Itinerary Details
Luxury Gold: Ultimate Southern France with Paris Extension - 2023/2024
Day 1 - Welcome to the French Riviera.
After your arrival at Nice Airport, you are transported to your lavish hotel in Monte Carlo. Meet your Travelling Concierge and fellow travellers at 18:00 for a Welcome Dinner by the Fontvieille marina. Tonight, see the Grimaldi Palace as you travel along the legendary Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit.
Accommodations: Fairmont Monte Carlo.
Meals: Dinner with Wine
Day 2 - Nice sightseeing.
Marvel at the breathtaking coastline from the corniche on your way to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and join a Local Expert to visit the opulent Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild and its gardens. Built by the passionate art collector Madame Ephrussi, she gathered the best from each era including delicate pieces of furniture once belonging to Marie Antoinette. Continue your scenic sojourn to Nice. Your Journey, Your Way. Choose to join a Local Expert to take a walk through the charming streets of Old Nice and see the Opera, the antique market, and the St Reparate Cathedral. Alternatively, visit a private beach and relax in a reserved comfortable sun lounger with a cocktail in hand as you marvel at the turquoise waters of the Bay of Angels.
Accommodations: Fairmont Monte Carlo.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 - Star-studded St Tropez.
Travel to Sainte-Maxime and take a short boat ride to spectacular St. Tropez. The town shot to stardom after Brigitte Bardot’s classic “And God Created Woman” and has maintained a reputation of hedonistic lifestyle ever since. Join a Local Expert to discover the remains of ancient walls, medieval towers and see the landmark Notre Dame de l’Assomption. Taste the local Tarte Tropézienne pastry at the bakery where it was first created in the 1950s. Arrive to magical Provence and to the immaculately renovated, 18th century Chteau de Fonscolombe, your splendid accommodation for the next three nights. Dine tonight at your hotel’s L’Orangerie Restaurant serving flavourful and creative dishes.
Accommodations: Chteau de Fonscolombe, Aix-en-Provence.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 4 - Aix-en-Provence. Relaxed Start
Cultural and gastronomic highlights await as you explore lively Aix-en-Provence and the surrounding countryside. Join your Local Expert and walk through the maze-like streets of the Old Town and see the Aix Cathedral. Follow in the footsteps of the city’s native Paul Cezanne along the tree-lined Cours Mirabeau and dine at a French bistro in the heart of the Mazarin district. Afterward, take part in an engaging cooking class where you’ll join a professional chef while learning how to make a seasonal and classical French dessert. Your Journey, Your Way. Stop by the stunning Chteau La Coste, an excellent winery and open-air museum. Choose to join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience to sample the estate’s organic wines and visit their one-of-a-kind contemporary wine cellar. Alternatively, join a Local Expert for a relaxed walk among olive groves and woods to discover the installations created by the best modern artists and architects.
Accommodations: Chteau de Fonscolombe, Aix-en-Provence.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch with Wine
Day 5 - Calanques National Park. Relaxed Start
Spend the morning in the calm surroundings of your hotel; stroll or cycle in the Chteau gardens, try your hand at the classic French game of pétanque or simply relax by the pool. In the afternoon, head to the seaside of Cassis. Board your private cruise to journey through Calanques National Park to admire the towering limestone cliffs and the long, narrow and deep fjord-like inlets. As the crowds disappear upon your return to Cassis, enjoy the calm charm of the fishing village while indulging in a divine seafood dinner.
Accommodations: Chteau de Fonscolombe, Aix-en-Provence.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 6 - French Icons. Relaxed Start
Today is dedicated to quintessential French experiences. Start by visiting the village of Lourmarin and browse the stalls of its famous market. Next, take a seat in your vintage Citroen 2CV and embark on a chauffeured drive through the hilly countryside. Arrive at the Domaine de la Citadelle, an acclaimed winery, and tour its grounds before diving into a picnic lunch. Try a selection of Provencal favourites paired with local wine. Later, arrive to riverside Avignon and see the famous Pont d’Avignon, the impressive city walls and the Papal Palace.
Accommodations: Hotel d'Europe Avignon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch with Wine
Day 7 - Les Baux and Arles.
Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during a visit to Chteau d’Estoublon, known for its certified Protected Designation of Origin olive oils, expertly crafted from five varieties native to the region. Next up is a dazzling light and sound show at the Carrières de Lumières, projected in an abandoned limestone quarry with a nod to an ever-changing selection of renowned artists. Afterward, you’ll travel to Arles with your Local Expert to take in the sites of the first century Roman Amphitheatre and to discover the profound influence Aries had on Vincent Van Gogh. Back in Avignon, take a moment to slow down and let your mind wander as you are treated to an intimate private concert with a local singer at the quaint Oratory Chapel, opened specially for you. Indulge in a superb dinner at the Michelin-starred La Vieille Fontaine. The elegant Provençal restaurant serves well-crafted modern cuisine, a gourmet affair to remember.
Accommodations: Hotel d'Europe Avignon.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 8 - Carcassonne Sightseeing. Relaxed Start
Enjoy a relaxed start before visiting the Pont du Gard, an exceptionally well-preserved Roman aqueduct. Journey on to the historic fortified city of Carcassonne. This evening, take a historical stroll with a local expert to admire the impressive medieval structures and discover the past.
Accommodations: Hôtel de la Cité Carcassonne - MGallery, Carcassonne.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 9 - Carcassonne and the Languedoc Region Relaxed Start
Enjoy a leisurely morning before embarking on a cruise of the Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy sublime views as you meander through ancient villages, vineyards and Roman fortifications. Following lunch at a local restaurant, the afternoon is yours to further enjoy the delights of Carcassonne.
Accommodations: Hôtel de la Cité Carcassonne - MGallery, Carcassonne.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 - Bordeaux Sightseeing.
Journey to the enchanting region of Bordeaux.
Your Journey, Your Way.? With the help of your Local Expert, choose to learn about the impressive 18th century architecture of Vieux Bordeaux, which was financed by the colonial trade. See the Triangle d'Or and the magnificent Esplanade des Quinconces. Alternatively, explore on a relaxing bike tour. Enjoy a beautiful loop of the Garonne river, pass through the Chartrons district, and stop in the picturesque Jardin Public.
Accommodations: Le Grand Hotel, Bordeaux.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11 - Bordeaux. Relaxed Start
Today is yours to enjoy Bordeaux at your leisure. Later, visit the nearby town of St. Emilion, famed for its wines. Tonight, conclude your journey with a superb dining experience at the historic Chteau du Ferrand, where you toast to your travels during your Celebration Dinner.
Accommodations: Le Grand Hotel, Bordeaux.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 12 - Travel to Paris.
Board the high-speed TGV and enjoy the comfort of 1st class as you travel to the French capital of Paris. You are met by your Luxury Gold host and transferred to your hotel right next to the world-famous Musee du Louvre.
Accommodations: Hôtel du Louvre, Paris.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 13 - Paris Sightseeing.
Meet your Local Expert for a tour of the city’s sights. See the Ile de la Cite where Paris was founded, the Arch d’ Triomphe echoing Napoleon’s military might and the iconic Eiffel Tower. Take your time strolling along the Seine or sit in a café and watch the world go by. With your included Museum Pass you can spend time exploring the Louvre, marvel at the best of the Impressionists at Musee D’Orsay or visit the neo-classical Pantheon, the temple of the French nation.
Accommodations: Hôtel du Louvre, Paris.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 14 - Paris at your Leisure.
As you continue your exploration venture into different Parisian neighbourhoods and discover the bohemian charm of Montmartre, the lively Latin Quarter or browse the high-end shops around the Champs Elysee. Continue taking advantage of your Museum Pass.
Accommodations: Hôtel du Louvre, Paris.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 15 - Depart Paris.
Your wonderful stay concludes with private transfers to the airport after breakfast.
Meals: Breakfast