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Highlights Of Burgundy, Provence & The Riviera



Tour Description:

See the most famous sites of Paris before boarding a high-speed TGV train to historic Dijon, former home of the Dukes of Burgundy. Travel to Avignon, the seat of the papacy in the14th and 15th centuries. Head south to Provence, the region that inspired so many artists, and visit glamorous Nice on the C?te d'Azur.

Dates & Pricing



ITINERARY

Explore the highlights of the "City of Light" when you see the Champs-Elys?es, the Eiffel Tower, the Place de la Concorde and the Place Vend?me. Later, board a high-speed TGV train to Dijon, the former home of the all-powerful dukes of Burgundy. See the historic buildings in the old town and admire the breathtaking original stained glass windows of the Church of Notre Dame. Sofitel Dijon B L D

Days 1-2: USA or Canada/Paris, France
Drive along the famous Route des Grands Crus (Wine Road) to Beaune, a city known for its wine production but more importantly as the capital of French gastronomy. Stop to visit the 15th-century hospice H?tel-Dieu. This "palace of the poor" is a marvel of Burgundian and Flemish art with a gloriously colored tile roof. The Grande Salle (or Chambre des Pauvres) was both a hospital and a church, enabling the sick to attend religious services. Explore its restored rooms, kitchen, pharmacy and gallery of Renaissance religious art. Later, stop at a winery for a wine tasting before returning to Dijon. Sofitel Dijon B L

Day 3: Paris/Dijon
Travel south to the Provence region by TGV high-speed train, with a light lunch on arrival in Avignon. Visit the imposing 14th-century Palace of the Popes, a reminder of the days of religious conflict when Avignon vied with Rome for papal authority. Hotel Le Prieur? B L D

Day 4: Dijon/Beaune/Dijon
Experience the magic of Van Gogh's countryside, with its verdant fields that the artist feverishly painted by day and night when he would don a straw hat with candles attached to illuminate his canvases. Visit St-Paul-de-Mausole, the asylum where Van Gogh was voluntarily interned for a year. It remains a hospital today and is known as the Clinique Van Gogh after its most famous patient. Stop for lunch at a typical Proven?al farmhouse (uniquely carved out of the surrounding rock) that has been in the same family for generations. With lavender fields as the backdrop to this rustic setting, enjoy a fresh meal with homegrown produce and olive oil. Continue to the hilltop town of Les Baux en route to Arles, the principal Roman town in Provence and its spiritual capital. Set out on a walking tour to discover its stunning Roman remains, including the magnificent amphitheater and the fine Romanesque Cathedral from which Augustine left to evangelize England. You may recognize it from some of Van Gogh's most famous works that were painted during his time here. Stroll to the Place du Forum, the setting for his renowned Caf? at Night. Hotel Le Prieur? B L

Day 5: Dijon/Avignon
Drive through glorious Proven?al countryside to the historic town of Aix-en-Provence. This hometown of the painter Paul C?zanne is considered by many to be the most graceful town in Provence. Stroll through its picturesque streets to admire the fountains, cathedral, colorful market, designer shops and bustling caf?s. Continue to the fashionable C?te d'Azur and your hotel located on the famous Promenade des Anglais in Nice. Le M?ridien Nice B D

Day 6: Avignon/St-Remy-de-Provence/Arles/Avignon
Explore the historic atmosphere of Nice's old town and colorful market, followed by a private visit to a local artist's studio and a lunch of local Ni?oise specialties. Depart Nice on the famous Corniche Road for a drive along the coast that is nothing short of breathtaking. Dramatic cliffs cradling magnificent villas face the blue waters of the Mediterranean. See spots of red, purple, blue and yellow flowers in window boxes that thrive in this perfect climate. Head toward St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat for a visit to the elegant Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild with its outstanding collection of objets d'art and lovely gardens overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Continue to Monaco, set like a diamond amid a hillside of craggy rock. This glamorous playground of the wealthy is also where you see the extravagant Palais Princier, residence of the royal family, and visit the magnificent 19th-century cathedral. There is also a chance to stop at the famous casino in Monte Carlo, the inspiration for Ian Fleming's Casino Royale, before heading back to Nice for farewell drinks. Le M?ridien Nice B L

Day 7: Avignon/Aix-en-Provence/Nice
Transfer to Nice airport to board your homebound flight. B

Day 8: Nice/St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat/Monaco/Nice

Day 9: Nice/USA or Canada