Day 1 - London to Paris
We depart St Pancras International by Eurostar to Paris. During our journey in Leisure Select Class we enjoy a complimentary meal and drinks. We spend one night in the French capital at the Hotel Terminus Nord opposite the Gare du Nord and this evening you are free to choose your own restaurant for dinner. (E)
Day 2 - Paris to Nice
Our journey continues in comfort and style as we travel by TGV to the delightful city of Nice on the Côte d'Azur. We stay for six nights at the Hotel Westminster, superbly located on the famous Promenade des Anglais. This evening we dine together in the hotel. (B,D)
Day 3 - Highlights of Nice
This morning we take a guided coach tour of Nice, beginning with a visit to Mont Baron for views of the city before travelling to the hilltop quarter of Cimiez, once home to the artist, Matisse. We also visit the fascinating Roman remains with its gardens and monastery. Our tour continues with a visit to the ornate Russian Orthodox cathedral with its distinctive domed roof, the Place de l'Opéra and the flower market. Your afternoon is spent at leisure in Nice before we dine together at a local restaurant. (B,D)
Day 4 - Full day excursion to Monaco
Our day begins with a coach journey along the Lower Corniche Road, enjoying the spectacular views over the Mediterranean. On arrival in Monaco, we make our way to the 13th century Palais du Prince to watch the Changing of the Guard. We drive along a dramatic section of the Monaco Grand Prix circuit and also visit the fascinating Jacques Cousteau Oceanographic Museum. We have lunch in a local restaurant close to casino square. On our way back to Nice we stop at Eze, a medieval village perched on a narrow rocky peak overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. (B,L)
Day 5 - A day at leisure in Nice
You are free today to explore the French Riviera, its glamorous resorts and pretty villages. Perhaps take the train along the coast to Cannes. Although most famous for its annual film festival, Cannes is worth a visit year-round. Browse the stylish boutiques in town, or take a ferry to the Îles de Lérins, two islands in the bay which offer a monastery and two castles. Also nearby is Antibes, home to a fascinating Old Town, covered market and several olive tree-lined parks. Antibes was home to Pablo Picasso for six months and during his time here he created many ceramics, drawings, lithographs, paintings and sculptures. These can now be seen in Château Grimaldi, the first museum dedicated to Picasso. (B)
Day 6 - St-Paul-de-Vence and Grasse
We travel to the medieval perched village of St-Paul-de-Vence today. We begin with a visit to the Maeght Foundation, which houses one of Europe's most important collections of 20th century art. We head into the hills and enjoy lunch at La Jarrerie restaurant, a firm favourite with our customers. We then continue to Grasse. This medieval village is renowned as the perfume capital of the world. The Notre Dame du Puy cathedral dominates the town with its massive clock tower. Inside are three early paintings by Rubens. This afternoon we tour the Fragonard Parfumerie, home to a dazzling array of perfumes, colognes, soaps and all manner of delightful smells. We return to Nice for an evening at leisure. (B,L)
Day 7 - A day at leisure on the Côte d'Azur
Today you are free to explore at your own pace. Perhaps take the opportunity to shop in Nice, visit the Old Town again or perhaps travel to pretty Villefranche-sur-Mer, a short train ride away. Here you will find quiet little squares such as the Place Félix Poullan beside the church and the Place de l'Eglise, perfect places to rest and enjoy a refreshing drink in the shade. Of course, the French Riviera is home to dozens of other coastal resorts, equally worth a visit, in addition to lesser known towns lying slightly inland. Alternatively, you could simply relax and enjoy the Mediterranean pace of life. We enjoy a final dinner together at a local restaurant this evening. (B,D)
Day 8 - The journey home
We depart Nice and travel by TGV to Paris, where we connect with the Eurostar service to London. A complimentary meal and drinks are served on board before our arrival into St Pancras International. (B,E)
E = Eurostar meal, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday