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Discover the immaculate and enchanting charm of Nice and the French Riviera on this dazzling tour before continuing to Lyon for an exquisite 7-night cruise, uncovering the majesty of the Rhône River. This tour is operated by our sister company Great Rail Journeys.
From London St Pancras, travel by Eurostar train to Paris. From here, continue by high-speed rail to Nice. On arrival you'll check into our hotel near to the beautiful Riviera seafront before dinner later on tonight.
Your French Riviera experience begins with a guided tour of Nice, France's glittering jewel on the southern coast of the country. This magnificent city has always been a choice destination for travellers of repute and distinction, as it sits overlooking the glittering coastline. You will be taken through the enchanting streets, seeing the famously affluent mansions of Mont Boron, the historical Old Town and the chequered floor of the Place d'Opera. You'll also discover the history of the city, from the days of the Greek settlers who founded Nice, to the present day. Afterwards you are free. Perhaps head to the beach and soak in the views and the sun, or discover some classic French cuisine at a nearby café.
Today, pay a visit to the glamorous city state of Monaco, famous as a retreat for the rich and famous of the world. Taking a coach, begin the day in the luxurious district of Monte Carlo where you stop at the entrance to the iconic casino, with its palm tree lined fountains. From here, embark on a sightseeing tour of Monaco seeing the fantastic flowers of the Jardins Exotique, the grand windows of the Place de l'Opera and the beautiful Old Town. On your return to Nice, pay a visit the elegant Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, the seaside home of the Rothschild banking family.
After a free morning to relax, on the beach perhaps, board your train to Lyon, bidding farewell to the south of France. On arrival into this colourful old town, transfer to your ship for a spectacular cruise on the gorgeous Rhône.
Arrive into Chalon sur Saone this morning and coach to Beaune. Deep in the heart of the wine region of Burgundy, Beaune is a classic French medieval town which you explore on a tour that includes a tasting of wines from the region. Docking back in Lyon on Day 6, disembark for a guided tour. After returning to the ship for lunch, enjoy an afternoon at leisure as you cruise to Tournon sur Rhône.
Early this morning, travel by coach to the railway station and board the excellent Train de l'Ardèche. Offering a memorable steam train journey through the stunning environs of the spectacular Gorges du Doux region. On Day 8 your ship continues to the 'white city' of Avignon where you enjoy a guided tour before setting sail for Arles.
Begin the day with a guided tour of pretty Arles, whose enchanting streets provided inspiration for Vincent Van Gogh. In the afternoon, you are given the choice of two different excursions; visit the beautiful Camargue Delta, where the Rhône opens out into the Mediterranean, or the iconic arches of the Pont du Gard - a ancient Roman aqueduct of astonishing size and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Today, pay a visit to the stunning Ardèche Gorge, widely regarded as the 'Grand Canyon of Europe'. A tour takes you to some of the most impressive sights here, including the Pont d'Arc. Afterwards, rejoin the ship at Le Pouzin and begin the return sailing to Lyon. The following day you disembark and travel by rail to Paris. On arrival, board the Eurostar service to London.
Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We will write to you around 10 weeks before your departure date with the precise meeting times for your tour group.
Not Included
Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular holiday with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.
Set against the backdrop of an azure sky, nothing quite prepares you for your first view of the magnificent Pont Du Gard, as it will simply take your breath away. Built in the first century AD, this 3-tiered Roman aqueduct still stands proudly perched over the River Gardon. It was constructed as part of a 50 kilometre water supply to the Roman city of Nimes, and you can marvel at this feat of Roman engineering, as you walk over the bridge. Not to be missed!
Discover the immaculate and enchanting charm of Nice and the French Riviera
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