Nice, Monte Carlo, Cannes & Avignon - 9 Days

---

Revel in the glamour and glitz that is the French Riviera, Monaco and Cannes. Enjoy people watching opportunities at the seaside promenade in Nice and the casino at Monte Carlo, maybe you will spot a member of royalty or a celebrity during your explorations! The quality of light in this part of France attracted artists such as Matisse and Van Gogh and art remains a strong tradition in the area. 

• Visit the Cathedral of Saint-Nicholas where Prince Rainier III married Grace Kelly
• Feel like Bond during an excursion to Le Casino de Monte Carlo
• Explore the home of the Cannes Film Festival
• Enjoy the artist's village of Saint Paul

Meet/greet at the Nice Airport and transfer to your hotel with a panoramic tour en route. After our tour we check-in to the hotel. The most ancient city along the Riviera, Nice was founded by the Greeks.

Today is a full free day to explore Nice or nearby towns, have lunch on your own at one of the many famous harbor cafes, visit one of the many famous museums, or just relax at a the beach. Locals like to stroll along the seaside promenade; quai des Etats-Unis, the original boulevard lined with some of the best restaurants.

After a leisurely breakfast we depart for the Principality of Monaco, the second-smallest independent state in the world, after Vatican City. Get acquainted with Monte Carlo upon arrival with an orientation tour. Sights include the Old Town and the Cathedral of Saint-Nicholas where Prince Rainier III married Grace Kelly and a visit to the grave site of jazz legend Josephine Baker.

This day is free. This evening we will meet in the Hotel all dressed to the nines for our "Royal Night Out." Tonight we will experience truly fine dining at a gourmet restaurant such as Vistamar. After dinner we are off to visit the famous Le Casino de Monte Carlo. Ahhh, the jackets, the ties, the sports cars, the sheer luxury of it all!.

Today we are off to Cannes, the "star" of the French Riviera and home to the Cannes Film Festival. On the way to Cannes we will stop to visit Vence and Saint Paul de Vence. In Vence, the city of art, we will visit the Matisse Chapel (Rosaire Chapel).

After our expedition we will enjoy a wine tasting with Provencal snacks and then a break for lunch on our own and free time to explore and shop. An artists' village, Saint Paul is filled with galleries. The costume jewelry on sale at many of the shops is quite affordable and unique. You can also find a variety of Provencal fabrics on sale, as well as local gourmet delicacies like olive oils, wine and fruit liquors. Arrive in Cannes in the early afternoon and take a guided tour of the Old Port.

We'll travel west through the south of France, stopping at Aix-en-Provence. The walled city of Avignon was the seat of the Popes in the 14th century and once the capital of Christendom. It's also a university town and vibrant cultural center known for its art, theater and cinemas.

In the morning we'll tour the Palais des Papes high on the hill. This magnificent fortress was considered the Vatican of the north and headquarters of the cardinals. In the afternoon we'll stop at Pont du Gard. Built in the year 19 BC, this aqueduct was constructed without the use of mortar and brought water over 50 km to Nimes. We continue on to Arles, famous for its well-preserved Roman arena. Van Gogh painted his famous "Starry Night" here, along the Rhone River. You can also see the cafe he painted in Café de Nuit.

Free day to explore on your own.

This morning we transfer to Marseille airport with ample time to check your luggage and board your flight back to the USA.

• Accommodations: Nice 2 nights, Monte Carlo 2 nights, Cannes 1 night, Avignon 3 nights
• Meals: Continental breakfast daily. Lunch and dinner as noted in itinerary
• Ground transportation via air conditioned luxury coach
• English speaking assistants and guides
• Admission tickets as outlined in itinerary