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    France

    15 days, including travel.

    Day 1

    Depart from NYC to Paric, France.

    7 hr non-stop

    10:00am : Louvre Museum Masterpieces Tour with Skip-the-Line Tickets.

    Details: Admire classical sculptures and objects from antiquity as you explore the museums galleries, which house pieces from a period spanning more than 7,000 years. Travel from ancient Egypt to the Ottoman Empire, scoping out Islamic art, Greek sculptures, and European household objects from centuries past. Along the way, your guide tells you stories about the museums most famous works. Discover the secrets behind da Vinci's mysterious Mona Lisa, ponder what happened to the Venus de Milo's missing arms, and take in the impressive grandeur of David's 1807 Coronation of Napoleon.

    Details: Gaze out over all of Paris from the tippy top of the Eiffel Tower. Ride or climb up to the second-story observation deck and take in the view from this elevated vantage point. Learn about the history of the iconic Iron Lady, and spot landmarks like Notre-Dame, the Champ de Mars, and the Arc de Triomphe from 377 feet (115 m) above the city streets. Glimpse the white dome of Sacré-Coeur across the river in Montmartre, count the historic bridges crisscrossing the Seine, and admire the glass pyramid in the courtyard of the Louvre.

    Day 2

    Louvre, Eiffel Tower

    2:30 pm : Visit Eiffel Tower

    7:00 pm : The Lido Cabaret Show or Moulin Rouge.

    Day 3

    8:00 am : The Lido Cabaret Show or Moulin Rouge.

    Details: Soak up French royal culture and history as you explore the opulent grounds of the 17th-century Palace of Versailles. Venture inside the palace and discover a fantastic display of gold, marble, and mirrors. Your guide conjures up life in the palace, relaying its history and tales about its royal inhabitants as you check out the ornate furnishings in the King and Queen's private apartments and wander the gilded features in the Hall of Mirrors. Later, enjoy a relaxing stroll among the beautiful gardens' sculptures, statues, busts, and marble structures. Pause to reflect at the edge of the Grand Canal, wander through forests where royalty once hunted.

    Details: Discover the secrets that lie behind the magnificent façade of the mighty Notre-Dame Cathedral. Start with an exploratory tour of the Ile de la Cité, the island in the Seine River that houses the cathedral, and then enter the glorious Gothic building to explore the rich history and architecture within.

    3:30 pm : Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral and Explore Ile de la Cité.

    Details: Explore Montmartre, where you can ride the little funicular up to the top of this village within the city. Follow across the painter-filled plaza of the Place du Tertre, another place not to be missed in Montmartre. The whole street is packed with colorful artist stalls bringing inspiration to many for its vibrancy and liveliness. Located within a picturesque cobblestone square that acts as an open-air art
    gallery bustling with locals and tourists, the square is also lined with 18th-century buildings featuring
    busy restaurants, cafes and crepe stands.
    Then step beneath the towering white domes of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica to peek inside this
    Romanesque structure on your own. Being steeped in important French history, this first location will be
    able to satisfy all art and history fans out there.
    Visit Musée de Montmartre.To really say that you have been to Montmartre you have to visit the
    Musée de Montmartre as the pieces displayed are symbols of the charming architecture that surrounds
    the whole city. Furthermore, this museum is set in a home that was a common meeting place for many
    artist and writers.

    8:00 pm : Evening Dinner Cruise on the River Seine.

    Details: Set sail gracefully along the timeless Seine River as you savor the delights of a 3-course gourmet dinner.
    A truly memorable way to spend a special evening in the City of Lights, this cruise offers unrivalled views
    of illuminated landmarks like the Louvre, Notre Dame, and the Eiffel Tower.

    Versailles

    1:00 pm : Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral and Explore Ile de la Cité.

    Day 4

    Depart from Paris by car. Head to Burgundy. Arrival in Dijon. Hotel Check-in.

    Details: Explore Dijon. Former capital of the mighty dukes of Burgundy, Dijon is a vibrant city that drips with history. The center of Dijon is relatively compact and best explored on foot. The medieval Notre-Dame quarter is home to many of the city’s glories, including the outlandish townhouses of the richest burghers. The oldest buildings have wood-beamed storeys overhanging the street. The later Renaissance edifices are built of finely carved stone. Don’t miss a visit to the tourist office: it’s housed in the 15th- century Hotel Chambellan on Rue de la Choutte and is one of Dijon’s finest structures.The Ducal Palace still stands at the city’s heart: the adjacent Musée des Beaux-Arts houses the lavish tombs of the duchy’s formidable rulers and is well worth a visit. Dijon is also a great place to initiate yourself into fine Burgundian cuisine. The Michelin-starred Pré aux Clercs serves up some of the very best traditional dishes all overlaid with a modern twist of creativity. Make your way into the historic marketplace of Les Halles, where you can peruse the food stands, chat with vendors, and watch locals going about their daily shopping.

    Departure from Dijon. Visit Beaune on your way to Lyon.

    Details: Beaune is wealthy and thoroughly Burgundian. It’s also very picturesque, with cobbled streets, shaded
    squares and a scattering of historic buildings. Standing at its heart is the famous Hotel-Dieu, the town’s 5th-century hospital and symbol of the town’s history. It’s a vast galleried edifice with a massive roof patterned with Burgundian glazed tiles. Once inside the Hotel-Dieu, the greatest draw is the Salle des Malades – the hospital wards – which still retain rows of enclosed wooden beds. Like Dijon, Beaune is
    compact and best explored on foot. Don’t miss Place Fleury with its famous Hotel de Saulx. Push the heavy door (the building is publicly owned and normally unlocked) and you’ll find yourself stepping into the medieval home of Jean de Saulx, one-time chancellor of Burgundy. Beaune is one of the best places to try the local wines: you don’t have to look far to find a convivial bar or brasserie.


    In the evening arrival in Lyon. Hotel Check-in.

    Dijon

    Day 5

    Details: Start with Guided Walking Tour of Fourvière Hill. Get to know the beauty of Fourvière Hill, one of Lyon's most magical districts. During this journey, climb the hill to see the splendid Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Visit the Roman Theaters, the oldest of their kind in France. Built from 17 BC to 15 BC, the Roman Theaters are composed of a theater, odeum, and temple, and are a gorgeous example of Roman architecture. Walk through and Discover fascinating Vieux Lyon ,Lyon Old Town and marvel at one of UNESCO’s largest World Heritage treasures. Starting out from the heart of the Renaissance District, begin your fascinating walk through the neighborhoods that comprise Vieux Lyon, including the stunning gothic façade of the city’s cathedral. Venture inside this huge church and look for the famous astronomical clock that is housed within its mighty walls. Explore farther down the charming, narrow lanes and uncover the secrets of the traboules, covered passageways that were once used as ways to transport silk goods during Lyon’s reign as the center of Europe’s silk trade. Marvel at the serene inner courtyards, galleries, and spiral staircases of this captivating city. Dine at Chabert et Fils Restaurant. Indulge in a traditional Lyon-style meal in the convivial atmosphere of Chabert et Fils. This authentic bistro serves up hearty dishes inspired by local and seasonal produce. Stews and chitterlings are prepared with gusto and flair in a city that is internationally feted as a culinary paradise. Lyon is famous in France and beyond for the quality of its food and culinary expertise. Restaurant Chabert et Fils celebrates this tradition with flawless service and award-winning dishes.

    Lyon

    Day 6

    Details: On your way to Avignon stop and explore city of Orange. World-beating wine and UNESCO-listed Roman ruins are on the menu in the small city of Orange in Vaucluse. The Theatre is one of Europe’s most spectacular Roman monuments, and you’ll be amazed by how much of this building is still in situ. There’s an informative little museum next door, and a short walk from the centre of the town is a Triumphal Arch noted for its three-arched design. If you love wine you’ll have the pleasure of discovering the many domains, caves and wineries of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape region, one of the strictest and most revered labels in the world.

    Departure from Lyon. Head to Province Region of France.

    Arrival in Avignon. Hotel Check-in.

    Details: Spend the evening discovering the remarkable former papal city of Avignon. Marvel at the Palais des Papes. The Palace of the Popes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was built to accommodate the Popes who fled to Avignon from a corrupt Rome, leading the city to adopt the name ‘The City of Popes’.

    Day 7

    Details: The town of Arles is well worth a visit whose history spans 2,500 years; something showcased by Arles’ famous Roman arena. The oval arena where for more than 400 years the ancient populace would have been entertained by gladiators and chariot races. It was modelled on Rome’s coliseum and was built a couple of decades after in 90AD. Arles’ Roman Theatre is still a performance venue, more than 2,000 years after it was constructed. The lower tiers of the cavea are all still here, and in Roman times this would have had additional terraces and been able to seat as many as 10,000 spectators. On the left side of the stage the south tower gives an indication of how high the cavea would have been. The town is also famed for serving as Van Gogh’s home in the late 19th century, and you can explore his life here via the Van Gogh Walk. Vincent van Gogh came to Arles in 1888 and lived here for a year, at a time when his mental health was deteriorating. He completed some of his most acclaimed paintings in the city, like The Night Café, Café Terrace at Night and Van Gogh’s Chair.

    Start your day with visiting and discovering Romans and Van Gogh in nearby Arles.

    Get back to Avignon and spend the rest of the day exploring it.

    Details: Visit the city’s art museums Avignon is home to a number of small but impressive museums, especially art museums. Musée de Petit Palais is one of the most famous, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is home to an incredible collection of paintings, including several Italian masterpieces ranging from the 13th to the 15th century. Walk along Pont Saint-Bénézet. It is one of Avignon’s most iconic sites, though to call it a bridge may be slightly inaccurate as much of it was washed away in the 17th century. Still, the site is a nod to the history of the city and is surrounded with myth and legend. Legend says that in 1177 a shepherd named Bénézet was instructed by angels to build a bridge over the Rhône River and was blessed with superhuman strength to raise a giant lump of rock for its construction. You may hear a few different versions of the story so it’s best to go for yourself and hear them all to decide what you think is the real version. Visit Place de l’Horloge. This gorgeously serene square is at the very heart of the city of Avignon, in both its location and its vibe. There is a sophistication and splendor to the square, something reinforced by the wide range of restaurants and stylish cafes found here. Peruse Les Halles Market For an authentic and local experience, a visit to the colorful and aromatic
    market at Les Halles is a must. You’ll be greeted by a giant, living wall as you enter the market. Once inside there’s a huge range of vendors selling a delicious selection of Provincial foods which make for a great picnic spread to enjoy beside the river. 
    Finish your day with the Dinner cruise along The Rhone. The gentle flow of The Rhone River is one of the focal points of Avignon, and it has always played a significant part in the city’s history. It will give you the
    opportunity to enjoy some fantastic views of the famous landmarks of Avignon.

    Day 7

    Details: The town of Arles is well worth a visit whose history spans 2,500 years; something showcased by Arles’ famous Roman arena. The oval arena where for more than 400 years the ancient populace would have been entertained by gladiators and chariot races. It was modelled on Rome’s coliseum and was built a couple of decades after in 90AD. Arles’ Roman Theatre is still a performance venue, more than 2,000 years after it was constructed. The lower tiers of the cavea are all still here, and in Roman times this would have had additional terraces and been able to seat as many as 10,000 spectators. On the left side of the stage the south tower gives an indication of how high the cavea would have been. The town is also famed for serving as Van Gogh’s home in the late 19th century, and you can explore his life here via the Van Gogh Walk. Vincent van Gogh came to Arles in 1888 and lived here for a year, at a time when his mental health was deteriorating. He completed some of his most acclaimed paintings in the city, like The Night Café, Café Terrace at Night and Van Gogh’s Chair.

    Start your day with visiting and discovering Romans and Van Gogh in nearby Arles.

    Get back to Avignon and spend the rest of the day exploring it.

    Details: Visit the city’s art museums Avignon is home to a number of small but impressive museums, especially art museums. Musée de Petit Palais is one of the most famous, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is home to an incredible collection of paintings, including several Italian masterpieces ranging from the 13th to the 15th century. Walk along Pont Saint-Bénézet. It is one of Avignon’s most iconic sites, though to call it a bridge may be slightly inaccurate as much of it was washed away in the 17th century. Still, the site is a nod to the history of the city and is surrounded with myth and legend. Legend says that in 1177 a shepherd named Bénézet was instructed by angels to build a bridge over the Rhône River and was blessed with superhuman strength to raise a giant lump of rock for its construction. You may hear a few different versions of the story so it’s best to go for yourself and hear them all to decide what you think is the real version. Visit Place de l’Horloge. This gorgeously serene square is at the very heart of the city of Avignon, in both its location and its vibe. There is a sophistication and splendor to the square, something reinforced by the wide range of restaurants and stylish cafes found here. Peruse Les Halles Market For an authentic and local experience, a visit to the colorful and aromatic
    market at Les Halles is a must. You’ll be greeted by a giant, living wall as you enter the market. Once inside there’s a huge range of vendors selling a delicious selection of Provincial foods which make for a great picnic spread to enjoy beside the river. 
    Finish your day with the Dinner cruise along The Rhone. The gentle flow of The Rhone River is one of the focal points of Avignon, and it has always played a significant part in the city’s history. It will give you the
    opportunity to enjoy some fantastic views of the famous landmarks of Avignon.

    Day 8

    Departure from Avingnon. On your way to Aix-en-Provence drive through Lavender route
    visiting beautiful Province villages in Luberon Region.

    Details: Visit first L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. Formerly a nautical village, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is now a major attraction for antiques lovers and anyone wishing to experience the scenery of a bygone era. It hosts vibrant traditional markets every Sunday and its yearly antiques fair is considered to be one of the best in the world. Even if the fair is not for you, you can explore the classic riverside cafés, the quaint clusters of shops or the winding stretches of water with their historic boats, which have earned the town its nickname of ‘the Venice of Provence’. Second on your way is Gordes considered by many to be one of France’s most beautiful villages. Gordes is a remote delight amid the rugged landscapes of the Luberon Regional Nature Park. Cobbled streets and golden stone houses wind their way around a mountaintop, culminating in the majestic 16th- century château. The village has been home to several celebrated French painters, including André Lhote, Marc Chagall, Jean Deyrolle, Victor Vasarely and Pol Mara. Highlights for visitors are the Pol Mara Museum; the ancient, preserved settlements known as ‘bories’; and the joyful summer music festival. And last but not least is Roussillon. Along with Gordes, Roussillon is the most popular destination for
    visitors in the Luberon area of Provence. Set at the top of a cliff on the world’s largest ochre vein, it offers an awe inspiring example of the beauty of this rust-colored rock, which is perfectly complemented by mountain vegetation and charming 17th– and 18th–century dwellings. The rugged panoramas have attracted a succession of artists over the years, meaning that the town now has an impressive art scene for its size and a number of galleries.

    Arrival in Aix en Provence. Check in hotel.

    Day 9

    Explore Aix-en-Provence, old-town elegance.

    Details: A pocket of left-bank Parisian chic deep in Provence, Aix (pronounced like the letter X) is all class: its leafy boulevards and public squares are lined with 17th- and 18th-century mansions, punctuated by gurgling moss-covered fountains. Haughty stone lions guard its grandest avenue, cafe-laced cours Mirabeau, where fashionable Aixois pose on polished pavement terraces, sipping espresso. Visit Musée Granet. First opened in 1838, this classic museum houses an eclectic selection of over 12,000 works, featuring a neoclassical sculpture collection, an American exhibition with pop art works, and original pieces from Paul Cézanne and Picasso.

    Discover Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur d’Aix-en-Provence.The Cathédrale is an important national monument in France. Come, sit, and reflect in this beautiful cathedral while enjoying the art that
    surrounds you. The architecture includes Gothic and Neo-gothic influences, with Roman columns, so be sure to visit the cloister, the baptistery and the bell tower, or simply gaze at the carved doors.

    Visit Place de l’Hôtel de Ville.There is a lot happening in this bustling city square, and you can start your adventures at the town hall, Place de l’Hôtel de Ville. The magnificent building was erected in the 15th century and seats prominent government officials, and most days, the facility is open for visitors to enjoy the property. Built in the 14th century, adjacent to the hôtel, stands a tall clock tower. In the
    center of the square sits a fountain, with a Roman column topped with a globe encased in golden laurel, in the middle. Finally, there is a corn exchange, a building that was utilized by merchants and farmers for trading. It has since been converted to a post office, but still is a historic site worth seeing.
    Visit and Explore Musée Estienne de Saint Jean.Established in a 17th century French mansion, this museum houses the history and traditions of Aix. Visitors can see furniture, figurines, ceramics, and
    more archaic objects that were once part of modern culture. The house itself is an example of rich and beautiful aristocratic life – notice the painted entrance dome and grand staircase. The museum is the epicenter of Aix culture, so it’s a must see for anyone visiting or looking to learn more about the famous
    region.
    Finish your day in Le Cours Mirabeau.This picturesque boulevard is perfect for the late afternoon stroll
    or scenic evening out. The street is lined by towering trees, which create a beautiful tunnel effect, and
    along the street are countless cafes, restaurants, and shops to peruse. Dine in one of many Province’s
    authentic restaurant.

    Day 10

    Depature from Aix-en-Provence. Visit on your way to Nice Provencal towns of Moustiers Ste-Marie and Manosque and breathtaking the Verdon Gorge and Lake of Sainte-Croix.

    Details:Your first stop is just outside Manosque. The largest and liveliest town in the region, Manosque is home to the L'Occitane factory, a high-end cosmetics company famous around the world. Take a guided tour of the factory to discover the steps involved in the production of perfumes, which are made with local
    flowers and plants. This fragrant experience lets you trace the key steps in the history of the L'Occitane brand, and you’ll end with a chance to purchase products at preferential prices. Afterwards, continue your drive across the Valensole plateau, arriving in Moustiers Ste-Marie after about an hour. This lovely village is in a gorgeous setting at the base of rocky cliffs along a rushing
    mountain stream that divides the village with a narrow canyon. The view of this mini-gorge, with small waterfalls down inside and medieval houses above, is quite beautiful. Have lunch and explore Moustiers Ste-Marie on your own. Wander the narrow medieval streets and vaulted passages, visit ceramics shops – for which the village is known – and enjoy a relaxing lunch at a terrace café. Don’t miss the centerpiece of the village, Notre-Dame de Beauvoir chapel, which sits high above the village behind the ruins of the ancient city walls. Built in the 8th century and restored in the 12th century, this church has layers of history, and offers fantastic views of the village’s red-tiled roofs, the expanse of the Maire valley.
    Your next stop is the Verdon Gorge ,Gorges du Verdon. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful canyons in Europe. Named for the Verdon River’s striking turquoise-green color, the gorge draws many visitors for its scenic rim drive and great hikes. Admire awe-inspiring views from the rim before descending to the end of the canyon, where the river flows into Lake of Sainte-Croix (Lac de Sainte- Croix).

    In the evening .Arrival in Nice. Hotel Check-in.

    Day 12

    Day trip to Cannes, Antibes & St. Paul de Vence from Nice.

    Details: Visit Cannes which gained popularity in the early 20th century with the construction of the Carlton hotel.Wwalk the famous Croisette from the Film Festival Palace (Palais des Festivals) to the port. Along the way, gaze at a symphony of colors with magnificent white palaces, green palm trees, gold-sand beaches and the azure Mediterranean Sea. Admire the lovely old harbor with fishermen's boats facing sumptuous yachts and the imposing Palais des Festivals with its renowned red carpet. Next, follow the coast to Antibes, fall in love with this fascinating village, and visit the 16th-century Fort Carré—a massive star-shaped fortress on a bluff overlooking Port Vauban, the largest marina in Europe.
    Head up to the delightful St. Paul de Vence surrounded by impressive medieval walls on a rocky hilltop. As you stroll on narrow ancient streets, get to the place of the Great Fountain, look at the alluring well in the "Rue Grande" and find old churches hidden throughout in the village.

    Day 11

    Start Discovering and Exploring Cote de Azure with its centerpiece, the city of Nice. (AC Hotel by Marriott Nice)

    Details: Begin your tour at Castle Hill, which affords perfect photo opportunities, overlooking the Old Town and the pristine Bay of Angels. Continue on to the affluent Cimiez, with its impressive collection of retreats for southern France's rich and famous. The Russian Orthodox Cathedral of St. Nicolas built in the early 20th century by order of Tsar Nicholas II to bolster the growing Russian community in Nice. Enjoy a stop at Queen Victoria's Winter Palace and walk through the Mediterranean gardens before strolling along
    the world-famous Promenade des Anglais which is lined with palm trees and magnificent belle-époque palaces. Pass by lively streets and marvel at the charming Italian-style town discovering Nice’s history and culture. Reach Cours Saleya and gaze at an authentic market with fragrant flowers and fresh local foods. Then, glide through the charming narrow alleys of Old Town and explore Place Rosetti, a favorite meeting point and popular outdoor spot of locals. Go past the elegant Place Massena and arrive at Jardin Albert
    1er, a modern green space filled with palms and flowers.
    In the late afternoon take the French Riviera Sightseeing Cruise from Nice. Explore the Mediterranean coastline and enjoy spectacular coastal views on this 1-hour sightseeing cruise from Nice. Cruise round the Cap de Nice to the Citadelle and marvel at the ancient villages sitting high on the hillsides. Learn about the French Riviera's history from the informative onboard commentary and take in beautiful views of the famous Promenade des Anglais from your vantage point on the waves. Turn round in the bay, then cruise along the coastline of the Cap Ferrat and out into the azure-blue
    waters of the Baie des Anges.

    Day 13

    Day trip to Eze, Menton, Monaco and Monte-Carlo from Nice.

    Details:Drive on the Moyenne Corniche enjoying a panoramic view of Nice and the Bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer before arriving at Eze village. At Eze you’ll get the chance to explore the medieval village perched as an eagle’s nest. Explore this medieval village with lively cobbled streets and appreciate the view from this eagle nest overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Drive down toward the Principality of Monaco to discover the old town, the Prince’s Palace and the sumptuous Cathedral where there is Grace Kelly’s grave. From the starting line of the Grand Prix Formula 1 track, reach Monte Carlo universe of luxury and elegance around the emblematic
    Casino.Discover the Casino square of Monte-Carlo with luxury shops and cars. Take a ride on the Formula 1 circuit and reach the old town. Stroll in the tiny streets, see the changing of guards (11.55
    am), visit the Oceanographic museum, the Prince’s Palace, and the Cathedral. Continue driving along the French Riviera stopping in the town of Menton. Situated on the Franco-Italian border, this “Pearl of France" is the largest producer of lemons in all of Europe. Visit the city’s old town square and check out the Basilica of Saint-Michel, a colorful cathedral sitting on the edge of the water. Everywhere you look there are splendid views of the ocean, so soak up the sun for a while along the coast before heading back to Nice.

    Day 14

    Sail to St.Tropez with Full-Day St. Tropez Tour with Boat Ride.

    Details: The picture of glamor, St. Tropez is one of the liveliest towns on the French Riviera. Get a taste of its modern glitz and tranquil past on this tour that lets you explore the town as you please. From the luxury yachts at port to the open-air local market, St. Tropez is yours to discover. Get picked up from your hotel and make your way down the coast with your guide. Upon arrival at the quiet commune of Sainte- Maxime, transfer to a boat and cross the glistening waters of the Gulf of St. Tropez. As you pass by massive yachts and beaches dotted with vacationers your guide explains that St. Tropez became a hotspot for jetsetters after starlet Brigitte Bardot visited in the 1950s. As soon as you set foot onto the bustling St. Tropez docks, you're free to explore the town as you please. Choose to delve into the star-studded side of the place walking past beaches of white sand, hip cafés, and high-end boutiques. The cobbled alleyways, picturesque buildings, and the open-air market held in
    the Place des Lices offer a glimpse into the quieter everyday life of the town. Pay a visit to the 16th century Citadel that overlooks St. Tropez for a gorgeous view of the town before heading back to Nice by car in the evening.

    Day 15

    Departure to New York.