Insight Vacations - Country Roads of France  Highlights

Included Premium Highlights

    * Enjoy an excursion to elegant Monaco, playground of the rich and famous
    * See all the sights of the papal city on your little train ride in Avignon
    * Visit Sarlat-la-Caneda and see the prehistoric cave paintings of Lascaux in the Dordogne Valley
    * View Paris from a unique perspective on a leisurely Seine cruise and visit Napoleon's tomb

Included Personal Insights

    * Discover the heritage of contemporary art at medieval hilltop Saint-Paul de Vence
    * Enjoy a short group tutorial on the wines that complement your evening meals in the Dordogne

Included Additional Excursions & Sights

    * Explore the Champagne capital of Troyes and taste the wine in the village of Chablis
    * Visit medieval Vezelay with its famous Basilique Ste-Madeleine
    * Stay in alpine Chamonix and visit lake side Annecy and Aix-les-Bains
    * Visit charming Aix-en-Provence
    * Drive on part of the Monaco Grand Prix circuit
    * See the Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard
    * Wine tasting at Chateauneuf-du-Pape
    * Visit the Roman Amphitheatre in Arles
    * See the Maison Carree and Roman Arena in Nimes
    * Visit Stes Maries-de-la-Mer in the Camargue
    * Enjoy a walking tour of Carcassonne
    * Visit lovely Cahors
    * Visit cliff top Rocamadour
    * Visit a Limoges porcelain showroom
    * See Notre Dame Cathedral, Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower
    * Scenic Drives - Burgundy, High Alps, Route Napoleon, French Riviera, The Luberon National Park, Camargue, Dordogne Valley

Included First Class Services

    * Escorted by a professional Tour Director
    * Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet
    * Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
    * Train journey by TGV from Poitiers to Paris
    * Insight Traveller document wallet, map book journal and information pack
    * Airport Shuttle arrival and departure transfers at scheduled times on Day 1 and Day 16

Included Quality Dining

    * Dine-Around evening at your own choice of restaurant from our selection in the Dorgogne (DA)
    * 15 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 5 three-course table d'hote Dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

Includes

    * 7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the River Baroness
    * All meals onboard
    * Complementary wine during dinner, bottled water in your stateroom, and 24-hour coffee
    * 6 shore excursions, fully hosted by English-speaking guides
    * Complementary use of bicycles
    * Captain's Welcome and Farewell Dinners
    * Exciting onboard entertainment and insightful lectures
    * All transfers on arrival and departure days
 

ITINERARY Insight Vacations - Country Roads of France

Tour Pace

Well paced tour with two night stays in five out of nine cities, with the opportunity for some leisurely later morning departures. Plus the journey by TGV train is a relaxing way to return to the glittering city of Paris!

Day 1 - PARIS AT LEISURE

Welcome to Paris! On arrival at Charles de Gaulle Airport, your airport shuttle service leaves for the tour hotel at 08:30, 11:00 & 13:30. Relax and settle in, or perhaps start exploring the riches of this great capital. Don't miss the chance for a shopping spree in the famous department stores or even the elegant designer boutiques of the Left Bank. This evening, join your Tour Director and fellow guests for a Welcome Drink. Afterwards, the 'city of light' awaits.
Hotel: Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel.

Day 2 - PARIS - TROYES - DIJON

Head to Troyes, the ancient capital of the Champagne region - its magnificent core of medieval buildings is appropriately shaped like a champagne cork. After some free time to explore, continue into Burgundy, once a powerful duchy and famous for its fine wines. Stop in the wine village of Chablis. Despite its fame, the village retains a quiet atmosphere. Enjoy a taste of the local nectar before reaching Dijon, a beautiful city full of great cultural heritage.
Hotel: Sofitel Dijon la Cloche. (BB,D)

Day 3 - VÉZELAY EXCURSION

After breakfast, set off through the leafy Burgundian countryside with road signs that read like a wine list. Stop in the picturesque town of Vezelay. Tradition has it that Mary Magdalene was buried here and Richard the Lionheart set off for the Crusades from the famous basilica. Later, return to your hotel for some relaxing time at leisure. (BB)

Day 4 - DIJON - CHAMONIX

A scenic symphony awaits you as you head into the high Alps, and climb towards Mont Blanc and the fashionable ski resort of Chamonix.
Hotel: Le Prieure. (BB)

Day 5 - CHAMONIX - ANNECY - AIX-LES-BAINS

After breakfast this morning, take a breathtaking drive to the lake-side town of Annecy. Free time for lunch in the Little Venice area or take a boat trip. Continue to your hotel in the spa town of Aix-les-Bains, situated on the edge of France's largest and most celebrated lake, Lac du Bourget and overlooked by Mt Revard.
Hotel: Marina d'Adelphia. (BB, D)

Day 6 - AIX-LES-BAINS - NICE

Glorious mountain scenery today, as you travel in the footsteps of Napoleon today, as he made his victorious return from Elba. A scenic, rugged landscape leads from the Alps, down to the French Riviera and the elegant resort of Nice.
Hotel: Radisson SAS Nice (BB)

Day 7 - MONACO EXCURSION

On a morning sightseeing tour, journey to the principality of Monaco to see the Grimaldi Palace. You'll also visit the cathedral, burial place of Princess Grace and Prince Rainier. Enjoy a drive on the Grand Prix circuit and views of the port with its luxury yachts. The rest of the day is set aside for you to enjoy the French Riviera. (BB)

Day 8 - NICE - ST. PAUL DE VENCE - NÎMES

Visit the medieval village of St Paul de Vence, which sits high above the Riviera beaches. A walk through its winding streets reveals elegant fountains, vine-covered stone walls and breathtaking views of mountains and sea. Get to know the village, revel in its pleasures and experience its art and lifestyle. Continue to Cezanne's home town, Aix-en-Provence to see the elegant mansions and popular Cours Mirabeau. Journey into the Luberon, made famous by Peter Mayle in his book "A Year in Provence", and pass around Cavaillon, the melon capital of France, en route to Avignon.
Hotel: Avignon Grand Hotel. (BB D)

Day 9 - RHÖNE EXCURSION

In Avignon, see the greatest legacy of the Romans' presence: the incredible three tiered Pont du Gard. Head towards the Rhone River and the village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape to taste the renowned wine. Back in Avignon, take a little train ride for an overview of the town past the old Palace of the Popes, and the 'Pont d'Avignon'. (BB)

Day 10 - AVIGNON - NÎMES

Drive to Arles, one-time home to Van Gogh and Roman legionnaires, and visit the Amphitheatre. Continue through the Camargue to Stes Maries-de-la-Mer, where Gypsies gather annually to honour their patron saint. You may see flamingos and wild horses on the way to Nîmes where, on arrival, an orientation tour shows you the Roman Arena and 2,000-year-old Roman Temple, Maison Carree.
Hotel: Imperator Concorde (BB)

Day 11 - NÎMES - CARCASSONNE - ALBI

Cross the fertile Languedoc region, before heading inland to the unspoilt fortified town of Carcassonne. The city has a complete set of ramparts and a medieval keep. After your walking tour, continue to your hotel in Albi, known for its Cathedral and the birthplace of Toulouse Lautrec.
Hotel: Hotel Saint Antoine. (BB,D)

Day 12 - ALBI - ROCAMADOUR DORDOGNE

Stop in Cahors, famous for its 'Black Wine', before continuing to Rocamadour. A resting place for pilgrims on their way to Spain, this tiny medieval town is perched on a cliff side above the Alzou River. After exploring the beautiful town and its sanctuary, drive on to your hotel in the Dordogne. For dinner tonight there is a selection of restaurants to choose from. During the evening, enjoy a short informative presentation on the regional wines that complement your meal.
Hotel: La Truffe Noire. (BB,DA)

Day 13 - DORDOGNE VALLEY EXCURSION

A morning drive take you into the stunning Valley of the Dordogne to visit the town of Sarlat-la-Caneda with its fine historic golden limestone houses. Make your way to the prehistoric site at Lascaux to view the world-famous cave paintings. (BB,D)

Day 14 - DORDOGNE - LIMOGES - PARIS

Your first stop is at Limoges to visit a porcelain showroom. Continue to historic Poitiers to board your TGV train for the fast and comfortable journey to Paris.
Hotel: Concorde St. Lazare. (BB)

Day 15 - PARIS SIGHTSEEING

Sightseeing with a local guide reveals the highlights of the city. See Notre Dame Cathedral before driving past the facades of the Louvre and along the Champs Élysees to the Arc de Triomphe. Stop for a photo of the Eiffel Tower before embarking on a scenic cruise along the Seine. The tour concludes with a visit to Napoleon's tomb in the gilded Église du Dome. Perhaps celebrate the tour finale with a farewell bistro dinner. (BB)

Day 16 - PARIS

Departure transfers arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport at 08:00 & 11:00. (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.

DIJ01 - BURGUNDY WINE TASTING & DINNER
The Grand Cru village of Fixin is our destination for this evening. After tasting some of this delicious wine, we savour the flavours of this rich region at a typical local restaurant. Dinner with wine included. EURO 66

DIJ02 - BEAUNE & THE BURGUNDY WINE ROAD
We take a scenic drive through the most prestigious vineyards of Burgundy - the Cote d'or, where every village sign reads like a wine list. Arriving in Beaune we will discover this charming city on a walking tour, taking in the architectural jewel of the region - the Hospices. EURO 26

CHA02 - ALPINE DRIVE & SAVOYARD DINNER
A spectacular, scenic drive high into the mountains takes us through the national reserve of the Aiguilles Rouges to what was once a farmer's lodge now lovingly converted into a restaurant. We will be served the traditional food of the Savoy region. An aperitif and wine is included. EURO 56

NCE09 - MONTE CARLO BY NIGHT, DINNER & THE CASINO
This dazzling principality comes to life at night. First we enjoy a meal of typical French cuisine at a Monegasque restaurant before we try our luck at the world famous casino of Monte Carlo. We witness the glamour and spectacle which has made it the playground of the jet-set - a night to be remembered. EURO 71

NCE15 - PROVENCAL DINNER AND PETANQUE
Provence would not be Provence without the opportunity to have a game of petanque. Why not try it and make the most of this opportunity to have fun and do as the locals do. After the games, we enjoy a typical and beautiful dinner of Provencal specialties. Aperitif and wine included. EURO 64

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

PAR05 - PARISIAN DINNER PARTY
Bon appetit! Enjoy wonderful French cuisine in a typical Parisian restaurant - an opportunity to toast your new found friends on tour. EURO 56

AVG03 - GOURMET DINNER IN VILLENEUVE-LEZ-AVIGNON
The charming village of Villeneuve-les-Avignon rises up a rocky escarpment above the west bank of the Rhune. It was the residence of cardinals during the 14th century and presents visitors with a heritage that is rich in monuments and history. This is the incredible setting for our gourmet French dinner. Drinks are included. EURO 66

PAR12 - GIVERNY EXCURSION
A visit to the former home of one of the greatest impressionist painters - Claude Monet. This charming house with its spectacular gardens gave Monet inspiration for his famous lily paintings. Our coach will take us tothe town of Giverny where we will also get to see the famous Japanese bridge. EURO 46

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