Riviera Magic<br>9 days

Board your overnight flight to Nice today. Meals: In-flight Welcome to the Côte d'Azur. Ever since the author Stéphen Liégeard published the book 'La Côte d'Azur' in 1887, the name stuck to this glamorous stretch of the Mediterranean coast, the French Riviera. Enjoy free time to get acquainted with your surroundings before joining your tour director and fellow travelers for a welcome orientation and dinner of French specialties. Let the adventure begin! Meals: In-flight, Dinner Inclusions: Airport transfer with purchased AESU airfare Welcome orientation Welcome dinner We travel to Cannes by train today to visit this beautiful ritzy town famous for its annual film festival, great shopping, excellent food, and long golden, sandy beach along the famous La Croisette Promenade. Get a true behind-the-scenes look on our tour led by a screenwriter and historical researcher. Following our guide across the city - from local markets to beaches; through the old town and beyond - we learn about how this quiet fishing district became home to the world's most celebrated film festival and celebrity hangout. Afterwards, enjoy time walking among the designer bars, couture shops and palaces while admiring Ferraris and Porsches or even spotting some celebrities on a posh yacht along the way. Then we're in for a special treat as we board our luxury catamaran and sail along the Bay of Cannes while relaxing on deck. Take in views of the fabulous French Riviera coastline and splash into the sea for a swim and snorkel. Our half-day sail includes a buffet lunch on board. We later return to our Riviera hotel for a free evening. Meals: Breakfast Inclusions: Round-trip train tickets to Cannes Croisette pedestrian promenade Guided behind-the-scenes tour of Cannes history, glamour & cinema, led by a screenwriter and historical researcher Optional activity: Afternoon Catamaran ride along the Bay of Cannes Enjoy a free day. Relax on the beach, opt to rent a kayak or SUP, swim in the sparkling sea, or just shop until you drop. Consider exploring the casinos and night clubs later on this evening. You may want to join us on an exciting visit to glitzy Saint-Tropez, a coastal town known for its jet-set lifestyle boasting one of the liveliest social scenes along the coast. Our boat takes us on a one-hour journey along the seashore with lovely views. Upon arrival, we board a motor coach taking us to Chateau Minuty Gassin. This family-owned estate hand-picks all their grapes, assuring high-quality wines. After a tour of the grounds including a private house and a chapel dating back to the 19th-century, we will taste some of the winery's fabulous creations. Afterwards, explore the cobblestoned streets of la Ponch, the old fishing district of Saint-Tropez, and take time for lunch at a quaint bistro with fellow travelers. We return to our Riviera hotel for an evening at leisure. Meals: Breakfast Inclusions: Free day Optional activity: Day excursion to Saint-Tropez by boat, winery visit including wine tasting In just under one hour our train whisks us to Nice, Queen resort of the Côte d'Azur. We'll start our exploration at Place Massena then venture along the charming streets of the old town with pastel-colored villas, boutiques and small shops including fragrant fromageries, boulangeries and various types of restaurants. Along the way we see the Opera House, Palais de Justice, Place Rossetti, and Castle Hill. Our French Brasserie dinner includes some unique local culinary treats for you to try. Before we head back to our hotel, take time to check out live music bars and clubs in the old town or take a walk on the breathtaking beachfront along the palm tree-lined Promenade des Anglais. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Inclusions: Round-trip train ticket to Nice Exploration of Nice, Queen resort of the Côte d'Azur Place Massena Palais de Justice Castle Hill French Brasserie dinner Get ready for a day filled with wonderful encounters for all of your senses. The picturesque hilltop village of Eze dates back to the Middle Ages and clings impressively to the mountainside above the Mediterranean Sea. Panoramic views, ancient façades and opulent gardens are some of the most memorable features of this lovely village. We'll tour the legendary perfume factory of Fragonard and visit the cosmetics laboratory where the brand's perfumes and other skin care products are made. After lunch continue to Monaco, home to the renowned Formula One Grand Prix. After Prince Rainier married American actress Grace Kelly, this sleepy town on the Mediterranean transformed into a fabled and glamorous metropolis. Enjoy the view of the town from La Turbie, knowns as the "Monaco terrace", then discover the old town, fantastic glimpses overlooking the harbor and see the Prince's Palace, before exploring the famous Monte Carlo Casino. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Inclusions: Transportation by private motor coach Visit to picturesque hilltop town Eze Fragonard Perfume Factory visit in Eze Mediterranean lunch in Eze La Turbie viewpoint 'Monaco terrace' Monaco's old town Prince's Palais Monte Carlo Casino We say 'adieu' to our Riviera home and board our private motor coach, taking us straight into Aix-en-Provence, a city of elegance. This open-air history book boasts a lovely Mediterranean climate, charming streets, and lively squares. The city's center is characterized by pastel buildings, bustling daily markets, and streets lined with irresistible shops. The sparkling skies, facades of elegant Renaissance mansions, splendid fountains, Provençal cuisine, and the gentle way of life make this city an icon of "bon vivre," what locals call "good living." Free time may find you exploring the local markets and savoring tapenade toast, tasting delicious cheeses, sipping on local wines, or tasting Nougat, the famous local sweet. This afternoon we discover the places where Paul Cézanne used to spend his days and fans of the Aix-born post-Impressionist artist will truly enjoy a tour of his studio. The evening is at leisure in Aix. Meals: Breakfast Inclusions: Transportation by private motor coach Aix-en-Provence old town and markets Tour of Cézanne's studio Explore the charming town of Aix on your own today or join our optional all-day excursion to Valensole. From around mid-June to mid-August the region is brimming with the sights and smells of lavender - it's truly a spectacle not to be missed. The Valensole Plateau produces one of the best fields with endless stretches of fragrant rows and is likely the most visited and subsequently most photographed lavender growing region. On our bike ride through the purple-colored fields, we learn about the history of lavender production in the area, wander around a lavender farm and take some time to pose for selfies in the middle of a lavender field. After lunch in the village of Valensole, explore the boutiques and shops or try some lavender ice cream. Before returning to Aix, we visit a Lavender Distillery to learn about harvesting and oil extraction from the flowers and how the farms create their lavender products. There will be time to shop for local soaps, oils, bags, and perfumes to take home as souvenirs. Back in Aix-en-Provence, get ready for our farewell Riviera Magic dinner. Share the good times one last time before we say 'au revoir' and exchange contact information with new-found friends. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Inclusions: Free day Farewell Riviera Magic dinner Optional activity: Full day excursion to Valensole, bike ride in the Lavender fields, lavender factory visit, lunch Our adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning as you board your flight home, filled with not only delicious French food and wine but also with a feeling of having seen how incredible the south of France really is. Meals: Breakfast, In-flight Inclusions: Airport transfer with purchased AESU airfare