Nice Carnival & The French Riviera

Your holiday begins in London, as you meet your Tour Manager and group at London St Pancras. You take the Eurostar to Paris, where you join the local TGV service to Nice, your base for the next five nights.

Nice is one of France's most popular and cosmopolitan holiday destinations, with famous shingle beaches, a pleasant Mediterranean climate and a naturally beautiful location on the spectacular French Riviera. The city is also famous for its vibrant carnival, which takes place each year during the two weeks leading up to Mardi Gras - a final chance to indulge in merriment before lent.

You enjoy a fascinating guided tour of Nice this morning. First, you travel by coach to Masséna Square, Nice's main square, and the ideal place to begin your explorations.

This historic market square is lined with palm trees and surrounded by red ochre buildings. You continue to the historic Old Town. Simultaneously relaxed and atmospheric, Nice's 'Old Quarter' is a jumble of alleyways that wind between dwellings and other buildings which date from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Here, you see the Opera House, the colourful flower market, and Nice's striking cathedral. You also visit the Castle hilltop, where you can take in stunning, panoramic views across the Old Town and famous Promenade des Anglais.

This afternoon you are free to explore the city at your own pace.

• Breakfast
• Dinner

Today, you are free to enjoy the festive atmosphere of the city. Tonight, a highlight of your holiday awaits as you travel by tram to the city's Masséna Square. Here, you experience this evening's carnival extravaganza, the Parade of Lights, from your reserved grandstand seats. Sit back and relax, admiring the innovative floats, adorned with meticulously arranged flowers, and talented performers in colourful costume, as they wend their way through the illuminated streets. Over 1,000 dancers, actors and performers take part, with processions taking place through the streets, making this truly an unforgettable experience and an explosion of colour and vitality.

• Breakfast

You are free on to discover Nice further. You could visit Musee Matisse, a museum that houses a collection of artworks bequeathed to the city by the celebrated French artist, Henri Matisse.

• Breakfast

Travel by coach to the tiny Principality of Monaco, the world's second-smallest city-state after Vatican City. Despite its small size, Monaco still manages to cram a wealth of culture, entertainment, history and glamour into its remarkably picturesque two-square-kilometre area.

You enjoy a guided tour, first heading to the district of Monte Carlo, famous for hosting the prestigious Grand Prix. Here, you visit the Casino of Monte Carlo, an iconic casino with striking, palm tree-lined fountains. You also visit the magnificent Cathédrale de Monaco, as well as the Prince's Palace, where you witness the Change of the Guards.

You return to Nice in the evening for dinner at your hotel.

• Breakfast

Bidding goodbye to Nice, board the train to Paris where you join the Eurostar to London St Pancras.

• Breakfast