The Côte d'Azur & Nice Carnival 2012 

We depart St Pancras International by Eurostar to Paris in Standard Premier Class, with a light meal and drinks served on board. Arriving in the French capital, we walk across the road to our overnight accommodation, the Hotel Terminus Nord, superbly located opposite Gare du Nord and close to Montmartre. This evening is free to discover the 'City of Lights' at your own pace. There are many options available to you, including the opportunity to enjoy an evening cruise down the Seine, passing many of the city's monuments, brilliantly illuminated at night. (E)

We continue our journey this morning, travelling in First Class on the high-speed TGV to the delightful city of Nice on the Côte d'Azur. A popular destination for French and British holidaymakers since the 19th century, Nice boasts a beautiful Old Town and a charming seafront promenade, lined with elegant hotels dating from the early 1900s. We spend five nights in Nice at the Hotel Westminster, one of the oldest and most grandiose hotels on the Promenadedes Anglais. The hotel won Great Rail Journeys' Gold Award for service in 2010, and we dine together this evening in the hotel. (B,D)

This morning we take a guided tour of Nice by coach and on foot, beginning with Mont Boron for fantastic views of the city and the fascinating Roman remains in the hilltop quarter of Cimiez, once home to the artist, Matisse. We continue to the Place de l'Opéra, the colourful flower market and a confiserie, where fruits and flowers are transformed into delicious sweets. Here we see the making of these sweets during a tour of the factory. Your afternoon is free to explore at your leisure before we meet for an early dinner together in a local restaurant. We spend this evening watching the fantastic procession of the Nice Carnival. From our reserved seats in one of the grandstands, we can admire the magnificent floats as they wend their way through the streets towards Place Massena. 20 floats are accompanied by as many as 1,000 musicians, dancers and performers in brightly coloured costumes. The carnival claims to be the longest-running in the world, with records showing that it was running at least as far back as 1294. (B,D)

Today we travel to the beautiful medieval 'perched' village of St-Paul-de-Vence. You may wish to visit the Maeght Foundation, which houses one of Europe's most important collections of 20th century art, including work by Giacometti, Leger and Míro. Alternatively, you might like to simply explore the pretty village with its winding cobbled streets. We then head into the hills and enjoy lunch at La Jarrerie, a charming restaurant dating from the 17th century, before continuing to Grasse, for a tour of the famous Fragonard Parfumerie. (B,L)

Your day is free to explore the scintillating French Riviera, its glamorous resorts, atmospheric towns and pretty villages, such as pretty Villefranche-sur-Mer, a short train ride away. Take a stroll through the winding streets around the harbour, filled with fishing boats bobbing in the breeze, or wander along the water's edge on the soft sand. The Old Town stretches up a terraced hill, topped by the Fort of Mont Alban which offers amazing views over Cap Ferrat and the Eastern coastline as far as Italy. Nice is well-situated for day trips, as there are many places to visit along the Mediterranean coast that can be accessed by train, including the cosmopolitan Italian town of San Remo, nestled under the Maritime Alps. Perhaps take the train along the coast to Cannes. Although most famous for itsannual film festival, Cannes is worth a visit all year round. (B)

Our day begins with a journey by coach to the principality of Monaco. On arrival we visit the cathedral and then watch the changing of the guard at the 13th century Palais du Prince, home of the ruling Grimaldi family for 700 years. You may also wish to visit the fascinating Jacques Cousteau Oceanographic Museum to explore the underwater world of the renowned oceanographer. We then drive along a dramatic section of the Monaco Grand Prix circuit to Monte Carlo where you may like to have a flutter in the world-famous casino or stroll around the harbour with its luxury yachts. Our journey back to Nice is along the Middle Corniche Road and we stop at the stunning hilltop village of Eze which is perched on a narrow rocky peak overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. We enjoy a final dinner together this evening in a local restaurant in Nice. (B,D)

We make our way home today, travelling from Nice station in First Class on the high-speed TGV service to Paris. After crossing the city by coach, we connect with the Eurostar service to London, travelling in Standard Premier Class. A light meal and drinks are served onboard ahead of our arrival at St Pancras International. (B,E)

E=Eurostar Meal, B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
These meals, where shown are included in the price of your holiday

From our reserved seats in one of the grandstands, we can admire the magnifi cent fl oats as they wend their way through the streets towards Place Massena. 20 floats are accompanied by as many as 1,000 musicians, dancers and performers in brightly coloured costumes. The carnival claims to be the longest-running in the world, with records showing that it was running at least as far back as 1294.