Spotlight on the French Riviera featuring Nice's Carnival and Menton Lemon Festival

It’s time to live the good life and embark on a getaway to the fabulous French Riviera, or Côte d'Azur. With its elegant coastal resorts, superb eateries, chic boutiques, and captivating museums, it’s the ultimate sunny retreat for the elite. Unpack your bags just once and stay at a single hotel for your entire adventure, which begins with an overnight flight to France.

Your tour commences in the stunning city of Nice, a coastal pearl of the Mediterranean known for its legendary opulence and balmy beaches. With an average of 300 sunny days per year, Nice is a seaside paradise. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner in Vieux Nice featuring Mediterranean-inspired French cuisine. Today dinner will be included.

Step into the shoes of a local and navigate the tram this morning. Get familiar with the routes and use it to your advantage during some free time. With a local expert, discover Nice by meandering through the city’s famed and colorful flower market. Then, delve into the Old Town, sampling local delicacies while on a tasting tour. This afternoon, experience French Carnival traditions by attending the Flower Parade.* While the carnival’s theme changes every year, this event regularly features over 100,000 flowers, 80% of which are locally grown. Today breakfast and lunch will be included.

*The parades take place in the open air and are subject to weather conditions. Expect big crowds and lines. Seating is in numbered stalls that are not covered. Please be prepared to spend up to 120 minutes outside and consider bringing an extra layer for warmth.

Journey to Menton, the warmest and most Italianate town on the French Riviera. Famous for the colorful Menton Lemon Festival, where you’ll marvel at the impressive citrus sculptures and colorful parades.* Take in the festivities before returning to Nice later this afternoon. Today breakfast will be included.

*The parades take place in the open air and are subject to weather conditions. Expect big crowds and lines. Seating is in numbered stalls that are not covered. Please be prepared to spend up to 120 minutes outside and consider bringing an extra layer for warmth.

Travel along the spectacular Corniche coastal road to the principality of Monaco. On a walking tour, view the changing of the guards and visit the Cathedral of Monaco, the permanent resting place of Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace. Then it’s your choice! Explore the tiny principality on a panoramic Little Train** tour taking you across to Monte Carlo for views of its famous casino -OR- visit the Oceanographic Museum, perusing its aquarium and the collection of fossils and skeletons amassed by the great researcher Jacques Cousteau. This evening, savor a wine-paired tasting menu highlighting cuisine across the south of France. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

**The Little Train tour operates from February to mid-November. In the other months, travelers selecting this choice will transfer to the Monte Carlo district by public bus.

Today, learn the secrets of perfume making during a hands-on workshop and tour of the Fragonard perfumery, where fragrant formulations have been prepared since 1782. Spend time soaking up the atmosphere of this charming Provençal hill town before returning to Nice in the late afternoon. This evening attend one of the world's oldest and most famous carnivals.* Dating back to the Middle Ages, the Nice Carnival is a party not to be missed. Mingle with locals and travelers alike as you take in the many sights and sounds of the Parade of Lights. Today breakfast will be included.

*The parades take place in the open air and are subject to weather conditions. Expect big crowds and lines. Seating is in numbered stalls that are not covered. Please be prepared to spend up to 120 minutes outside and consider bringing an extra layer for warmth.

Head to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, referred to as the crown jewel of the French Riviera, where you’ll visit the impressive Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. Uncover the lush gardens replete with jaw-dropping views of the Mediterranean Sea. Your visit to the villa is complete with lunch served in the charming tearoom overlooking the Bay of Villefranche. Back in Nice, enjoy free time to relax and take in the laid-back atmosphere along the Riviera. Today breakfast and lunch will be included.

This morning, venture to historic St. Paul de Vence, situated atop a hill overlooking the beautiful countryside of Provence. Explore this walled medieval village, soaking in its distinctive light said to have inspired Matisse, Braque, Chagall, and other artists. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of an unforgettable trip. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Depart for home with many wonderful memories of your journey through the Cote d'Azur. Today breakfast will be included.