Tour Nice & Côte d'Azur 2012 

We depart St Pancras International by Eurostar to Paris. During our journey in Standard Premier Class we enjoy a complimentary light meal and drinks. We spend one night in the French capital at the Hotel Terminus Nord, ideally located opposite the Gare du Nord. This evening you are free to choose your own restaurant for dinner - there are a multitude of excellent brasseries in the vicinity for you to choose from. (E)

This morning we transfer by coach to the Gare de Lyon, where we board the high-speed TGV. We travel south in First Class, passing through the heart of France, across the beautiful countryside of the Champagne and Burgundy wine regions. The final leg of our journey takes us along the coastline to Nice, our base for seven nights on the Côte d'Azur. The delightful city of Nice, looking out over the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean, has been a popular destination for British and French holiday makers since the early 1900s. The city has three distinct faces - the glamorous Promenade des Anglais, the haphazardly arranged medieval streets, squares and alleyways of the picturesque Old Town, and the 'real' Nice, where the locals live and work. In the Old Town, tourist shops selling perfumes and soap stand alongside the butchers shops and bakeries frequented by the 'Niçois' residents. The whole city seems alive with aromas from shops and markets; the smells of spices, fruit, perfumes, cheese, flowers and fresh bread compete for attention. On arrival in Nice we transfer to the charming Hotel Westminster, situated on the famous Promenade des Anglais. This evening we dine in the hotel. (B,D)

Today we enjoy a comprehensive introduction to Nice. Our guided tour of the city, by coach and on foot, begins from outside the hotel. We drive up to Mont Boron, which offers terrific views of the city and the Bay of Angels, with its pebbled beaches and azure water - from which the Côte d'Azur takes its name. Our tour continues to the hill-top quarter of Cimiez, former home of the artist Matisse. The Roman remains at Cimiez offer an insight into the history of the city and the region. We move on to a confiserie, where we see fruits and flowers transformed into delicious sweets during a tour of the factory. After a visit to the bustling Place de l'Opéra and the narrow streets of the old town, we conclude our tour at the colourful and fragrant flower market, just in time for lunch. The flower market is just a short walk from the hotel, and from lunchtime you are free to explore the sights, sounds and flavours of Nice at your own pace. Tonight we enjoy dinner together in a local restaurant. (B,D)

This morning we board a train in Nice for a journey along the coast (Standard Class) to the principality of Monaco, enjoying spectacular views over the glittering Mediterranean as we travel the short distance east. Arriving in Monaco, we make our way to the 13th century Palais du Prince, home of Monaco's ruling family for over 700 years. Just before midday we see the 'Changing of the Guard' ceremony. We also visit the famous Casino Square in Monte-Carlo. The elaborately decorated façade of the casino is both grand and ostentatious, while the inside of the casino is extraordinarily lavish. Following our tour, you have some free time to explore Monaco at leisure. You could have a flutter in the casino, or enjoy a drink in the Café de Paris, located directly outside the casino, which is Monte Carlo's prime people-watching spot. One popular option is to visit the superb Jacques Cousteau Oceanographic Museum where you can explore the underwater world of the renowned oceanographer. We return by rail to Nice and dine together in a local restaurant this evening. (B,D)

Today you are free to explore the French Riviera, with its glamorous resorts and pretty villages, at your own pace. You may choose to simply relax on the beach, enjoying the atmosphere of the Mediterranean. Otherwise, you could perhaps take the train along the coast to Cannes. Although most famous for its annual film festival, Cannes is worth a visit year-round. Browse the stylish boutiques in town, or take a ferry to the Îles de Lérins, two islands in the bay which offer a monastery and two castles. Also nearby is Antibes, home to a fascinating Old Town, covered market and several olive tree-lined parks. Antibes was home to Pablo Picasso for six months and during his time here he created many ceramics, drawings, lithographs, paintings and sculptures. These can now be seen in Château Grimaldi, the first museum dedicated to Picasso. Alternatively, the internationally famous resort of St Tropez is a little further along the coast, and is home to some of the world's largest yachts. (B)

Today we travel by coach to St-Paul-de- Vence, the medieval 'perched' village which occupies a delightful and picturesque location among the Provençal hills, approximately 12 miles inland from the waters of the Côte d'Azur. Known as the 'Jewel of Provence', this charming walled village has been the retreat of choice among artists for centuries. Hidden behind the ancient wall is a picture-postcard collection of narrow lanes, steep staircase passageways and shady squares. Here you have time to wander through the maze of its narrow cobbled streets and discover its beautiful gardens. We head into the hills of Provence and enjoy lunch at La Jarrerie restaurant, a firm favourite with our customers. After lunch we continue to Grasse, a medieval village renowned as the perfume capital of the world. The Notre Dame du Puy cathedral dominates the town with its massive clock tower. Inside are three early paintings by Rubens. This afternoon we enjoy a tour of the Fragonard Parfumerie, home to a dazzling array of perfumes, colognes, soaps and all manner of delightful scents. (B,L)

Today you are free to explore at your own pace. Perhaps take the opportunity to shop in Nice, wander through the Old Town or perhaps travel to pretty Villefranche-sur-Mer, a short train ride away. Here you will find quiet little squares such as the Place Félix Poullan beside the church and the Place de l'Eglise, perfect places to rest and enjoy a refreshing drink in the shade. Alternatively, you could simply relax and enjoy the Mediterranean pace of life. This evening we enjoy a final dinner together at a local restaurant. (B,D)

We depart Nice and travel in First Class on the high-speed service directly to Paris. After crossing the city by coach, we connect with the Eurostar service to London. The final journey of our holiday is made in Standard Premier Class. A complimentary light meal and drinks are served on board before our arrival into 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