Coach Tour – Wonderful France – 8N/9D

Wonderful France:
9days Tour (Trafalgar)

Paris meets the sparkling French Riviera to give you the best of both on this chic crafted itinerary. Even the journey shows you two worlds, from slow scenic drives to the high-speed TGV.
You’ll enjoy Insider moments like…meeting Emmanuel and his mother Poppy. Widow of Pierre Salinger – special advisor to John F Kennedy – she’ll share stories of life alongside a political icon as you savour Emmanuel’s finest home-cooked dishes.

Day 1 : ARRIVE PARIS (2 NIGHTS)
Welcome to Paris. Relax after your journey or take a leisurely stroll through the City of Light. This evening meet your Travel Director and companions for a Welcome Reception. Later enjoy an evening drive to see some of the most famous Parisian landmarks including the Champs Élysées and the Arc d’Triomphe.
Meal(s)
Welcome Reception
Hotel : Renaissance La Defense

Day 2 : PARIS SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME
Today your Local Specialist reveals not just where, but how real Parisians live and shop, showing you the enchanting hidden squares and secret passages of one of Paris’ oldest historical neighbourhoods. This short insider walk finishes at one of Paris’s loveliest squares, little known to outsiders, but a real favourite of the locals. Visit the second level of the Eiffel Tower for breathtaking views across the city. Tonight why not experience a traditional Parisian Cabaret?
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast

Day 3 :  PARIS – BEAUNE – LYON
Journey through the Burgundy wine region and stop in the regional capital Beaune. Later arrive in Lyon, the great gastronomic city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Perhaps discover the Old Town or consider a Beaujolais dinner in a local ‘Bouchon’.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast
Hotel : Novotel Gerland

Day 4 :  LYON – AIX-EN-PROVENCE – MONACO – FRENCH RIVIERA (2 NIGHTS)
Arrive to Aix-en-Provence, home of Paul Cezanne. See the sights during your orientation including Place de la Rotonde, Cours Mirabeau and the thermal springs. Later travel to the Principality of Monaco. View the Palace of the ruling Grimaldi family and the cathedral where the late Princess Grace and Prince Rainier were married. Later arrive at your hotel on the French Riviera. This evening why not dine in one of the many local restaurants?
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast
Hotel : NH Nice

Day 5 :  FRENCH RIVIERA FREE DAY
Spend today as you wish. The Côte d’Azur is a sparkling and pristine stretch of famous coastline. You might like to relax on the beach, shop in elegant boutiques or perhaps visit the hilltop town of St. Paul de Vence.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast

Day 6 :  FRENCH RIVIERA – PONT DU GARD – AVIGNON (2 NIGHTS)
Visit Pont du Gard aqueduct with a Local Specialist. Enjoy a guided walk along the top of the impressive aqueduct which dates back to Roman times. Later arrive in Avignon where your orientation includes views of the imposing Palace of the Popes and the ruined bridge straddling the River Rhône. This bridge inspired the famous French song ‘sur le pont d’Avignon’. Tonight enjoy a delicious Be My Guest meal in a converted historic mill on the banks of the River Sorgue.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast
Be My Guest Dining
Hotel : Mercure Pont d’Avignon

Day 7 :  ARLES EXCURSION
Today travel to Arles and marvel at the Roman amphitheatre and Romanesque Cathedral during your sightseeing with a Local Specialist, a city where Vincent Van Gogh lived for a time. This evening join your companions for dinner at the hotel.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast
Dinner with wine

Day 8 : AVIGNON – TGV TRAIN – PARIS
This morning take the high speed TGV train through the heart of France, past Auxerre and the sprawling vineyards of Burgundy back to Paris. Tonight celebrate with your Travel Director and new-found friends at a Farewell Dinner in the City of Light.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast
Farewell Dinner
Hotel : Evergreen Laurel

Day 9 : DEPART PARIS
This morning after breakfast, say ‘au revoir’ to Paris, your fellow companions and Travel Director as this fascinating journey through France comes to an end. Transfers are available. Conditions apply.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast

INCLUSIONS:

Sightseeing Highlights:
Insider walking tour in Paris
City tour in Arles
Orientation of Paris, Beaune, Lyon, Nice, Monaco, Aix-en-Provence,聽and Avignon
Visit the Eiffel Tower and Pont du Gard
View Place Bellecour and the Basilica of Notre Dame in Lyon,聽the Royal Palace and Cathedral in Monaco, the Cours Mirabeau in Aix-en-Provence and the Palace of the Popes in Avignon
Dining
8 hot buffet breakfasts.
4 dinners
(including Be My Guest).

Travel Highlights:
Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Hand-picked 4 and 5 star accommodation
Hand-picked Insider Experiences
Optional Experiences and free time
All porterage and restaurant gratuities
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
An expert Travel Director and separate Driver
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
VIP entry to many sights
Audio Headsets for flexible sightseeing
TGV Express train between Paris and Avignon.
Airport Transfers
Specific transfer information can be found on the airport transfers page