Provence & The Riviera, 9 Days Marseille to Nice with A&K

Day One

Arrive Marseille – Avignon

Arrive Marseille and transfer privately with your Guardian Angel to your charming hotel in the heart of Avignon.
Accommodation: Hotel La Mirande (Grand Deluxe Room)

Day Two

Avignon – Châteauneuf-du-Pape – Avignon

Dominated by its Papal Palace, Avignon is a vibrant Provençal town with much character, and today you discover its attractions on a walking tour that includes a visit to the great palace where the Popes reigned supreme during their ‘schism’ with Rome, and whose grand proportions convey the power and glory of the period. Browse the local antique market before enjoying a sweeping panorama of the town with the mighty Rhône River flowing beside it.

This afternoon is a visit to Châteauneuf-du-Pape where, in the rolling hills of the southern Rhône Valley, the Popes of Avignon planted vineyards in the 14th century. There are some 3,200 hectares under vine here including five villages cultivating 13 different varieties such as Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault. The characteristics of Châteauneuf wines are very varied and, like all Rhône Valley wines, full flavoured. Your visit will of course include some tastings.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel La Mirande (Grand Deluxe Room)

Day Three

Avignon – Arles – Avignon

Originally founded in the seventh century BC by the Phoenicians, Arles has a strong Gallo-Roman heritage. The town, a major port on the River Rhône until the arrival of the railway in the 19th century, has a wealth of classical antiquities which are detailed at the state-of-the-art Museum of Ancient Arles, where you can learn about daily life during Roman times. Afterwards, wander through the stone squares with your guide and admire the beautiful sun-soaked architecture, immortalised in the canvasses of Van Gogh painted during his year here.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: La Mirande (Grand Deluxe Room)

Day Four

Avignon – Carpentras – Mount Ventoux – Avignon

Today’s adventure in to beautiful Carpentras which lies between the Rhône and the Durance and is protected by the impressive Mont Ventoux on one side and the Vaucluse Mounts on the other. In the Middle Ages the town was home to a large Jewish community and the 1367 synagogue is the oldest in France. An exceptional Provençal market takes over the city streets every Friday.

This afternoon, indulge your sweet side at a local patisserie where the speciality is a very tasty vanilla meringue whose shape was inspired by the small rocks on Mont Ventoux! Drive to the top of the mountain, which towers over the landscape and surrounding villages, for magical views of the Rhône Valley.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: La Mirande (Grand Deluxe Room)

Day Five

Avignon – St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

Today you make your way to St-Jean-Cap- Ferrat stopping en route in Aix-en-Provence with its beautiful leafy boulevards, cobbled squares and 17th and 18th century mansions. Head out on foot with your guide to Cours Mirabeau, a lovely avenue of plane trees, lined on one side with wonderful terrace cafés and bookshops. Sit in the sunshine, or the dappled shade, sipping a coffee or glass of rosé and watch the world go by. Following in the footsteps of Cézanne, visit the Musèe-Atelier de Paul Cézanne where the great Post-Impressionist painted some of his most well-known works. In the afternoon continue on to Cap Ferrat.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: The Royal-Riviera (Garden & Sea View Room)

Day Six

Cap Ferrat – Nice – Cap Ferrat

Head to Nice for a guided exploration taking in the Old Town and colourful open-air market which is open throughout the week and sells flowers, fresh produce and, on a Monday, antiques. A highlight of the visit is the Musée Matisse which houses one of the largest collections of works by the artist.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: The Royal-Riviera (Garden & Sea View Room)

Day Seven

Cap Ferrat – Monaco – Cap Ferrat

With its sunny Mediterranean climate and enticing beaches, Monaco is known worldwide as a favourite destination for the rich and powerful. Today you explore on foot the narrow streets of Monte Carlo’s old town and visit the lavish Palais Princier, the principality’s royal palace and private home of the Grimaldi family. Originally built as a fortress in 1215, the palace was subsequently developed in the style of Louis XIV, but became a hospital after the French Revolution. Finish your visit at the Oceanography Museum, one of Europe’s most impressive aquariums and return to your hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: The Royal-Riviera (Garden & Sea View Room)

Day Eight

Cap Ferrat

A day at leisure to enjoy the glamorous surrounds of your palatial hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: The Royal-Riviera (Garden & Sea View Room)

Day Nine

Depart Nice

Transfer to Nice airport for onward flight arrangements.
Meals Included: Breakfast