This is the perfect tour for those seeking the full French experience. Your tour begins on the beaches of Nice and the French Riviera, then enjoy a train ride through the countryside to Aix-en-Provence, a small town known for its Roman heritage and its delicious calisson candies. Your vacation concludes in the cosmopolitan cafes of Paris.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Overnight Flight

Your trip begins with a regularly scheduled overnight flight to Nice aboard an internationally recognized airline.

Day 2 - Nice

Welcome to Nice! After clearing customs, you’ll be greeted by a Go Ahead representative, who helps you with the transfer to your hotel. You’ll then have some free time to explore Nice at your lei- sure. Stroll along its quaint streets or sit at a cafe and people-watch over a cafe creme. Tonight, meet your group at an included Welcome Dinner.
Included meals: breakfast (in flight), dinner

Day 3 - Nice

This morning, start your day with a beautiful walk along Cap Ferrat, enjoying stunning views of the French Riviera. Cap Ferrat is studded with elegant villas, and you’ll visit Villa Ephrussi (known for its exotic, elaborate gardens). Enjoy a free afternoon in Nice to relax by the beach or check out one of the city’s many modern art museums. This evening, experience the glamorous principality of Monaco, home of the fabled Monte Carlo Casino, on our Monaco by Night optional excursion. The excursion includes dinner.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Villa Ephrussi

$99 USD

Monaco by Night Spend an evening in the luxury of Monaco. A tiny principality ruled by the Grimaldis, Europe’s oldest royal family, Monaco has retained its independence for more than 700 years. Your Tour Director introduces you to the Old Town with a stop outside the Royal Palace. After an included dinner, try your luck at the world-famous Monte Carlo Casino. Please note: The trip to the casino requires extensive walking.

Day 4 - Aix-en-Provence

Transfer from Nice to the town of Cassis, where you’ll embark on a short pleasure cruise to take in the city’s famous calanques, the Mediterranean version of Scandinavia’s fjords. Then enjoy the views of the French countryside as you transfer inland to Aix-en-Provence. Upon arrival, you’ll have a guided tour of this Roman-influenced city, hometown of Post-Impressionist painter Paul Cézanne. Stops include Cézanne’s birthplace, the school he attended and the studio where he painted some of his most famous works. Dinner is included tonight.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Included entrances: Cézanne’s studio

Day 5 - Aix-en-Provence

Enjoy a free day in Aix-en-Provence to discover southern France on your own, or opt to join our Roman Empire optional excursion. This journey covers Provence’s important Roman heritage, dating back to a time when the Empire extended through Southern France and most of Western Europe. Few towns have safeguarded their Roman heritage as well as Nîmes, where you’ll see a number of ancient Roman sites, including the town’s well-preserved amphitheater. You’ll also stop at the Pont du Gard, the three-tiered aqueduct, whose grandeur and beauty will transport you back to a civilization at its greatest heights. Please note that this optional excursion involves extensive walking.
Included meals: breakfast

$75 USD

Roman Empire This excursion introduces you to the Roman heritage of Nîmes. A local guide escorts you through Nîmes with a visit to the town’s famous Roman amphitheater built in 70 A.D. Later, you'll travel just outside Nîmes to marvel at the graceful arches of the Pont du Gard, the region's famed Roman aqueduct and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Please note: This excursion involves extensive walking.

Day 6 - Aix-en-Provence

Today’s excursions take you outside Aix-en-Provence to the lavender-scented gardens and villages that make up Provence. Author Peter Mayle fell in love with the region during his Year in Provence. Before him, artists such as Vincent van Gogh migrated here to paint and live because of the spectacular quality of the light. You’ll visit the small town of St. Rémy-de-Provence, renowned for the asylum that served as van Gogh’s sanctuary at the end of his life. You’ll then continue onto the picturesque town of Les Baux-de-Provence for free time to explore and enjoy lunch on your own.This evening, join our optional Provençal Dinner and Wine Tasting, which
celebrates this up-and-coming wine region.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: van Gogh’s Asylum

$99 USD

Provençal Dinner & Wine Tasting Travel to a rustic Provençal village outside of Aix-en-Provence. Start your evening with a wine tasting at a vineyard followed by dinner at a local restaurant featuring traditional Provençal dishes. You’ll enjoy the healthful herb-accented cuisine for which the region is known.

Day 7 - Paris

Transfer to the train station to board the high-speed TGV for Paris. Upon arrival, the balance of the day is yours to spend as you please, exploring the City of Light as you see fit. Your Tour Director will be happy to help you get acquainted with the area around your hotel. Tonight, join with your group for an included dinner.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner

Day 8 - Paris

This morning, you’ll meet our local guide for a panoramic sightseeing tour of the French capital. You’ll motor along the fashionable Champs-Élysées and view the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Opera House, the Place de la Concorde, the Louvre and the banks of the River Seine. The afternoon is free to explore Paris on your own. You might browse the wares offered by the bouquinistes along the Seine’s Left Bank or peruse the designer boutiques on the Rue du Faubourg St.-Honoré or Avenue Montaigne. Or join an optional excursion to Versailles, the opulent estate of Louis XIV.
Included meals: breakfast

$99 USD

Versailles The reign of Louis XIV, known as the “Sun King,” set new standards for decadence among the crowned heads of Europe. It took 50 years and 35,000 workers to turn Versailles, once a small hunting lodge, into the most magnificent château in all of France and the envy of royalty worldwide. On this excursion, you will see the palace in all its glory. Tour the State Apartments and the glittering Hall of Mirrors. Then stroll through the lavish gardens with their fine statuary, splendid fountains and colorful flowerbeds. Please note: This excursion requires advanced reservation and must be booked by 45 days prior to departure.

Day 9 - Paris

The day is free to continue discovering Paris on your own. You might learn about Impressionist masters at the Musée d’Orsay or view Rodin’s The Thinker at the Musée Rodin. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to Giverny (seasonal), where Claude Monet lived and created his Impressionist masterpieces. Step inside his home and workspace, before strolling through the surrounding gardens. This evening, join an optional Evening in Paris, which includes dinner followed by a romantic cruise on the Seine.
Included meals: breakfast

$85 USD

Giverny The town of Giverny was home to Claude Monet from 1883 until his death in 1926. On a visit to Monet's home and gardens, you'll discover the subtle palette of colors that inspired his Water Lilies series and gave rise to a new way of seeing. Please note: This excursion is seasonal and runs April through October.

$99 USD

Evening in Paris Take in the nighttime allure of the City of Light on a special evening excursion. The event begins with dinner at a local restaurant. After you dine, board a boat cruise along the Seine. As you coast along the river and under Paris’ bridges, you’ll behold the gloriously illuminated monuments of Paris glittering alongside the riverbanks. Please note: The dress code may vary depending your restaurant, and your Tour Director will advise you on what to wear, but shorts and sneakers are likely to be considered inappropriate attire.

Day 10 - Paris

This morning, a Go Ahead representative helps you transfer to the airport for departure.
Included meals: breakfast
(In the case of early morning departures, breakfast may not be provided.)