The Cote d'Azur and Nice Carnival

We meet at London St Pancras and take the Eurostar to Paris. We continue by rail to Nice, checking into our hotel for six nights on arrival.

• Eurostar Meal

Today, we enjoy a comprehensive guided tour of Nice by coach. We begin at Mont Boron, overlooking the city and continue to the Roman ruins of Cimiez before finishing at the Place de l'Opera and the fragrant flower market. Afterwards, you're free to continue sightseeing. You could walk the alleyways of Vieux Nice, exploring the old quarter's independent shops, delicatessens and traditional bars and restaurants, or visit Parc du Château, set on a hill overlooking the city. Although little remains of the 16th-century castle, the park offers unparalleled panoramic views of Nice and its coastline.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Your time today is free in Nice before this evening's excursion and the highlight of our holiday, which sees us enjoy the magnificent Nice carnival from our reserved grandstand seats. This event is widely recognised as one of the biggest carnivals in the world, with over 1,000 performers taking part, and it focusses on a new theme each year. The intricate and beautifully designed floats often feature elaborate caricatures and figures of celebrities and politicians, and we admire the innovative floats and talented dancers as they wend their way through the illuminated streets.

• Breakfast

We travel to Grasse, renowned worldwide for its perfume making thanks to the aromatic hills surrounding Grasse, which are populated with fields of jasmine, roses and lavender. One of the town's oldest perfumeries is the Parfumerie Fragonard, which has been in its current premises since 1782. In the 1920s, it changed its name to honour to Jean-Honoré Fragonard, Grasse's most famous artist, and nowadays, the factory still produces perfumes, soaps and cosmetics using their time-honoured traditional methods. We take a tour of the premises to learn more about its fascinating history. Later, we make our way to the beautiful medieval 'perched' village of St-Paul-de-Vence. With free time to look around, you may wish to visit the Maeght Foundation, which houses one of Europe's most important collections of 20th-century art, or walk along the village's historic ramparts for great views over the surrounding sandstone villas and cypress trees.

• Breakfast

With a free day for more sightseeing, you could visit the Promenade du Paillon and follow the route of the city's underground river, the Paillon, enjoying the landscaped lawns, trees, sculptures and spectacular fountains. Alternatively, why not drop by the Musée Matisse, home to a collection of artworks bequeathed to the city by the celebrated French artist, Henri Matisse? If you want to make the most of the sun, sea and style of Nice, then perhaps take a stroll along the beachfront, stopping along the way for some al fresco refreshments before hitting the boutique shops the city is known for.

• Breakfast

We enjoy a guided tour of Monte Carlo and Monaco today, travelling by coach along a stretch of the Monaco Grand Prix race track to Monte Carlo. You have some free time here; the Monte Carlo resort is possibly the most famous casino and is well worth a visit. Later, we continue with our guide to the tiny principality of Monaco. One of the most glamorous and luxurious destinations in the world, this area exudes sophistication and intrigue. Here, we watch the changing of the guard at the 13th-century Palais du Prince, home to the Grimaldi family of Monaco. On our way back to Nice we travel through the hilltop village of Eze, which retains much of its ancient charm.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Leaving Nice behind this morning, we catch the train to Paris where we join the Eurostar to London St Pancras.

• Breakfast
• Eurostar Meal