Itinerary

Day 1 Nice

Nice is the capital of the French Riviera and a glittering jewel of the Côte d'Azur. It is a city built on wealth and prestige, and not a little pretension. Head away from the Promenade and you'll find a different, more thoughtful Nice. History shows itself in the Roman and Grecian ruins in the Parc du Château, art manifests itself in the form of the outstanding Chagall and Matisse collections, and the old town simply oozes Mediterranean charm.

Airport transfer with private vehicle and English speaking driver. (A supplement for transfer between 8pm and 7am may be charged).

A welcome package with your vouchers, itinerary, city maps and train tickets (where relevant) will be waiting for you at your first hotel in Nice.

Take a guided walking tour in "Vieux Nice, France’s most Baroque old city. Discover the Cours Saleya (with its flower market in the morning), and a hundred stalls of plants, bouquets and cut flowers. Against the backdrop of the Castle Hill, this colourful display is a must. Discover the heart of the old town, its lively atmosphere and customs, the small St Francis Square with its fish market and fountain, other piazzas with their 17th and 18th Baroque churches, small cafes where the Niçois people like to meet, and winding alleys lined with quaint shops.

The Splendid hotel & Spa Nice (4*) is a boutique hotel ideally located in the heart of Nice city and at only 7km from the airport. The hotel boast 85 harmony rooms, 28 deluxe rooms and 15 suites which are an invitation to relaxation. Tastefully decorated in Mediterranean style which will remind you of the Côte of Azur, 85 % of them have a balcony or a terrace. All of them have large openings allowing spaces to be flooded with daylight. The "Chez Hugo " Restaurant offers Mediterranean cuisine and panoramic views of the city and the sea. On the eight floor is a spectacular heated swimming pool with impressive views, a sunny terrace and jacuzzi.

Overnight at Splendid (4*).

Day 2 Nice

Enjoy a private half day tour (4hrs) of Nice with your own English speaking guide and vehicle. Places of interest that you may like to visit include the Castel Park overlooking the Bay of Angels and Old Town - site of the trading town founded by the Greeks 2700 years ago. Drive along the harbour and admire the Turin style buildings. Contemplate the Old in Place Garibaldi and the New along Promenade des Arts (Modern Art Museum, Sosno’s library, Acropolis congress center...). Arrive in Cimiez, winter home of Queen Victoria. Stop at the Roman Arenas of Cemenelum. Enjoy the Matisse Museum or walk among the olive trees’ garden and the 15th c. garden of the Franciscan Monastery. Visit the extraordinary Russian Cathedral, the largest and most beautiful one outside Russia. Return by the Promenade des Anglais passing its famous landmarks and “Belle Epoque” buildings and possibly end the tour with a visit to the flower market (morning only) in the Old Town. At the end of the tour you canopt to be let off in the city centre or returned to your accommodation. (entrances not included).

Coming from Nice through the highway, arrive in Cannes and stop on Croisette Avenue. Get dinner at “Palm Square” restaurant, featuring exotic decoration and a musical ambiance. (not included). Another option is Dinner at Barriere Croisette casino restaurant featuring "games room" decoration and a chic atmosphere. (not included). Entrance to the casino is included (passport is necessary, forbidden under 18 years old). On the way back taking the seaside road, there's a short stop to see the animated streets of Juan les Pins.

Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant (not included in tour price). Here are a few suggestions: Les Viviers- An elegant dining room with light wood panelling or a 1900s-style bistro: two decors but the same cuisine, based on fish, seafood and dishes of the day. Classic cuisine with prices approximately 38€ (weekday lunch)/85€ - Menu: 39€/90€. Closed 21 July-18 August, Saturday lunch and Sunday. Brasserie Flo - A parterre of tables and troop of waiters at the ready: the bell rings and the deep-red curtain goes up on the kitchens of this brasserie housed in a 1930 theatre. Meals - 23€ - 30€ incl. drinks (lunch)/55€ - Menu: 32€/67€.Stephane Viano - Easily recognisable by its long veranda furnished with Provençal-blue chairs, this fashionable restaurant also has a dining room with a vaulted ceiling and black and white decor. Typical Nice dishes given a modern twist. Meals - 32€/58€ - Menu: 42€/58€. Closed on Sundays.

Overnight at Splendid (4*).

Day 3 Aix en Provence

Aix-en-Provence is a city in southern France, some 30 km north of Marseille, in the region of Provence and is often referred to as the city of a thousand fountains. The old town; contains wide but irregular streets and houses many old mansions dating from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. It has a vibrant market in the center of the old town, and the surrounding blocks are full of shops, cafes, art galleries and boutiques. Aix-en-Provence invites a full day of strolling and exploring the sights and smells of this famous region.

Train station transfer with private vehicle and English speaking Driver.

Enjoy the train ride along the mediteranean from Nice to Aix en Provence. Train duration is approximately 3 .5 hours and often requires a change in Marseille.

Train station transfer in private vehicle with French speaking Driver.

Enjoy time at leisure strolling around Aix. Be sure to wander down the broad Cours Mirabeau. This idyllic shady promenade is planted with old plane trees and in the middle of the roadway stand three beautiful fountains. There are several impressive buildings in the street, among them the Hôtel des Villiers (No. 2; 1710), the Hôtel d'Isouard de Vauvenargues (No. 10; 1710), the Hôtel d'Arbod Jouques (No. 19; early 18th C.), the Hôtel de Forbin (No. 20; 1656) and the Hôtel de Maurel de Pontèves (No. 38; 1647-50; now the offices of the Principal of the University). At the east end of the Cours Mirabeau stands the Fontaine du Roi René, the work of David d'Angers (19th C.) and the Chapelle des Oblats, part of the Carmelite Monastery designed by a pupil of Puget and restored about 1700. The "Deux Garçons" cafe dates from the 18th C. North of the Cours Mirabeau the Old Town extends as far as the Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall) and is largely a pedestrian precinct. Be sure to wander down the Rue Gaston de Saporta - An ancient (pedestrianised) street which houses four superb mansions from the 17th and 18th centuries.- No.23, the Hotel Maynier d'Oppede, and at No.. 21, The Hotel Boyer de Fonscolombe, No. 19, The Hotel de Chateaurenard, No. 17, The Hotel d'Estienne de Saint Jean.

The Chateau De La Pioline (4*) is five minutes from Aix en Provence city center and is close to the river l'Arc. Belonging equally to the 16th century and the new millenium where the past and its magic are combined with the charm of true luxury, the hotel is a listed monument. Newly restored in 1991, the building is surrounded by a courtyard and small private garden. The two wings of the Mansion shelter the fountain of the main courtyard decorated with vases. There is a four hectare park that invites guests to beautiful walks and an outdoor pool in which guest can relax and enjoy a swim during the hot summer months.

Overnight at Chateau De La Pioline (4*).

Day 4 Aix en Provence

Enjoy a half day private excursion in the Camargue. Departure from Aix . First stop at the eco museum of Crau. You will reach Arles, the door of the Nature Reserve Park of Camargue and its wide spaces where bulls and horses roam, take the Cacharel road with its many pink flamingos, then we will stop at Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer and its famous legend (visit of the church, time at leisure. Later, stop at the Bird sanctuary of Pont de Gau for a discovery, on foot, in between marshes and reeds of the main birds of Camargue OR horse riding (not included in cost). Return to Aix.

Overnight at Chateau De La Pioline (4*).

Day 5 Avignon

Avignon city is well known for its Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes), where several popes and antipopes lived from the early 14th to early 15th centuries. The palace is an impressive monument and sits within a square of the same name. Nearby, Notre Dame des Doms cathedral is a Romanesque building, mainly built during the 12th century.

Arrival in the exceptional village Les Baux through the spectacular Val d’Enfer. The narrow streets and the ruins of the castle will remind you of the proud lords and troubadours of the Middle Ages while admiring a breathtaking scenery. Guided visit, free time and return to Aix along small roads, through the enchanting scenery of Les Alpilles. Entrance fees (optional) not included.

Avignon Grand Hôtel (4*), with 122 rooms, is ideally located at the foot of the city’s ramparts, which date to the Middle Ages, and just a stone’s throw from the Palais des Papes [Popes’ Palace]. It is also nearby other points of interest such as the lively Place de l'Horloge, the train station and most of the city's many museums. Perfect for relaxing, its style combines modernity and Provençal tradition. Amenities include an outdoor pool and solarium.

Overnight at Hotel Avignon Grand (4*).

Day 6 Avignon

Enjoy a train station transfer in Avignon with a private vehicle with French speaking Driver.

Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

 End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart .

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