| Walking through Provence |
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On this insider’s walking tour, weave through forests and rustic towns, amble through lush fields and gardens, even walk the French Riveria’s cliffs. You may not have a year in Provence, but spend 10 days and you may never want to leave.
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Cannes
Day 1 Your vacation begins with an overnight flight to France.
Day 2 Touch down in Nice. Here you’ll meet your Go Ahead representative, then transfer by motorcoach to the elite resort town of Cannes and check in to your hotel. Become acquainted with your fellow walking enthusiasts at this evening’s included dinner. (B in flight, D)
Avignon
Day 3 Discover the fresh air and flowering
vistas of Provence during this morning’s invigorating two-hour walk in St. Baume, which follows the medieval pilgrimage path to the shrine of Mary Magdalene. Then follow in the footsteps of painter Paul Cézanne during a guided tour of Aix-en-Provence on your way to Avignon. (B)
Day 4 This morning, your tour director leads a walking tour of medieval Avignon, followed by a guided tour of the ancient Papal Palace, which was the seat of the Catholic Church in the 14th century. This afternoon, savor our included Provençal Lunch, which includes a delicious taste of the region’s fine cuisine and a visit to the Roman bridge Pont du Gard, completed in 19 B.C. (B, L)
Day 5 Drive through the rustic Luberon region, the setting for Peter Mayle’s A Year in Provence series. Your walk in the Luberon Forest (1.5 hours) takes you through groves of oak and cedar, with spectacular views of the surrounding mountain villages. Later, journey to the Luberon towns of Bonnieux, Lacoste and Ménerbes and visit the Fontaine du Vaucluse, a natural waterfall. This evening, consider our optional Avignon dinner and wine tasting. (B)
Vinon sur Verdon
Day 6 This morning, visit the hilltop town of Gordes, a haven for modern artists, before reaching the delightfully picturesque village of Roussillon. A one-hour walk takes you through the open-air ochre mines of Roussillon. Then
transfer to Vinon sur Verdon. (B, D)
Day 7 This morning, your tour director leads you on an orientation of the town of Greoux-les-Bains. Then a two-hour walk in the Verdon region leads you alongside Lake d’Esparron. Stop in the medieval village of Moustiers Ste. Marie, known throughout Europe since the 17th century for its fine blue-and-white ceramics. Then travel through the scenic countryside and past the dramatic canyons of the Gorges du Verdon area, known as the “Grand Canyon of France.” (B)
Nice
Day 8 En route to Nice, visit the town of Grasse, the heart of France’s perfume industry. This evening, experience all the glamour of Monaco on our optional Monaco by Night excursion, featuring dinner and a visit to the Monte-Carlo Casino. (B)
Day 9 Today’s 1.5-hour walk introduces you to Cap Ferrat, a peninsula that runs between Nice and the principality of Monaco. The cliffside path takes you around the edge of the peninsula with memorable views of the Mediterranean. This afternoon, join our optional excursion to the artists’ enclave of St. Paul-de-Vence, including a visit to the Fondation Maeght, a renowned
modern art museum. (B, D)
Day 10 Transfer to Nice’s airport for your flight home or join our Paris tour extension. (B)
Extend your stay
Paris
Day 10 Board the TGV train for Paris. After hotel check-in, the rest of the day is yours. Tonight’s optional Evening in Paris features dinner at a restaurant and a Seine cruise. (B)
Day 11 Enjoy a free day all to yourself. You could also join our optional city tour. In the afternoon, opt to visit Versailles. (B)
Day 12 Join an optional excursion to Giverny(seasonal), where Monet spent his final years. (B)
Day 13 Board your flight home. (B)
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Round-trip air transportation with a major airline, airport transfers and escorts
The services of a bilingual Go Ahead Tour Director
8 nights accommodation in comfortable, well-located hotels with twin beds and private bath or shower
All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling and local taxes
Buffet breakfast (B) daily; 1 lunch (L);3 three-course dinners (D)
Private deluxe motorcoach with reclining seats, air conditioning and restroom
Guided sightseeing and entrance fees to select sights as described
5 escorted walks
Go Ahead travel bag and membership in our World Traveler Club, which includes credit toward your next tour |
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| Daily Departures from 1/1/2009 to 12/31/2010 |
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Destination Information
Itinerary
Items Included
Departure Dates
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