France Explorer
5 Days
from
$1,550
to
$1,720
per person*
Highlights:
France
(Paris)
,
French Riviera
(Nice)
Trip Start/End:
Paris
/
Nice
Paris was always a prominent port of call in European grand journeys of old, and it has lost none of its charm and sense of romance for visitors today. The myriad of distinctive neighborhoods, each with its own idiosyncrasies and delights, makes the perfect backdrop to discover the heart of the city. One of the best ways to compliment your shared tours of the highlights of Paris is to stroll down any number of the quays, craning your neck to take in the splendor of the buildings on either side of the banks of the Seine which carves its way through the core of the city. Relax at one of the many street-side cafes and engage in the country’s most popular pastime – that of people watching, or hit the “grands magasins” – luxurious department stores in the 19th district. Of course there is also a jaw-dropping selection of museums to choose from.
From the cosmopolitan city of Paris, make your way to Cote d’Azur – the playground of the rich and famous. Soak in the atmosphere, rays of sunshine (hopefully!) and coastal ambiance of Nice, while wandering through the walled city and down to the “Promenade des Anglais” the wide, tree-lined promenade which gives onto the azure Mediterranean. Enjoy a shared tour to Cannes (home to the International Film festival), Antibes (with its largely intact fortified walls dating back to Roman times), Monaco (home of the Formula 1 circuit), Monte Carlo (of casino fame) and Eze (a charming village famous for its perfume making - ever seen the movie "Perfume"? - it was set here). Private airport transfers at the start and end of your tour.
Overview
| Day | Activities | Hotel |
- Day 1
- Paris
| - Transfer - Private - Airport (CDG or Orly) - Vehicle/Driver
- France - Welcome Package Paris & North
- Lunch (not included)
- Shared - 1/2 d Panoramic City Tour (3.5hrs) - Coach/Guide
- Dinner (not included)
| Comfort Andre Latin (3*)
Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 2
- Paris
| - Self-Guided - Walking Tour
- Lunch (not included)
- Shared - 1/2 d Versailles (4hrs) - Coach/Guide
- Dinner (not included)
- Optional: Evening Activities
| Comfort Andre Latin (3*)
Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 3
- Paris - Nice
| - Local taxi (not included)
- Train - Paris - Nice [6 hrs] - 2nd Class Train Ticket
- Local taxi (not included)
- Self-Guided - Walking tour of Nice
- Dinner (not included)
| Ellington (4*)
Classic (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
Alt: Mercure Promenade des Anglais (3*) (Standard)
Alt: Grand Hotel le Florence (3*) (Standard)
|
- Day 4
- Nice
| - Shared - Riviera Panorama (9hrs) - Minibus/Driver-Guide
- Lunch (not included)
- Continuation of day tour
- Dinner (not included)
| Ellington (4*)
Classic (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
Alt: Mercure Promenade des Anglais (3*) (Standard)
Alt: Grand Hotel le Florence (3*) (Standard)
|
- Day 5
- Nice
| - Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
| Depart
|
| B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive |
Trip Itinerary
Paris
Napoleon’s Tomb
Twin room
Day 1: Paris
Enjoy a private airport transfer in Paris in a private vehicle with a professional driver.
A welcome package with your vouchers, and itinerary, city map(s) and train tickets (where relevant) and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip.
Enjoy a half day shared panoramic tour of Paris with an English speaking driver-guide. On the tour you will discover the monuments which have made Paris famous throughout the world: Concorde Square - Louvre Museum, Seine river and its bridges, French Academy, Cité Island with the Palace of Justice and Notre-Dame Cathedral (stop and free time) - Hôtel de Ville (City Hall), the Latin Quarter with the Sorbonne and the Pantheon - Arch of Triumph - Champs-Elysées Avenue - Eiffel Tower (photo-stop) - Invalides with the dome of Napoleon’s Tomb, Opera House - Walking tour on your own in Montmartre, near Sacré-Coeur Basilica and the artists’ square. Includes hotel pick up and drop off. Please note that shared tours can have up to approx. 50 people (depending on the number of people that have signed up for the tour on the particular day, and are carried out in a number of languages).
Accommodation: Comfort Andre Latin (3*) Comfort Andre Latin (3*) is right next to the Pantheon, Saint Michel Boulevard and Mouffetard Street. It's also close to Saint Germain des Pres, Notre Dame and the Ile Saint Louis. Located in a historic district but it also has a bucolic side with the nearby Luxembourg Gradens and Jardin des Plantes Park. A prestigious location with excellent bus service, easy access to RER (direct access to Orly and Roissy airports) and within 10 minutes walking distance from the metro. Rooms at Hotel are equipped with satellite TV, a telephone and private bathroom. Some rooms have a balcony and all rooms are serviced by an lift.
Montmatre
Versailles
Paris by night
Day 2: Paris
Whether it is strolling down the famed Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré with a personal shopper; exploring the Louvre Museum with your iPod-based Da Vinci code museum tour, or taking a Soundwalk through the lively St. Germaine district, there is something to suit every mood and interest. Discover St Germain des Pres as you stroll through the literary and historical neighbourhood along winding streets lined with boutiques, art galleries and other places of interest. Alternatively (or in addition), explore the Marais neighbourhood - the most fashionable district of Paris in one of the most well preserved neighbourhoods of the city. Marvel at the remarkable 16th and 17th century mansions, squares and museums, beautiful streets steeped in history and trendy shops and bars. Lastly, discover the Montmartre area of Paris - a neighbourhood of steps and narrow cobblestoned streets which evokes images depicted by Toulouse Lautrec.
Discover Versailles Palace, the symbol of France's grandeur during the reign of the Sun King, Louis XIV. Leave Paris by the western districts of the city and follow the Normandy motorway as far as Versailles in a luxury air conditioned coach. Your guide will take you straight in without standing in line and lead you through the most beautiful rooms including the Royal Apartments, the Hall of Mirrors and the Queen’s private Apartment. Then enjoy some free time to explore the palace gardens. This tour has a central pick up and drop off point in the centre of Paris and hotel pick up and/or drop off is not provided. Includes: entrance to Versailles Palace, authorisation fees for guided visits, a multilingual guide with individual earphones. Please note that shared tours can have up to approx. 50 people (depending on the number of people that have signed up for the tour on the particular day, and are carried out in a number of languages). Note: from April 2nd to October 29th, the entrance fees to the gardens are NOT INCLUDED: - On "MUSICAL FOUNTAIN DISPLAY" days ( Saturdays and Sundays, Tuesdays from May 21st to June 25th + May 8th + May 9th + August 15th)- On "MUSICAL GARDENS" days (Tuesdays from April 2nd to May 14th and from July 2nd to October 29th), on bank holidays.
Paris takes on a different hue at night and, with many of the magnificent buildings aglow which make it is possibly the best time to admire the beauty of the city. There are plenty of options to choose from for evening entertainment including an early evening wine tasting in a beautiful, airy Parisian loft of a French sommelier located close to the lively Marais district, a dinner cruise, a cabaret show, dinner in the Eiffel tower followed by a night-time cruise, or an evening tour of the city with many of the historical buildings aglow.
Accommodation: Comfort Andre Latin (3*) 
Nice
Historical centre of Nice
Ellington, Nice
Day 3: Paris - Nice
Enjoy the train ride from Paris to Nice (direct) on the fast speed TGV train. Train duration is approximately 6 hours.
Explore the colorful, historical centre of Nice at leisure...The Cours Selaya Flower Market is a must-see. This is also one of the main neighborhoods for dining, with several cafés lining the outdoor market. If you want seafood, this is the spot to hit. There are also several souvenir shops, gourmet shops and other boutiques here. The Promenade des Anglais is something anyone visiting Nice is sure to see. The Pedestrian Zone (zone pietonne) is a bit of a tourist trap, but there's a good reason. This is a lovely area for a stroll, as cars are forbidden except for the early morning. The shops here are on the tacky-tee-shirt scale in most cases, although there are several great clothing store chains and nice shops like the gourmet boutique Ducs de Gascony. This is the ideal spot to sip a café au lait and watch the world go by. Follow the Cours Saleya which runs parallel to the United States quay - polychrome façades, flower market, fruit and vegetable market, chapelle de la Miséricorde) then turn left into the rue Jules-Gilly (Red Penitents’ chapel). Continue on Rue Droite (église du Gesù) before reaching on your left, place Rossetti (cathédrale Sainte-Réparate). Return to rue Droite (palais Lascaris) towards place Saint-François (fish market). Then back to the Promenade des Anglais and Place Masséna through the narrow streets of the old city (many shops and restaurants) or via the castle hill (splendid view over the city and the port).
Accommodation: Ellington (4*) The Ellington Hotel (4*) located close to the shopping center Nice Etoile and about 900 m from the famous Promenade des Anglais. The hotel is housed in a traditional Riviera style building, with an attractive facade which has been entirely restored and painted in a pale ochre colour with off-white window shutters. The comfortable accomodations and luxurious surroundings are sure to please the most discerning of guests.This charming hotel with its jazzy atmosphere was opened in December 2006. The hotel offers 119 rooms in 4 different categories; superior, deluxe, executive and junior suites. All the rooms are air conditonned and features flatscreen TV, satellite channesl, minbar, safety box (costs extra) wi-fi (costs extra) and coffee and tea facilities as well as bathroom with hairdryer.
Antibes
Day 4: Nice
View the whole Riviera in one day. Travel by the coast road and enjoy the sea views of the famous cornice road leading to Monaco. Stop on the famous Rock for a visit of the OldTown, the PrincePalace (opens June/October) and the Cathedral where Grace and Rainier were married. Here you can collect your thoughts in silence by their flowery graves. Drive through the formula 1 Grand Prix circuit to Monte-Carlo, and enjoy the world of elegance and luxury. Stop at the Casino square. Then visit the unforgettable middle-age village of Eze with boutiques carved in the rock. Discover the world of senses and flowers through a shopping visit to a perfumery. Then move to the west and arrive in Cannes. Admire la Croisette with luxury boutiques. Put your hands on the stars handprints by the famous red carpet of the FilmFestivalPalace. Lay back and enjoy a panoramic drive with breathtaking views of the different bays of Juan-Les-Pins and Antibes. Pass by exclusive Cap of Antibes, home of the famous Billionaires. Arrive in Antibes, Provencal walled city for a walk in the busy Old town and by the Billionaires quay where helicopters and yachts are there in abundance. Includes: pick up/drop off at the hotel, English speaking driver guide.
Accommodation: Ellington (4*) Day 5: Nice
Airport transfer with private vehicle and English speaking driver. (A supplement for transfer between 8pm and 7am may be charged).
Accommodation: Depart Depart from Nice airport - end of itinerary.
Accommodations
- Comfort Andre Latin (3*)
Comfort Andre Latin (3*) - Paris
Comfort Andre Latin (3*) is right next to the Pantheon, Saint Michel Boulevard and Mouffetard Street. It's also close to Saint Germain des Pres, Notre Dame and the Ile Saint Louis. Located in a historic district but it also has a bucolic side with the nearby Luxembourg Gradens and Jardin des Plantes Park. A prestigious location with excellent bus service, easy access to RER (direct access to Orly and Roissy airports) and within 10 minutes walking distance from the metro. Rooms at Hotel are equipped with satellite TV, a telephone and private bathroom. Some rooms have a balcony and all rooms are serviced by an lift.
- Ellington, Nice
Hotel Ellington Bedroom
Ellington (4*) - Nice
The Ellington Hotel (4*) located close to the shopping center Nice Etoile and about 900 m from the famous Promenade des Anglais. The hotel is housed in a traditional Riviera style building, with an attractive facade which has been entirely restored and painted in a pale ochre colour with off-white window shutters. The comfortable accomodations and luxurious surroundings are sure to please the most discerning of guests.This charming hotel with its jazzy atmosphere was opened in December 2006. The hotel offers 119 rooms in 4 different categories; superior, deluxe, executive and junior suites. All the rooms are air conditonned and features flatscreen TV, satellite channesl, minbar, safety box (costs extra) wi-fi (costs extra) and coffee and tea facilities as well as bathroom with hairdryer.
Travel Info
Travel tips of France
VISA/PASSPORT
France is a party to the Schengen Agreement. As such, U.S. and Canadian citizens may enter for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. The passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay.
Citizens of other countries may require a visa. Please ask your Sales Advisor. These requirements change often and therefore it is best that you check with the Embassy of France for the most up to date visa information.
HEALTH
Health insurance is recommended. Medical facilities are good quality. We recommend that you see a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. The doctor or health-care provider will determine what vaccinations and medication you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities. For more information on travel requirements, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/france.aspx
COUNTRY INFO
Capital: Paris.
Government: Republic since 1792.
Language: French is the official language. Many people speak at least some English.
Religion: Approximately 83% Roman Catholic; Protestant 2%; Muslim 5%
Time: GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).
Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Two-pin plugs are widely used.
Telephone: Country code +33.
Mobile Telephone: Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies. Coverage is excellent.
Internet: Public access is available at Internet cafes in most cities.
What's Included:
- Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services
What's not Included:
- Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance
Trip Terms & Conditions
- Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $350). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure.
- Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of 30% of program price. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to loss of 100% of program price.
- Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
- Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
- Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
- Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
- Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.
Stay in the know: Subscribe to our newsletter to have our hand-picked trips & specials delivered to you!