|
 |
|
 |
|
Provence & Tuscany Connection
Tour
2010 Tour 17 days / 16 nights
AUD$
6,289
pp twin share
Single
Supplement AUD$1,469
Guaranteed Group Departures
Cost per day from
- $370
2,684 kms over
17 days 157 kms per day average
|
Next
Tour >>
|
17 Days
Paris to Rome
|
|
2010 departures
|
|
F
20 May
F
3
July
F
12
August
F 9
September |
|
|
|
IMAGINE… A totally
unique tour specifically designed to capture the essence and
vibrancy of four very evocative regions of France and Italy -
Provence, the Cote d’Azur, Tuscany and Umbria. Each one littered
with wonderfully preserved cities and villages, incredible
scenic drives and a proud heritage of culture, food and wine. To
do them justice we have arranged to have four night stays in
both the Provence and Tuscany regions, plus three night stays on
the Cote d’Azur and amongst the hills of Umbria. Yes, we spend
ample time in the major cities… but then come with us as we seek
out other sights such as Arles, Les Beaux in France and San
Gimignano, glorious Lucca and Orte in Italy. Join us in Tuscany
for a food, wine and olive oil tasting at Fattoria di Poggio and
in Umbria to taste salami in the medieval village of Bevagna.
Now that’s hard to take!
|
|
Tour Highlights
-
Provence
: Avignon, Pont du Gard, Villeneuve-les-Avignon, Palais des
Popes, Baux de Provence, Arles, Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, Gordes, Gorges du Verdon
-
French Riviera :
Grasse, Nice, Saint-Paul de Vence, Monaco, Saint-Raphael,
Cannes
-
Tuscany :
Pisa, Lucca, Firenze, Cinque Terre, San Gimignano, Siena
-
Umbria :
Spoleto, Assisi, Bevagna, Orte
-
Rome
|
|
|
DAY 1 - Paris (D)
Your tour commences this evening with a welcome drink
before dinner in your first class hotel. This is an
ideal chance to meet your Tour Manager and fellow
travellers.
Your Paris hotel – Marriott Rive Gauche
|
Paris - Place de la
Concorde |
|
Pont du Gard |
DAY 2
Villeneuve les Avignon in Provence (B, D)
Today we catch the TGV high speed train south to Avignon
in the region of Provence – the land of old peasant
villages surrounded by rich, purple lavender fields
and vineyards. Arriving just over three hours later,
we board our coach and drive north to see the
beautifully preserved Pont du Gard - an
imposing 2,000 year old Roman aqueduct which was
built with giant stones weighing up to six tonnes.
In a beautiful setting, this remarkable structure
spans 200 metres between the craggy hillsides of the
River Gard. We then travel to Villeneuve les
Avignon, a charming medieval town on the
opposite bank of the Rhone from Avignon city. Over
600 years ago, after the fortification and the Abbey
Saint André were built, Villeneuve became the
residence of the popes and cardinals of the Papal
Court wishing to escape from the hustle and bustle
of the crowded centre of Avignon city. We stay here
for the next four nights.
Your Feature Hotel in Provence - La Magnaneraie
This excellent four star hotel is located 800 metres from
the historic centre of Villeneuve. The hotel boasts
32 stylish bedrooms, peaceful lounges, a delightful
garden complete with a ‘gourmand’ restaurant and a
shady dining terrace. A perfect place to stay four
nights whilst exploring the region of Provence. To
really appreciate this feature hotel go to http://www.hostellerie-la-magnaneraie.com
|
|
DAY 3
Villeneuve les Avignon in Provence (B)
This morning we have arranged for a local guide to join us
for a fascinating walking tour of Avignon. This city
has a grand central square with numerous side
streets and alleys full of colourful cafes and
shops. A highlight will be your tour through the 600
year old Palais des Papes,
once the grand
residence of the exiled Roman Catholic Popes. Your
afternoon will be free in this wonderful town on the
banks of the River Rhone.
|
Palais
des Popes |
|
Baux de
Provence |
DAY
4
Villeneuve les Avignon in Provence (B)
This morning we
journey to the crumbling castle and once deserted
village of Les Baux to discover the craft shops and
cafés scattered through the ruins. Set on the craggy
hillside, this rejuvenated town is an extraordinary
sight. Next stop will be spent nearby amongst the
terracotta roofs and ochre walls of Arles with its
Roman ruins and giant amphitheatre. On our return
route home we also make an afternoon stop to explore
the old town of Tarascon on the River Rhone, with
its 13th century chateau. This evening
we have included a return transfer to Avignon.
|
|
DAY
5
Villeneuve les Avignon in Provence (B)
First stop today will be on the mouth of the Rhone River in
the bustling city of Marseilles. In the old
port we will board a boat to take us to the tiny
island of ‘If’ to visit the foreboding Château
d'If - best known as the horrendous jail in
Alexandre Dumas' The Count of Monte Cristo. The
sixteenth-century castle and its cells are
incredibly well preserved, and the views back
towards Marseille are fantastic. Returning to the
city we will have time at leisure. The
Vieux-Port (old harbour) is an ideal place to
settle into one of the delightful bistros and enjoy
a genuine, steaming seafood Bouillabaisse. In the
afternoon we stop in Aix en Provence on the
Cours Mirabeau, a tree-lined avenue of cafés and
fountains, flanked by elegant 17th- and 18th-century
houses.
|
Aix-en-Provence |
|
Gordes
Gorges du
Verdon
|
D AY
6
Nice on the Cote d'Azur (B, D)
Today we take the inland route to Nice. First stop
will be in Gordes, standing on the edge of
the plateau of Vaucluse. Its houses of white and
grey stone, with beautiful old doorways, rise up in
a spiral around the rock on which the village is
set. At the very top are the church and castle which
face out onto the hills of the Luberon (made
famous by Peter Mayle’s book ‘A year in Provence’).
Next, we follow one of Europe’s greatest scenic
drives down the stunning Gorges du Verdon.
Commencing in Vinon the winding road hugs
magnificent cliffs and gorges passing through
numerous small dusty towns and age old defensive
villages. We will spend lunchtime in the delightful
town of Moustier Sainte Marie. Set in the
curve of a rocky cliff, the "crown" of the village
is the star, of one of the Knights of the Crusades,
which is suspended high across the valley by a
forged-iron chain, fastened into solid rock on each
side of the gorge. We also stop at Grasse
and tour through a perfumery factory. Descending
down to the Cote D’Azur we arrive in Nice,
the ‘Queen of the Riviera’, where we stay the next
three nights in the old town. Dinner tonight is in a
local restaurant.
Your Nice Hotel – Hotel Massena This
superior tourist class hotel has been selected not
for its style or quality but for its fantastic
location in the absolute heart of Nice’s old town
and right by the wonderful fresh food and flower
markets.
|
|
DAY
7
Nice on the Cote d'Azur (B, D)
Your
morning is entirely free in the elegant resort town
of Nice. Make sure you visit the wonderful covered
fresh food and local produce markets nearby, one of
the best in France! In the afternoon we drive in to
the foothills of the Alpes Maritimes to the old town
of St Paul de Vence with its imposing ramparts
overlooking the Provençal countryside. Inspired by
the stylish town and its wonderful natural light, a
host of famous painters flocked here in the early
20th century to found art schools. Later, film
directors and movie stars followed and now it bursts
with its artist colony and shops. We also stop at
Grasse and tour through a perfumery factory. This
evening we have included an excursion to Monaco.
Following the scenic drive along the ‘Moyenne Corniche’ to the city of Monte Carlo we will see the
Royal Palace and famous Casino, before time at
leisure for dinner.
|
Nice
Monte
Carlo Casino |
|
Saint-Tropez |
DAY
8
Nice on the Cote d'Azur (B)
There is nothing like a day on the Azur Coast! A leisurely
start as we make a morning visit to explore
‘Bardots’ St Tropez. Later we follow the
twisting scenic road that hugs the coast through
exclusive resort towns such as Saint-Raphael
to extravagant Cannes. Arriving around
lunchtime, your afternoon will be spent exploring
the old port town and ‘La Croisette’ - the seafront
promenade lined with palm trees and grand boutiques.
This evening is at leisure in Nice.
|
|
DAY 9
Montecatini Terme in Tuscany (B, D)
Bidding adieu to
France, we enter Italy and arrive mid afternoon in
the elegant Tuscan spa town of Montecatini Terme
which was once a favourite ‘cure resort’ of the
crowned heads of state from all over Europe. We will
spend the next four nights here.
Your Hotel in
Tuscany – La Torretta Hotel
This friendly, family run 4 star hotel is located in
the heart of Montecatini Terme and close to all
attractions. |
Viareggio |
|
Pisa
Tower |
DAY 10
Montecatini Terme in Tuscany (B)
Our first stop today is the town of Pisa with its
famous Leaning Tower, Duomo, Baptistery and Cathedral in the
magnificent Piazza dei Miracoli. Lunchtime will be at leisure in
one of the most typically ‘Tuscan’ towns in the area, Lucca -
a medieval walled city, filled with palaces, churches, ancient
houses and the former home of Puccini, where he wrote Turandot.
Walk on top of the city walls for the very best city views or visit
Piazza San Michele and stroll along the shops of Borgo Giannotti.
This afternoon we will visit Fattoria di Poggio, a farmhouse in the
Tuscan Hills, to enjoy an extensive tasting of a wide variety of
local wines, olive oils, grappa, Vin Santo plus locally produced
breads, salami and sun dried tomatoes.
|
|
DAY 11
Montecatini Terme in Tuscany (B, D)
Today is dedicated to nearby ‘Firenze’ (Florence).
We catch a train to swiftly reach the city centre
where a local guide will bring to life this truly
beautiful city which is otherwise known as the
‘Cradle of the Renaissance’. We will visit the
Duomo and take in the magnificent statues in the
Piazza della Signoria. Your tour ends inside the
famous Uffizi Gallery, one of the world’s greatest
collections of Italian, Florentine and Renaissance
art. Your afternoon is entirely free to enjoy
Florence at your own pace. Espresso Coffee on Piazza
Santa Croce where Michelangelo is buried? A gelato
whilst strolling across the Ponte Vecchio? Don’t
forget the excellent shopping.
|
Florence |
|
Porto
Venere |
DAY 12
Montecatini Terme in Tuscany (B, D)
A delightful day is planned as we explore the famous
Cinque Terre. The name means ‘five lands’ and
comes from the five unspoilt fishing villages that
cling to the cliffs, overlooking the sea. We have
arranged a coastal boat ride for you to admire the
spectacular scenery and almost inaccessible fishing
villages, with visits to Porto Venere, Vernazza
and Monterosso. Our return journey back to La
Spezia is by train through the tunnels and cliffs
above.
As a highlight this evening we have
arranged a ‘Chianti dinner’ at Villa Pasquini. Set
among the green hills of the Valdinievole, the Villa
maintains all the original and warm atmosphere of
the summer residence of the noble family of the
Pasquinis.
|
|
DAY 13
Spoleto in Umbria (B, D)
We make the short drive across Tuscany to the fairytale
‘town of towers’ San Gimignano, famous for
its 13th and 14th century Tuscan towers. Exploring
the pedestrian walkways of this hilltop town is an
absolute delight. Lunchtime will be spent in the
beautifully preserved streets of medieval Siena
amongst the great sights such as the Gothic Town
Hall and the Piazza del Campo, scene of the famous
Palio horse race.
Next we wind up to the hills of Umbria and the
wonderful walled town of Spoleto where we
stay the next three nights. Medieval Spoleto is
easily explored on foot. There are numerous
Romanesque churches and cobbled stone alleyways with
character shops, bars and trattorias.
Your Umbrian Feature Hotel – Hotel Dei Duchi
This unpretentious, family run hotel is located literally
just outside the old city walls and is known locally
for its cuisine. The dining area has wide panoramic
views of the stunning Umbrian countryside. The hotel
has the dual benefit of being a 'town' hotel but at
the same time giving the feeling as if you are in
the middle of the countryside - so you have the best
of both worlds. Perfect for those after dinner
strolls into the medieval centre to enjoy a gelato
or nightcap in a local café!
|
San Gimignano
Siena |
|
Asssi |
DAY 14
Spoleto in Umbria (B, L, D)
We spend this morning in the nearby beautiful
Umbrian city of Assisi. Badly damaged by earthquakes
in 1997 the city, dominated by two medieval castles,
undertook a remarkable programme of restoration
which soon brought it back to all its glory. On
arrival in Assisi we are joined by a lay Franciscan
Monk for a guided tour of the Basilica of St Francis
with its magnificent frescoes. Afterwards there is
time for you to explore at your own pace. This
afternoon is at leisure in Spoleto. Perhaps take a
walk on the lovely pathway around the town looping
across an old viaduct in the countryside. This is
the real Italy!
|
|
DAY 15
Spoleto in Umbria (B, L)
A
very relaxing day is planned. This morning we take a
trip to the medieval village of Bevagna. Here we
will visit the famous Da Tagliavento salami shop to
see how salami is made. This afternoon on our way
back to Spoleto, we will stretch our legs in the
hilltop town of Spello.
|
Bevagna |
|
Rome -
Trevi Foutain |
DAY 16 - Rome (B, D)
We will make a stop this morning in the charming hill top
town of Orte before arriving in Rome
for lunchtime. We have included a local guide to
take us on an afternoon walking tour around the
sights of the Forum Romana and we also visit inside
the mighty Colosseum. After checking into our
central city hotel, we will enjoy a special farewell
meal in a local restaurant.
Your Rome Hotel – Hotel Massimo D’Azeglio
|
|
DAY 17 - Rome (B)
Sadly your tour ends this morning after breakfast.
|
Rome -
Colosseum |
Route
Rates
AUD$6,289 pp twin share
Single Supplement AUD$1,469
Features and Inclusions
-
Smaller group sizes – maximum 30 passengers
-
No optional excursions lists or hidden, later charged
extras
-
All the sightseeing, scenic drives and excursions described
in the itinerary
-
Fully escorted by our experienced Tour Manager
-
Local guides – Avignon, Florence, Assisi, Rome
-
First Class air-conditioned touring coach
-
End of Tour tips to Tour Manager, driver and guides
-
16 nights selected accommodation as described
-
Hotel porterage (1 bag per person)
-
Buffet breakfasts daily
-
9 Dinners including
Welcome and Farewell dinners, Chianti dinner at Villa
Pasquini in Tuscany
-
TGV train Paris to Avignon
(2nd class)
-
Boat ride to the Island of ‘If’, Cinque Terre excursion,
Fattoria di Poggio Farmhouse food, wine and olive oil
tasting
-
Entrances: Papal Palace
Avignon, Chateau d’If, visit to a French perfume
factory, Uffizi Gallery, Colosseum
 |
|
|
|
        |
|