Itinerary

DAY 1 – USA - MARSEILLE, FRANCE

Departure from USA by scheduled air service. Contact our office for a quotation of the lowest cost airfares available for your dates.
 
DAY 2– MARSEILLE / AVIGNON
 
Upon arrival to Marseille airport, you will be met and transferred by private car to your hotel in Avignon, located in the center of this historical city. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to begin and explore the city located in the heart of the French Provence.
 
DAY 3– AVIGNON
 
Today you’ll have a full day a head of you to explore the city’s highlights starting with an audio guide and visit to the Pope’s Palace, the largest gothic palace in the world and residence of the Sovereign Pontiffs during the 14th century. Then visit the Pont d’ Avignon (Pont St Benezet) built in the 12th century then destroyed by the Albigensian Crusades and later rebuilt. While damaged over the centuries by raging floods and ultimately abandoned, both the bridge and the palace are UNESCO world heritage sites. Then take a one hour cruise on the Rhone River from Avignon to Barthelasse Island passing medieval villages on both banks and the Fort St. Andre and the Tour Philippe Le Bel. Finish your day with dinner at a local restaurant, 3 course menu (without drinks).
 
DAY 4 – AVIGNON / NICE
 
Your morning is at leisure to shop or relax at the hotel’s pool or terrace – solarium. Then board a train for Nice, a cosmopolitan town located in the heart of the French Riviera. Upon arrival to Nice train station you will be met and transferred to your hotel by private car. Check in and the remainder of the day and evening are at your leisure to stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, relax and take in the lifestyle that is so evident in Nice.
 
DAY 5– NICE / MONACO / MONTE CARLO / EZE
 
This morning enjoy a half day tour of Nice including the Promenade des Anglais, the Russian Church (stopover and visit inside if desired Euro 3.00 per person), Cimiez hill, Matisse Museum, monastery and the arena. Continue by passing the Art promenade, Modern Art Museum (no entrance included), the old town and its churches and finally a stop at the Florian candy factory and a panoramic view from Boron Mount. This afternoon enjoy a guided excursion to the Principality of Monaco where you will see the prince’s palace and the cathedral sheltering Princess Grace Kelly’s grave. You will have some free time to stroll the typical narrow streets before continuing to Monte Carlo city made famous by the Formula One race which takes place on the streets every year. Here you will see the famous casino, (entrance to go inside Euro 10.00), the Hotel de Paris, the gardens and the opera house. On the way back to Nice stop at the perfume factory of Fragonard and enjoy some free time at Eze medieval village to discover the 10th century city.
 
DAY 6 – NICE / SANTA MARGARITA LIGURIA
 
The morning is at your leisure in Nice to explore on your own, take a swim or go shopping. This afternoon board your train for Italy passing along the spectacular coastlines of France and Italy until you reach Santa Margarita Ligure in the heart of the Italian Riviera. Check into your hotel. You are situated perfectly on the Ligurian coast for day trips to explore this unique part of Italy. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.
 
DAY 7 - SANTA MARGARITA LIGURIA / PORTOFINO
 
You can easily catch a local bus to the town of Portofino or if you prefer, transfer by boat and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Portofino is a charming town with beautifully colored buildings you are sure to recognize from photographs. We suggest you have lunch, browse the shops and hike up the small hill to the see the charming Church of San Giorgio perched above the village and take in the panoramic view from this overlook. Return to Santa Margherita Liguria at your leisure.
 
DAY 8 – SANTA MARGARITA LIGURIA / MONTEROSSO AL MARE
 
You have a day at leisure to explore the National Park of the Five towns nestled in the cliffs, known as Cinque Terre. You can either take a boat, enjoy the spectacular coastline or a faster way to reach Monterosso al Mare is by the local train. Locally you may purchase a Cinque Terre pass, which will allow you unlimited travel on the trains connecting the towns and the towns bus shuttles. You travel between the five towns only by hiking on trails or by the local train. This National Park is protected and transportation is deliberately restricted. After a full day of exploring the villages return to Santa Margherita Liguria in time for overnight.
 
DAY 9 – SANTA MARGARITA LIGURIA  / GEONA / USA
 
Time permitting breakfast will be served at the hotel prior to departure by private car to the Genoa airport in time to board your flight back to USA.