Paris, Provence & Riviera
8 Days
from
$3,304
to
$4,056
per person*
Highlights:
France
(Paris)
,
Provence
(Avignon)
,
French Riviera
(Nice)
Trip Start/End:
Paris
/
Nice
Prepare to be wowed by the sights of Paris after dark from your grandstand view in the Eiffel Tower restaurant, before floating gently back down to earth in the Mediterranean city of Nice.
From the grand architecture and world class museums of Paris to the opulent splendor of Versailles, nothing can prepare you for a first visit to this world-class city. The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe and the boutiques along the Champs Elysees are just some of the breathtaking highlights. Once you have taken your fill of cultural attractions you will be smoothly transferred by train to Avignon. Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the 14th century Pope’s Palace before enjoying a scenic cruise on the River Rhone en route to a gourmet dinner and wine tasting experience. Finish your French adventure in the chic city of Nice on the French Riviera.
Allow us to arrange a private airport transfer to your lcentrally located luxury hotel in Paris. This sets the tone for the rest of your stay, which includes guided tours of the Paris sights, a trip to Versailles, private dinner high above the City of Lights at the Eiffel Tower restaurant and a memorable cruise on the Seine after dark. Travel by train to the Papal City of Avignon where a centrally located hotel becomes your home-away-from-home. Tour the sights in the company of an English-speaking guide before journeying by high-speed train to Nice where a private driver will escort you to your grand Old Town hotel.
Enjoy a personalized vacation that best suits your needs, developed by one of our experienced destination experts. Relax during your trip with our 24/7 support and expert local guidance.
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)
| Banke (4*)
Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 2
- Paris
| - Self-Guided - Walking Tour
- Lunch (not included)
- Shared - 1/2 d Versailles (4hrs) - Coach/Guide
- Self-Guided - Optional Dinner: Le Procope
- Dinner (not included)
| Banke (4*)
Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 3
- Paris
| - At Leisure
- Lunch (not included)
- 1/2 d Dinner at the Eiffel Tower & Cruise (3.5 hrs) - Transfer/Unescorted Cruise
- Dinner (included)
| Banke (4*)
Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 4
- Paris - Avignon
| - Transfer - Private - Train Station - Vehicle/Driver
- Train - Paris - Avignon [3 hrs] - 1st Class Train Ticket
- Transfer - Private - Train Station (TGV) - Vehicle/Driver
- Lunch (not included)
- Self-Guided - Pont d'Avignon, Pope's Palace, 1hr Cruise & Dinner - Dinner/Cruise
- Dinner (included)
| Hotel De L`Horloge (4*)
Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 5
- Avignon
| - Shared - All of Provence in a Day Tour (10 hrs) - Vehicle/Guide
- Lunch (not included)
- Continuation of day tour
- Dinner (not included)
| Hotel De L`Horloge (4*)
Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 6
- Avignon - Nice
| - Transfer - Private - Train Station (TGV) - Vehicle/Driver
- Train - Avignon - Nice [4 hrs] - 1st Class Train Ticket
- Transfer - Private - Train Station - Vehicle/Driver
- Lunch (not included)
- Self-Guided - Walking tour of Nice
- Dinner (not included)
| Boscolo Nice Plaza (4*) (B) (Superior Room) |
- Day 7
- Nice
| - Shared - Riviera Panorama (9hrs) - Minibus/Driver-Guide
- Lunch (not included)
- Continuation of day tour
- Dinner (not included)
| Boscolo Nice Plaza (4*) (B) (Superior Room) |
- Day 8
- 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
Banke Hotel
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: Banke (4*) Banke Hotel (4*) located in the Opera district, in the very heart of Paris, is a stone's throw from Boulevard Haussmann and the Galeries Lafayette. This design hotel is only 250 metres from Le Peletier Metro Station, providing easy access to the Louvre Museum and Gare de l’Est Train Station. Housed within a building dating to the beginning of the 20th century, and designed by Architects Paul Friesse and Cassien Bernard, the stately building sits proudly at the junction of Rue La Fayette and Rue Pillet Will. On the first floor, the original architectural elements, such as the mouldings, the height of the ceiling and the parquet flooring, have all been enhanced, bringing the Haussmann style into the 21st century. All luxurious guest rooms feature a marble bathroom, unique furnishings and golden mosaics, while some offer a marble fireplace and a living area. Interiors are decorated in cream and chocolate tones, purple curtains, parquet flooring, plaited leather rugs, damask leather headboards and designer furniture. From the smallest room right up to the most luxurious suite, comfort is guaranteed thanks to the quality of the fine materials. Each air-conditioned room is equipped with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Wired internet access is available.
Montmatre
Versailles
Le Procope Restaurant
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.
The oldest café in Paris...
This prestigious place, founded in 1686 by Francesco Procopio del Cotelli, welcomed such famous patrons as Voltaire, Danton, Robespierre, Molière, Diderot and Benjamin Franklin. The restaurant, which is steeped in history and has a decor largely inspired by the great Parisian events that took place there, will undoubtedly entice you. Some of Le Procope’s culinary delights will also surprise you, notably the “coq au vin ivre de Juliénas” or the “Colbert” whiting in a tartar sauce. Meal not included, and paid locally
Accommodation: Banke (4*) 
Eiffel Tower by night
Day 3: Paris
Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.
This evening you will enjoy dinner at the Eiffel Tower, where you can view Paris from the first floor during your own private dinner at the restaurant Eiffel Tower 58. Dinner includes an aperitif, three course dinner, coffee and your choice of either 1/2 bottle of wine, mineral water (50cl), a beer or soda. Your assistant will then help you board the boat for your cruise along the river Seine, while you admire the monuments and bridges of the city known as the 'City of Light'. End of the tour at the Eiffel Tower.
Tour does not include transfer from hotel to meeting point and after the tour back to hotel. Please talk to your sales advisor if you'd like us to arrange private transfers.
Accommodation: Banke (4*) 
Avignon
Pope's Palace
Hotel De L'Horloge - exterior
Day 4: Paris - Avignon
Take a private train station transfer with a private vehicle and English speaking driver.
Enjoy the train ride from Paris to Avignon on a TGV (high speed train). Train time is approx. 3 hours.
Enjoy a train station transfer in Avignon with a private vehicle and driver.
Explore the highlights of Avignon at leisure on an unescorted tour of the UNESCO world heritage sites of the 12th century Pont d'Avignon, and the 14th century Pope's Palace before an hour long cruise and dinner. The Pont d'Avignon was the first construction over the Rhone River, between Lyon and the Mediterranean Sea in the 12th century. The bridge collapsed in the 17th century and the king never wanted to pay for restoring it. To this day, it stands as an unfinished structure. The Popes' Palace stands as the mighty symbol of the church's influence throughout the western Christian world in the 14th century and is the biggest Gothic palace in all of Europe. Then take a boat trip on the Rhone River, sailing upstream along the Rocher des Doms and the Pont St Benezet and back downstream to Villeneuve. Finally, enjoy a 3 course dinner in a gastronomic restaurant (drinks not included) located in Avignon. (Please note: from October to March, this tour will include a wine tasting in one wine shop in the city instead of the 1hr cruise).
Accommodation: Hotel De L`Horloge (4*) Hotel de L'Horloge Hotel (4*) is set in a 19th century building which oozes charm and character and overlooks the picturesque Place de L'Horloge (Horologe square) in the very centre of Avignon. Here, nestled between the Alpilles hills and the Luberon countryside, you will find yourself in the heart of a city which was once the capital of Christianity. All the rooms are typically quite small and are traditionally furnished with a soft colour scheme, many boasting excellent views into the city. Having recently been refurbished, the rooms and bathrooms are in very good condition.
Les Baux-de-Provence
Day 5: Avignon
Enjoy a full day shared excursion (10hrs) visiting all of the top sites in the region - Pont du Gard, Les Baux de Provence, Antiques of Saint Remy de Provence, Luberon, Roussillon and Gordes. On this 10 hour shared tour by minibus, your English speaking driver-licensed guide will pick up from hotel and escort you to all of the aforementioned sites. Visit the Pont du Gard - the most preserved aqueduct of the Roman period of the 1st century before stopping off at the picturesque medieval hilltop village of Les Baux de Provence. After having had some free time for lunch (not included), the tour continues to the site of the Antiques of Saint Remy de Provence which is an impressive triumphal arch and funeral monument. Picturesque roads through olive groves, vineyards and fields to see some of the most beautiful villages in Luberon. The village of Roussillon is famous for its red and yellow ochre cliffs, unusual natural landscape. Continuation toward Gordes, hilltop village in Luberon, which ranks among the most beautiful villages in France, completely made with dry stones. Enjoy a photo stop at Senanque Abbey (from June 15th to July 15th only) to take pictures of the blooming lavender fields. Visit of the Lavender Museum to discover the flower symbol of Provence (entrance ticket included, closed in January). Demonstration of distillation during the harvest (from July to August). On Sunday only, enjoy L’Isle sur la Sorgue, village famous for antique shops and the weekly market.
Accommodation: Hotel De L`Horloge (4*) 
Nice
Historical centre of Nice
Exterior
Day 6: Avignon - Nice
Enjoy a train station transfer in Avignon with a private vehicle and driver.
Take the high speed TGV from Avignon to Nice. Enjoy the scenery of the Provencal countryside during the 3-4hr journey.
Train station transfer with private vehicle and English speaking Driver.
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: Boscolo Nice Plaza (4*) The Plaza (4*) hotel is located in the heart of Nice, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and the Jardins Albert. It is a short stroll from the beach and picturesque market in the Old Town. This hotel has an elegant traditional Belle Epoque facade dating from the beginning of the 20th century. The reception area is bright and welcoming, laid out with marble. Following on from the reception area is a spacious lobby elegantly furnished with comfortable armchairs and glass tables. This hotel is in a prime location with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Plaza’s restaurant, La Terrasse, offers panoramic views and serves traditional French cuisine. Guests can relax with a drink in the hotel’s lounge bar or Plaz’Art cafe.
Antibes
Day 7: 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: Boscolo Nice Plaza (4*) Day 8: 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
- Banke Hotel
Banke Hotel Guest Room
Banke (4*) - Paris
Banke Hotel (4*) located in the Opera district, in the very heart of Paris, is a stone's throw from Boulevard Haussmann and the Galeries Lafayette. This design hotel is only 250 metres from Le Peletier Metro Station, providing easy access to the Louvre Museum and Gare de l’Est Train Station. Housed within a building dating to the beginning of the 20th century, and designed by Architects Paul Friesse and Cassien Bernard, the stately building sits proudly at the junction of Rue La Fayette and Rue Pillet Will. On the first floor, the original architectural elements, such as the mouldings, the height of the ceiling and the parquet flooring, have all been enhanced, bringing the Haussmann style into the 21st century. All luxurious guest rooms feature a marble bathroom, unique furnishings and golden mosaics, while some offer a marble fireplace and a living area. Interiors are decorated in cream and chocolate tones, purple curtains, parquet flooring, plaited leather rugs, damask leather headboards and designer furniture. From the smallest room right up to the most luxurious suite, comfort is guaranteed thanks to the quality of the fine materials. Each air-conditioned room is equipped with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Wired internet access is available.
- Hotel De L'Horloge - exterior
Hotel De L'Horloge (4*) - Avignon
Hotel de L'Horloge Hotel (4*) is set in a 19th century building which oozes charm and character and overlooks the picturesque Place de L'Horloge (Horologe square) in the very centre of Avignon. Here, nestled between the Alpilles hills and the Luberon countryside, you will find yourself in the heart of a city which was once the capital of Christianity. All the rooms are typically quite small and are traditionally furnished with a soft colour scheme, many boasting excellent views into the city. Having recently been refurbished, the rooms and bathrooms are in very good condition.
Boscolo Nice Plaza (4*)
The Plaza (4*) hotel is located in the heart of Nice, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and the Jardins Albert. It is a short stroll from the beach and picturesque market in the Old Town. This hotel has an elegant traditional Belle Epoque facade dating from the beginning of the 20th century. The reception area is bright and welcoming, laid out with marble. Following on from the reception area is a spacious lobby elegantly furnished with comfortable armchairs and glass tables. This hotel is in a prime location with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Plaza’s restaurant, La Terrasse, offers panoramic views and serves traditional French cuisine. Guests can relax with a drink in the hotel’s lounge bar or Plaz’Art cafe.
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.
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