DAY 1, Tuesday - Depart for France
Depart on your flight to Paris, France

DAY 2, Wednesday - Arrive in Paris
Bienvenue! Arrive in magical Paris with its exquisite architecture, endless treasures and stylish boutiques; transfer to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Tonight, attend an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 5 PM, followed by dinner. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 4 PM
Overnight: Paris
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Thursday - Captivating Paris, Louvre Museum, Vintage Car Ride & Montmartre
Drive along the fashionable Champs Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe, Concorde Square, and the iconic Eiffel Tower, the symbol of Paris. Continue to the vivacious Left Bank, where artists, philosophers, and writers in a long-gone era flourished in the artistic community of Montparnasse. Next visit the Louvre Museum, one of the most famous in Paris. Of the many exhibitions found therein, view the medieval fortress and the museum's most celebrated masterpiece, Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa. Afterward, ride in style in a vintage French Citroën that will chauffeur you through picturesque Parisian streets to stylish Montmartre. In Montmartre, prepare for spectacular views of the city from the steps of the Basilica Sacre Coeur. Time to walk along the winding lanes to mingle with street artists selling their wares at Place du Tertre
Overnight: Paris
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4, Friday - Pont du Gard, Avignon's Palace of the Popes
This morning, board a TGV express train that whisks you to Avignon, one of France's loveliest cities. On arrival visit one of the true masterpieces of Roman architecture, the extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage listed Pont du Gard, graced with 52 precision-built arches. This ancient aqueduct, built during the first century AD, was used to transport water from Uzes to Nimes and is considered one of the finest remaining Roman aqueducts. Return to Avignon, a medieval city dramatically surrounded by battlements and towers. The site of the papacy during the 14th century, seven Popes once resided at the soaring World Heritage Site known as the Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes). On the walking tour to the colorful central square, view the impressive legacy of ecclesiastical architecture. Afterward, dinner is at the hotel
Overnight: Avignon
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 5, Saturday - Van Gogh's Arles, Camargue Region, Ranch Visit with Lunch, Boules Game & Cooking Lesson
In stunning Provence, begin the day in Van Gogh's charming town of Arles. A walking tour along the narrow honey-colored streets in the Old Town is highlighted by sites that inspired his most famous paintings, including Starry Night and Sunflowers. Visit the enormous Roman Amphitheater before spending some time on your own to explore this charming city. Then, enter the vast delta of the Rhone River known as the Camargue, a harsh landscape that is home to over 400 species of birds including pink flamingos. white horses and black long-horned bulls roam freely over much of the 570 square mile area. At a local ranch, share a hearty lunch with the Guardians (cowboys) that make the Camargue region their home. Later, return to Avignon with remainder of the day at leisure. Later, attend a culinary lesson led by a skilled chef in the beautiful Provence countryside. Follow step-by-step the preparation of your dinner and savor the delectable results. Next, enjoy a very special boules game where you will learn the art of this traditional French pastime, similar to lawn bowling and bocce. Afterward, return to Avignon
Overnight: Avignon
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6, Sunday - Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Aix-en-Provence
This morning, head to the hilltop village of Les Baux. Take a walk along its narrow cobblestone streets and later have lunch. In the afternoon, continue to lovely Saint-Rémy-de-Provence where the impressionist movement thrived, visit Saint-Paul de Mausole, the monastery where Van Gogh spent his final years. Part of the "Circuit Van Gogh," at the entrance, view the field of olive trees painted by the artist. Tonight, dinner is at the hotel
Overnight: Aix-en-Provence
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7, Monday - Aix-en-Provence, Wine Tasting
Aix-en-Provence, the quintessential Provencal town, was the home of post-impressionist painter Paul Cézanne. Begin your exploration at La Rotonde, continuing along the tree-lined Cours Mirabeau in this bohemian town with its centuries-old private mansions. Next, view the lively Place de L'Horloge in the heart of the Old Town, along with the 17th century Town Hall. Proceed to St. Sauveur Cathedral, one of the oldest buildings in Aix-en-Provence dating back to the 12th century. Conclude your visit with Calisson tasting: Calissons are French candies, traditionally associated with the town of Aix-en-Provence. Most of the world's supply is made in the Provence region. On to Sainte-Victoire Mountain, immortalized in many of Cézanne's paintings, for a Provencal lunch. In this picturesque setting of stone villages and river valleys meet with traditional local vintners and enjoy tastings of some of the finest vintages and varieties of the region's wines. The rest of the day is at leisure
Overnight: Aix-en-Provence
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 8, Tuesday - The Heart of Provence
Today's journey takes you into the Luberon, the very heart of Provence. Dotted with tiny clifftop villages and sprawling windswept vineyards, this magnificent region exemplifies rural France at its finest. The nearby medieval hilltop village of Gordes is known as one of the most beautiful villages in France due to its privileged position and typical architecture. When lavender is blooming in June and July, the pretty Senanque Abbey is totally surrounded by the fragrant flowers. After a quick photostop, continue to colorful Roussillon, with its distinctive orange-hued cliffs; walk on the famed Ochre's Path and then explore the town center and its lively market packed with stalls selling olive oil, honey, and lavender. End the day in quaint Lourmarin. Walk the narrow streets lined with Mediterranean architecture and marvel at Lourmarin Castle, the first Renaissance castle to be built in Provence. Return to Aix-en-Provence for dinner
Overnight: Aix-en-Provence
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 9, Wednesday - Cassis Cruise, Port City of Marseille
Begin with a scenic drive that takes you to Cassis where you can stroll around the harbor before embarking on a cruise to view the region's famous calanques (limestone rock formations). After your cruise, continue to Marseilles, France's oldest city, founded in 600 BC by the Greeks. At its heart is the vibrant Vieux Port where fishmongers sell their catch along the boat-lined quay. From atop striking Notre-Dame de la Garde you'll be awed by the sweeping views of Marseille, the sparkling sea, and Chateau d'If, the island fortress featured in The Count of Monte Cristo. View the storied Abbey of St. Victor before a traditional lunch. Return to Aix en Provence for an evening at leisure
Overnight: Aix-en-Provence
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 10, Thursday - The French Riviera, Rothschild Villa & Gardens
A day filled with glorious highlights of the sun-drenched French Riviera. Start in Nice, the unofficial capital of the Cote d'Azur, an amazing seaside city with old world opulence. Walk through the atmospheric Old Town and visit Massena Square and Cours Saleya with its gorgeous flower market. Take time to browse through the market and have lunch on your own. Then, drive to Beaulieu-sur-Mer at the beginning of Cap Ferrat, a wooded peninsula laden with millionaires' villas and home to the small village of St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. On to the Rothschild Villa and Gardens, an Italian-style pink palazzo with nine exquisite gardens. This lavish residence with its priceless treasures was bequeathed to France as a fine art museum. Free time to wander on your own. Return to Nice for an evening at leisure
Overnight: Nice
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 11, Friday - Hilltop Eze and Perfumery, Principality of Monaco, Monte Carlo
Visit the famous Fragonard Perfume factory in Eze before exploring this tiny hilltop village, overlooking the French Riviera, known for its perfumery, winding cobblestone streets, and traditional stone houses. Cross the border into the Principality of Monaco; visit the Old Town with its stately Royal Palace and see the changing of the guard (schedule permitting). On a walking tour, pass Saint Nicholas Cathedral where Princess Grace and Prince Rainer are buried, and view the Oceanographic Museum dramatically perched on the edge of a cliff. In glamorous Monte Carlo, the crown jewel of the Riviera, stop at the opulent marble and gold casino, a lavish example of belle époque architecture. View the harbor with rows of extravagant mega-yachts before departing this glittering town. Tonight, bid au revoir to France and to your Tour Manager at dinner
Overnight: Nice
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 12, Saturday - Depart France
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast