Best of France

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Home City > Paris
Depart from home city for Paris, the capital of France.

Day 2

Paris－Lourve Museum－Montmartre Hill
Upon arrival in Paris we proceed to the famous Lourve Museum to witness some the world’s most valuable arts, including “Mona Lisa” by Leonardo Da Vinci; the “Sarcophagus of the Spouses” which was crafted in 520 B.C.; and 35,000 pieces of other exhibitions from all around the world. Afterwards, continue our tour to Montmartre Hill, primarily known for the white-domed “Vincent Van Gogh”. You may go on an optional River Seine cruise to discover the marvelous scenic view of Paris. We shall enjoy an authentic French Dinner this evening. (D)
Hotel : Novotel La Defence Hotel or similar

Day 3

Paris ~ TGV Train ~ Nice － Monte Carlo －Nice
Ride the European fastest train – TGV – towards Nice after breakfast in hotel. Enjoy lunch on your own accord on board. Upon arrival we shall immediately proceed to the world’s second smallest size country – Monaco. Monaco is a constitutional monarchy and principality; despite Monaco being independent, its national defense is the responsibility of France. Visit the Royal Square and the fabulous Casino of Monte Carlo, and you may try your luck at the casino on your own accord. Later we return to the famous vacation spot in South France – Nice. Enjoy dinner at a romantic local French cuisine with escargot. (B/D)
Hotel : Park Hotel or similar

Day 4

Nice － St. Trpoez － Aix-En-Provence (City Tour)
Coach to St. Tropez after breakfast. This small but extremely charming town became famous by a French epic movie “God Created Women” starring Pussycat Brigitte Bardot in the 50th century. Later, proceed to Aix-En-Provence, once the capital of Provence. It was the home town of the famous impressionist painter Paul Cesanne. Today it is a city with many universities, but still maintaining the presence of the 17th century architectures. (B/D)
Hotel : Aquabella Hotel or similar

Day 5

Aix-En-Provence － Provence Lavender －Avignon－Palais des Papes (Inside Visit)
Proceed to Coustellet for photo-taking. From May to July, the lavender will be in full blossom. It was once popularly used by the Roman for bathing and cloth washing some 2000 years ago. Afterwards, coach to Avignon, the Bishop’s City, to visit the Palace Square, the Saint-Benezet Bridge and, by special arrangement, the Bishop’s Palace. Enjoy duck confit for dinner in a local restaurant this evening. (B/D)
Note: Tours organized during the period from August to April the following year will visit Gordes and Lavender Museum instead of the lavender garden.
Hotel : Novotel Hotel or similar

Day 6

Avignon － Arles － Carcassone
The tour begins with an exciting visit to the famous Roman aqueduct (Pont Du Gard), one of the best preserved waterways, though built some 2000 years ago. Later on, coach to Arles, an ancient Roman city registered under the UNESCO cultural heritage site. This is followed by visits to the Roman amphitheatre, the coliseum and St. Trophime monasteries. Later we shall proceed to Carcassone, inside which stand 46 high towers which were built in Roman times. Tonight’s dinner will be tradional French Cassoulet. (B/D)
Hotel : Mercure Hotel or similar

Day 7

Carcassone －Bassin d’Arachon －Pyla Sand Dune － Bordeaux
Coach to Bassin d’Arachon, a famous lagoon situated on the Altantic coast near Bordeaux. Fish soup and oysters will be served for lunch in a local restaurant. Later on, all will proceed to Pyla Sand Dune, the largest sand dune in Europe with a length of some 2700 meters commanding a panoramic view of the Atlantic Oecan. Today’s tour will end up at Bordeaux where we can take pictures at the Opera Theatre and Place des Quincones. (B/L)
Hotel : Quality Suites Hotel or similar

Day 8

Bordeaux － Lussac Saint Emilion － Sarlat － Rocamadour － Limoges
After breakfast we shall leave the hotel for a wine tasting tour. Saint Emilion, a medieval town surrounded by famous wine forts, enjoys the exotic reputation of “Hill of thousand wines”. Special arrangements will be made for wine tasting by all tour members. Afterwards, proceed on to Sarlat, made famous by its foie gras and black truffle. At lunch in a local restaurant, goose live paste and lamb shank gourmet will be served. The next attraction is the Rocamdour, the Holy Land for pilgrims. All can have a leisurely walk up the grand stairway via the route of pilgrimage to the Chapel of the Holy Virgin, the most sacred place in Rocamadour, and tourists are attracted by the legendary “Sword of Roland”. The next attraction is Chapel of the Holy Virgin (La Moreneta), inside which stands the statue of “Vierge Nore”. The tour will then go through the Black Forest to Limoges for overnight. (B/L)
Hotel : Gold Hotel or similar

Day 9

Limoges － Chateau Du Clos Luce － Chateau Chenonceau － Loire Region
Coach to the Chateau Du Clos Luce, the castle with the strong presence of the Renaissance. In 1516 Leonardo Da Vinci actually stationed in the King’s castle and brought along with him three of his most favourite masterpieces, “Mona Lisa”, “St. Anna” and “St. Baptiste”. Afterwards continue to Chateau Chenonceau, the renowned “Fort on Bridge” in the Loire Region, built in 1524 and known as the “Lady Castle”. Cher Viewed from the river bank, the castle creates the perception that it actually floats on water. (B/D)
Note: In the event that Chateau Chenonceau is closed at the time of the visit, an alternate destination-Chambord, or another castle will be arranged.
Hotel : Alliance Hotel or similar

Day 10

Loire Regioin － Chantilly
Proceed to Chantilly after breakfast. Upon arrival we may enjoy lunch on your own accord. The Chateau is famous for horse racing. Every year, world class jockeys and well-bled horses around the world come to this city to compete in 2 special honorable awards – “Prix du Jockey Club” and “Prix de Diane-Hermes”. On reaching the city, visit will be made to an ancient castle and its surrounding gardens. An overnight stay in the castle hotel will definitely give you a unique experience on the romantic life style in the Chateau and enjoyment of other exquisite facilities. (B/D)
Hotel : Chateau Du Montvillargenne or similar

Day 11

Chantilly － Paris (City Tour)
After breakfast we shall return to Paris and visit the Place de la Concorde. Decorated with statues and fountains, the square showcased an equestrian statue of the king. Afterward we proceed to Champs Elysses and the Arc de Triomphe, two landmarks you cannot miss in Paris! We also stop by at the Printemps Department Store before enjoying lunch at a Chinese restaurant. The rest of the day is free at leisure for further sightseeing or shopping in the stores areas and designer boutiques. You may also join an optional tour to Louis XIV’s Palace of Versailles, one of the world’s grandest, with its spectacular ornamental gardens. In the evening, you may also participate an optional event to enjoy a colorful Parisian Cabaret Shows. (B/L)
Hotel : Novotel La Defence Hotel or similar

Day 12

Paris > Home City
Enjoy breakfast in the hotel, and then we shall proceed to the airport for the homeward flight. (B)