PROVENCE & RIVIERA ESCAPE
October 9 - 15, 2008

It’s a fabulous time to visit the inviting Provençal countryside! The summer heat and crowds will be gone.  We start with glitz and pampering on the Riviera! Highlights include the 5-star Intercontinental Hotel in Cannes, seaside of course!  We’ll dine in Antibes, mingle with the rich & famous in ultra chic Monaco, and explore the fragrant fields of Grasse—the perfume capitol of the world!  Our private chauffeur will let us explore Provence at our own pace.  We’ll step back centuries to the Palace of the Popes in Avignon, we’ll shop at a Provençal market and visit the breathtaking Roman ruins.  You’ll have a relaxed, unforgettable French experience! 

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DAY ONE  Thursday, Oct 9

We depart in the afternoon from the US to  Nice, France.  The recommended itinerary is US Airways to Frankfurt, connecting with Lufthansa to Nice.  If you prefer to choose your own air itinerary & airport transfer, you may join the group at the hotel in Cannes.   

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DAY TWO  Friday, Oct. 10

We arrive in Nice in the morning.  A private chauffeur will greet us at the airport and take us to the breathtakingly beautiful 5-star Intercontinental Hotel overlooking the Mediterranean Sea in Cannes.  We’ll freshen up and explore Cannes. We’ll stroll along La Croisette and its famous boutiques.  Early evening, we’ll take a quick train to Antibes, a charming seaside resort. We’ll dine here before returning to Cannes to rest well!

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DAY THREE  Saturday, Oct. 11

After a lovely breakfast at the hotel, we will then take a brief and beautiful train ride along the coast to Nice.  We’ll hop onto a quaint tourist train for a quick look around the Old Town including the Flower Market, the Promenade des Anglais, the Chateau, and return along the waterside by the Albert I gardens.  Then we’ll head out on foot and find a charming place for lunch.   I will also arrange a special visit to either an olive farm, a confectionary or a flower farm!  Nice also has wonderful shopping!   Late afternoon, we will take another train for the short hop to Monaco!   We will walk around this tiny Principality and perhaps have dinner at the renowned Palace Casino!   This is a big nightlife hangout! Those who want to stay and play…certainly may and hire a taxi home. Those who wish to take the train back to Cannes, may join me!  

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DAY FOUR  Sunday,  Oct. 12

After breakfast, our private chauffeur will meet us at our hotel. He is a charming man whom I have worked with for five years! He speaks perfect English, has a delightful sense of humor and is extremely knowledgeable about the history and culture of his homeland. He will truly make this trip special as he shows us unexpected surprises off the tourists’ tracks!   We begin in Grasse, the artisan farmers here grow the flowers for the best known perfume houses in the world. We will visit a fragrance factory. We then head up to historic St. Paul de Vence.  Picasso loved this town.  Monsieur will then drive us west through charming villages as we make our way to the heart of Provence.  I’ve chosen the Moulin de Lourmarin for our Provençal home.   This enchanting converted mill, with its serene and upscale ambience, is home to a Michelin starred restaurant!   It is ideally situated for the perfect Provence experience! 

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DAYS FIVE AND SIX, Monday, Oct. 13 & Tuesday.  Oct. 14

Monsieur will pick us up after breakfast as we enjoy Provence at our own pace!  We’ll visit the walled city of Avignon and the Palace of the Popes!  We will visit les Beaux which is gorgeous!  We’ll also marvel at the Roman viaduct of Pont du Gard and stop in Orange or Nimes to see an old Roman amphitheater.  We may stop at antique shops along the way, browsing for a souvenir. Tuesday morning, we will begin our day at the outdoor Provençal market in Cucuron.  This is also wine country!  The Côte du Rhône produces some of the world’s most cherished red wines.  One of these nights, we will dine at Le Comptoir d’Edouard.  The Michelin starred chef here can marry subtle flavors, fresh dishes and regional ingredients for the unforgettable meal! 

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DAY SEVEN, Wednesday, Oct. 15

Alas we must depart today!  After breakfast, Monsieur will take us to the Marseille airport.  The recommended itinerary is Lufthansa to Frankfurt, and then US Airways back to the US.   I will help find you the best itinerary and connections as you journey home!