Off the Beaten Path in Southern France

Travelers should enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel before their first full day exploring the French Riviera, with highlights including panoramic views over Nice, a visit to the charming village of Eze, a perfumery tour, and iconic sights in Monaco and Monte Carlo. Free time allows for luxury shopping, strolling gardens, and admiring mega-yachts along the way. Travelers should be sure to get a good night's rest for a wine tasting tour tomorrow!

Guests will enjoy panoramic views over Nice before visiting the perched medieval village of Eze, known for its charming craft shops and stunning vistas. They will experience the true essence of Provence with a guided tour of a renowned perfumery. In the old town of Monaco, travelers can explore iconic landmarks such as the Palace (open June–October), the Cathedral, Cousteau’s Oceanographic Museum, and witness the Changing of the Palace Guards. A scenic tour of Monte Carlo follows, including a thrilling lap around the famous Grand Prix circuit. During free time at the main square, guests may indulge in luxury shopping, stroll through picturesque gardens, admire the mega-yachts, or simply watch the rich and famous in their favorite haunts.

Today travelers will enjoy learning about the winemaking culture and sample the vintages of the French Riviera, which has been producing this libation since around 600 B.C.E. From here, guests will explore one of the region's oldest medieval towns, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, where they can enjoy the beauty and history of this commune while sipping delicious wine.

Guests will head to the hills of Saint-Jeannet to explore wines crafted from grapes introduced by the Ancient Romans over 2,000 years ago. At a family-owned vineyard, they will sample a range of varietals, including Merlot, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Grenache, Cabernet-Sauvignon, and Gamay, while learning about the winemaking process. Afterward, guests can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the medieval village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, a historic haven for artists, featuring numerous galleries and museums.

On this final full day in Nice before heading to Aix-en-Provence tomorrow, guests can enjoy a leisurely day soaking in the sun at the beach along the Mediterranean Sea, or wander the cobblestone streets of Nice. Now is the time to get any souvenirs and dine at any favorite restaurants, but leave room for dinner for a lavish small group night out to Monte Carlo where guests will dine in style.

Guests will enjoy the this tour featuring a three-course dinner at Café de Paris or a similar venue. They can select from the gourmet menu while savoring the ambiance of discreetly arranged tables, attentive service, and the vibrant energy of Monte Carlo at night. After dinner, guests may choose to visit the famous Casino or take a leisurely stroll through Monte Carlo's lively streets.

After getting a good night's sleep, travelers will embark on a full day tour of Provence and all the sights it holds! Upon return to Aix, travelers should rest up for another action-packed day exploring this region of France.

After boarding their air-conditioned minivan in Aix-en-Provence, guests will embark on a day of culture and sightseeing through the scenic landscapes of Provence. The tour includes entrance to the iconic Pont du Gard, a panoramic drive with wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and free time to explore the charming village of Les Baux-de-Provence. Guests will also have time for lunch on their own in Avignon, with opportunities to visit the Pope’s Palace and Pont d’Avignon.

Provence is a region of France known for its many beautiful villages known for their stunning architecture, charm, history, art, and natural beauty. Today, travelers get to explore a few of these villages firsthand.

This full-day excursion introduces travelers to the charming village markets held throughout Provence each week. On Tuesdays, guests will visit the market in the picturesque dry-stone village of Gordes (with a photo stop on other days). They will also explore the vibrant village of Roussillon (market on Thursdays), enjoy free time in Lourmarin (market on Fridays), and visit the cave at Fontaine de Vaucluse. On Sundays, guests can stroll along the canals and browse the antique shops at the market in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. From November to March on Saturdays, the tour includes a stop in the candied fruit-producing town of Apt instead of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. Additionally, between mid-June and mid-July, the guide will arrange a photo stop at Sénanque Abbey, famed for its lavender fields.

Today guests will see one of France's most iconic natural landmarks: the Verdon Gorge, which forms the largest canyon in Europe. In addition to the gorge, travelers will visit the world famous the L’Occitane en Provence factory, and will have free time for lunch in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.

In a country filled with breathtaking landscapes, Verdon Canyon offers travelers a truly unforgettable experience. The tour begins with a visit to Manosque, where guests will explore the renowned L’Occitane en Provence factory, famous for its high-quality cosmetics made from local plants and flowers. From mid-June to late July, a photo stop at Valensole Plateau allows guests to marvel at the endless fields of blooming lavender. Afterward, guests will enjoy free time for lunch in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, a village known for its faience, or tin-glazed pottery. The day continues with a scenic drive along Verdon Canyon, concluding with a stop at Sainte-Croix Lake, where guests can swim or take a leisurely beach walk before returning to Aix-en-Provence.

Today travelers get to experience a private half day afternoon tour of the Marseille. They'll learn all about the history of this ancient trading port city, its gastronomy, and culture. In the evening, guests should feel free to explore the many popular and delicious restaurants and neighborhoods.

Guests can enjoy a private half-day tour of the stunning city of Marseille, France's second-largest city, led by an English-speaking driver-guide. The tour can be customized based on interests in history, culture, or gastronomy, as well as preferences for walking, if specified at the time of booking.

This final day in France, travelers get to explore the nearby Mediterranean fishing village of Cassis, known for its pebbly beaches, limestone cliffs, and pastel colored buildings that line the sea. Afterward, guests will return to Marseille for a final tour of the city—which offers the perfect time to stop by any favorite restaurants or neighborhoods to buy souvenirs for the return journey home tomorrow.

The fishing port of Cassis and its limestone inlets, known as calanques, are among France's most stunning natural wonders. This half-day tour offers guests a chance to explore these Provençal treasures in the comfort of an air-conditioned minivan. Departing from Marseille, travelers will head to Cape Canaille, France’s highest maritime cliff, where they can enjoy sweeping views, explore the peaceful fishing port, or take a swim if time allows. Guests may also opt for an optional cruise along the calanques, offering a breathtaking view of the towering limestone cliffs and secluded sea coves. The tour concludes with a panoramic drive through Marseille, including a photo stop at the iconic Notre-Dame de la Garde.

Guests say au revoir to France—returning home with a host of memories and moments that will last a lifetime.