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Southern France
Provence Tour Independent

MAGIC OF PROVENCE & THE FRENCH RIVIERA

Nice, Monte Carlo, Cannes Avignon, Arles,
1Apr 2010 -31 Oct 2010

 

 Independent tour includes:

  • 3 nights accommodation in Nice at 3 star , 4 star or 4star plus hotels with daily breakfast

  • Choice of a half day guided tour from Nice -  (City tour of Nice, Monaco and Montecarlo, Cannes and Antibes ) - please scroll down for full tour descriptions

  • Choice of a full day guided tour from Nice - ( Monaco , Monte -Carlo & Eze or St. Paul de Vence, Gourdon ,Grasse,Cannes) - please scroll down for full tour descriptions

  • 1 night accommodation in Cannes at 4star or 4star plus hotels with daily breakfast

  • 3 nights accommodation in Avignon at 3star, 4star or 4star plus hotels with daily breakfast

  • Walking tour of Avignon with entrance ticket to the Popes Palace, Pont Avignon (til 17Sep on Tue/Thu/Fri)

  • Choice of a half day guided tour from Avignon (Lavander fields & Villages in Luberon or Stone Monuments or Van Gogh in Provence or Culture & Wine tour) - please scroll down for full tour descriptions

  • Choice of a full day guided tour from Avignon ( All Provence in one day or  Treasure of Provence or Great Wines famous sites) - please scroll down for full tour descriptions   

  • Land taxes and service charges

 

Per person in Euro ($ rate varies depending the exchange rate)

1Apr'10-31Oct'10 (7nights/8Days)

Double Single Triple
Superior first class (4star plus) hotels (May and Jun Grand Hotel Aston in Nice - triple accommodation in Cannes at Hotel Renoir only) ** 1357 2239 1169
Extra night in Nice 182 338 158
Extra night in Cannes 122 262 80
Extra night in Avignon 117 214 92
First Class (4star hotels) 1112 1802 758
Extra night in Nice 103 198 82
Extra night in Cannes 105 203 80
Extra night in Avignon 119 222 94
Standard (3star hotels) 950 1387 843
Extra night in Nice 82 140 69
Extra night in Cannes 105 203 80
Extra night in Avignon 87 141 72


**Surcharge in Superior First Class Grand Hotel Avignon in July : Euro 62 per person per night in double and triple / Euro 124 per night in single
** Surcharge in First Class Cloitre San Louis in Avignon in July: Euro 68 per person per night in double and triple / Euro 134 per night in single

 *** During special fair periods and holidays surcharge may apply to all hotels!

Optional full day excursions  (scroll down to detailed  tour description and prices)

Transfer prices:
Optional private train station to hotel or airport-hotel transfer in Nice: Euro 54 per car 1-3passengers

Avignon: Private tranfser from hotel to TGV station: euro 98 per car 1-3 passengers

France rail passes - prices (3 days in 1 month) :
First class:

Euro 230 per person  / extra day: Euro 36 
2nd Class: Euro 196 per person / extra day: Euro 30
Plus 22 Euro per person booking fee

Point to point rail tickets:
Nice - Cannes : Euro 13 per person in 2nd class / or TGV first class: Euro 37 per person
Cannes - Avignon: Euro 120 per person in 1st class / Euro 65 per person in 2nd class
Avignon - Nice: Euro 130 per person in 1st class / Euro 72 per person in 2nd class
Plus 22 Euro per person booking fee

All rail pass or point to point ticket prices are subject to change!

> Hotels used in Superior First Class Category:
In Nice: Hotel Negresco or similar, (in May and June Hotel Aston Grand)
in Cannes:
  Hotel Cavendish or similar, (Triple accommodation at Hotel Renoir)
in Avignon:
Grand Hotel Avignon or similar (supplement in July - see price table)

Hotels used in First Class Category:
In Nice: Hotel Aston Grand   or Hotel Nice Riviera (no triple) or similar
In Cannes: Hotel Renoir or
Hotel Cezanne or similar
in Avignon:
Hotel Cloitre Saint Louis or similar  (surcharge applies in July - see rates below price table)

Hotels used in Standard:
In Nice: Hotel De Flore or Le Florence Grand
in Cannes: Hotel Renoir or
Hotel Cezanne or similar
in Avignon: Hotel Mercure Cite des Popes or Mercure Pont d' Avignon

US$ rate varies depending the exchange rate

 

Tours from Nice
(departure from Cannes also possible)

Tour # 1: MONACO MONTE CARLO & EZE  - Daily -8hours -
Price: Euro 79 per person / Sunday and Wednesday : Euro 69 per person

Departs Nice at 9am

Departs Cannes at 8.am

 

Panoramic view over Nice from Mt. Boron. On the Middle Corniche stop at Eze – a medieval perched village with its crafts shops and breathtaking panorama. Guided tour of a traditional perfumery, the true essence of Provence.

Visit the Old Town of Monaco. Time to visit the Palace – open June/Oct. 7 €pp – the Cathedral, Cousteau’s Oceanographic Museum – 12.50 €pp – and see the Changing of the Palace Guards at 11:55am.

Tour of Monte-Carlo and drive along the amazing Grand Prix circuit. Free time at Casino Square: enjoy yourselves with luxurious shopping, strolling along stunning gardens, megayachts, chic casinos… or simply watch the “rich and beautiful” in their favourite haunts.

Drive along the spectacular coastline Lower Corniche between Nice and Monaco, which harbours typical Mediterranean villages and modern marinas. Admire the Bay and Citadel of Villefranche.
 

Tour 2 – Monaco & Monte-Carlo – 4 hrs - Daily - 54 euros

Special offer every afternoon – 45 €

 

Departs Nice – at 9am & 1 or 2pm

 

Grand Casino closed every morning

Enjoy the panoramic view from Villefranche over Cap Ferrat, the Bay of Billionaires and its famous villas.

Drive along the Lower Corniche to the Old Town of Monaco. Free time to visit the Palace – open June/Oct -, the Cathedral, stunning gardens, see the changing of the Palace Guards – 11.55am. Tour of the Principality following the amazing Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit!

Stop at Monte-Carlo and its luxurious casino, megayachts, chic boutiques.

Return by Middle Corniche road and visit of the charming medieval village of Eze. Possibility to visit Fragonard perfume factory.
 

Tour 3 – (The Country side tour) St Paul de Vence, Gourdon, Grasse, Cannes – 8 hrs – 79 euros - daily departures

Special offer Monday & Thursday – 69 €

 

Departs Nice at 9am

Departs Cannes at 10am

 

Arrive in Cannes and walk the famous Croisette Boulevard, by the Film Festival Palace, designer shops and smart sandy beaches. Drive through the charming countryside of Provence to Grasse, world capital of the perfume industry, for a guided tour of a perfumery or free time to visit the old town. View the Alps, valleys and spectacular coastline from the amazing perched medieval village of Gourdon. After lunch winding down charming Loup Gorges, and taste Riviera’s speciality flower sweets at traditional Florian Confectionary. Photo stop by a provencal jewl: Tourrettes-sur-Loup. End the tour in the second most visited village in France: St Paul de Vence with ancient cobblestone lanes, fortified walls and art galleries, home of impressionist painters. Return to Nice.

 

 

Tour 4 – Cannes, Antibes – 4 hrs – 59 euros

Special offer every morning – 53 €

 

Departs Nice at 9am & 2pm

 

In Cannes, city of Festivals, fireworks and film stars, stop at the Film Festival Palace and see the stars handprints, the shops, the sandy beaches and enjoy the famous Croisette Boulevard and the chic of Cannes.

Continue by the coast line to Golfe-Juan where Napoleon landed in 1815, Juan-Les-Pins, passing by the famous seafront and Pine Grove with trendy boutiques.

Admire the sea view from la Garoupe, pass the celebrities villas of Cap d’Antibes and arrive by the ramparts in Antibes. Free time to discover Old Town, Billionaire’s Quay, home to dynastic yachts and overlooked by the 16 c. Fort Vauban.

 

 

Tour 5 – Panorama – 9 hrs – 95 euros

Special offer on Tuesday – 85 €

 

Departs Nice at 9am

 

View the whole Riviera in one day.

 

Travel by the coast road and enjoy the sea views of the famous corniche road leading to Monaco.

Stop on the Rock for a visit of the Old Town, the Prince Palace (open June thru October) and the Cathedral where Grace and Rainier got married and where you can collect their thoughts in silence by their flowery graves. Drive by the formula 1 Grand Prix circuit to Monte-Carlo, world of elegance and luxury.

 

Then visit the unforgettable middle-age village of Eze with boutiques carved in the rock. Discover the world of senses and flowers thru a shopping visit of a perfumery.

Before moving to the west part of the region, walk by the typical flower market of Old Nice and its cafés.

In Cannes, admire la Croisette with luxury boutiques. Place your hands on the stars handprints by the famous red carpet of the film festival palace.

Laid back and enjoy a panoramic drive with breathtaking views of the different bays of Juan-Les-Pins and Antibes. Pass by exclusive Cap d’Antibes, home of the famous billionaires.

Arrive in Antibes, Provencal walled city for a walk in the busy old town and by the billionaires quay where helicopters and yachts abound.

 

Tour 6 - Great houses, Gracious living – 4 hrs – 59 euros

Discount every afternoon – 53 €

 

Departs Nice 9am & 2pm

Departs Cannes 8am if combined with a morning Tour 7 – free time for lunch in Old Town

 

Panoramic view from Mt Alban overlooking the bay of Villefranche. 20mins stop in the old town of Villefranche, visit the 13th c. “obscure street”. Drive by famous houses of celebrities in Cap Ferrat, home of kings, film stars and magnates. Wander through the exceptional Renaissance-style Rothschild Villa – entrance included - and its seven romantic gardens from French to Japanese style. Follow the tour to Beaulieu – “beautiful place” – to visit the fantasy of an aristocrat: an incredible recreated 500BC Greek Villa Kerylos - entrance included - , unique in the world! Return by the middle Corniche Road.

 

Tour 7 – Historic  Nice – 3 hrs – 49 euros

Discount every morning – 39 euros

 

Entrance fees not included

Departs at Nice 9am

Departs Cannes 8am if combined with an afternoon Tour 6

 

Visit the Castel Park overlooking the Bay of Angels and Old Town, site of the trading town founded by the Greeks 2700 years ago. Drive along the harbour and admire the Turin style buildings. Contemplate the Old in Place Garibaldi and the New along Promenade des Arts (Modern Art Museum, Sosno’s library, Acropolis congress center...). Arrive in Cimiez, winter home of Queen Victoria. Stop at the Roman Arenas of Cemenelum. Enjoy Matisse Museum – entrance not included – or walk among the olive trees’ garden and the 15th c. garden of the Franciscan Monastery. Visit the extraordinary Russian Cathedral, - entrance not included - the largest and most beautiful one outside Russia. Return by Promenade des Anglais passing its famous landmarks and “Belle Epoque” buildings. End the tour with a visit to the flower market in the Old Town. Possibility to be dropped there or driven back to the hotel.
 

Tour 8 – St Tropez – 8 hrs – 140 euros

Discount Tuesday & Saturday (market days) – 99 euros

 

Departs Nice at 8.30am (8am from June to Sept15 )

Departs Cannes at 9.15am ( 8.45am from June to Sept15)

 

Exit the motorway and drive through the Maures (“Moors”) Forest to Sainte Maxime.

Sail to Saint Tropez (15’) across the stunning bay. Only in summer (to avoid traffic), by road in winter.

Saint Tropez luxury yachts, fashion boutiques, terrace cafés.. Free time for lunch.

Mount the steps to the Citadel with its maritime museum or visit the pretty medieval village or the Annonciade renowned impressionists and fauve museum.

On Tuesday and Saturday, feel the atmosphere of the market where beautiful people abound. Scents and flavours of deep Provence spread out in famous Place des Lices.

Return by the spectacular coast drive through typical Ste Maxime, St Raphaël and the Golden Corniche.

 

 

 

Tour 9 – Italy and Menton – 8 hrs – 85 euros

Special offer Friday – 75 euros

 

Departs Nice at 8.45am

Departs Cannes at 8am

 

Markets: San Remo: Tuesdays & Saturdays – Vintimiglia: Fridays

 

A taste of real Italy and its wonderful open air markets, famous for leather goods, fashion accessories and clothes! Then drive along the charming Italian Riviera.

Lunch by the beach of Vintimiglia. Taste the best fresh pasta of the region accommodated with seafood or vegetables at Giuseppe’s – not included in price, free choice.

Return via the seacoast road driving through charming Menton, “pearl of France”. Walk the flowery old town before pursuing on the spectacular High Corniche road. Stop for a panoramic view over Monaco from La Turbie. 

 

 

 

Tour 10 – Monaco and Monte-Carlo by Night – 5 hrs – 49 euros

 

Departs Nice at 7pm

Departs Cannes at 6pm

 

Smart casual clothes (no shorts, flip-flop or tennis shoes) to enter the Casino (entrance 10 euros and passport requested)

 

We drive along the seacoast road with its medieval villages, marinas and panoramic viewpoints. Includes a drive through the medieval town of Monaco. Drop at the Palace and free time to wander around. Then tour the Grand Prix circuit. Stop in Monte-Carlo, free time for dinner and enjoy the chic atmosphere of Casino Square and maybe try your luck at the tables or at slot machines!

 

 

Dine Out : 99 euros

 

Same as “Tour 10” + 3-course dinner on the terrace, overlooking the Grand Prix circuit, beside Casino square. Choice of dishes from the “gourmet” menu + ½ bottle of wine or beer or soft drink per person + coffee incl.

                  

(admission to tables of Grand Casino 10 € not included – min. age 18 – passport required). Smart casual clothes (no shorts, flip-flop or tennis shoes) to enter the Casino.

 

 

Tour 12 – St Paul & wine tasting – 4 hrs – 54 euros

 

Mondays and Fridays

Departs from Nice at 2pm

 

Discover the jewel of Provence : St Paul de Vence (1½ hrs), France’s second most visited village. A spectacular walled fortress village, home to famous painters (Renoir, Chagall, Picasso…) and film stars. Maybe see a game of “French boules” – rustic France’s favourite game – and drink pastis with the locals!

 

Drive to St Jeannet wine village in the heart of terraced vineyards dating from Roman times. In the cellar, around the oak barrels, learn the secrets and subtleties of wine during a tasting – included - with the winemaker.

 

 

Tour 13 - Wine Discovery Tour – 8 heures - 150 euros

From May to October only

 

Départ Nice – 09:00

Départ Cannes – 09:15 +20 euros

 

A relaxing day to discover and savor the authentic flavors from the heart of Provence. Taste various top grade wine varieties, meet with the winemakers on their property, discuss the secrets of winemaking and practical advices for choosing and storing wines.

 

Stop at the Château Font du Broc Winery, makers of an exceptional Provencal DOC. Visit this prestigious domain and explore their cellar, a superb underground cathedral.

 

Join the fun … buy some picnic produce at the village market and get a real feel for the local culture. Afterwards, share a rustic lunch under the shade of century old trees at the beautiful Chateau Saint Martin. Guided visit and tasting of their full bodied wines as presented by the family winemakers – surprisingly, a tradition passed on from mother to daughter over many generations.

 

Picnic lunch included with the “nectar” of the domain.

 

 

Tour 14 – Verdon Canyon – 8 heures - 150 euros

 

Départ Nice 08:15

Départ Cannes 09:30 + 20 euros/pp

 

Drive the famous Napoleon Route and through the charming village of Castellane, to the stunning panoramas, where the River Verdon has dramatically carved out the grandest canyon in Europe. 

The spectacular road along the top of the Gorge affords splendid panoramas as well as exceptional natural beauty. Stop at Point Sublime to contemplate serenely one of the natural wonders of Europe. 

The quaint village of Moustiers, renowned for its fine pottery, provides a delightful setting amongst the mountain backdrop for an excellent lunch of local Provencal specialties. 

Return via the vastly contrasting countryside of the Upper Var region, dotted with picturesque scenes of villages, farming and vineyards.

 

Tours from Avignon
(Pick up at hotel)
 

Tour #1: All Provence in one day: - full day
AVIGNON - PONT DU GARD - LES BAUX DE PROVENCE St RÉMY DE PROVENCE -LUBERON : GORDES & ROUSSILLON -LAVENDER MUSEUM -L’ISLE SUR LA SORGUE
Tuesday + Wednesday + Friday + Sunday • Dep: 09.00 Ret: 19.00

AVIGNON: sightseeing: the Walls, St Benezet Bridge.  PONT DU GARD: visit of the most preserved aqueduct of the Roman period (1st century). LES BAUX DE PROVENCE: stop & visit of the medieval village on a rocky spur in the Alpilles mountains. St Remy de Provence: photo stop at the Roman monuments. Free time to visit a traditional Provencal market and for lunch on your own (Tuesday, Gordes • Wednesday, St Rémy  Friday, Bonnieux • Sunday, L’Isle sur la Sorgue). Picturesque roads through olive groves, vineyards and fields to see some of the most beautiful villages in LUBERON: Menerbes,Lacoste or Bonnieux, ROUSSILLON, set in an ochre area (stop), GORDES, entirely built with dry local stones (stop), SENANQUE ABBEY (June 15th - July 15th : Lavender Fields), Lavender Museum (stop & entrance fee included, closed in January). L’Isle sur la Sorgue, village famous for antiques shop.

Price: Euro 100 per person


 

Tour # 2 : Lavender & Villages in Luberon - Half day
Tuesday + Friday • Dep: 09.00 Ret: 13.45 Wednesday • Dep: 14.00 Ret: 19.00
Panoramic tour to discover the most beautiful hilltop villages in Provence: Menerbes, Lacoste or Bonnieux, ROUSSILLON (stop), GORDES (stop), Senanque Abbey (june 15th -July 15th :
Lavender Fields), visit of the Lavender Museum in Coustellet (entrance fee included: video,
fine lavender products shop). N.B: free time for market* in Gordes on Tuesday or Bonnieux on Friday. Price: Euro 55 per person

Tour # 3: Stone Monuments  - Half day
Wednesday • Dep: 09.00 Ret: 13.45 Tuesday + Friday:• Dep: 14.00 Ret:19.00
LE PONT DU GARD: Visit of the most preserved aqueduct of the Roman period (1st century).LES BAUX DE PROVENCE visit of the medieval village. ST REMY DE PROVENCE: photo stop at the Roman monuments .N.B: free time for market* in St Rémy on Wednesday.
Price:
Euro 55 per person

Tour # 4: The Best of Provence - Half day +
tueday + Wednesday + Friday + Saturday • Dep: 13.00 Ret: 19.30
PONT DU GARD: visit of the most preserved aqueduct of the Roman period (1st century).
LES BAUX DE PROVENCE: stop & visit of the medieval village on a rocky spur in the Alpilles mountains. LUBERON: Picturesque roads through olive groves, vineyards and fi elds to see the most beautiful villages: ROUSSILLON, set in an ochre area (stop), GORDES, entirely built with dry local stones (stop).
 Price: Euro 80 per person

Tour # 5 : Roman sites & Historical places Half day +
Tuesday + Wednesday + Friday i• Dep: 14.00 Ret: 19.30
NIMES considered as the French Rome: Amphitheatre (entrance included) + Maison Carrée
(Square house), Augustus’ gate, Castellum (water distribution station). UZÈS, wonderful medieval town and the first Duchy of France: the tour Fenestrelle (a unique bell-tower), the Duchy and the town houses. PONT DE GARD: visit of the Roman aqueduct (1st century).
Price: Euro  70 per person


Tour # 6 : Treasures of Provence: Full day
Monday+ Thursday + Saturday and Sunday• Dep: 09.00 Ret: 19.00
Roman monuments, Wines, Villages and Painters…
ORANGE: panoramic tour of the city: roman monuments: Triumphal Arch, Antic theatre (entrance included with audio guide) one of the most preserved of Roman period. CHÂTEAUNEUF DU PAPE: sightseeing in the vineyards and wine tasting in a cellar. ST REMY DE PROVENCE: photo stop at the Roman monuments. LES BAUX DE PROVENCE: stop & visit of the medieval village on a rocky spur in the Alpilles mountains. Free time to enjoy a traditional Provencal market* and lunch on your own (Monday, Fontvieille • Thursday, Orange • Saturday, Arles). ARLES: walking tour of the Roman City: arenas, Antic Theatre, look at the main places painted by Van Gogh during his stay in 1888-89.

Price:
Euro 100 per person

Tour # 7 : Van Gogh in Provence - Half day
Monday + Saturday • Dep: 09.00 Ret: 13.45 Thursday • Dep: 14.00 Ret: 19.00
ST REMY DE PROVENCE: stop at St Paul de Mausole to see some sights painted by Van Gogh. LES BAUX DE PROVENCE: visit of the medieval village ; Fontvieille. ARLES: walking tour of the Roman City: the arenas, Antic Theatre, look at the main places painted by Van Gogh during his stay in 1888-89. Free time for market in Fontvieille on Monday or in Arles on Saturday*.
Price:
Euro 55 per person


Tour # 8 : Culture & Wine - Half Day
Thursday • Dep: 09.00 Ret: 13.45 Monday + Saturday •  : Dep: 14.00 Ret: 19.00
ORANGE: panoramic tour of the city: roman monuments: Triumphal Arch, Antic Theatre
(entrance included with audio guide) one of the most preserved of Roman period. N.B: free time for market in Orange on Thursday*. Châteauneuf du Pape: sightseeing in the vineyards and
wine tasting in a cellar.
Price:
Euro 55 per person


 

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