Country Roads Of France

On arrival at Charles de Gaulle Airport, transfers leave for the hotel in the morning to early afternoon. After checking in, the capital's grand boulevards and world-famous landmarks are yours to explore. In the evening, join your travel director and fellow guests for a welcome dinner at Rural, a local restaurant with a menu inspired from country, homemade recipes.

Journey through the Champagne region. Stop for a taste of the bubbles which have made this region famous worldwide, with an expert vintner.

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.

Travel towards the Mâconnais and Beaujolais before turning east into the Alps. 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. In the evening you may choose to try a local 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 table barbecue using on a hot stone.

Embark on a beautiful journey to Annecy, dramatically situated between lake and mountains. Enjoy free time for lunch in Little Venice, aptly named for the network of canals criss-crossing through the Old Town.

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 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, perhaps walk through old town Nice, ending in Cours Saleya where dinner is at your leisure at one of the many lovely bistros.

Unlock the secrets of the French perfume industry with a visit to a perfumery. Then enjoy a drive along part of the Grand Prix circuit in Monaco and walk with your travel director through the old town to see the Royal Palace and yacht-filled harbor. Your exploration continues as you visit inside Monaco Cathedral.

Visit the medieval village of Saint-Paul de Vence and walk through its winding streets. Continue to Aix-en-Provence to see the sumptuous mansions lining the Cours Mirabeau.

Stop in Avignon to enjoy views of the remaining arches of the Pont d'Avignon and the fortified Papal Palace. Enjoy a wonderful introduction to the prestigious Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine, tasting the difference for yourself, as you learn about the grape varieties. Continue your journey to Pont du Gard to see the greatest of Roman aqueduct bridges. This afternoon, 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. After, reward yourself and fellow friends with a glass of pastis, a French apéritif.

Head to beautiful Arles and trace the history of the town home to Vincent Van Gogh. Cross the fertile Languedoc region, to the fortified town of Carcassonne. Travel on to Albi and marvel at iconic sites during your orientation, including the views of Toulouse Lautrec Museum and the cathedral. This evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.

Enjoy a full day at leisure, to relax and soak up the atmosphere of Albi.

Sample some local Dordogne specialties when you visit the market at Cahors, famous for its black wine. Travel to Rocamadour and enjoy free time to explore this medieval town.

Start the day with a morning drive into the stunning Valley of the Dordogne to visit Lascaux II, where the world-famous prehistoric cave paintings have been faithfully reproduced. Enjoy a delicious farm-to-table dinner, prepared with locally sourced ingredients and served with wines from the region.

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.

During your time in Paris see the Eiffel Tower, the facades of the Louvre, the obelisk in Place de la Concorde and drive along the Champs Elysées to the Arc de Triomphe. Enjoy exploring Paris. Choose between shopping in quaint boutiques like a true Parisian with your local expert or alternatively, join a local expert, an avid foodie, to explore small shops and sample local treats and delicacies.

You will depart from Charles de Gaulle airport.