND TRANSFERS Baggage handling for one piece of checked luggage outside of the airport
Day 1 Depart USA Your journey begins as you board an overnight flight from the USA to Marseille, France. Settle in, enjoy onboard meals and refreshments, and look ahead to the beauty, history, and charm that await in southern France.
Day 2 Arrive Marseille, France Upon arrival in Marseille, meet your tour director and transfer to your hotel in Avignon. Welcome to this enchanting city, where history, culture, and Provençal beauty come together in unforgettable fashion. From the grand Palais des Papes and the famed Pont d’Avignon to lively markets, inviting cafés, and timeless streets, Avignon offers a wonderful introduction to the South of France.
Day 3 Avignon – Orange – St-Rémy-de-Provence – Les Baux-de-Provence – Arles - Avignon Today is a rich tapestry of history, scenery, and flavor. Begin in Orange, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you will admire its remarkably preserved Roman Triumphal Arch, a lasting symbol of imperial Rome. Travel through vineyard-covered landscapes to Châteauneuf-du-Pape and enjoy a tasting of the Rhône Valley’s celebrated wines. Continue to the charming market town of St-Rémy-de-Provence, known for its elegant medieval streets, boutique shops, and local specialties. Then visit dramatic Les Baux-de-Provence, perched high on a rocky outcrop, before continuing to Arles, where ancient Roman heritage and medieval character blend beautifully. Return to your hotel for dinner this evening. (B, D)
Day 4 Avignon City Tour This morning, discover Avignon, famously known as the City of the Popes. Your guided tour includes the magnificent Popes’ Palace, the largest Gothic palace in the world, along with the iconic Pont d’Avignon and the city’s impressive medieval ramparts. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore at your own pace or join an optional excursion to Gordes, one of Provence’s most picturesque hilltop villages in the beautiful Luberon region. Admire its pale stone houses cascading down the hillside and stroll its charming, cobbled lanes. Continue to the 12th-century Abbey of Sénanque, still home to monks and one of Provence’s most photographed treasures. You will also learn about lavender, Provence’s “blue gold,” at the Lavender Museum. (B)
Day 5 Avignon – Aix-en-Provence – Nice Today, journey to the glamorous Côte d’Azur, ending in the elegant seaside city of Nice. En route, visit lovely Aix-en-Provence, a town celebrated for its graceful boulevards, artistic heritage, and historic treasures, including remnants of its Roman past and beautiful Gothic cloisters. Stroll through the refined Mazarin quarter, where stately neoclassical homes have inspired writers and artists for generations. Enjoy leisure time for lunch before continuing to Nice, famed for its beaches, palm-lined promenades, and upscale boutiques. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel and begin soaking in the charm and sophistication of the French Riviera. Dinner is included at the hotel this evening. (B, D)
Day 6 Nice City Tour Begin your day with a delightful tour of elegant Nice, one of the Riviera’s most beloved seaside gems. Admire the famed Promenade des Anglais, celebrated for its sparkling waterfront and graceful Belle Époque architecture. Stroll through the colorful Marché aux Fleurs, one of France’s most charming markets, filled with fresh produce, fragrant flowers, and local specialties. Later, enjoy free time for lunch, shopping, relaxing by the sea, or simply savoring a coffee while taking in the vibrant Riviera ambiance. (B)
Day 7 Nice – Cannes – St. Paul-de-Vence – Nice This morning, experience the glamour and charm of Cannes on a guided bus and walking tour. Discover how Lord Brougham’s visit in 1834 helped transform Cannes into a fashionable retreat for the international elite and forever linked it to the world-famous film festival. See the iconic Palais des Festivals overlooking the picturesque harbor, and enjoy a stroll along La Croisette, one of the world’s most elegant seaside promenades. Explore the historic Le Suquet district, where medieval lanes and Renaissance houses create a wonderfully old-world atmosphere. Then continue to the enchanting medieval village of St. Paul-de-Vence, a timeless treasure tucked behind ancient ramparts. Rich in Provençal character and artistic heritage, this lovely village once inspired painters such as Chagall, who also found his final resting place here. Enjoy a tasting of regional favorites, including olive oil, cheese, and wine. (B)
Day 8 Nice Today is yours to enjoy at leisure in beautiful Nice, or you may choose an optional excursion to Villefranche, Monaco, Monte Carlo, and Èze. Begin with a visit to the renowned Fragonard perfumery, where you will uncover the secrets and traditions behind the art of fine fragrance. Continue to the charming seaside town of Villefranche, where peaceful squares and the lovely Place de l’Eglise reflect its rich maritime past. Enjoy free time for lunch at your leisure before traveling into the glamorous Principality of Monaco. Here, Monte Carlo dazzles with its legendary elegance, grand casinos, and refined atmosphere that has long attracted the international jet set. Your day concludes in the breathtaking hilltop village of Èze, where cobblestone lanes and sweeping views of the coastline create a truly unforgettable setting. This evening, gather for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant as you celebrate your wonderful journey through the French Riviera. (B, D)
Day 9 Nice to USA or extend your stay with an optional Marseille extension Your French adventure comes to a close today as you transfer to the airport for your return flight home, taking with you wonderful memories of Provence and the Riviera. Or, continue the journey with an optional extension to Marseille. (B)
OPTIONAL MARSEILLE EXTENSION
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Day 9 Nice – St Tropez -Marseille This morning, depart Nice for Marseille, stopping first in the iconic coastal town of Saint-Tropez, long associated with glamour, cinema, the arts, and Brigitte Bardot. From Sainte-Maxime, board a boat and enjoy a scenic crossing of the bay to Saint-Tropez. On arrival, enjoy a walking tour featuring the Old Port, the lively Place des Lices, the Chapelle de la Miséricorde, the historic wash house, the Gendarmerie, and the statue of Brigitte Bardot. Afterwards, enjoy free time for lunch and to soak in the atmosphere of this celebrated Riviera village. Perhaps relax at Chez Sénéquier, the legendary waterfront café-brasserie known for its bright red terrace and timeless Saint-Tropez charm. Later, continue to Marseille, a vibrant Mediterranean city where history, culture, and coastal beauty come together in unforgettable style. With its lively harbor, Provençal character, and seaside setting, Marseille captures the true spirit of the South of France. (B)
Day 10 Marseille After breakfast, discover Marseille on a city tour beginning aboard the charming Petit Train. Take in views of the Old Port, the scenic Corniche, Fort Saint-Jean, Fort Saint-Nicolas, Palais du Pharo, Vallon des Auffes, and other coastal highlights before arriving at Notre-Dame de la Garde. Here, enjoy a walk to the church and a spectacular 360-degree panorama over the city and sea. Return to the Old Port for free time and lunch at leisure. This afternoon, continue by coach to explore Marseille’s rich architectural and cultural heritage, including Hôtel Dieu, the Church of Saint-Laurent, the Cathédrale de la Major, the restored Vieille Charité, the colorful Panier district, and the striking Mucem. This evening, why not head out to enjoy Marseille’s warm Mediterranean atmosphere, rich local culture, and the pleasure of sharing dinner with friends in a local restaurant? It is the perfect way to relax and reflect on the day’s discoveries. (B)
Day 11 Return to the USA Your unforgettable journey through France comes to an end, but the memories of its fine cuisine, historic towns, celebrated vineyards, and beautiful coastlines will remain with you for years to come. Transfer to the airport and board your homeward-bound flight to the USA. (B)
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(B) - Breakfast, (L) - Lunch, (D) - Dinner.
Hotel (when listed) and Itinerary are subject to change. Quest Voyager reserves the right to make corrections or adjustments to the travel program as necessary.