Country Roads of France - Classic Group
Country Roads of France - Classic Group
$6795
Country Roads of France - Classic Group
16 Days Starting and ending in Paris, France
Visiting: Paris, Dijon, Chamonix, Annecy, Nice, Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, Carcassonne, Albi, Cahors, Dordogne Valley
Tour operator:
Tour code:
E723N26
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Country Roads of France - Classic Group" tour and experience the charm and elegance of France and Monaco. Begin your journey in Paris, where you'll enjoy a delightful dinner with wine. Travel through the picturesque Champagne region, explore the medieval streets of Dijon, and marvel at the stunning French Alps in Chamonix. Discover the beauty of Annecy, the glamour of Nice, and the historic allure of Monaco. Visit the medieval village of Saint-Paul de Vence, the ancient Pont du Gard, and the fortified town of Carcassonne. Savor local wines, enjoy farm-to-table dinners, and immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of France. Conclude your adventure back in Paris, the City of Light, with unforgettable memories and new friends.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation Name: Marriott Rive Gauche, Paris
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 Name: Grand Dijon La Cloche
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 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 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
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 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: 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 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 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 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 Name: Saint Antoine, Albi
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 Name: Le Perigord, La Roque-Gageac
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 Name: Le Perigord, La Roque-Gageac
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 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 Name: Le Méridien Etoile, Paris
Meals Included: Breakfast
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
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Meals
7 Dinners with Wine (DW) and 15 Breakfasts (B) are included.
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Monaco City Tour
Admire the Italian Renaissance frescoes and State Apartments of the Prince's Palace and visit the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco.
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Personal Radio Headsets
Personal radio headsets are provided to give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
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Hotel and Restaurant Tips
Hotel and restaurant tips are included, so you won't have to worry about how much to give or search for foreign currency. All taxes and porterage charges at hotels are also included.
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Luggage Handling
Your bags will be carried for you and promptly delivered to your hotel door.
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Insight Flourish
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
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Complimentary Wi-Fi
Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
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Transfers
If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times.
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Luxury Coach
Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. The coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and maintained to very high standards.
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Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
What's Not Included
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences such as a Burgundy wine tasting and traditional dinner in Fixin, a visit to the Chamonix cable car, and a cabaret show in Paris are not included.
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Meals Not Mentioned
Any meals not specifically mentioned in the inclusions are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional drinks, and snacks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Flights
Flights to and from the starting and ending points of the tour are not included.
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Transfers Outside Scheduled Times
Transfers outside the scheduled times or for flights not aligned with the itinerary start and end dates are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort aboard Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. The coach is sanitized before the start of the tour and maintained to high standards, with physical distancing measures and hand sanitizer available.
Accommodation
Stay in luxurious accommodations including the Marriott Rive Gauche in Paris, Grand Dijon La Cloche in Dijon, Alpina Eclectic Chamonix in Chamonix, Radisson Blu in Nice, Aquabella Hotel & Spa in Aix-en-Provence, Saint Antoine in Albi, and Le Perigord in La Roque-Gageac.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 15 breakfasts and 7 dinners with wine. These meals are provided at various locations throughout the tour, including local restaurants and hotels.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour package?
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.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides transportation in Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and an onboard washroom. The coaches are sanitized before the start of the tour and maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented, and hand sanitizer is freely available on board.
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Is Wi-Fi available during the tour?
Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is available on the coach and at the hotels where you will be staying, allowing you to stay connected with friends and family.
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Are tips and taxes included in the tour price?
Yes, hotel and restaurant tips are included in the tour price. You won't have to worry about how much to give or search for foreign currency. All taxes and porterage charges at hotels are also included.
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What kind of special experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes several special experiences such as a visit to a perfumery in Eze to learn about the French perfume industry, a lesson in the French sport of pétanque in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, and a visit to the Fabre family winery in Luc-sur-Orbieu to learn about biodynamic wine production. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to explore the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco or the Royal Palace of Monaco.
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What kind of activities are available during free time?
During free time, you can explore various cities and towns at your own pace. For example, you can explore the charming streets of Chamonix, enjoy free time in the Little Venice area of Annecy, or explore the beautiful coastal town of Nice. In Paris, you can explore iconic sights and streets, including Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, and the Champs Élysées.
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What kind of accommodations are provided during the tour?
The tour includes stays at various hotels such as Marriott Rive Gauche in Paris, Grand Dijon La Cloche in Dijon, Alpina Eclectic Chamonix in Chamonix, Radisson Blu in Nice, Aquabella Hotel & Spa in Aix-en-Provence, Saint Antoine in Albi, and Le Perigord in La Roque-Gageac. These accommodations are carefully selected to provide comfort and convenience throughout your journey.
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What kind of optional experiences are available during the tour?
Optional experiences include a Burgundy wine tasting and traditional dinner in the Premier Cru village of Fixin, a visit to the Chamonix cable car for panoramic views, a walk through old town Nice ending in Cours Saleya for dinner, and a visit to the medieval village of Eze and its hill-top Botanical Gardens for a spectacular view of the coastline. In Paris, you can also join an optional experience to one of the world-famous cabaret shows.
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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.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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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.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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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.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Low Deposit
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions