16 Nights 17 Days

France

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The Best of France with Bordeaux

Cities : Paris, Strasbourg, Nice, Avignon, Bordeaux

Day 1

Arrive Paris - Strasbourg
Welcome to France today and upon arrival into Paris make your way to the train station and board the TGV to the wine region of Alsace. The journey takes you 2.20 hrs. Upon arrival into Strasbourg make your way to your hotel. The city is a unique one especially known for its typically built houses with artistic and colourful roofs and is the starting point for the wine route. It also has loads of sightseeing options for you. Check into your hotel and relax. Overnight in Strasbourg.
 
Day 2

Strasbourg
Wake up to breakfast this morning, following which we recommend you buy the 24 hrs ticket that allows you to explore the city by tram and bus all day. You can start the day by walking in the old pedestrian districts around the cathedral and the Petite France area where you will see the Kammerzell house, the former tanners houses and the covered bridges of Vauban Dam. Later in the afternoon we suggest you stroll and shop in the town centre and later by around 1230 make your way to the cathedral in the town centre in time to see the astronomical clock here where at exactly 1230 the clock to this day begins to whirr and 12 apostles parade before Christ. Later you can have lunch at any of the many winstubs offering a chance to savor the local food and wine. The second half of the day can be spent taking a boat ride on the river and then you can visit any of the museums in the area. Overnight in Strasbourg.
 
Day 3

Strasbourg
Wake up to breakfast this morning, following which its time to embark on a unique experience. You have the possibility of visiting 3 countries today ! France ( where you are ), The Black Forest in Germany and Basel in Switzerland ( provided you have the visa ). All 3 are a train ride away. You can plan your day such that you have breakfast in France, make your way to the Black Forest in time for lunch and then head to Basel for dinner. It is truly a great way to sum up your stay here. Overnight in Strasbourg.
 
Day 4

Strasbourg - Nice
Post breakfast this morning, its time to head to the airport to take your domestic flight to the capital of the French Riviera, to Nice. Upon arrival make your way to the hotel, check in and relax. The rest of the day is free for you to walk around the city and take in the passion the city has to offer. Overnight in Nice.
 
Day 5

Nice  
Following breakfast this morning, we recommend you make your way to the Promenade des Anglais to board the Little Tourist train that runs for 45 mins taking you through the flower market, old town and the Castle Hill Park. Later spend time walking around the Promenade and through the narrow bylanes running into the interiors with its cobble stoned pathways and the quaint and typical restaurants and brasseries. Later in the afternoon you could opt for taking a train and visiting Cannes. Overnight in Nice.
 
Day 6

Nice  
Post breakfast embark on an exciting full day excursion to Monaco, Monte Carlo and Eze. The tour departs for the medieval village of Eze, perched high on a cliff above the Mediterranean Sea. Whilst there you will have the chance to visit a traditional perfume making factory of Fragonard. After a wander around the village where every street is full of charm and history, the tour takes you to Monaco, for a visit to the Cathedral where Princess Grace is buried, the Palace and for a drive along the Formula One race circuit. Of course any Monaco tour would not be complete without a stroll around Monte-Carlo with its Casino, superb hotels and beautiful gardens. The tour lasts approximately 4 hrs. You return to Nice by evening. Overnight at Nice.
 
Day 7

Nice - Avignon
From the Riviera its time to head to the hinterland, to the lavender growing areas of Provence, to Avignon. The train takes you around 3 hrs. Upon arrival, make your way to the hotel. Check in and the rest of the evening is free for you to walk around and enjoy the environs of this quaint UNESCO Heritage city. Overnight in Avignon.
 
Day 8

Avignon
Post breakfast this morning you must visit the Popes Palace, the Saint Benezet Bridge and the Town Centre. This is an Italian city and the architecture here is very Italian and dates back to the Popes period. Stop for lunch at any of the typical restaurants the city has to offer. Come evening and you could spend time at the museums or just walking around the city exploring more. Overnight in Avignon.
 
Day 9

Avignon
Wake up to breakfast this morning following which you can spend the day either at Marseilles or enjoy a lazy lunch cruise on the Rhone River, enjoy a bit of wine tasting in the unique settings of the Popes Palace and spend the rest of your time visiting the museums and walking tours of the city. It is the best place to unwind and sponge in the salubrious weather. Overnight in Avignon.
 
Day 10

Avignon - Bordeaux
Its time to head to the train station to board the TGV to the Wine Capital of the world - to Bordeaux! Check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day discovering this beautiful city.
Bordeaux, a port city on the Garonne River in southwest France, is the capital of the Aquitaine region. It is classified "City of Art and History" and has been inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List as "an outstanding urban and architectural ensemble". The city center, with its streets and squares, is a magnificent example of 18th century urban architecture. It is a pedestrian friendly city with enjoyable walks along the roads that run along the river. Among the must-visit places in the city are Palais de la Bourse - a magnificent building overlooking Bordeauxs winding River Garonne; Palais Rohan - a particularly grand and historic building now used as the town hall; Grand Theatre - Europes oldest wooden-framed theatre; Zoo de Bordeaux Pessac - the ultimate tourist attraction for families, with exotic animals from parts Africa and Asia; and also the 11th-century Cathédrale St. André - an iconic local landmark dominating much of Bordeaux. The city has great shopping options with spectacular French and international brands. Overnight in Bordeaux.
    
Day 11

Bordeaux
This morning you set off on an excursion to the medieval town of Saint-Emilion, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hop in the train with your bike (20 minutes) and prepare for a short ride to a beautiful chateau. Be acquainted at a charming family runned chateau in the middle of a beautiful park at the heart of St. Emilion vineyards. Lunch in the garden of the chateau (inside the Orangerie of the chateau in case of bad weather) and participate to a tasting class. Learn how to become a great wine taster in 25 minutes! All the keys to learn the secrets of the French savoir-vivre! Train your nose to smell and recognize different samples of flavors contained in wine. Then learn the steps of a professional wine tasting from analyzing the color to the mouth feel. Visit, tour and step inside the family house and take a tour of the wine cellars. Take an easy and flat 15-kilometer ride on your bike at the middle of the beautiful St. Emilion vineyards. Ride through the vineyards and tens of beautiful chateaux and later cross the prestigious chateaux and appellations: chateau Cheval Blanc, Pomerol, chateau Petrus, LEvangile. Visit chateau Soutard, a classified growth chateau at the doorstep of St. Emilion. Chateau Soutard was fully renovated in 2010. Walk in the charming village of St. Emilion dating from the middle age (UNESCO Classified). Overnight in Bordeaux.
 
Day 12

Bordeaux
Spend a morning away from Bordeaux on this half-day trip to the Bay of Arcachon. On this small-group tour, visit Pyla Dune (Dune du Pyla), the tallest sand dune in Europe, and admire the spectacular views from the top. Explore the town of Arcachon before a visit to an oyster farm for a sample of fresh oysters. Relax on a scenic beach before heading back to Bordeaux. The beautiful Bay of Arcachon is located 45 minutes from Bordeaux. Its 1500 hectares are fed by the Atlantic Ocean forming a lagoon-colored inland sea, bordered on one side by a fine sand dune culminating at 104 meters above sea level: the Dune du Pyla, the tallest sand dune in Europe. From its summit one can admire the beautiful Landes forest. The Bay of Arcachon is also home to the eponymous town where numerous well-to-do French families spend their summer holidays. Overnight in Bordeaux.
 
Day 13

Bordeaux - Paris
Good morning Paris! Post breakfast it is time to make your way to the airport or the train station and travel to Paris. Check into your hotel and relax awhile. Later in the evening you can experience a relaxing cruise on the River Seine. Overnight in Paris.
 
Day 14

Paris
Following breakfast Wake up to breakfast this morning following which its time for you to see and explore Paris at your pace armed with the Paris one day Hop On Hop Off pass.  A ticket for you to visit to the Montparnasse Tower is included as it is at one of the stops of the Hop On Hop Off route and the view from here will definitely blow you off your feet! Later in the afternoon spend your time shopping at the famous shopping mall The Galleries Lafayette for the best in haute couture and places that give the word shopping a completely new meaning. Overnight in Paris.  
 
Day 15

Paris
Wake up to a leisurely breakfast this morning. Amble along the various streets and take in more of the city. Later in the afternoon we highly recommend you heading off to the fabulous "Le Chalet des Iles" located at Porte de la Muette, a few minutes away from the Trocadero, La Defence etc. It is the best place to lunch at and also gives one the charm of being in the French countryside. Later in the evening make your way to Montmarte and head up to the Sacre Coeur. The village of Montmarte offers you a unique dining experience and its difficult to believe that you are indeed in Paris when up there looking down on the city. The day terminates with you visiting the Moulin Rouge, the original cabaret of Paris. Overnight in Paris.
 
Day 16

Paris
Another day to enjoy this vibrant yet historical city. Wake up to breakfast and the rest of the day is free for you to follow your interests. You could opt for a Full day excursion  to the Disneyland
Paris or to the famous Versailles or just spend some time at the many stylish cafes along the Champs Elysees. Some of you may want to indulge in a nice, quiet Luncheon cruise along the Seine. The options are plenty and a day is not enough! Overnight in Paris.
 
Day 17

Depart Paris
Today its time to say aurevoir to this marvellous country, as you head to the airport to take your flight home. Hope you have had a great holiday!!

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