Tour Itinerary |
| Day
1. Board your overnight transatlantic flight. |
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| Day 2. Arrival in Paris, France :
Joyeux Noel. The day is free to rest or to start enjoying the magnificent "City
of Lights" during the holiday season. At 6 p.m. meet your traveling companions for a
welcome drink followed by dinner hosted by your tour director. (D) |
|
| Day 3. Paris : Morning
sightseeing with a local guide on both banks of the Seine: Arc de Triomphe, Opera,
Madeleine, Louvre, Champs-Elysees. For a panoramic view take the elevator to the first
floor of the EIFFEL TOWER. Of course you also visit Paris' greatest treasure, the Gothic
cathedral of NOTRE DAME with its gleaming stained-glass windows. Balance of the day is at
leisure. An optional afternoon excursion to the palace and gardens of Versailles is
available; tonight maybe a gourmet dinner in one of the city's fine restaurants to sample
seasonal treats such as the Buche de Noel (Yule log cake)? (BB) |
|
| Day 4. Paris at Leisure :
Another day to enjoy what this extraordinary metropolis has to offer. Explore the
world capital of chic and style at your own pace: shop for exquisite Christmas gifts
including perfume and fancy fashion accessories, enjoy the wonderful holiday department
store window displays, visit your choice of many art galleries and fine museums including
the Louvre, stroll through the magnificent parks, promenade along the Champs-Elysees. (BB)
|
|
| Day 5. Paris-Avignon-Nimes :
Early morning departure aboard the famous TGV high-speed-train that whisks you to
Avignon in time for lunch. Your sightseeing includes a picture stop of the bridge of the
popular song and the massive Palace of the Popes. View the gently rolling hills covered by
vineyards and dotted by castle-like mansions on your way to Pont du Gard. Admire the Roman
Aqueduct, a monumental feat of engineering more than 2,000 years old. Overnight in Nimes.
(BB,D) |
|
| Day 6. Nimes. Camargue Excursion : Your
orientation of Nimes includes the well-preserved Roman Amphitheater and the Maison Carree.
Afterwards head south to the PERRIER SPRINGS (not available for tour 1223) for a visit to
the world-renowned mineral water factory. You will learn how more than 800 million bottles
of natural spring water are produced each year. Next is AIGUES MORTES, one of the finest
examples of a medieval fortified town. Completely surrounded by walls, it has hardly grown
in the last 700 years, and has retained much of its original character. Enjoy a leisurely
lunch, and explore the town at your own pace: take a stroll along its busy streets, browse
through the Christmas Market, or climb to the top of its ramparts for great views of the
town and salt marshes typical of the Camargue. Back to Nimes with time for independent
activities: join the crowds on the streets of its pedestrian center or relax in the
enchanting Jardin de la Fontaine, the ornate gardens built on the site of the Roman baths
in the 18th century. (BB) |
|
| Day 7. Nimes. Provence Excursion :
Today follow in Van Gogh's steps as you visit the sites of some of his famous
paintings. See his beloved landscapes on your way to Arles where he painted more than 300
canvases, including the Sunflowers and the Alyscamps, as well as the famous Langlois
drawbridge recently restored on the Arles Canal. Join your tour director on a walking
sightseeing tour of the town; take pictures of the subjects painted by the great master;
admire the harmony of the ROMAN AMPHITHEATER and the remarkable doorway of St. Trophime,
beautifully carved in Provencal Romanesque style. Afterwards time to explore on your own.
Ask your tour director how to make the most of your MUSEUM FREE-PASS, browse in the shops
with their fine local produce, or soak up the Provencal atmosphere at one of the many
sidewalk cafes. Back to Nimes for your overnight. (BB) |
|
| Day 8. Nimes - Aix-En-Provence - Nice : This morning is
dedicated to Aix-en-Provence, one of France's most elegant cities. Explore its center on
foot, stroll along shaded Cours Mirabeau, discover colorful squares, or admire its famous
cafes, fountains, and the local "Foire des santons," fair of the "little
saints." These Provencal clay creche figurines are produced in the south of France
throughout the year. The craftsmanship involved in creating the santons is astounding and
the molds have been passed from generation to generation since the seventeenth century.
Throughout December the figures are sold at annual Christmas fairs. After lunch, visit a
SANTONS' WORKSHOP to learn how the figurines are crafted. Then head east pass Cezanne's
Mount St. Victoire to Nice, the "Queen of the Riviera." (BB,D) |
|
| Day 9. At Leisure in Nice : Full
day to enjoy this enchanting resort on the French Riviera at your own pace. Take your pick
from fine MUSEUMS (free-pass included), elegant shops, the Christmas Market, or stroll
along the famous Promenade des Anglais. You could also join your tour director for a
relaxed included walk through historic Nice. Tonight you may want to take part in an
optional excursion to Monaco, seat of residence of Prince Rainier and the late Princess
Grace, to try your luck at the gambling tables of the Monte Carlo Casino. (BB) |
|
| Day 10 Nice. French Riviera
Excursion : Visit the picturesque hilltop town of ST. PAUL DE VENCE,
home to many artists who sell their colorful paintings from small studio shops. Then on to
Cannes, opulent resort of film festivals and millionaire yachtsmen. After a leisurely
lunch, follow the glittering shores of the Cote d'Azur back to Nice. How about celebrating
the success of your holiday tour by taking in a festive, farewell dinner tonight? (BB) |
|
| Day 11 : Your homebound flight
arrives the same day. (BB) |
|
Globus
Hotels |
| PARIS Scribe (D), NIMES Imperator Concorde
(F);departure Dec 22 ARLES Jules Cesar (F), NICE Hotel West-End (F) or Grand Hotel Aston
(F) |
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(Information extracted from Globus)
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Departure
Dates & Prices Tour Highlights Tour Itinerary |
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