5D/4N - 2020 Italian & French Riviera

day 01 Nice

Independent arrival to your Hotel in Nice. Remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy this beautiful city.

day 02 Antibes-Cannes-Grasse

At 08.45, you will be picked up at your hotel to depart to Antibes. The city was founded in Roman time (and was a former military garrison) and fell into the hands of the Grimaldi family for a long time. The traditional fishing town then evolved to see its port becoming known as the "billionaires’ quay”: enjoy some free time along it and see the largest and wildest yachts in the world. The medieval old town and its fortifications (16th century) offer a wonderful view over the Bay of Nice and a traditional Provençal covered market. Next to it, the Château Grimaldi houses the Picasso museum which used to be the studio of the famous artist. Then we will reach Cannes. Beyond the stir of international conventions and congresses, comes the thrill of holidaymakers dreaming of the Film Festival city, the red carpet and the famous Croisette boulevard where many starts have left their mark. Enjoy the view of 5 star hotels, designer shops and soak into the "Hollywood" atmosphere of the Croisette before taking your picture up the famous steps of the Film Festival place. You will then drive to Grasse, the world perfume capital. From all over the world, raw materials are sent to Grasse to be treated. That is why Grasse has succeeded in making its industry an art, combining luxury, refinement and quality in the products it creates or transforms. This art is perceptible when you visit a perfumery, by creating your own perfume during a workshop or just by strolling along the alleys in the historic center. Fragonard perfume factory opens its doors and offers a free guided tour during which you will enjoy an exciting experience in the mysterious alchemy of scents when discovering the flowers, distillation, “enfleurage”, the perfumer and his creations. You will then return back to Nice for an arrival at about 13.00. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure.

day 03 Gourdon-Tourettes-Saint Paul de Vence

Today, you have the morning at leisure for personal discoveries around Nice. After lunch at 13.30, you will be picked up from your hotel for your afternoon tour. You will drive up to 700 m (about 2000 feet) above sea level to reach your first destination: Gourdon. Try and imagine this unique panorama on the coast and the surrounding valley. The medieval village has kept its atmosphere of bygone days as exemplified by its roman church of the 12th century, traditional Provençal houses and local craft shops. You will have some time to walk around before heading to Tourettes. The village located on a rocky spur has its houses forming a wall that protects its renowned craft: weaving, pottery, painting, sculptures or jewelry. The city of violets has grown experience into cultivating this flower for more than a century. During your free time, why not try a violet ice-cream, a taste well worth the experience. A short drive will lead you to the famous hilltop village of Saint Paul de Vence. In the early 1920’s artists started discovering Saint Paul. Painters were forerunners who found an incomparable richness and intensity of light in the peaceful Provençal village. Famous artists such as Paul Signac, Raoul Dufy or Chaïm Soutine will be later joined by Henri Matisse or Pablo Picasso. The 1950’s and 1960’s represent the golden age of the village which turns into an amazing film set on which could be seen many French and international stars. This village is nowadays a renowned center of arts whether modern, contemporary, naïf and abstract. You will find the streets to be an open museum where artists such as Folon, César, Niky de Saint-Phalle have their works displayed in the windows of the galleries. You will have free time to walk along the main street where souvenir shops alternate with art galleries. Why not hop onto a ‘crêpe’ or ice-cream along the way. Do not miss a walk along the ramparts which offers a beautiful view upon the surrounding valley and the coast. The arrival back in Nice is planned at about 17.30.

day 04 Italian Market-Monaco

Depart in the morning at 08.45 to the Italian Market and Monaco. Located just next the border, the Italian resorts of Vintimille and San Remo will offer you the perfect combination of the typical atmosphere of Italy and a local market. After about 1 hour drive on the toll road, you will stop in Vintimille (Friday) or San Remo (Tuesday & Saturday). You will have free time to visit the local market and enjoy lunch (not included) on the spot. The drive will continue along the coast up to Monaco, constitutional monarchy and city state of only 2km². It is owned by the Grimaldi family which has reigned almost without interruption since the 13th century. Your first stop is the old town of Monaco. There you will have free time to walk the tiny streets, do some souvenir shopping and enter the cathedral where Princess Grace is buried. You will then drive on the legendary F1 Grand prix track onto the casino square. Enjoy a stop in the heart of the Monegasque luxury! Admire unique sports cars, designer shops, luxury hotels and the famous Casino of Monte Carlo. Return back to Nice for an estimated arrival time is at 17.00.

day 05 Nice-Departure

In the morning your tour comes to an end. Independent transfer to Airport or Train station. (Transfers are available on request).

Inclusions: 3* accommodation, hotel pick up/drop off, deluxe minivan on tour, English speaking driver-guide, entrance fees.

Hotel: Nice- Albert 1er (or similar).