Taste of Spain & France & Riviera Delights

Explore the ‘La Ville Lumière' (city of lights) and discover why this gorgeous city has been the creative muse of several artists, from playwrights and novelists to painters and moviemakers. Walk along its fabled streets, discover its harsh French Revolution past and marvel at its ritzy ‘fashion capital of the world' present.

Freechoice: Treat yourself to a sightseeing tour of Paris, or visit the world-renowned Louvre Museum. Alternatively, take an insightful walking tour with a true Parisian. Tonight join your Tour Director and travel companions to celebrate your journey ahead over a ‘welcome to Paris' dinner. (B/D)

While Paris might be the most popular tourist destination in France, Bordeaux is the “very essence of elegance”, as said by the Queen of England. Largely untouched by the French revolution, Bordeaux has preserved its stunning structures in 1,810 hectares of UNESCO World Heritage sites. But the city isn't only known for its architecture. Bordeaux is renowned as the wine capital of the world. The port town has been producing its famous namesake wine since the 8th century, and the celebration of food and libation is simply delightful.

French food needs no introduction, and the legendary Bordeaux is no exception to that culinary rule. Enjoy a two-night Special Stay. Enrich: Delve into the culinary wonderland of Bordeaux with a gourmet food walking tour. Stop in beloved local shops to sample chocolate, cheese and bread and meet the passionate shop owners. At the end of the tour, enjoy a decadent dinner of local specialties accompanied by fantastic Bordeaux wine. (B)

Bedecked with small beaches, castles by the sea, and pink-domed bell towers, it is little wonder that this town is favourite of artists. Known as the pearl of the Vermillion coast, Collioure has azure waters lapping pebbled beaches and pastel houses surrounding sun dappled squares. Walk through the town and lose yourself on the streets lines with cafes and gelato shops. With a mix of French and Spanish influences, Collioure is famed for its wine and anchovies.

Today choose one of our Scenic Freechoice activities or join a more active Scenic Discovery excursion. Freechoice: Discover Perpignan with your guide and enjoy the mixture of historical Gothic Art and colourful Art Deco, or enjoy a cooking class learning some regional specialties. Choose to visit the Le Musée d'Art Moderne, one of the best art museums in Europe, or join a walking tour of Collioure. Discovery: Join a local guide hiking along coast, before ending at a local winery for a tasting, or kayak along the rocky coast. (B/L/D)

Famous for its blue seas, stunning beaches, rich connection with a cool local art scene and Tarte Tropézienne, the French Riviera's favourite dessert, Saint-Tropez is a holidaymaker's paradise. Bridget Bardot transformed the thriving fishing village into the international jet set of the 1950 and 1960s. Stroll along the cobblestone streets of the old fishing quarter of La Ponche and revel in the abstract architecture and sunlit landscapes used in cinematography.

Today choose one of our Scenic Freechoice activities or join a more active Scenic Discovery excursion. Freechoice: Join a walking tour of Saint-Tropez, the most celebrated city on the French Riviera, or drive to the unique marina village Port Grimaud, known as the ‘Venice of Provence'. Enjoy a panoramic scenic drive along the coastal road and take in the stunning views of rugged shores, sandy beaches and lush vegetation, or visit Gassin and a family run winery for a tasting of the local wines. Discovery: Join an experienced guide for a coastal hike around Cap Camarat. (B/L/D)

Luxurious high-rise hotels, super yachts and beautiful people at every turn, Monte Carlo attracts high-rollers and prodigious wealth. From the old town of Monaco, to the Place du Casino designed by the famous architect Charles Garnier there is much on offer. Discover the history of the Grimaldis, forever transformed by Hollywood star Grace Kelly's marriage to Prince Rainier III. As the second smallest country in the world, Monaco makes up for its lack in size with its elegance, glamour and opulence.

Today choose one of our Scenic Freechoice activities or join a more active Scenic Discovery excursion. Freechoice: Explore the old city of Monaco and Monte Carlo, or visit the medieval village of Eze. If you're a fan of Formula One, take the opportunity to follow your guide and walk the track, visiting the famous Rascasse Chicane and the Top Car museum.

Discovery: Hike to Monaco Rock through the Old City. There is plenty of free time this afternoon to wander the elegant streets at your leisure. Enrich: Savour an exclusive classical concert from The Harpsody Orchestra, performed in one of the historic halls of the Oceanographic Museum. (B/L/D)

An ancient town with an iconic skyline, Antibes has stolen the hearts of many. The stunning old town of narrow cobbled streets calling out for you to explore. Learn the fascinating history and see why Antibes was the focus of many Pablo Picasso works. Today choose one of our Scenic Freechoice activities or join a more active Scenic Discovery excursion.

Freechoice: Discover the scenic beauty of the French Riviera during a picturesque walking tour of the Medieval village of Antibes, or be immersed in the glitz and glamour of Cannes with your guide, escaping to the quiet town of Grasse, the world capital of perfume. Alternatively, discover historic Saint Paul de Vence and Nice, the capital of the Cote d'Azur. Discovery: Enjoy a coastal hiking tour of Cap d'Antibes. (B/L/D)

Dubbed the “sixth” Cinque Terre town, Porto Venere is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site that has extraordinary rocky coastlines, narrows streets winding through a medieval town, and sweeping Mediterranean views. Porto Venere is a hidden gem that is less frequented, allowing you the space to relax and experience the town for all that it is.

Previously used as a Roman naval station, there is a lot of history for you to explore along this jagged coastline. Popular poets and writers such as Byron, Shelley and Lawrence are known to have fallen in love with the picturesque harbour. Today choose one of our Scenic Freechoice activities or join a more active Scenic Discovery excursion. Freechoice: Take a walking tour to discover the port of Porto Venere or explore one of the Cinque Terre villages. Alternatively, enjoy exploring Pisa and the famous Leaning Tower. Discovery: Hike on Palmaria island. (B/L/D)

Dominated by the Spanish fortress, this town has an impressive seafaring tradition, being a stop along the Mediterranean for centuries. From a port that was often a target for pirates in the Middle Ages, to a town that suffered extensive bombings in World War II, the elegant seaside promenade has been rebuilt into a dream destination where you can experience glamour, while strolling through the picturesque alleyways, gelato in hand. Bustling with energy and colour, the stunning sandy beaches and lush countryside will captivate you.

Today choose one of our Scenic Freechoice activities or join a more active Scenic Discovery excursion. Freechoice: Explore the Botanical Dry Garden, a garden that welcomes 1,500 Mediterranean species that need little or no rain in order to survive, or discover the sculptures at the impressive Tarot Garden before visiting the medieval village Capalbio. Choose to visit the Vulci archaeological site or taste some local food in the Marema region. Discovery: Enjoy a bike tour in the Feniglia Nature Reserve. (B/L/D)

Perched high on white limestone cliffs, Bonifacio is an ancient fortress town with a maze of streets and romantic alleyways to meander. Take a stroll around its ancient citadels, colourful medieval houses, and chapels with faded pastel plasterwork, surrounded by cornflower-blue waters. You will also find are caves to inspect, cliff faces to admire, and clear waters dotted with shipwrecks to explore. Today choose one of our Scenic Freechoice activities or join a more active Scenic Discovery excursion.

Freechoice: Discover Sartène, the archetypal Corsican village or explore the highlights of Bonifacio. Choose to board a local tender towards Lavezzi Island or learn about the heritage of Corsica and their olive oil history. Discovery: Hike along the limestone cliffs to the headland of Capo Pertusato. (B/L/D)