Compare Walks & Gardens of the French Riviera by Exodus Travels vs Paris & Rome Explorer by Great Value Vacations
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
|
4 | Great
|
| Duration | 8 days | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 2,235 | $ 2,060 |
| Price Per Day | $ 279 | $ 294 |
| Highlights |
|
|
| Trip Style | Small group tour | Self-guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
|
|
| Travel Themes |
|
|
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions | N/A |
|
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
| Activities |
|
|
| Meals Included | Seven breakfasts are included. There is a nearby supermarket and boulangerie to buy packed lunches and Menton is brimming with restaurant choices for your evening meal. There is plenty of choice for all budgets and tastes, including traditional French cuisine, fresh seafood and excellent Italian restaurants (influenced by the town's proximity to the Italian border). | N/A |
| Description |
On the Franco-Italian border, by the warm Mediterranean sea, Menton is a delight for any visitor. It is easy to see how the city earned its nickname 'the Pearl of France', combining gardens, seaport, beach resort and a hiker’s paradise into one. With the Alpine chain dropping into the sea at the France-Italy border, it is also an ideal location for a guided walking holiday. Many of the trails start directly from the town and gain altitude in a short distance, offering some of the finest views of the French Riviera.Enjoy coastal walking on the Cote d’Azur |
Start your trip in Paris. Visit the Louvre, home to the famous Mona Lisa, stroll among French gardens, and indulge in a drink or snack at a lovely outdoor cafe while taking in the gorgeous views of the Eiffel Tower. You can take a trip to the Palace of Versailles, or visit the Arc de Triomphe at your leisure. Then, make your way to Rome. Watch the life of a city stretch all the way from ages past in the architecture, food, and art ingrained in this historic city. Sight-see across the entire city. Visit the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and the Roman Forum, all of which are close to one another. Don't forget to take a break and treat yourself to a gelato in between your stops. |
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 Welcome to Paris, France!
Upon arrival in Paris you'll have the day at your leisure. After you check-in to your hotel, begin exploring the City of Light! Be sure to admire the Centre Georges Pompidou, an eclectic piece of architecture housing many interesting art exhibits.
Day 2 Paris
Your time in Paris will be totally at your leisure. Perhaps you'd like to begin today with a visit to one of the most famous museums in the world- the Louvre. Admire Da Vinci’s internationally famous masterpiece, the Mona Lisa. Afterwards, continue sightseeing or perhaps go back to your hotel and relax.
Day 3 Paris
Today you will want to see the most iconic site in Paris and one of the most famous in the world- the Eiffel Tower. Built in 1889 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution, this monument was meant to last 20 years but has since been renovated and restored to last much longer. Although the Eiffel Tower is beautiful during the day, if you come at night when it is a sparkling beacon of shining lights, you will be blown away.
Day 4 Paris - Rome, Italy
Upon arrival in Rome you'll make your way to your lovely accommodation. The remainder of the day is yours to spend however you'd like! You'll be situated in the southern part of this historic city.
Day 5 Rome
Start using your hop-on/hop-off bus today! Enjoy views from the top of your sightseeing bus, then hop off and explore the sights you've always dreamed of. Hop off at the Colosseum today. Across the street from the Colosseum in the ancient Roman Forum. After exploring these landmarks, you can take the short walk over to the Trevi Fountain. Throw a coin in and make a wish!
Day 6 Rome
Continue using your hop-on/hop-off bus pass. Start the day with a leisurely stroll through Rome. Reach the Vatican City and visit St. Peter’s Basilica. The site of the tomb of St. Peter was built between 1506 and 1590. A visit to this basilica is much more than a religious experience. You will feel the history running through the veins of this church. You will see the marble Pieta done by the Michelangelo behind bullet proof glass after being attacked in 1972.
Day 7 Depart Italy
Depart Rome today and return home after an unforgettable vacation.
