Bienvenue France! Your exciting rail tour begins in the stylish city of Paris with its grand Champs Elysees, Notre Dame and Eiffel Tower. Next, travel by train to Aix-en-Provence with its chic boutiques and cafes, the medieval town of Avignon, Roman Nimes and beautiful Nice. A special highlight is a trip along the Côte díAzur to elegant Monaco and luxurious Monte Carlo.

View Prices and Dates Tour Highlights and Inclusions Images and Route Map View Itinerary

• Hotel accommodations for 10 nights
• One-way travel aboard the TGV from Paris to Aix-en-Provence
• Transportation by deluxe motorcoach
• 14 meals
• Sightseeing and scenic excursions per itinerary (admission to all attractions included in tour price)
• Local guides in Paris and Arles
• Services of a professional tour manager
• Baggage handling
• Taxes and service charges
• Paris
• Notre Dame
• Eiffel Tower
• Cours Miraabeau
• Menerbes
• Place de líHorloge
• Nimesí Roman Arena
• Arles
• Cassis
• Place Masséna
• Monte Carlo

Day 1 - Depart USA for Paris
Board your international flight for the journey across the Atlantic Ocean. (Air travel not included in tour cost)

Day 2 - Bonjour Paris
Arrive in Franceís glittering capital of Paris, check into your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Relax in your room or start exploring this amazing city. This evening, join your tour manager and fellow traveling companions for a welcome reception followed by an evening drive to see the cityís impressive illuminations. Overnight Paris. (R)

Day 3 - Paris Sightseeing
An expert local guide accompanies our sightseeing tour of Paris this morning. View the Champs Elysees, Arc de Triomphe and Notre Dame and ascend to the second level of the Eiffel Tower for impressive views of the city. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to see the sights of your choice. This evening you may wish to take in a famous Parisian cabaret show. Overnight Paris. (BB)

Day 4 - Paris at Your Leisure
The entire day is free for you to explore Paris on your own. The city is home to many world-renowned galleries and museums including the Louvre, Musee díOrsay and Les Invalides, featuring Napoleanís tomb. You can cruise along the Seine, stroll through the Tuileries or take an excursion to the magnificent palace of Versailles. Use your included hop on/hop off sightseeing ticketóitís a great way to get around the city! Overnight Paris. (BB)

Day 5 - TGV to Aix-en-Provence
Today we board the high-speed TGV train for the journey from Paris to Aix-en-Provence, a vibrant city with an abundance of grand period architecture. See the sights during your orientation including Place de la Rotonde, Cours Mirabeau and the thermal springs. Spend free time after your tour exploring on your own or shopping in fashionable boutiques. Overnight Aix-en-Provence. (BB)

Day 6 - Menerbes
Drive through the beautiful Provençal countryside Menerbes, immortalized by Peter Mayle in his book, "A Year in Provence." Enjoy a delicious lunch complete with local cuisine at a family-run winery in the famous Luberon area and learn about the excellent wines that are produced here. Return to Aix-en-Provence later today with free time to do as you please. Overnight Aix-en-Provence. (BB, L)

Day 7 - Avignon / Nimes
Today we travel to Avignon for a tour that includes the famous broken bridge, the bustling Place de líHorloge and the Palace of the Popes, an immense fortification built in the 14th century. Our travels continue to Nimes, where highlights of our orientation tour include the Roman Arena and the 2,000-year-old Roman Temple known as the Maison Carée. Overnight Nimes. (BB)

Day 8 - Nimes Cooking Class
The day starts with a visit to St. Remy de Provence Market to buy fresh produce for your culinary adventure. Next, join your fellow travelers for a cooking class from a qualified chef at a nearby restaurant, where you will work together to produce a delicious lunchóand then eat it! Later today, return to the hotel with the evening at your leisure. Overnight Nimes. (BB, L)

Day 9 - Arles / Cassis / Nice
A short drive brings you to Arles to see the Roman Amphitheater and Romanesque cathedral during a walking tour with an expert local guide. Next, weíll drive south to coastal Cassis and take a cruise around the bay and view the limestone coves (calanques) which provide shelter for local wildlife. Later, continue to Nice for a sightseeing tour that includes the Promenade des Anglais, Place Massena and the Old Town as well as spectacular views of the Bay of Angels from chateau park. Overnight Nice. (BB)

Day 10 - Excursion to Monaco and Monte Carlo
Today we drive along the sparkling Côte díAzur to Monaco. See the Palace of the Grimaldiísóruling family for the past 700 yearsóand the Cathedral where Princess Grace and Prince Rainier are buried. Continue along part of the Grand Prix circuit to Monte Carlo with the chance to visit a casino. Return to Nice with the evening at your leisure. Overnight Nice. (BB)

Day 11 - Nice As You Like It
You have a full day at leisure to explore Nice on your own. Visit the flower market in the old town or perhaps relax on the beach or swim in the Mediterranean. This evening, raise a toast to your fellow travelers at a celebratory farewell dinner. Overnight Nice. (BB, D)

Day 12 - Tour Conclusion
Say farewell to France and your newfound friends as your vacation comes to a close. (BB)