Highlights

• Experience famous landmarks and arrondissements of Paris
• Capture German and French influences in Strasbourg
• Explore the Roman structures and museums of Lyon
• Get to know the Provençal town of Avignon
• Immerse yourself in the Cote d’Azur’s magic in Nice
• Enjoy authentic French-Mediterranean cuisine in Marseille
• Sample some of the best wine in the world in Bordeaux

Day 1: Your Journey Begins in Paris
Welcome to Paris! When you arrive, check into your hotel and begin exploring this unforgettable metropolis using your Hop on Hop off Pass. Perhaps pop into the Louvre museum for a glimpse of the Mona Lisa. A couple more places you should visit on your first day is the Champs-Élysées and Sacre-Coeur Basilica, the Roman Catholic church perched atop Montmartre. In the evening, why not find an authentic Parisian restaurant to enjoy dinner? (Overnight in Paris)

Day 2: Paris (B)
There is so much to see and do in the city that your options are seemingly endless. Today, you can visit Musée Picasso, home to the world’s largest public collection of Picasso’s works, stroll through Père Lachaise (Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf, Frédéric Chopin, and Jim Morrison are buried here), and make a stop at the beautiful Parc des Buttes Chaumont, located in the 19th arrondissement (district). Other must-see places include Cathédrale de Notre-Dame, Marché des Enfants Rouges, Ile Saint-Louis for shopping, and Rue des Martyrs, Paris’ 200-year-old bustling street market packed with fromageries, boulangeries, and boucheries. Today you will also enjoy 2 different views of Paris – from the top of the Eiffel Tower and from a cruise on the river Seine. (Overnight in Paris)

Day 3: Paris to Strasbourg (B)
Enjoy breakfast then check out of your hotel and take a highspeed train from Paris to the fairy tale town of Strasbourg. Upon arrival, check into your hotel for a two-night stay and then start getting familiar with its gemuetlich charm. Both German and French influences can be found in the city’s culture, architecture and cuisine. Visit the Strasbourg Cathedral, which was built in 1439 and towers above the city. From there, you can stroll along the charming canals by the Pont Couverts and cross the Vauban Dam. (Overnight in Strasbourg)

Day 4: Strasbourg (B)
After having breakfast in the morning, continue exploring the capital of Alsace’s must-see medieval churches, half-timbered houses, the elaborate Astronomical Clock, or head to Parc de l’Orangerie to see the famous storks. Then there’s all the wonderful museums, such as the Musee de l’Oeuvre Notre-Dame, where you can see beautiful Medieval stained-glass windows on display. Strasbourg happens to be one of France’s premier wine regions and is the perfect gateway to visiting incredible vineyards to do some tastings. Come evening, head to a local restaurant to try authentic Alsatian cuisine. (Overnight in Strasbourg)

Day 5: Strasbourg to Lyon (B)
Have breakfast and check out of your hotel before boarding your direct train from Strasbourg to gorgeous Lyon. When you arrive, travel to your hotel and check in for a two-night stay. To begin your sightseeing adventures, visit the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourviere and Lyon’s medieval Old Town (also known as Vieux-Lyon and one of the best preserved in Europe). Located on the west bank of the Saone River, you’ll find it to be a charming mix of cobblestone alleys, boutique shops, restaurants, and wine bars. Speaking of wine, Lyon just so happens to be the gateway to the Beaujolais viticulture region, known for its flavorful red and whites. (Overnight in Lyon)

Day 6: Lyon (B)
This morning embark on a wonderful 3-hour food tour through the areas of Vieux Lyon and the Presqu’île (city center). Your guide will give you the opportunity to taste authentic and traditional dishes, together with some local wines. You will come away with a far better understanding of French culture and history Spend some time visiting the city’s Roman structures, especially the public baths and huge amphitheater on Fourviere hill at the Gallo-Roman Museum. These structures are just as impressive today as there were in the days of the gladiators. From there, you can choose to check out Lyon’s Institute Lumiere, dedicated to Auguste and Louis Lumiere who are credited with creating the world’s first film camera in 1892 (the cinematograph). Why not cruise along the Rhone or Saone River, or head to Parc de la Tete d’Or to relax in the shade? (Overnight in Lyon)

Day 7: Lyon to Avignon (B)
This morning, you’ll board a direct train from Lyon to the Provencal town of Avignon following breakfast. Upon arrival, travel on your own to your hotel and check in for a two-night stay. Visit the historic city center, the many episcopal buildings and the Saint Benezet Bridge. Then, visit Musee de Petit Palais, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to an extensive collection of paintings. In July, you can attend its annual arts festival, the largest in France. (Overnight in Avignon)

Day 8: Avignon (B)
Get ready for another day of experiencing the best this town has to offer. Enjoy your included breakfast then use your included tickets to the Pope’s Palace, the largest and most beautiful Gothic palace in the world (also a UNESCO World Heritage site) and the symbolic Pont d’Avignon. You can sip on coffee in Place de l’Horloge. (Overnight in Avignon)

Day 9: Avignon to Nice (B)
Take a scenic train directly to Nice following breakfast. When you arrive, travel to your hotel and check in for a two-night stay. Located along the glamorous French Riviera, Nice is a haven for culture lovers and sun seekers. You’ll find prestigious art galleries, fancy restaurants, incredible beaches, and splendid weather year-round! There is certainly no shortage of things to see, do and experience. Why not visit the pine-scented hills to see the hilltop of St. Paul de Vence? This walled town draws artists from around the world and is a treasure trove of galleries, quaint cobbled streets and the burial place of Marc Chagall. (Overnight in Nice)

Day 10: Nice (B)
Today, explore the world-famous Cote d’Azur on a full day tour. You’ll spend time in the ancient port of Antibes, on the Croisette of Cannes, in the beautiful villages of St Paul de Vence and Eze, the renowned perfume factory of Fragonard as well as sampling the riches of Monaco. (Overnight in Nice)

Day 11: Nice to Marseille (B)
After breakfast this morning, check out of your hotel in Nice and take a direct train to one of the most underrated cities in the South of France: Marseille! When you arrive, check into your hotel for a one-night stay. This cosmopolitan, multi-ethnic port city is the capital of the Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur and features a rich history. With approximately 300 days of sunshine year, plenty of dreamy beaches, and delicious French-Mediterranean cuisine, Marseille is the perfect destination for every type of traveler. (Overnight in Marseille)

Day 12: Marseille to Bordeaux (B)
Take a relaxing train ride through some of the most beautiful landscapes and scenery in France to the crescent-shaped city of Bordeaux. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Located in the southwest of France along the Garonne River, Bordeaux is the world’s largest urban World Heritage Site. Not to mention, there is no region in the world more closely associated with its incredible vineyards and wine production than Bordeaux. (overnight in Bordeaux)

Day 13: Bordeaux (B)
Enjoy your included breakfast and then head over to the famous Cite du Vin and discover more than you thought you knew about the world of wine! (overnight in Bordeaux)

Day 14: Bordeaux to Paris (B)
Following breakfast this morning, check out of your hotel and travel to the station to board a highspeed train from Bordeaux to Paris, where your rail journey ends. If you wish to extend your vacation, perhaps with an additional day in a different city, one of our Rail Vacation Specialists will be happy to assist you with the details.

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