Overview
Begin with the small pleasures and picturesque City of Light in Paris. Get the VIP treatment with a private sightseeing tour by vintage Citroen 2CV car with a knowledgeable driver to introduce you to the classic sights—topped off with read more wine and cheese, of course! Get the royal treatment with a visit to the Papal Palace in Avignon, and marvel at the engineering behind the Pont du Gard, the largest remaining Roman aqueduct in France. Your Small Group companions will enjoy an intimate look at Van Gogh’s love of Arles with a guided visit around the historic centre. Learn about Van Gogh’s life here and his painting techniques. Then, create your own masterpiece during a painting workshop under the guidance of a local artist. Delicious French fare, dramatic history, and dreamy scenery create the perfect Small Group Discovery Tour!
Itinerary
Your Small Group Discovery Begins!
At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink at the hotel.
C'est magnifique!
Discover Paris aboard a vintage French car as your driver guides you on a private sightseeing tour of Paris. From your 2CV car enjoy views of Paris' historic enclaves and hidden treasures. Top the morning off with a welcome wine and cheese tasting lunch at a local restaurant with a local expert on hand to introduce you to the delicious varieties. (B/L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE: Jump in for a quick getaway in Paris courtesy of a private Citroen 2CV. After all, this was the getaway choice of James Bond in the 1981 film, For Your Eyes Only! Its revered design in engineering and horsepower was first unveiled in Paris in 1948 as an alternative to traditional horse-powered wagons of rural France. Since then, the Citroen has remained a cultural icon in France and beyond—and now is at your small group's service to take you through the sensational sights of the City of Light. Just don't forget to yell, “Shotgun!”
The City of the Popes
This morning, travel to Avignon by high-speed train. Follow your Local Guide to discover the highlights of this walled town on the banks of the River Rhône. See the famous bridge and visit the Papal Palace. Free time to explore more on your own. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CULTURAL GEM: Avignon's 14th-century heyday saw the Pope move his Papal residency as a retreat from Rome. It's incredible to think that the imposing fortress-like Papal Palace –and largest Gothic building in the world—was completed in less than 20 years! Visit the palace with your Local Guide and be enthralled by this UNESCO World Heritage Site and the stories behind it.
Architectural Gems
Visit Pont du Gard, the largest remaining Roman aqueduct in France and an architectural marvel. Next onto Arles, a fascinating city of historic importance, ancient Roman monuments, and a place of inspiration for artists, including Vincent Van Gogh. Together with an artistic guide, discover why the renowned impressionist painter spent over a year living in Arles during a prolific period, creating more than 300 drawings and paintings during his stay. Later arrive at your hotel in Aix-en-Provence, the city of beautiful boulevards.
(B)
LOCAL FAVORITE - SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE: Join a local artist to uncover Van Gogh's Arles, especially for your small group with a guided visit to the historic centre of Arles. Learn about the master Impressionist's life and basics of his painting techniques with a workshop to create your own masterful vignette reproduction of a Van Gogh painting to make a big impression of your own!
ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT - SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE: Located in the heart of Aix-en-Provence on the celebrated Cours Mirabeau, the Negrecoste Hotel & Spa is a boutique hotel that offers charm and comfort in the perfect location for your small group to explore Aix-en-Provence.
Sweet Provence
Follow your Local Guide on a sightseeing tour to discover Aix-en-Provence. Walk along the elegant Cours Mirabeau boulevard, see the Mazarin Quarter, the Jewish Quarter, and the City Hall. Visit the Cathedral of the Holy Saviour, a national monument of France. After exploring, treat yourself to a visit to the Calisson Museum to learn about this traditional French candy, including a tasting! (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CHARMING HOSPITALITY: Located in the heart of Aix-en-Provence on the celebrated Cours Mirabeau, the Negrecoste Hotel & Spa is a boutique hotel that offers charm and comfort in the perfect location for your small group to explore Aix-en-Provence.
Picture Perfect Provence
Enjoy a full day to discover hidden gems dotted around the colorful countryside of Provence. At St. Remy de Provence, visit the monastery of St. Paul de Mausole, a former asylum whose most famous guest was Vincent Van Gogh. Experience the artistic walls of the quarry of Les Baux de Provence and stroll along the streets of Gordes and Roussillon, deemed amongst Frances most beautiful villages. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - INDUSTRIAL ART: Les Carrières des Lumières was once a busy limestone quarry providing stone for local building construction. Over time the demand for stone decreased and the quarry finally closed. It was later used as a film location before opening its doors in 2012 as a cultural space, renowned for digital art exhibits where famous works of art are projected onto the former quarry's walls.
The Art of French Living
This morning, head south towards the famous French Riviera. En-route stop at a local wine estate, which incorporates an open-air museum of contemporary art, for a wine tasting experience and lunch. Later today arrive at your hotel located on the beautiful French Riviera. (B/L)
LOCAL FAVORITE - FRENCH FLAVORS: Take an amazing opportunity to visit the Commanderie de Peyrassol a stunning wine estate, once in the hands of the Knights Templar. Enjoy a guided tour of the cellars, learn about organic wine production, and browse the contemporary art displays set in a background of vineyards and olive groves. A comprehensive wine-tasting offers local wines, before a delicious lunch is served.
The Good Life on the Côte d'Azur
Enjoy a leisurely day on the glamorous French Riviera with time to explore with a spot of shopping, lingering in the local cafes, or relaxing with a day at the seaside. This evening, enjoy a delicious farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B/D)
ENHANCED FREE TIME - EXPLORE MORE: Take advantage of an optional excursion to the Principality of Monaco, the glamorous millionaire playground located on the French Riviera: the second smallest sovereign state in the world. Join your Tour Director for a walking tour through the Old Town, where you'll admire the cathedral, royal palace, and more. Then, relax and enjoy a delightful lunch in a quaint restaurant.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. Nearest airport is Nice (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Exclusive Small Group Paris sightseeing tour aboard a vintage French car
- Local expert led wine-and-cheese tasting lunch at a local Parisian restaurant
- Guided walking tour of Avignon includes a visit to the Papal Palace
- Visit to Pont du Gard
- Exclusive Small Group artistic-themed guided walking tour of Arles featuring a painting workshop
- Guided sightseeing tour in Aix-en-Provence includes a visit to the Cathedral and Calisson Museum
- Excursion to the Provence countryside features visits to the villages St. Remy de Provence, Les Baux de Provence, Gordes and Roussillon
- Exclusive Small Group visit to a [LF] local wine estate for a wine tasting and lunch
- High- speed train ride to Avignon.
- 8 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 1 Dinners
- Paris: Mgallery Paris Bastille Boutet (Superior First-Class):
Located in the heart of the 11th district of Paris, famous for restaurants and bars, near Opera Bastille and Le Marais, and just a few steps from Faubourg St. Antoine and its shops, this hotel is set in a beautifully restored historic building. All 80 spacious guest rooms are elegantly furnished in contemporary style, and are equipped with flat-screen TV with international channels, air-conditioning system, in-room safe and coffee & tea making facilities. A bar offering light meals and chocolate treats, a spa & wellness center featuring steam bath and sauna, and indoor heated swimming pool are also available. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the entire property. - Avignon: Cloitre Saint Louis (First-Class):
Set in central Avignon, with the famous Pope Palace within walking distance, Hotel Cloitre Saint-Louis has 80 air-conditioned guest rooms featuring flat-screen TV with satellite channels and tea/coffee maker. The restaurant serves traditional French cuisine emphasizing local ingredients. The highlight of the hotel is the seasonal outdoor rooftop pool with large sun terrace that offers unbeatable views over Avignon. Free Wi-Fi is also available throughout the property. - Aix en Provence: Negrecoste Hotel & Spa (Superior First-Class):
This polished hotel and spa is ideally situated on the chic tree-lined Cours Mirabeau, the most famous avenue in Aix. Stroll in the shade of the hundred-year-old plane trees, among the fountains ' including King René's fountain -, superb historic façades and boutiques. Bars, shops and restaurants can be found within 100 meters of the hotel. Other local attractions include the city's cathedral, a 5-minute walk away. The 35 air-conditioned guest rooms offer modern comfort with LCD TV and a minibar in a discreet and contemporary atmosphere in soft shades with beautiful materials and good quality bedding, The private bathrooms are equipped with a bath or shower, free toiletries and a hairdryer. The inhouse Brasserie Le Mirabeau including a terrace offers home-made dishes prepared with fresh seasonal products. Free Wi-Fi is also available throughout the property. - French Riviera: Apollinaire (First-Class):
This charming 110 room boutique property has an air of casual refinement with architecture from the 1920's. Free Wi-Fi access is available in all guestrooms and public areas of the hotel. Breakfast can be enjoyed on the sunny terrace of the outdoor inner garden and evenings can be spent relaxing in the jazzy atmosphere of the lounge bar. - French Riviera: Best Western Plus Hotel Massena Nice (First-Class):
This 109-room boutique hotel is housed in an ornate Belle Epoque building from the early 20th century, it has a chic contemporary bar and offers Free Wi-Fi internet access throughout.
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
Don't waste your precious time qeuing up, skip the lines with special VIP access at the must-see sites. Read more
Travel with expert Tour Directors and Local Guides who share their vast knowledge of the destination. Read more
Globus has the recipe for a great vacation. Savour the flavours of Europe through its regional cuisine. Read more
Globus picks hotels picked on their centralised location, so you'll stay right in the heart of the destination. Read more
Globus' coaches offer one of the most comfortable, stress-free and eco-friendly ways to travel. Read more
Do as the locals do and enjoy unique experiences that you wouldn't find touring on your own. Read more
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Globus Worldwide (2025-26)
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