Country Roads of France - Classic Group
Tour Type: Country Roads
Brochure Type Europe & Britain Premium 2024 v1
Consider this your ?Tour de France' ? a 16-day guided tour that embraces the best of the country, from fortified towns and fine wines. Drive along the Grand Prix circuit in Monaco, stopping to step inside its cathedral, where Princess Grace has been laid to rest. In Avignon, play petanque, a bocce-like sport, then celebrate your new skills with a fine French aperitif. Travel to Carcassonne, a fortified city complete with ramparts and a medieval keep. Drive through the Valley of the Dordogne, then feast on a farm-to-table dinner paired with regional wine in Sarlat-La-Caneda. In Paris, embrace the City of Light's most beloved sites: marvel at the Eiffel Tower, gaze at Louvre's glorious facades, and be driven down the posh Champs Elysees to Napoleon's Arc de Triomphe.
Additional Included Highlights
Brochure Type Europe & Britain Premium 2024 v1
Consider this your ?Tour de France' ? a 16-day guided tour that embraces the best of the country, from fortified towns and fine wines. Drive along the Grand Prix circuit in Monaco, stopping to step inside its cathedral, where Princess Grace has been laid to rest. In Avignon, play petanque, a bocce-like sport, then celebrate your new skills with a fine French aperitif. Travel to Carcassonne, a fortified city complete with ramparts and a medieval keep. Drive through the Valley of the Dordogne, then feast on a farm-to-table dinner paired with regional wine in Sarlat-La-Caneda. In Paris, embrace the City of Light's most beloved sites: marvel at the Eiffel Tower, gaze at Louvre's glorious facades, and be driven down the posh Champs Elysees to Napoleon's Arc de Triomphe.
Additional Included Highlights
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, y
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- La Roque-Gageac Enjoy a delicious farm-to-table dinner, prepared with locally sourced ingredients, and served with wines from the local region.
- Paris Join your Travel Director and fellow guests at a local restaurant in the heart of Paris for a delightful Welcome Dinner, served with wine.
- Grenoble Enjoy a delicious dinner in Grenoble.
- Paris Rendezvous with your friends at a typical French bistro for a rousing Celebration Dinner with wine. Bon Appetit!
- Journey through the Champagne region and stop for a taste of the bubbles.
- Cahors See the Pont Valentre as you enjoy a tasting through the markets.
- Monaco City Visit the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco. Admire grand aquariums of the Mediterranean and tropical seas, and gain insight into the challenges of scientific research in Polar environments.
- Monaco City Explore the Prince's Palace. Admire extraordinary Italian Renaissance frescos and visit the newly-renovated State Apartments.
- 7 Dinner with Wine (DW)
- 15 Breakfast (B)
- Monaco City Explore the Prince's Palace. Admire extraordinary Italian Renaissance frescos and visit the newly-renovated State Apartments.
- Monaco City Visit the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco. Admire grand aquariums of the Mediterranean and tropical seas, and gain insight into the challenges of scientific research in Polar environments.
- Saint-Paul-de-Vence Join a petanque player to learn the secrets behind this traditional French discipline. Steady your hand and get ready to test your newfound skills in a game. End with a glass of pastis, a French aperitif.
- The Fabre family has been producing wine since the 17th Century. At the heart of their passion lies a strong commitment to protect the natural environment of the region and produce complex yet sustainable wines.
- Visit Monaco and Monte Carlo, St Paul de Vence, the Pont du Gard, Carcassonne walled city and the prehistoric caves of Lascaux.
- Albi This is the birthplace of artist, Toulouse-Lautrec. Walk the town and marvel at the awe-inspiring cathedral.
- Dijon Explore Dijon with your Travel Director to learn all about the history of this fascinating city, famous for its mustard and wines.
- Eze Visit a perfumery to learn about the French perfume industry and discover your signature scent.
- Avignon View the Pont d'Avignon and walk the medieval narrow streets of the Old Town to the Palais des Papes.
- Aix-en-Provence See the mansions of the Cours Mirabeau, a lively thoroughfare in Aix-en-Provence.
- Monaco City Explore inside Monaco Cathedral.
- Nice Enjoy exploring the beautiful coastal town of Nice on the French Riviera.
- Saint-Paul-de-Vence Discover the beauty of this hilltop town and why it became a refuge for artists.
- Annecy Enjoy free time in the Little Venice area.
- Chamonix Explore the charming streets of Chamonix during your stay in France's mountaineering capital.
- Cite de Carcassone Enjoy an orientation of this fortified town and see the fortress, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Pont du Gard See the ancient Roman bridges of Pont du Gard that cross the Gardon River.
- See the Royal Palace and cathedral of Monaco.
- Monaco City Enjoy a drive along part of the Grand Prix circuit and wander the old town with your Travel Director to see the Royal Palace and the yacht-filled harbor.
- Montignac These caves contain some of the oldest and finest prehistoric art in the world. For preservation reasons, they have been replicated in all their glory.
- Paris Explore the iconic sights and streets of Paris. See famous landmarks including Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower and the facades of the Louvre. Stroll the banks of the River Seine and admire romantic bridges, and enjoy a drive along the Champs
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Call 1 (609) 345-2129 for more information or to book today! Mention code 18824360
- Tour Operator
- Insight Vacations
- Offer
- Offer valid through 12/30/2024
- Duration
- 16 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - Yes
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | Paris | Welcome to Paris: Meet your Travel Director and fellow guests at the hotel before joining a Welcome Dinner at a classic local restaurant with cuisine inspired by country recipes. Accommodations: Grand Hotel Chicago |
| Day 2 | Dijon | Champagne Region and on to Dijon: Journey through the vine-clad scenery of the Champagne region. Admire the green shoots in spring, full summer foliage or the russet autumnal hues, this is a glorious region throughout the year. Visit the city of Troyes and admire its medieval Old Town with its colorful half-timbered houses while sipping a glass of champagne. On arrival in Dijon, an orientation by your Travel Director reveals the charming architecture and history of the city. Accommodations: Grand Hotel Dijon La Cloche, Dijon. |
| Day 3 | Dijon | Free Time in Dijon Relaxed Start: Enjoy the Burgundy capital of Dijon. Its many handsome buildings recall the time when the Dukes of Burgundy were more powerful than the Kings of France. Perhaps take the opportunity to visit the wine capital of Burgundy, Beaune? In the evening, don't miss the chance of an optional Burgundy wine tasting and traditional dinner in the Premier Cru village of Fixin. Accommodations: Grand Hotel Dijon La Cloche, Dijon. |
| Day 4 | Chamonix | Chamonix: Travel towards the Maconnais and Beaujolais before turning east into the Alps. A scenic symphony awaits you as you ascend into the high Alps and climb towards Mont Blanc, Western Europe's highest mountain. Your destination is the fashionable ski resort of Chamonix. You could take in panoramic views of the mountain peaks and valley below from the Chamonix cable car or explore this mountain resort. In the evening you may choose to try a pierrade at a local trendy eatery in a traditional chalet. This Optional Experience provides the chance to try a typical regional meal, cooked on a traditional table barbecue. Accommodations: Alpina Eclectic Hotel Chamonix. |
| Day 5 | Grenoble | Lakeside Annecy and Grenoble Relaxed Start: In the morning, embark on a beautiful journey to the lakeside town of Annecy, dramatically situated between lake and mountains, it's a medieval spectacle and a summer getaway for the French and the Swiss locals. Enjoy free time for lunch in Little Venice, aptly named for the network of canals criss-crossing through the Old Town. Explore the city's many lovely bridges at your leisure. Continue on to your hotel in Grenoble. This evening, savor a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Accommodations: Park Hotel Grenoble-MGallery. |
| Day 6 | Nice | The French Riviera to reach Nice: Glorious mountain scenery will be yours to enjoy as you travel along a spectacular route, used by the Emperor Napoleon when he returned from his first exile to try to take the throne of France once more. Continue through Provence to the French Riviera to reach the elegant resort of Nice. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore as you wish. In the evening, why not walk through old town Nice, ending in Cours Saleya where dinner is at your leisure at one of the many lovely bistros? Accommodations: Radisson Blu Hotel, Nice. |
| Day 7 | Nice | Nice - Principality of Monaco - Nice: Wake up ready to rub shoulders with the jet-set on the glamorous Cote d'Azur. Unlock the secrets of the French perfume industry with a visit to a perfumery, where fragrance experts waft exclusive scents from stoppered bottles. Then enjoy a drive along part of the Grand Prix circuit in Monaco and with Insight Choice enter the Oceanographic Museum dedicated to the concept of the Mediterranean Science Commission or visit the Royal Palace of Monaco and see Monaco Cathedral, housing the tomb of Princess Grace. The rest of the day is set aside for you to enjoy the French Riviera at your own pace. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to visit the medieval village of Eze and its hill-top Botanical Gardens for a spectacular view of the coastline? Accommodations: Radisson Blu Hotel, Nice. |
| Day 8 | Aix-en-Provence | Picturesque Provence: Visit the medieval village of Saint-Paul de Vence, perched high above the Riviera beaches. A walk through its winding streets reveals elegant fountains, vine-covered stone walls and views of mountains and sea. Enjoy a lesson in the French sport of petanque. Steady your hand and get ready to test your newfound skills as you take part in a game, completed by a glass of pastis, a French aperitif. Continue to Aix-en-Provence to see the sumptuous mansions lining the Cours Mirabeau and on to your hotel. Accommodations: Aquabella Hotel & Spa, Aix-en-Provence. |
| Day 9 | Aix-en-Provence | Avignon and Pont du Gard: Head to beautiful Arles and learn about its historical connection to Vincent Van Gogh. After, journey to Pont du Gard to see the magnificent ancient Roman aqueduct bridge. Continue on to Avignon to enjoy views of the remaining arches of the Pont d'Avignon and the fortified Papal Palace. Accommodations: Aquabella Hotel & Spa, Aix-en-Provence. |
| Day 10 | ALBI | Carcassonne and to Albi: A scenic drive through the Alpilles takes you to Chateau De Luc, for a wine tasting and MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience. Cross the fertile Languedoc region, before journeying inland to the fortified town of Carcassonne. Travelers are often amazed at their first sight of this medieval gem, known for its fortress - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a complete set of ramparts and a medieval keep. Travel to Albi, the birthplace of Toulouse Lautrec. During your orientation with your Travel Director, marvel at iconic sites including the views of Toulouse Lautrec Museum and the famous awe-inspiring cathedral, before spending the remainder of the day at leisure. Accommodations: Hotel Saint Antoine, Albi. |
| Day 11 | ALBI | Free Time in Albi: Enjoy a full day at leisure, to relax and soak up the atmosphere of Albi. This evening savor a delicious dinner of carefully selected fresh ingredients, at a local restaurant. Accommodations: Hotel Saint Antoine, Albi. |
| Day 12 | La Roque-Gageac | Cahors and Rocamadour Relaxed Start: Stop in Cahors, famous for its Black Wine, and see the Pont Valentre. You'll also have the opportunity to explore the open air market - full of fresh, seasonal produce and local delicacies, it's an experience to delight all of the senses. Travel to Rocamadour and enjoy free time to explore this medieval town perched on a cliffside above the Alzou River and known as a resting place for pilgrims traveling through France on the Camino de Santiago to Spain. Later we make our way to our hotel nestled in the countryside of La Roque-Gageac. Accommodations: Hotel Le Perigord |
| Day 13 | La Roque-Gageac | Exploring the Dordogne Valley: Start the day with a morning drive into the stunning Valley of the Dordogne to visit Lascaux II, where the world-famous prehistoric cave paintings have been faithfully reproduced. Continue to the beautiful town of Sarlat-la-Caneda, its medieval core blessed with fine historic golden limestone houses. Enjoy a delicious Farm-to-Table Dinner, prepared with locally sourced ingredients and served with wines from the region. Accommodations: Hotel Le Perigord |
| Day 14 | Paris | Paris, The City of Light: Travel onwards to immerse yourself in the beautiful city of Paris where on arrival you are free to explore this fascinating city as you wish. As evening descends, the City of Light lives up to its name as the monuments, buildings and bridges are lit up in all their glory. For that special touch of excitement and glamour don't miss the chance to join an Optional Experience to one of the world-famous cabaret shows. Accommodations: Le Meridien Etoile, Paris. |
| Day 15 | Paris | Romantic Capital on the Seine: During your time in Paris, see the impressive Eiffel Tower, the Luxor obelisk in the center of the Place de la Concorde and enjoy a drive along the Champs elysees to Napoleon's Arc de Triomphe. You are in for a memorable evening with a delicious Celebration Dinner of excellent French cuisine and wine to toast your journey through France. Accommodations: Le Meridien Etoile, Paris. |
| Day 16 | Paris | Au Revoir Paris: Today, bid farewell to your journey along the country roads of France as you transfer to the airport. Accommodations: |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
- Twin prices are per person.
- These prices are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
- All tour information is correct at time of tours going live, however is subject to change, please confirm all details at time of booking.
- For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Conditions page.
- Hotel Class Key: D: Deluxe SF: Superior First Class F: First Class
