November 12-19 (Wednesday-Wednesday)

Discover The French Riviera

with Collette Vacations

The elegant Mediterranean resort region is full of powder-soft beaches, superb dining, upscale shopping, and fascinating museums.  Your tour is a leisurely 6-night single hotel stay in Nice.  In the beautiful city of Nice, savor the sights and fragrances of the local flower market and stroll along the lively seafront.  Take a relaxing cruise through the yacht-filled bay of the resort town of St. Tropez.  In Cannes, explore the Old Town, Le Suquet, and walk along the elegant Boulevard de la Croisette.  Finally, visit the glamorous principality of Monaco and see the Casino of Monte Carlo, Prince’s Palace, and Cathedral of Monaco.  

Day 1: Overnight Flight.  The fabulous French Riviera awaits your arrival, complete with elegant coastal resorts, superb dining, fabulous shopping and fascinating museums.  Unpack your bags just once and stay at a single hotel for your entire adventure which begins with an overnight flight to France.   

Day 2: Arrive Nice (French Riviera), France - Transfers to Hotel.  Your tour commences in the stunning Mediterranean city of Nice, long the playground of the rich and famous.  With an average of nearly 300 sunny days per year, Nice is a seaside paradise.  This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner featuring inspired French cuisine artfully presented.  (D) 

Day 3: Ventimiglia, Italy - San Remo.  Cross the border into Italy and arrive in the charming town of Ventimiglia with its alluring, twisted medieval alleys.  Leisure time is available to explore the lively Market Place, offering all types of local crafts and fresh produce.  You then proceed to San Remo, the luxurious capital of the Italian Riviera, where flowers bloom throughout the year.  Alfred Nobel conceived of his prizes while residing in this city’s inspirational surroundings, which has long attracted aristocrats and the wealthy.  A wonderful dinner awaits you this evening at a popular local restaurant.  (B, D)

Day 4: Grasse - St. Paul De Vence.  Learn the secrets of perfume making with a tour of the Fragonard Perfumerie in Grasse, where fragrant formulations have been prepared since 1782.  Follow the magnificent scenery along the lovely Loup River to St. Paul de Vence, situated on top of a hill overlooking the beautiful countryside.  This medieval, walled town is filled with historic buildings, hidden alleyways, fabulous restaurants and many specialty shops.  As you explore, soak in its distinctive light, said to have inspired Matisse, Braque, Chagall and many other artists.  (B)

Day 5: Nice - St. Jean-Cap-Ferrat.  Begin your day with a tour of Nice.  A visit to the local flower market, where much more than brightly colored blooms are sold, is followed by a trip to the lively seafront Promenade des Anglais and Place Massena, the town’s center of activity.  Next, visit the Chagall Museum to see his celebrated collection of paintings.  Travel the spectacular coastline, passing the charming town of Villefranche-sur-Mer east of Nice.  In St. Jean-Cap-Ferrat, called the crown jewel of the French Rivera, you visit the impressive Rothschild Villa and Gardens.  This seaside palazzo overlooks the Mediterranean and boastings seven themed gardens, paintings, and other antiquities.  (B, D)

Day 6: St. Tropez - Cannes.  Today you are off to St. Tropez.  Once an old fishing village, this scenic area is now a fashionable resort frequented by movie stars, artists and writers.  Relax and enjoy the sights on a delightful cruise around the yacht-filled bay before heading off to the popular resort of Cannes where you will explore the Old Town, Le Suquet, and walk along the elegant Boulevard de la Croisette where you might just catch the eye of a star or starlet.  (B)

Day 7: Monaco.  A panoramic tour of Monaco features the famous Casino of Monte Carlo, the Place des Armes; Prince’s Palace, Avenue des Beaux Artes, and the Cathedral of Monaco, where Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace are buried.  A highlight of your visit to Monaco is the fascinating Oceanographic Museum which was founded in 1910 by Prince Albert I who personally collected many of the marine artifacts on display.  The museum building itself is a colossal masterpiece of architecture, not to be missed.  This evening, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of an unforgettable trip.  (B, D)

Day 8: Nice International Airport - Tour ends.  Depart for home with many wonderful memories of your vacation to Cote D’Azur.  (B)

Included:

•  Fully escorted by a Collette Vacations Escort

•  Round trip air from BWI

•  First class hotel accommodations, featuring:

  - 6 nights at Hotel Splendid, Nice     

•  6 breakfasts

•  4 dinners

•  Sightseeing by deluxe touring motor coach through out with a professional driver and tour guide

•  Attractions and admissions per itinerary

•  Portage - one (1) suitcase per person

•  Tips and taxes for included meals

•  Hotel Transfers, Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges of $260.00/PP (subject to increase until paid in full)

* Excludes tip for driver and tour guide on tour

* Excludes transfers to/from BWI Airport

Price:

$1,999.00 Double/PP  $1,969.00 Triple/PP

$2,399.00 Single

Deposit:  $250.00/PP - Due 7 days after booking

Balance Due:  August 29, 2008

 Notes: 

 The cruise in St. Tropez is weather permitting.

 This itinerary may include many activities and may consist of walking on uneven terrain or significant walking at times.  Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motor coaches, especially in historic areas.  For your comfort, we recommend bringing walking shoes.

 Single accommodations are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis.

 A Passport with a 6 month validity past tour date is required for this tour.  Deposits and cancellation fees, see flyer.

 Gunther Tours/Collette Vacations reserves the right to impose or pass through fuel surcharges, security surcharges or similar incidental surcharges.  No right of cancellation exists under either of these circumstances.

 Travel Protection Insurance is strongly recommended.  Please contact Access America at (800) 284-8300.