Compare Walks & Gardens of the French Riviera by Exodus Travels vs Burgundy & Provence with Aix-en-Provence for Wine Lovers by Avalon Waterways

Day 1 Start Menton

Our start point is a comfortable three-star hotel in Menton. Situated just a short stroll from the railway station, beach and shops, it is ideally located for a week of walking. In the evening, our guide will hold a welcome meeting to discuss the week ahead, give advice on the local area and answer any questions.

Day 2 Walk to and around Cap Martin Peninsula, through Menton and Carnolès

Starting from the hotel, we stop at the market where we discover local food ingredients, then take the train or public bus to Carnolès. In the grounds of the Palais Carnolès and Musée des Beaux-Arts, we find a renowned collection of citrus trees. After time exploring the gardens, we start our walk around the beautiful Cap Martin Peninsula where we stop for a picnic lunch. After lunch, we visit the Cap Martin olive groves then walk or take the bus back to Menton.

Day 3 Discover Eze; visit the Exotic Garden. Walk down the Nietzche path to join Eze Plage

We begin our day with a 20-minute train journey to Eze Plage, and carry on by bus to Eze, a medieval village established in the 14th century with magnificent coastal views. From here, we can walk up to the Mont Bastide castle ruins to admire amazing views before we visit the Exotic Garden, which is built 1,407ft (429m) above sea level on the site of an ancient fortress in Eze village. It overlooks the Provençal hill village providing home for cacti, succulents, xerophytes and various Mediterranean species. After free time in the village, we walk down the Nietzsche path to join Eze Plage, before taking the train back to Menton.

Day 4 Train or bus to Carnolès; walk to Roquebrune. Take the ferry shuttle to cross Monaco harbour; discover Monaco old town

Today we take a train or bus to Carnolès, followed by a walk to Roquebrune where we enjoy stunning views over Monaco. Then we walk down to Monaco where we take the ferry shuttle to cross Monaco harbour. We discover the old town with tiny streets and beautiful buildings and the casino, before returning by train to Menton.

Day 5 Free day to explore Menton old town, take a trip to the chic principality of Monaco or visit one of the many exotic gardens in the area

On your free day, you could choose to explore Menton old town. During the 19th century, the British and Russian aristocracy met here in fabulous palaces and villas. The architecture is stunning with the unique baroque style of the Saint-Michel and Conception squares plus the Saint-Michel Basilica façade. Alternatively, you could visit one or more of the eight gardens in Menton or head further afield to Nice by train or bus and visit its renowned market and the Promenade des Anglais. Monaco also has much to offer despite its diminutive size, and is renowned for the luxurious lifestyle afforded to its residents.

Day 6 Train to Villefranche bay; walk to Cap Ferrat and to Saint Hospice peninsula

This morning, we take the train to Villefranche from where we walk to the Gavinette point to admire the spectacular view of Villefranche bay. We continue our walk to Cap Ferrat where we can marvel at the beauty of Villa de Rothschild and its gardens.

Day 7 Visit to Serre de la Madone garden showcasing rare subtropical plants, followed by a visit to Sainte Agnes

In the morning we take the public bus to the Serre de la Madone garden for a visit. Created by Sir Lawrence Johnston, it was turned from terraces of vines and olives into a garden bright with drifts of agapanthus and strelitzia. After our visit, a private bus will collect and take us to the village of Sainte Agnès. High above Menton town, it is registered as “one of the most beautiful French villages”. It hides picturesque streets and artist studios and, at 2,625ft (800m) above sea level, offers a breath-taking view over the blue Mediterranean Sea. We then take the bus or walk back to the hotel.

Day 8 End Menton

After a relaxed breakfast, we say our goodbyes and begin our return journey home. If you’d like to explore a little more, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Day 1

Arrive in Paris, France. Welcome to Paris, France’s capital on the River Seine and the “City of Light,” where romance fills the air!

Day 2

Paris. Known as one of the world’s most passionate and lively cities, Paris is a delight for all your senses. Your included CITY SIGHTSEEING shows you magnificent must-see sights, such as Notre Dame Cathedral, the unique Louvre Museum with its glass pyramid as a contrast to its ancient architecture, the commemorative Arc de Triomphe, and the Eiffel Tower. In your free time, stroll down the Champs-Elysées with its lavish cafés, or perhaps visit the world-famous Louvre museum or Montmartre with its gleaming white Sacré Coeur Basilica and bevy of artists on Place du Tertre. Paris is also well known for its colorful nightlife that includes some of the world’s most famous cabaret shows. All of this awaits your discovery! (B)

Day 3

Paris–Dijon–Beaune–St. Jean de Losne (Embarkation)–Seurre. This morning, board the TGV train to Dijon and from there, transfer to Beaune, the unofficial capital of the Côte d’Or area. Beaune owes its wealth to the production, aging, and selling of fine wines. Although life here centers around wine, Beaune offers much more. Visit the HÔTEL-DIEU charity hospital, built in 1443 and paid for by the chancellor of Burgundy after the Hundred Years’ War left many of the town’s population destitute. Today it houses Van der Weyden’s painting of The Last Judgment and is one of France’s architectural highlights. Alternatively, enjoy a TASTING of different Crèmant wines in Beaune. Then continue to St. Jean de Losne where you’ll board your river cruise vessel. Before dinner, meet your crew at a welcome reception as your ship departs for Seurre. (B,D)

Day 4

Seurre–Macon. Enjoy some leisurely cruising this morning, before arriving in Macon, a city that plays an important role in the wine trade. Free time allows you to explore at your own pace.. A master of wine will join you on board and will introduce you to some of France’s wines in the coming days. He/She will be happy to answer any questions you may have. After lunch, we will take you to visit a WINERY and TASTE the Chardonnay wine of the region through which you are cruising.. (B,L,D)

Day 5

Lyon. Enjoy some relaxing time on board before arriving in Lyon, France’s third-largest city and its gastronomic capital. Founded by the Romans in 43 BC, the city’s prosperity dates back to the 16th century and is due to commercial, industrial, and banking activities. Roman remains, excellent museums, and renaissance architecture delight visitors. A LOCAL GUIDE joins you as you survey the city from Fourvière Hill and explore the Old Town with its maze of medieval alleyways, and Place des Terreaux, a popular area with lively cafés, monuments, and the famous fountain often depicted on postcards. This evening enjoy an onboard CHEESE AND WINE TASTING, hosted by the Master of Wine. (B,L,D)

Day 6

Lyon. Enjoy a free day in this fascinating city to explore at leisure. Early risers might like to visit the local produce market. Perhaps wander through one of Lyon’s parks, discover some of the murals (there are over 100), or select one of the available optional excursions. Be sure to taste the gastronomic delights and sample Beaujolais, the wine of the region; wine connoisseurs know that the grapes must be hand-picked. Your Cruise Director will have plenty of suggestions for things to do. And tonight there’s a special FOOD AND WINE PAIRING DINNER to look forward to! The Master of Wine has specially chosen the wines for this occasion. (B,L,D)

Day 7

Tournon/Tain l’Hermitage–Viviers. The twin cities of Tournon and Tain l’Hermitage lie nestled among vineyards between the Rhône River and the granite slopes of the Hermitage. A LOCAL GUIDE will show you Tournon, one of France’s oldest medieval cities, with its imposing 16th-century castle and Roman ruins. As you cruise this afternoon there’s a treat in store for chocaholics (and the lovers of wine): an onboard CHOCOLATE AND WINE TASTING to delight the palate! Here too, the Master of Wine will guide you through this wonderful experience. Arriving in Viviers in the afternoon, a GUIDED WALK shows you this charming town that developed around its ROMANESQUE CATHEDRAL. The OLD TOWN has an appealing mix of Christian, Roman, and medieval influences. (B,L,D)

Day 8

Avignon. The fortified city of Avignon is the capital of the Vaucluse region, the most picturesque part of Provence with its intact ramparts encircling the entire city, cobblestone streets and squares, and private mansions built in the 18th and 19th centuries. Known as the “City of Popes,” it was the center of the Catholic Church in the 14th century. During your GUIDED TOUR you may choose to join an included visit of the PALACE OF THE POPES, built in the 14th century as the sovereign popes’ residence. A photo of the famous Pont Saint Bénezet (Saint Bénezet Bridge), of the popular song Sur le Pont d’Avignon, is a must. This afternoon an excursion takes you to the famed wine cellars of CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE to learn about and to taste the wine. Optional outings to Pont du Gard. (B,L,D)

Day 9

Arles. This morning wake up early to the tranquil vistas of Camargue National Park (daylight permitting), before arriving in Arles after breakfast. Located on the northern tip of the Camargue, Arles is the capital of the Provence region. Your LOCAL GUIDE will show you highlights of the city and you’ll visit the ROMAN AMPHITHEATER. Still used today, it dates to the 1st century and was constructed to hold over 20,000 spectators. This evening, sail toward the mouth of the Rhône for a taste of the tranquil vistas of Camargue National Park (daylight permitting). (B,L,D)

Day 10

Arles (Disembarkation)–Aix-en-Provence. Disembark your Avalon ship for your included transfer to Aix-en-Provence to join your Monograms vacation. Your guided walking tour takes in 17th-century Cours Mirabeau boulevard, a lively area with fountains, elegant homes, and famous cafés. Admire the Mazarin Quarter, City Hall, the Jewish Quarter, and visit the CATHEDRAL OF THE HOLY SAVIOUR, known for its interesting combination of architectural styles and The Burning Bush triptych art masterpiece by Nicolas Froment. (B)

Day 11

Aix-en-Provence. Your Local Host can suggest some wonderful options for your day at leisure in Cézanne’s hometown—like a visit to the artist’s studio; a French cooking lesson; where to sample Côte-de-Provence wine and boeuf-en-daube; and the best places to shop for faience pottery and colorful Provençal cloth. (B)

Day 12

Aix-en-Provence–Nice. Travel by HIGH-SPEED TGV TRAIN (first-class) to Nice. Your guided sightseeing features the PROMENADE DES ANGLAIS, originally built in the second half of the 18th century and the most famous boulevard in Nice. Walk through the OLD TOWN to admire fine examples of the Belle Époque. See Cours Saleya with the Kings of Sardinia Palace and flower market; and lovely Palace Square with Palais de Justice and PALAIS RUSCA. (B)

Day 13

Nice. Your Local Host has recommendations for your full day at leisure on the beautiful Côte d’Azur, such as an excursion to picturesque Êze and Monaco, a round of golf in beautiful Cannes, a visit to the Marc Chagall Museum, or the best place to relax on the beach. (B)

Day 14

Nice. Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)