Easy Pace France

Spend quality time in three very different parts of France; Paris, the cultural capital, Provence and the Rhone Valley, and the sun-drenched resorts of the Riviera.

Included Premium Highlights

    * View Paris from a unique perspective on a leisurely Seine cruise & visit Napoleon's tomb
    * See all the sights of Avignon on your little train ride & visit the Palace of the Popes

Included Personal Insights

    * Discover the heritage of contemporary art at medieval hilltop Saint-Paul de Vence

Included Other Excursions & Sights

    * See Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, Place de la Concorde, Arc de Triomphe & Eiffel Tower
    * See the greatest legacy of the Romans, the aqueduct of Pont du Gard
    * See the Maison Carrée & Roman Arena in Nïmes
    * Wine tasting at Châteauneuf-du-Pape
    * Enjoy sightseeing of Arles & visit the Roman Amphitheatre
    * Visit charming Aix-en-Provence
    * Drive on part of the Monaco Grand Prix circuit & see the Grimaldi Royal Palace
    * Visit the Cathedral in Monaco to see the tomb of Princess Grace
    * Try your luck at one of the casinos in Monte Carlo
    * Scenic Drives - French Riviera & Camargue

Included First Class Services

    * Escorted by a professional Tour Director
    * Headsets for all guided visits & walking tours
    * Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with extended leg room & on-board restroom
    * Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes & porterage
    * Standard class train journey by TGV from Paris to Avignon
    * Insight Traveller document wallet, map book journal & information pack
    * Airport arrival & departure transfers at scheduled times on Day 1 & Day 10
    * Should your flights not coincide with these arrival & departure transfers, please make your own way to/from the airport

Included Quality Dining

    * Dine-Around evening at your choice of restaurant from our selection in Nimes (DA)
    * Highlight dinner in The Principality of Monaco (HD)
    * 9 Buffet Breakfasts (BB), 1 three-course table d'hôte Dinners, plus tea or coffee (D)
 

Day 1 - PARIS AT LEISURE

On arrival at Charles de Gaulle Airport, Insight's Airport Transfer Service departs for your tour hotel at 08:30, 11:00 & 13:30. The afternoon is yours to relax & settle in. Tonight, join your Tour Director for a Welcome Drink.

Hotel: Pullman Paris Bercy

Day 2 - PARIS SIGHTSEEING

In the mid 19th century, Baron Haussmann transformed much of medieval Paris into something more modern; admire his work on a guided city tour. You'll see all the main sights; Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, Place de la Concorde, Champs Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe & the Eiffel Tower. Then embark on a relaxing River Seine cruise which concludes with a visit to the gilded Église du Dome to see Napoleon's tomb. The remainder of the day is at leisure in this most romantic of cities. There's plenty of time to stroll by the Seine, visit the impressionist paintings of the Musée d'Orsay, or enjoy a pleasant hour or two watching the passers-by from a Parisian café. (BB)

Day 3 - PARIS AT LEISURE

There is certainly no shortage of things to do & see in this great capital city! Perhaps meet the enigmatic Mona Lisa in the Louvre? Ascend the Eiffel Tower by elevator, or the hill of Montmartre by mini-train, for superb panoramic views? Don't miss the chance for a shopping spree in the famous department stores or the elegant designer boutiques of the Left Bank. By night why not try one of the world famous cabaret shows, for an evening of excitement & glamour? (BB)

Day 4 - PARIS - AVIGNON - NIMES

Transfer to the Paris station to board a comfortable TGV train for a journey through fertile vineyards & agricultural lands to Provence. See the greatest of the Roman remains, the incredible three-tiered Pont du Gard, before arriving at the old Roman city of Nîmes. During your orientation tour, gaze up at the Roman Arena - you'll see it's more complete & better preserved than even Rome's Colosseum. You'll also see the 2,000 year old Maison Carrée, one of Europe's finest Roman temples. Now on to your hotel for dinner.

Hotel: Imperator Concorde (BB,D)

Day 5 - AVIGNON & COTES DU RHONE EXCURSION

Journey to Avignon where a little train ride gives an overview of this papal city, with its medieval battlements & 39 towers. See the 'Pont d'Avignon', immortalised in song, then walk through the narrow streets to visit the Palace of the Popes, the biggest Gothic palace in the world. After some free time, head towards the Rhone river & the village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape to taste the renowned wine. À votre santé! Return to Nîmes this afternoon where you are are leisure. As night falls the Spanish influence is palpable, - perhaps join the locals for a glass of sangria & the sound of flamenco in the lively tapas bars & bodegas. Or even take an optional excursion to the fortified town of Aigues Mortes, completely encircled by ramparts? (BB)

Day 6 - EXCURSION TO ARLES

Spend the morning in Arles! Follow in the footsteps of Vincent Van Gogh on a guided tour of this beautiful town. The Camargue begins at the gates of Arles & you return to Nîmes through part of this unique landscape. Soak up the atmosphere at an outdoor café, visit the modern Carré d'Art, or cool off amid the canals & shady walks of the Jardin de la Fontaine. It's up to you. Tonight, for your dining pleasure, you are offered a selection of local restaurants to choose from. Bon appetite! (BB,DA)

Day 7 - NIMES - AIX-EN-PROVENCE - MONACO

Join the highway to 'the most beautiful town in France after Paris', Aix-En-Provence. After some time to appreciate the elegant mansions & bustling cafés of the Cours Mirabeau, continue to the hill-top village of St Paul de Vence, where contemporary painters perpetuate art as a living tradition. Enjoy sweeping views over the Cote d'Azur then drive to the Principality of Monaco, ruled by the Grimaldi family since the 13th century.

Hotel: Fairmont Monte Carlo (BB)

Day 8 - MONACO AT LEISURE

Two DAYs to relax & rub shoulders with the jet-set on the glamorous Cote d'Azur! But first, drive along part of the Grand Prix circuit. Then walk with your Tour Director through the old town to see the Royal Palace, where the Grimaldi family lives, the yacht-filled harbour & the Cathedral, housing the tombs of the late Prince Ranier & Princess Grace. The rest of the day is completely free to explore this fashionable resort, or venture further afield? The choice is yours. (BB)

Day 9 - MONACO AT LEISURE

Easy Pace means more time at leisure. Maybe have a late breakfast or take an optional excursion to the magnificent villa of the Baroness Rothschild, situated on Cap Ferrat? In the afternoon, perhaps spot the celebrities or do some last minute shopping in the exclusive boutiques of this unique principality. This evening, join your new found friends for a celebration dinner with local wine before your last chance to try your luck in one of the casinos of Monte Carlo. A perfect finalé to your tour. (BB,HD)

Day 10 - NICE

Bid au revoir to the sunny French Riviera this morning. Insight's Airport Transfer Service arrives at Nice Airport at 06:15, & 09:00 hours. (BB)

Your Insight tour already includes a host of bonus highlights and comprehensive sightseeing. However, there is an exciting array of optional excursions which will turn an already amazing experience into the trip of a lifetime! These are entirely optional and can be booked through your Tour Director/Local Representative at the commencement of your tour. All prices are quoted in local currency. Payment can be made in cash or by Visa, Mastercard or American Express. To help your pre-tour budgeting we suggest you allow approximately EURO 45 per person per day for optional excursions.

PAR11 - PARIS ILLUMINATIONS & DINNER
First we enjoy a delicious dinner of Parisian cuisine with wine. Then our illuminations tour reveals the magic and sparkling grandeur of this 'city of light' - a vision to last a lifetime! EURO 62

PAR25 - NOTRE DAME & MARAIS
Think of medieval Paris and Victor Hugo's tragic Hunchback springs to mind. Our excursion begins with a guided visit of Notre Dame, Quasimodo's home and one of the finest Gothic cathedrals of Europe. From there we cross the Seine to the Marais area. During our walk we can follow the changes in this once royal enclave to the home of fashion & media stars of today. We see the Place des Vosges, considered by many to be the most beautiful square of Paris; there is time to visit Hugo's home before continuing to the site of the infamous Bastille prison where we rejoin our coach to return to our hotel. EURO 28

PAR24 - MOULIN ROUGE
Dinner and cabaret at the world famous Moulin Rouge - the original Parisian cabaret - immortalized by the recent award winning film! EURO 145
NOUVELLE EVE - Dinner with wine included at one of the most prestigious cabarets in town. An evening of exciting acts, stunning tableaux and wonderful entertainment. EURO 125

NMS01 - AIGUES MORTES DINNER & LIVE MUSIC
This evening we drive to Aigues Mortes which is a walled city created by St Louis as a departure point for his religious crusades. In the oldest restaurant in town we discover the magic of Camargue cuisine and enjoy live music inspired by the Gipsy Kings. Wine is included with your meal.EURO 60

AVG01 - LES BAUX & OLIVE MILL
Les Baux has a reputation as one of the most picturesque villages in France. The village is set atop a rocky outcrop in the Alpilles mountains and is crowned with a ruined castle overlooking the plains to the south. After exploring this beautiful village we visit a working olive mill to sample its high quality produce.EURO 26

MCM01 - MONEGASQUE GOURMET DINNER ITALIAN STYLE
See Monaco by night with this drive to our local restaurant for a gourmet Monegasque dinner with the rich influence of Italian cuisine.EURO 66

MCM02 - RIVIERA '3 CORNICHES' & DINNER
We take a spectacular scenic drive along the Riviera to the 'Three Corniches' and enjoy breathtaking views along perhaps the most beautiful coast in Europe. We reach the 'Grand Corniche' and stop for a sweeping panorama over the Mediterranean coastline. We continue to our restaurant where we enjoy a dinner of local specialities from the region. (Drinks included). EURO 65

MCM03 - VILLA EPHRUSI ROTHSCHILD
Discover how the rich and famous lived at the Ephrussi de Rothschild Villa & Gardens. This sumptuous palazzo is one of the finest listed buildings on the French Riviera. Explore its nine wonderful gardens with musical fountains and enjoy spectacular views over the Riviera. The Baroness Ephrussi de Rothschild sampled art works from all over the world, transforming the Villa at Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat into a collector's paradise.EURO 34

MCM04 - NICE OLD TOWN & FLOWER MARKET
Enjoy a walking tour in the old town of Nice. Witness monuments and traces of the past, churches, chapels, and former palaces. Be tempted by local specialities sold in the market and donít forget the symphony of colours in the flower market! Return by the world-famous and very scenic Moyenne Corniche.EURO 30

Welcome to Insight Vacations 2011

An Insight Vacations escorted tour is a holiday as you would have planned it yourself, without the hassles of independent travel or the time restrictions of cruising. Insight Vacations exceeds the expectations of travellers worldwide by offering Smaller Groups, More Legroom - More Comfort, Selected Hotel in Desirable Locations, Leisurely Paced Itineraries, More Included Sightseeing, Delicious Dining, Personal Service.

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