Small Group Discovery tour of France! Begin with the small pleasures and picturesque City of Light in Paris. Get the VIP treatment with a private sightseeing tour by vintage Citroen 2CV car with a knowledgeable driver to introduce you to the classic sights—topped off with wine and cheese, of course! Get the royal treatment with a visit to the Papal Palace in Avignon, and marvel at the engineering behind the Pont du Gard, the largest remaining Roman aqueduct in France. Your Small Group companions will enjoy an intimate look at Van Gogh’s love of Arles with a guided visit around the historic centre. Learn about Van Gogh’s life here and his painting techniques. Then, create your own masterpiece during a painting workshop under the guidance of a local artist. Delicious French fare, dramatic history, and dreamy scenery create the perfect Small Group Discovery Tour!
Inclusions
- 8 night first class small group guided vacation
- 8 nights first class accommodation
- 11 Meals: 8 breakfasts; 2 lunches, 1 dinner
- Welcome drinks in Paris
- High-speed train tickets from Paris to Avignon
- Sightseeing Highlights:
– Arles (Roman and Romanesque Monuments)
– Historic Centre of Avignon: Papal Palace Episcopal Ensemble and Avignon Bridge (See Only)
– Paris Banks of the Seine
– Pont du Gard (Roman Aqueduct) - Small Group Tour: Max 18 passengers
| May 22, 2025 | from $7899 |
| Jun 5,19,Jul 3, 2025 | from $8279 |
| Aug 28, 2025 | from $7229 |
| Sep 11,25,Oct 9, 2025 | from $7299 |
| Single Supplement | on request |
International airfare additional, but can be added
Note:
-Passport and emergency contact information required with final payment.
-Flight details needed at final payment for transfer company
DAY 1: ARRIVE IN PARIS
DAY 2: PARIS (B/L)
Discover Paris aboard a vintage French car as your driver guides you on a private sightseeing tour of Paris. From your 2CV car enjoy views of Paris’ historic enclaves and hidden treasures. Top the morning off with a welcome wine and cheese tasting lunch at a local restaurant with a local expert on hand to introduce you to the delicious varieties.
DAY 3: PARI S – AVIGNON (B/)
This morning, travel to Avignon by high-speed train. Follow your Local Guide to discover the highlights of this walled town on the banks of the River Rhône. See the famous bridge and visit the Papal Palace. Free time to explore more on your own.
DAY 4: AVIGNON – PONT DU GARD – ARLES – AIX – EN – PROVENCE (B)
Visit Pont du Gard, the largest remaining Roman aqueduct in France and an architectural marvel. Next onto Arles, a fascinating city of historic importance, ancient Roman monuments, and a place of inspiration for artists, including Vincent Van Gogh. Together with an artistic guide, discover why the renowned impressionist painter spent over a year living in Arles during a prolific period, creating more than 300 drawings and paintings during his stay. Later arrive at your hotel in Aix-en-Provence, the city of beautiful boulevards.
DAY 5: AIX – EN – PROVENCE (B)
Follow your Local Guide on a sightseeing tour to discover Aix-en-Provence. Walk along the elegant Cours Mirabeau boulevard, see the Mazarin Quarter, the Jewish Quarter, and the City Hall. Visit the Cathedral of the Holy Saviour, a national monument of France. After exploring, treat yourself to a visit to the Calisson Museum to learn about this traditional French candy, including a tasting!
DAY 6: AIX-EN-PROVENCE. EXCURSION TO ST. REMY DE PROVENCE, LES BAUX DE PROVENCE (B)
Enjoy a full day to discover hidden gems dotted around the colorful countryside of Provence. At St. Remy de Provence, visit the monastery of St. Paul de Mausole, a former asylum whose most famous guest was Vincent Van Gogh. Experience the artistic walls of the quarry of Les Baux de Provence and stroll along the streets of Gordes and Roussillon, deemed amongst Frances most beautiful villages.
DAY 7: AIX-EN-PROVENCE – FRENCH RIVIERA (B/L)
This morning, head south towards the famous French Riviera. En-route stop at a local wine estate, which incorporates an open-air museum of contemporary art, for a wine tasting experience and lunch. Later today arrive at your hotel located on the beautiful French Riviera.
DAY 8: FRENCH RIVIERA – (B/D)
Enjoy a leisurely day on the glamorous French Riviera with time to explore with a spot of shopping, lingering in the local cafes, or relaxing with a day at the seaside. This evening, enjoy a delicious farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
DAY 9 FRENCH RIVIERA – TOUR ENDS (B)
Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. Nearest airport is Nice
