Country Roads of France - Classic Group

Country Roads of France - Classic Group

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16 Days From

$6325

$5359

Country Roads of France - Classic Group

16 Days Starting and ending in Paris, France

Visiting: Paris, Dijon, Chamonix, Annecy, Nice, Monaco, Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, Carcassonne, Albi, Cahors, Dordogne Valley

Tour operator:

Insight Vacations

Tour code:

E723ZN20

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Tour operated in:

English
From: $6325 $5359 Barrhead discount: -$966 -15%

NB: Prices correct on 23-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on the "Country Roads of France - Classic Group" tour, a captivating journey through the heart of France and Monaco. Experience the allure of Monaco City with visits to the Prince's Palace and the Oceanographic Museum. Discover the rich history of Dijon, the picturesque streets of Chamonix, and the charming canals of Annecy. Delight in the vibrant culture of Nice and the artistic haven of Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Explore the medieval wonders of Avignon and Carcassonne, and marvel at the prehistoric art in Montignac. Conclude your adventure in the romantic city of Paris, where iconic landmarks and exquisite dining await. Travel in comfort aboard a luxurious coach, enjoying authentic dining experiences and insightful guided tours throughout this unforgettable exploration of French elegance and heritage.

Highlights

  • Monaco City: Admire the Italian Renaissance frescoes and State Apartments of the Prince's Palace.

  • Visit the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco and explore its grand aquariums.

  • Explore Dijon, famous for its mustard and wines, with your Travel Director.

  • Chamonix: Discover the charming streets set against the stunning French Alps.

  • Enjoy free time in the Little Venice area of Annecy.

  • Explore the beautiful coastal town of Nice on the French Riviera.

  • Visit a perfumery in Eze to learn about the French perfume industry.

  • Discover the beauty of the hilltop town of Saint-Paul-de-Vence.

Places You'll See

The Eiffel Tower

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Welcome To Paris

Location: Paris

Accommodation: Grand Hotel Chicago

Accommodation Name: Marriott Rive Gauche, Paris

Meals Included: Dinner

Meet your Travel Director and fellow guests at the hotel before joining a Welcome Dinner at a classic local restaurant with cuisine inspired by country recipes.

Day 2: Champagne Region And On To Dijon

Location: Dijon

Accommodation: Grand Hotel Dijon La Cloche, Dijon.

Accommodation Name: Grand Dijon La Cloche

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Journey through the vine-clad scenery of the Champagne region. Admire the green shoots in spring, full summer foliage or the russet autumnal hues, this is a glorious region throughout the year. Visit the city of Troyes and admire its medieval Old Town with its colorful half-timbered houses while sipping a glass of champagne. On arrival in Dijon, an orientation by your Travel Director reveals the charming architecture and history of the city.

Day 3: Free Time In Dijon Relaxed Start

Location: Dijon

Accommodation: Grand Hotel Dijon La Cloche, Dijon.

Accommodation Name: Grand Dijon La Cloche

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy the Burgundy capital of Dijon. Its many handsome buildings recall the time when the Dukes of Burgundy were more powerful than the Kings of France. Perhaps take the opportunity to visit the wine capital of Burgundy, Beaune? In the evening, don't miss the chance of an optional Burgundy wine tasting and traditional dinner in the Premier Cru village of Fixin.

Day 4: Chamonix

Location: Chamonix

Accommodation: Alpina Eclectic Hotel Chamonix.

Accommodation Name: Alpina Eclectic Chamonix

Meals Included: Breakfast

A scenic symphony awaits you as you ascend into the high Alps and climb towards Mont Blanc, Western Europe’s highest mountain. Your destination is the fashionable ski resort of Chamonix. You could take in panoramic views of the mountain peaks and valley below from the Chamonix cable car or explore this mountain resort. In the evening you may choose to try a pierrade at a local trendy eatery in a traditional chalet. This Optional Experience provides the chance to try a typical regional meal, cooked on a traditional table barbecue.

Day 5: Lakeside Annecy And Grenoble Relaxed Start

Location: Annecy

Accommodation: Park Hôtel Grenoble-MGallery.

Accommodation Name: Le Grand, BW Premier Collection

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

In the morning, embark on a beautiful journey to the lakeside town of Annecy, dramatically situated between lake and mountains, it's a medieval spectacle and a summer getaway for the French and the Swiss locals. Enjoy free time for lunch in Little Venice, aptly named for the network of canals criss-crossing through the Old Town. Explore the city’s many lovely bridges at your leisure. Continue on to your hotel in Grenoble. This evening, savor a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 6: The French Riviera To Reach Nice

Location: Nice

Accommodation: Radisson Blu Hotel, Nice.

Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu, Nice

Meals Included: Breakfast

Glorious mountain scenery will be yours to enjoy as you travel along a spectacular route, used by the Emperor Napoleon when he returned from his first exile to try to take the throne of France once more. Continue through Provence to the French Riviera to reach the elegant resort of Nice. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore as you wish. In the evening, why not walk through old town Nice, ending in Cours Saleya where dinner is at your leisure at one of the many lovely bistros?

Day 7: Nice And The Principality Of Monaco

Location: Monaco

Accommodation: Radisson Blu Hotel, Nice.

Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu, Nice

Meals Included: Breakfast

Wake up ready to rub shoulders with the jet-set on the glamorous Côte d’Azur. Unlock the secrets of the French perfume industry with a visit to a perfumery, where fragrance experts waft exclusive scents from stoppered bottles. Then enjoy a drive along part of the Grand Prix circuit in Monaco and with Insight Choice enter the Oceanographic Museum dedicated to the concept of the Mediterranean Science Commission or visit the Royal Palace of Monaco and see Monaco Cathedral, housing the tomb of Princess Grace. The rest of the day is set aside for you to enjoy the French Riviera at your own pace. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to visit the medieval village of Eze and its hill-top Botanical Gardens for a spectacular view of the coastline?

Day 8: Picturesque Provence

Location: Aix-en-Provence

Accommodation: Aquabella Hotel & Spa, Aix-en-Provence.

Accommodation Name: Aquabella Hotel & Spa, Aix-en-Provence

Meals Included: Breakfast

Visit the medieval village of Saint-Paul de Vence, perched high above the Riviera beaches. A walk through its winding streets reveals elegant fountains, vine-covered stone walls and views of mountains and sea. Enjoy a lesson in the French sport of pétanque. Steady your hand and get ready to test your newfound skills as you take part in a game, completed by a glass of pastis, a French apéritif. Continue to Aix-en-Provence to see the sumptuous mansions lining the Cours Mirabeau and on to your hotel.

Day 9: Avignon And Pont Du Gard

Location: Avignon

Accommodation: Aquabella Hotel & Spa, Aix-en-Provence.

Accommodation Name: Aquabella Hotel & Spa, Aix-en-Provence

Meals Included: Breakfast

Artistic Arles and the immense Pont du Gard feature en route to Avignon.

Day 10: Carcassonne And To Albi

Location: Carcassonne

Accommodation: Hôtel Saint Antoine, Albi.

Accommodation Name: Saint Antoine, Albi

Meals Included: Breakfast

A scenic drive through the Alpilles takes you to Chateau De Luc, for a wine tasting and MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Cross the fertile Languedoc region, before journeying inland to the fortified town of Carcassonne. Travelers are often amazed at their first sight of this medieval gem, known for its fortress - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a complete set of ramparts and a medieval keep. Travel to Albi, the birthplace of Toulouse Lautrec. During your orientation with your Travel Director, marvel at iconic sites including the views of Toulouse Lautrec Museum and the famous awe-inspiring cathedral, before spending the remainder of the day at leisure.

Day 11: Free Time In Albi Relaxed Start

Location: Albi

Accommodation: Hôtel Saint Antoine, Albi.

Accommodation Name: Saint Antoine, Albi

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy a full day at leisure, to relax and soak up the atmosphere of Albi. This evening savor a delicious dinner of carefully selected fresh ingredients, at a local restaurant.

Day 12: Cahors And Rocamadour Relaxed Start

Location: Cahors

Accommodation: Hotel Le Perigord

Accommodation Name: Le Perigord, La Roque-Gageac

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Stop in Cahors, famous for its Black Wine, and see the Pont Valentré. You'll also have the opportunity to explore the open air market - full of fresh, seasonal produce and local delicacies, it's an experience to delight all of the senses. Travel to Rocamadour and enjoy free time to explore this medieval town perched on a cliffside above the Alzou River and known as a resting place for pilgrims traveling through France on the Camino de Santiago to Spain. Enjoy a delicious Farm-to-Table Dinner, prepared with locally sourced ingredients and served with wines from the region.

Day 13: Exploring The Dordogne Valley

Location: Dordogne Valley

Accommodation: Hotel Le Perigord

Accommodation Name: Le Perigord, La Roque-Gageac

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Start the day with a morning drive into the Valley of the Dordogne to visit Lascaux II, where the world-famous prehistoric cave paintings have been faithfully reproduced. Continue to the beautiful town of Sarlat-la-Canéda, its medieval core blessed with fine golden limestone houses. Relax this evening in the beautiful surroundings of the Dordogne region while you dine at the hotel.

Day 14: Paris, The City Of Light

Location: Paris

Accommodation: Le Méridien Etoile, Paris.

Accommodation Name: Le Méridien Etoile, Paris

Meals Included: Breakfast

Travel onwards to immerse yourself in the beautiful city of Paris where on arrival you are free to explore this fascinating city as you wish. As evening descends, the City of Light lives up to its name as the monuments, buildings and bridges are lit up in all their glory. For that special touch of excitement and glamour don't miss the chance to join an Optional Experience to one of the world-famous cabaret shows.

Day 15: Romantic Capital On The Seine

Location: Paris

Accommodation: Le Méridien Etoile, Paris.

Accommodation Name: Le Méridien Etoile, Paris

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

During your time in Paris, see the impressive Eiffel Tower, the Luxor obelisk in the center of the Place de la Concorde and enjoy a drive along the Champs Élysées to Napoleon's Arc de Triomphe. You are in for a memorable evening with a delicious dinner of excellent French cuisine and wine to toast your journey through France.

Day 16: Au Revoir Paris

Location: Paris

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today, bid farewell to your journey through the French countryside as you transfer to the airport.

What's Included

  • Meals

    The tour includes 7 dinners with wine and 15 breakfasts.

  • Monaco City Tour

    Admire the Italian Renaissance frescoes and State Apartments of the Prince's Palace and visit the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco.

  • Personal Radio Headsets

    Personal radio headsets are provided to give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights without missing any commentary.

  • Hotel and Restaurant Tips

    Hotel and restaurant tips are included, along with all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.

  • Luggage Handling

    Your bags are carried for you and promptly delivered to your hotel door.

  • Insight Flourish

    From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, a local specialty representing the destination.

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

    Stay connected with complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi where available.

  • Transfers

    Transfers are available at scheduled times if your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates.

  • Luxury Coach

    Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.

  • Hand Sanitizer

    Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

What's Not Included

  • Optional Experiences

    Optional experiences such as a Burgundy wine tasting and traditional dinner in Fixin, or a visit to the medieval village of Eze, are not included.

  • Transfers Outside Scheduled Times

    Transfers are not included if your flights are outside the scheduled times or if you have booked additional nights accommodation independently.

  • Meals Not Listed

    Meals not listed in the itinerary are not included.

Dining Summary

  • 7 Dinner (D)
  • 15 Breakfast (B)

Additional Included Highlights

  • Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
  • Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
  • We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
  • From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
  • Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
  • If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.

Insight Experiences

  • Saint-Paul-de-Vence: Join a pétanque player to learn the secrets behind this traditional French discipline. Steady your hand and get ready to test your newfound skills in a game. End with a glass of pastis, a French apéritif.

Well-being

  • Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
  • Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?

    The tour provides transportation aboard Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach, which offers double the standard legroom and an onboard washroom. The coach is sanitized before the tour and maintained to high standards, with physical distancing measures in place. Complimentary Wi-Fi and hand sanitizer are available throughout the journey.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, the tour includes 7 dinners with wine and 15 breakfasts.

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?

    You will experience comfort and luxury at renowned hotels such as the Marriott Rive Gauche in Paris, Grand Dijon La Cloche, Alpina Eclectic Chamonix, and Radisson Blu in Nice. The tour also includes stays at Aquabella Hotel & Spa in Aix-en-Provence and Le Perigord in La Roque-Gageac, ensuring a restful retreat after each day's adventures.

  • What unique experiences are offered during the tour?

    The tour offers unique experiences such as learning about the production of biodynamic wines at a family-run winery in Luc-sur-Orbieu, a lesson in the French sport of pétanque in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, and a visit to a perfumery in Eze to discover your signature scent.

  • Is there any free time during the tour to explore on my own?

    Yes, the itinerary includes free time in several locations such as Dijon, Annecy, Nice, and Albi, allowing you to explore these areas at your own pace.

  • Are there any optional experiences available during the tour?

    Yes, optional experiences such as a Burgundy wine tasting and traditional dinner in Fixin, or a visit to the medieval village of Eze, are available but not included in the tour package.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1978.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

Reviews of this operator

Peggy Lindenborn  

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02-Nov-2021

Country Roads of Southern Italy and Sicily is a delightful trip and our travel guides and driver, Enzo, Chris and Greg were amazing and made the trip very memorable. We saw so many places and had great experiences along the way! Thanks to them for such a wonderful vacation.!

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Best of Spain & Portugal

11-Jan-2023

Great itinerary, good pace, tour director was friendly and very knowledgeable and organised. Bus was very spacious and driver was great. Yes would recommend insight to friends and families

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Jacqueline Thornberry  

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31-Oct-2021

The number is our group was small which meant we got to know each other. Our tour guide, Laura Spiers, was excellent as was our driver. The food was good, and of course everything we saw in Iceland was beautiful and educational.

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Kathryn Ronca  

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08-Nov-2021

The trip was fantastic. Everything was well planned and exceeded my expectations. All insight personal were courteous helpful and professional Ann Manual and Kevin were a topnotch team There was attention to every detail and at all times felt safe and always a personal touch to the trip. The motor coach was clean and roomy and there was multiple wipe downs during the day All hotels were top notch and all staff at the hotels and restaurants were helpful and courteous I would recommend this trip as it gave you a fantastic view of the natural wonders of the the West.

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Patrick Ong  

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12-Jan-2023

This trip is absolutely amazing! Worth every Penny! Our Tour guide did not Disappoint.

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  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.

    Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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