Spotlight on the French Riviera

It’s time to live the good life and embark on a getaway to the fabulous French Riviera, or Côte d'Azur. With its elegant coastal resorts, superb eateries, chic boutiques and captivating museums, it’s the ultimate sunny retreat for the elite. Unpack your bags just once and stay at a single hotel for your entire adventure, which begins with an overnight flight to France.

Your tour commences in the stunning city of Nice, a coastal pearl of the Mediterranean known for its legendary opulence and balmy beaches. With an average of 300 sunny days per year, Nice is a seaside paradise. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner in Vieux Nice featuring Mediterranean-inspired French cuisine.

Get to know Nice with a local expert. Stroll along the lively seafront Promenade des Anglais and delve into the Old Town, sampling different treats while on a tasting tour of the city. The rest of the day is yours. Perhaps you will visit one of Nice’s world-class art galleries, such as the Chagall or the Matisse Museums. Or find your favorite café for the week and soak in the local life.

Travel along the spectacular Corniche coastal road to the Principality of Monaco. On a walking tour, view the changing of the guards and visit the Cathedral of Monaco – the permanent resting place of Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace. Then it’s your choice! Explore the tiny Principality on a panoramic Little Train tour taking you across to Monte Carlo for views of its famous Casino -OR- visit the Oceanographic Museum, perusing its aquarium and the collection of fossils and skeletons amassed by the great researcher Jacques Cousteau. Later, visit the charming village of Èze, perched high above the French Riviera.

Journey to Cannes and rub elbows with Europe’s elite. Walk in the footsteps of celebrities when you see the Film Festival Palace and the iconic red carpet featured during the Cannes Film Festival. During free time, explore the cobbled lanes of the Le Suquet neighborhood or the lively Forville farmer’s market. Then, sail* across the Bay of Cannes to the tiny island of Saint-Honorat, a fortified monastery active since the Dark Ages, belonging to the monks of Lérins Abbey. Pause for lunch on the island before returning to Nice in the late afternoon.

Today, learn the secrets of perfume making during a hands-on workshop and tour of the Fragonard Perfumerie, where fragrant formulations have been prepared since 1782. Spend time soaking up the atmosphere of this charming town before returning to Nice for an evening at leisure. Perhaps you will join an optional excursion to a petanque lesson and tournament, including an open bar and some tasty snacks.

Head to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, referred to as the crown jewel of the French Riviera, where you’ll visit the impressive Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. Uncover the lush gardens replete with jaw-dropping views of the Mediterranean Sea. Your visit to the villa is complete with lunch served in the charming tearoom overlooking the Bay of Villefranche. Enjoy free time to relax and take in the laid-back atmosphere along the Riviera.

This morning discover Nice’s famed flower market and be enchanted by brightly colored blooms and other enticing delicacies. Continue on to historic St. Paul de Vence, situated atop a hill overlooking the beautiful countryside. Explore this walled medieval village, soaking in its distinctive light said to have inspired Matisse, Braque, Chagall and other artists. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of an unforgettable trip.

Depart for home with many wonderful memories of your journey through the Cote d'Azur.