the French Riviera & Paris

Day 1 | Arrive in Nice

Arrive in Nice on the French Riviera. Private transportation to your hotel. Stretch your legs on a walk and discover your beautiful surroundings. Take a stroll along the famed Promenade des Anglais, dip your toes in the Mediterranean and enjoy an evening meal at your hotel.

Day 2 | Explore Antibes

Enjoy a relaxing day on your own today; you may want to hop on a train that runs along the coast and visit Antibes (30-minute ride). The ancient walled town of Antibes is one of the liveliest and prettiest on the Riviera with its relaxed beachy feel, thriving superyacht port, and gorgeous old town of narrow cobbled streets, markets, and cafes. Perhaps enjoy a little shopping in town before returning to Nice for dinner at one of our recommended restaurants.

Day 3 | Explore Nice & All it has to offer

You will meet your guide today for a tour of the lovely Mediterranean city of Nice with its shaded, winding streets and charming pastel houses. Discover the Cours Saleya Market: flanked by historic buildings, with a view of the Castle Hill waterfall, the wide pedestrian-only market is one of the most picturesque markets in France.
After lunch, climb the 300 steps up to the Château de Nice for stunning views out across the crystal Mediterranean. You may enjoy a drive to the lovely perched village of Eze after lunch. Incredible views and a good climb!

Day 4 | Saint Paul de Vence

Today with your private guide you will explore the backcountry: Saint Paul de Vence, a source of inspiration to so many well-known artists. Stroll the lovely village and admire the views of the coast all the way to the snow-capped peaks of the Maritime Alps.

Carry on to Vence and the Matisse Chapel, as well as Tourrettes sur Loup with is quaint village square, lined with cafés.

You may like to visit a cheese farm off the beaten path and sample their marvelous offerings! Enjoy lunch in the stunning perched village of Gourdon, then return to Nice for the evening.

Day 5 | Travel to Paris & explore

Take a taxi to the train station for your mid-morning high-speed TGV train journey to Paris. Upon arrival, private transportation will take you from the Gare de Lyon to your hotel.

If you have the time, take a walk to discover your surroundings. If your hotel is located near the Tuileries Gardens, start your walk there, then head over to the Maison du Chocolat. Walk down the rue de Rivoli and cross over to the Ile de la Cite to admire Notre Dame, then cross to the ile Saint Louis and enjoy an evening meal before returning to your hotel.

Day 6 | Marais district & The Eiffel Tower

Today we recommend exploring the lovely Marais district. Lively and vibrant, the charm of the Marais lies in its cobblestone streets, historic spots and quirky boutiques.

Head to Luxembourg Gardens and enjoy the tree-lined promenades and watch the toy sailboats drifting on a central pond called Le Grand Bassin, Stop for refreshments at a café, admire the riot of colorful flowers surrounding the famous Medici Fountain built in 1620.

Make sure to visit the stunning Place des Vosges. Walk under the high-ceilinged vaulted galleries to window-shop and enjoy a meal out on one of the terraces or at one of our preferred restaurants nearby: Your last stop today is the Eiffel Tower: ride to the top and admire the sparkling city spread before you,

Day 7 | Historic Paris

Discover the Latin Quarter which lies at the core of all that is historic and lovely in the French capital. It is lively and inviting, with sidewalk cafes and stately architecture to discover. This neighborhood offers everything from vibrant market streets like Rue Mouffetard to classic old squares and pretty streets like Place de la Contrescarpe and Rue Monge.

Another option this morning: The Catacombes de Paris area is a must-see in the capital for those who are brave enough! This municipal ossuary, one of the largest in the world, houses the remains of millions of Parisians who were moved there once the city’s cemeteries became too unsanitary starting in the 18th century (pre-booking is required). You may prefer to visit the Jardin des Plantes where you will find France’s oldest zoo, a historic botanical school and the Natural History Museum.

Day 8 | The Louvre & The Arc de Triomphe

Private guided tour of the iconic Louvre Museum this morning (2.5 hours).

After lunch, walk towards the Arc de Triomphe, across the Place de la Concorde and its Luxor Obelisk, then past the Grand Palais and the Petit Palais. Stop for a little shopping along the famed Champs Elysées boulevard, then climb to the top of the Arc de Triomphe and admire the views.

Day 9 | Montmartre & Seine River Cruise

This morning we suggest discovering the charming village of Montmartre, where you’ll find famous sites like the Sacré Coeur Basilica and the Maison Rose. Set amongst beautiful winding streets and ivy-covered buildings, Montmartre offers a myriad of hidden away lovely corners for you to discover (self-guided). Painters and writers moved here in the early 1900’s including Henri Matisse, Picasso, and Modigliani to name a few. Get your portraits drawn in the Place du Tertre, a great souvenir of your trip.

After lunch, enjoy a 2 and ½-hour cruise from La Villette and Canal Saint-Martin, filled with the poetry of its romantic paths and pedestrian bridges, to the magnificent Musée d’Orsay, discovering quaint and out-of-the-way sights such as l'Hôtel du Nord, La Bastille, as well as a charming marina called l’Arsenal, then back on the Seine. Drift by the Louvre on your right and disembark at the Musée d’Orsay.

If you have time, visit the Musée d'Orsay, home of the world’s greatest Impressionist collection for a self-guided tour this afternoon.

Day 10 | travel Day

Your hotel will arrange your transfer to the airport for your flight home. Bon voyage!

Per-Person pricing estimate: $5,995.00

(flights not included)