Compare Walks & Gardens of the French Riviera by Exodus Travels vs Treasures of the Mediterranean - Southbound 2020 by Tauck
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4 | Great
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| Duration | 8 days | 11 days |
| Price From | $ 2,235 | $ 8,990 |
| Price Per Day | $ 279 | $ 817 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small ship cruise |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions | N/A |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | No |
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| 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 |
Sail aboard Le Ponant through the Mediterranean on one of our most popular small ship cruises – a weeklong voyage to Corsica, Sicily, Malta and the Amalfi Coast, plus the islands of Lipari, Ponza, and Stromboli – and take in the Côte d'Azur, Provence and Monte-Carlo on a two-night land stay. |
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 Nice / Monte-Carlo
Tour begins: 6:30 PM, Fairmont Monte Carlo. A transfer is included from Nice Côte d'Azur Airport to the Fairmont Monte Carlo in Monaco. Your hotel is in the heart of Monte-Carlo, where the Principality is right at your doorstep. Meet your traveling companions this evening at a welcome cocktail reception and dinner.
MEALS : D
LODGING : Fairmont Monte Carlo
PORTOFCALL : Monte-Carlo, Monaco
Day 2 A day in magical Monte-Carlo
You’ll discover much more about Monaco this morning when you get a taste of what life is like on the chic French Riviera during a walking tour of Monte-Carlo and a visit to the royal palace and gardens in Monaco-Ville. The remainder of the day is free to spend as you wish; your hotel is steps from the Monte-Carlo Casino, where lady luck favors the fortunate few! Your hotel is nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and the legendary Monte-Carlo Casino.
MEALS : B
LODGING : Fairmont Monte Carlo
PORTOFCALL : Monte-Carlo, Monaco
Day 3 Nice, Saint-Paul-de-Vence & embark Le Ponant
Depart Monte-Carlo and travel along the French Riviera to Nice, where you’ll take a walking tour; see landmarks that recall the days when Czarist aristocrats and British royals wintered here, including the Promenade des Anglais along the seafront and the flower market in Cours Saleya. Next, visit picturesque, walled Saint-Paul-de-Vence, a Provençal hilltop town that was built in the 13th century; you'll be taken with its medieval look and easily understand why it became an artists' enclave. Artist Marc Chagall was inspired by Saint-Paul-de-Vence, a place he called home for the last 19 years of his life; a walking tour of the town includes a visit to his grave, a picture of serenity overlooking panoramic views of the countryside. Enjoy some free time, then return to Nice to embark the extensively refurbished Le Ponant for the start of your 7-night cruise along the Mediterranean Sea.
MEALS : B, D
LODGING : Le Ponant
Day 4 Exploring Napoleon's island of Elba
Le Ponant calls this morning on the secluded harbor of Portoferraio on the island of Elba. Here you'll learn about the isolated life of Napoleon Bonaparte on Elba, who spent a brief exile here in 1814 prior to his daring escape. Visit Villa San Martino, where the erstwhile Emperor of France lived for a time; spend some free time in the quaint harborside village of Porto Azzurro; and go to a wine tasting at Elba's family-owned La Chiusa Winery before reboarding the ship for lunch, or spending some time exploring and lunching in Portoferraio on your own. Return to the ship mid-afternoon; relax, or go for a swim off the marina, weather permitting. Join us this evening for the captain's welcome reception followed by dinner onboard.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Le Ponant
PORTOFCALL : Elba, Italy
Day 5 Corsica's hidden harbor of Bonifacio
Sail into the nearly hidden Corsican port of Bonifacio with a deep, narrow harbor sitting at the base of sheer limestone cliffs; your entrance into the harbor aboard Le Ponant will be remembered forever... keep your camera at the ready! The fortified 12th-century town is built on the top of the cliffs with great views of the sea. Take Le Petit Train for a ride to the town's walled fortress area where you'll explore medieval lanes, stroll along the bluff above the harbor, and see the former barracks of the French Foreign Legion. Have lunch aboard ship or in town as you please. Make an afternoon return to Le Ponant, and set sail once again, bound for Ponza.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Le Ponant
PORTOFCALL : Bonifacio, Corsica
Day 6 Ponza and cruising the Mediterranean
Arrive on Ponza, the largest island in Italy’s Pontine Archipelago. Some of the island's most recognizable sights include dramatic coves and cliffs, while the main town features yellow and pink houses, and a harbor full of fishing boats. Spend the morning exploring before an afternoon sail to Italy’s Amalfi Coast. Cast anchor in the Gulf of Salerno overnight.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Le Ponant
Day 7 Spectacular Amalfi Coast & Ravello or Positano
Today, Le Ponant calls on mainland Italy and the picturesque towns of Amalfi and Ravello on the fabled Amalfi Coast. Go ashore via Zodiac and explore the region on a guided walking tour of the town of Amalfi, and a drive along the dramatic Amalfi Coast, one of the most spectacular drives in the world. Arrive in stunning Ravello, perched on cliffs overlooking the sea, for a visit to Villa Rufolo. This beautifully restored castle boasts amazing architecture, a history rich with cultural legacies, and outstanding coastal views; enjoy a wonderful lunch of seasonal specialties in Ravello. Rejoin Le Ponant and cruise to the Aeolian Islands.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Le Ponant
PORTOFCALL : Amalfi, Italy
Day 8 Lipari and the fiery lava of Stromboli
The largest of the Aeolian Islands and noted for its colorful houses, Lipari sits on red volcanic rock and resembles “a wall of bronze,” according to the Greek poet Homer. Archaeological remains found have yielded clues to civilizations which date to 1700 BC, including the Neolithic stones that sit alongside ancient tombstones, and ruins of Greek walls and Roman villas. The Spaniards found their way here in the 16th century, building the castello (castle) and the 17th-century cathedral that is perched above the harbor. Join us for a guided walking tour of Lipari, then explore its renowned Archaeological Museum on your own. Return to the ship for lunch, or if you wish, spend some free time exploring and enjoy lunch as you please in town. Back aboard ship, as you head to the Amalfi Coast this evening, experience a different view of these volcanic islands when you sail by the island of Stromboli tonight, home to one of the world’s few constantly active volcanoes – it has continuously erupted for 2,000 years. The view is unforgettable.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Le Ponant
PORTOFCALL : Lipari, Sicily
Day 9 Cliff-top Taormina on Sicily
With Le Ponant anchored at Giardini-Naxos, transfer ashore by Zodiac for sightseeing in Sicily. Begin with a visit to Taormina, a terraced town clinging to high cliffs on the east coast of Sicily with Mt. Etna towering in the distance sightseeing. A guided tour takes you to Teatro Greco, featuring both Greek and Roman elements, and for a stroll along the Corso Umberto, Old Town, Taormina’s main pedestrian street lined with cafés and pasticcerie. You can return to the ship for lunch, or stay in Taormina for lunch as you please and some afternoon free time. Enjoy some afternoon free time in Taormina or Giardini-Naxos before Le Ponant departs for Malta.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Le Ponant
PORTOFCALL : Taormina, Italy
Day 10 A day well spent on Malta
Early this morning Le Ponant docks in the Grand Harbour (Port of Valletta) where you’ll disembark. Rich in historic treasures, Valletta was founded by the Knights of St. John in the 16th century. A guided tour of Malta includes the medieval walled city of Mdina, perched atop a cliff, and a drive around St. Julian’s Bay, a favorite setting for the colorful Maltese boats that are often photographed here for worldwide enjoyment. Return to Valletta for a walking tour and The Malta Experience, an audio-visual show that tells the dramatic story of Malta's 7,000-year history; Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a virtual open-air museum of Baroque architecture. Visit the splendid St. John's Co-Cathedral to see its silver and gold-leafed interior and rare art treasures, including the Beheading of Saint John the Baptist by Italian painter Caravaggio. Arrive at your hotel late afternoon, then join us tonight for a Tauck Exclusive farewell reception and dinner at the hotel overlooking the Grand Harbour.
MEALS : B, D
LODGING : The Phoenicia Malta
PORTOFCALL : Valletta, Malta
Day 11 Journey Home
Tour ends: Valletta, Malta. A transfer from The Phoenicia Malta to Malta International Airport is included. Please allow 3 hours for flight check-in.
MEALS : B
PORTOFCALL : Valletta, Malta
