A well paced tour with two-night stays in five out of nine cities, with the opportunity for some leisurely later morning departures. The journey by V train is a relaxing way to return to the glittering city of Paris.

Tour code E723
16 days
Priced from A$4475
Premium Escorted
Departs from & returns to Paris

Itinerary

16 Days ~ France

Tour Pace
A well paced tour with two-night stays in five out of nine cities, with the opportunity for some leisurely later morning departures. The journey by V train is a relaxing way to return to the glittering city of Paris.

DAY 1 – PARIS AT LEISURE
Welcome to Paris! On arrival there are complimentary transfers from Charles de Gaulle Airport to your Insight hotel. Relax and settle in, or perhaps start exploring the riches of this great capital. Don't miss the chance for a shopping spree in the famous department stores or even the elegant designer boutiques of the Left Bank. In the evening, you are invited to join your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Marriott Rive Gauche/Hilton.

DAY 2 – PARIS – DIJON/BEAUNE
Head to the ancient capital of the Champagne region, Troyes: its magnificent centre of medieval buildings is appropriately shaped like a Champagne cork. Continue into Burgundy, famous for its fine wines, stopping in the famous wine village of Chablis to taste the local nectar. Continue to Dijon or Beaune for the next two nights.
Hotel: Sofitel La Cloche/ Hotel de la Poste. (BB,D)

DAY 3 – VéZELAY EXCURSION
Drive through the leafy Burgundian countryside to the picturesque town of Vézelay, built along a rocky ridge among the northern Morvan foothills. Tradition has it that Mary Magdalene was buried here and from the famous basilica, Richard the Lionheart set off for the Crusades. Later, return to your hotel for time at leisure. (BB)

DAY 4 – DIJON/BEAUNE – CHAMONIX
A scenic symphony awaits you as you head into the high Alps, and climb towards Mont Blanc and the ski resort of Chamonix.
Hotel: Alpina. (BB)

DAY 5 – CHAMONIX – AIX-LES-BAINS
After breakfast this morning, take a breathtaking drive to the lake-side town of Annecy. There’s time to have lunch in the Little Venice area or take a boat trip. Continue to your hotel in the spa town of Aix-les-Bains, situated on the edge of France’s largest and most celebrated lake, Lac du Bourget and overlooked by Mt Revard.
Hotel: Radisson SAS. (BB,D)

DAY 6 – AIX-LES-BAINS – NICE
Travel in the footsteps of Napoleon as he made his victorious return from Elba. A scenic, rugged landscape leads from the Alps, down to the French Riviera and elegant Nice. Hotel: Boscolo Atlantic/Radisson SAS. (BB)

DAY 7 – NICE AT LEISURE
On a morning sightseeing tour, journey to the principality of Monaco, see the Grimaldi Palace and visit the cathedral, burial place of Princess Grace and Prince Rainier. Enjoy a drive on the Grand Prix circuit and views of the port with its luxury yachts. The rest of the day is set aside for you to enjoy the French Riviera. (BB)

DAY 8 – NICE – AVIGNON
Visit the medieval town of St Paul de Vence, which sits high above the Riviera beaches. There is time to explore before continuing to Cézanne’s home town, Aix-en-Provence. Journey into the Luberon, made famous by Peter Mayle in his book “A Year in Provence”, and pass around Cavaillon, the melon capital of France, en route to Avignon.
Hotel: Grand. (BB,D)

DAY 9 – RHôNE EXCURSION
A short distance from Avignon, see the greatest legacy of the Romans’ presence: the incredible three tiered Pont du Gard. Head towards the Rhône River and the village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape to taste the renowned wine. Back in Avignon, take a little train ride for an overview of the town past the old Palace of the Popes, and the ‘Pont d’Avignon’ before taking time to relax. (BB)

DAY 10 – AVIGNON – NîMES
Drive to Arles, one-time home to Van Gogh and Roman legionnaires, and visit the amphitheatre. Continue through the Camargue to Stes Maries-de-la-Mer, where Gypsies gather annually to honour their patron saint. You may see flamingos and wild horses on the way to Nîmes where, on arrival, an orientation tour shows you the Roman Arena and 2,000-year-old Roman Temple, Maison Carrée.
Hotel: Imperator Concorde. (BB)

DAY 11 – NîMES – ALBI
After breakfast, cross the Languedoc for a walking tour of the fortified town of Carcassonne. Like stepping back in time, the city has a complete set of ramparts and a medieval keep. Later, continue to your hotel in Albi, know for its Cathedral and the birthplace of Toulouse Lautrec.
Hotel: Hostellerie Sainte Antoine. (BB,D)

DAY 12 – ALBI – DORDOGNE
Stop in Cahors, famous for its ‘Black Wine’, before continuing to Rocamadour. A resting place for pilgrims on their way to Spain, this tiny medieval town is perched on a cliff side above the Alzou River. After exploring the beautiful town and its sanctuary, drive on to your hotel. Enjoy dinner tonight from a selection of restaurants.
Hotel: La Truffe Noire/Relais de Castelnau. (BB,DA)

DAY 13 – DORDOGNE VALLEY EXCURSION
A morning drive take you into the stunning Valley of the Dordogne to visit the town of Sarlat-la-Canéda with its fine historic golden limestone houses. Make your way to the prehistoric site at Lascaux to view the world-famous cave paintings. (BB,D)

DAY 14 – DORDOGNE – PARIS
After stopping at the town of Limoges to visit a porcelain showroom, head to Poitiers to board a V train for your fast and comfortable journey to Paris.
Hotel: Concorde St Lazare/Marriott Rive Gauche. (BB)

DAY 15 – PARIS SIGHTSEEING
With a local guide, see Notre Dame Cathedral before driving past the façades of the Louvre and along the Champs Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe. Stop for a photo of the Eiffel Tower before enjoying a scenic cruise along the River Seine. The tour concludes with a visit to Napoleon’s tomb in the gilded Église du Dôme. Perhaps celebrate the tour with a farewell bistro dinner. (BB)

DAY 16 – PARIS
The tour ends with transfers to Paris airport. (BB)

OPTIONAL PARIS & NORMANDY CRUISE

DAY 16 – EMBARK CRUISE IN PARIS
Transfer from the hotel to your cruise. (BB,D)

DAY 17 – CRUISE TO CONFLANS STE HONORINE
Auvers-sur-Oise tour. (B,L,D)

DAY 18 – CRUISE TO ROUEN
Walking tour of Rouen and the medieval quarter. (B,L,D)

DAY 19 – NORMANDY BEACHES
Full-day tour to the Normandy Beaches. (B,L,D)

DAY 20 – CRUISE TO CAUDEBEC
Visit the charming harbour town of Honfleur. (B,L,D)

DAY 21 – CRUISE TO VERNON
Visit Monet’s home in the village of Giverny. (B,L,D)

DAY 22 – CRUISE TO PARIS
Paris city tour including the Luxembourg Gardens. (B,L,D)

DAY 23 – DISEMBARK PARIS
Disembark and transfer to Paris airport. (B)

Includes

• 7-nights in an outside state-room on River Baroness
• All meals onboard
• 6 shore excursions with English speaking guides
• Captain�s Welcome & Farewell Dinners
• Exciting onboard entertainment and lectures
• Transfers; Paris hotel to Cruise & Cruise to Paris Airport

Prices & Dates

Notes
REF: E723. Prices are per person sharing a twin.