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. Its elegant coastal resorts, superb eateries, chic boutiques, and captivating museums make it 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. As arrival times will vary, there is no scheduled sightseeing today. Spend the day as you wish, exploring the city independently. 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.

Get around like a local by navigating the tram this morning. Get familiar with the tramway routes to use to your advantage in your free time later. 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.

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

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! Visit the Prince’s Palace of Monaco to tour this grand residence -OR- hop on a “little train” tour,** taking in Monaco’s history and sights, including views of Monte Carlo Casino.

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 a Provençal hill town: the medieval village of Éze. Explore the village’s timeless charm and the Exotic Garden of Éze before returning to Nice. 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.

The day is yours! Enjoy your free time relaxing and taking in the laid-back atmosphere along the Riviera. Perhaps you’ll join an optional excursion that takes you to discover Dolceacqua, a gem of the Italian Riviera nestled in the mountains, before savoring the local cuisine during an included lunch.

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.

Depart for home with many wonderful memories of your journey through the Cote d'Azur.