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Essential Provence Wine Tour

Immerse yourself into the unique atmosphere of Provence’s famous wines region & delightful villages. 5-day Wine & Gourmet tour from $2159 person!

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Highlights of Portugal

From north to south, you'll discover Portugal’s most celebrated destinations on this 11-day Independent Rail Tour. From $2539 person!

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Heart of Italy & Cinque Terre

Explore the contrasts of this magical country visiting some of Italy's most important artistic & historical sites before discovering the unique Cinque Terre. 8-day Small Group Tour from $2619 person!

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Paris | Flavours of France, Florence & Tuscany Small Group Tour

Itinerary What's Included Pricing Hotels Map Request
13 days from

$50000

On this small-group tour, you'll admire Gothic architecture and discover the world & art of Palaeolithic people in the replica of the Chauvet Cave.  Spend the evening in the stunning pastel-hued villages of the Cinque Terre & take that iconic photo at the Leaning Tower of Pisa. 

Day 1; Paris | Beaune

This morning you will depart from the cosmopolitan city of Paris and watch as the lowlands turn into the landscapes of northern Burgundy. Your first stop of the day will be in historic Auxerre. This rural town boasts one of the best restored medieval quarters in northern Europe. You'll have time here to stretch the legs and discover the narrow lanes, lovely open squares, and half-timbered houses. You'll then travel to the remote village of Vézelay. Perched on a hill in the sea of greenery, this commune clustered around a UNESCO basilica is a perfect stop for lunch on your own. Once you’ve tried the local specialities, travel through the unspoiled forests of the Morvan Regional Nature Park. The scenes of lakes and rivers make you feel far away from the Parisian metropolis. In the early evening, we'll arrive for your overnight stay in Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy. It’s time to indulge yourself in two great French passions, food and wine.

Day 2: Cluney Abbey | Tournon-sur-Rhône

Bonjour! Today you'll travel through Burgundy to the dignified Cluny Abbey. In its heyday, this religious centre was one of the most powerful Christian capitals in medieval Europe. You'll have time to explore the quiet cloisters of this stunning monastery and ponder over its former glory Then you head to Vienne, a town steeped in Gallo-Roman heritage. Its old quarters hide spectacular ruins of a Roman temple and theatre. Enjoy lunch on your own here and discover more of the town’s fascinating past before your journey continues. In the afternoon, it’s time to delve into the wine region of Côte-Rôtie to appreciate some of the best local vintages in a charming winery. After you’ve satisfied your taste buds, you'll venture south to the famous Ardèche area. In the evening, arrive in Tournon-sur-Rhône, a welcoming little town sitting upon the river Rhône. Here you'll spend two nights. (B)

Day 3: Ardèche | Tournon-sur-Rhône

Today it’s time for something more majestic. It’s time to discover the rugged heart of Ardèche. In the morning, your driver will take you along the scenic roads of a regional natural park to Aubenas, a city full of architectural treasures. But that’s just the beginning of today’s highlights. Next, you'll follow the serpentine of the Ardèche river to Pont D’Arc where the water’s torrents etched an iconic natural stone arch in the limestone. Once you’ve feasted your eyes on this natural wonder, you can choose what to do next. A little down the road, you can visit Grotte Chauvet 2; a replica of a cave decorated with prehistoric art that gives you a glimpse into the life of Palaeolithic people. Alternatively, you can enjoy more of the natural landscapes carved out by the adamant river. In the late afternoon, you'll return t Tournon-sur-Rhône to enjoy your evening. (B)

Day 4: Avignon | Gordes | Sisteron

Provence has many dreamy and seductive faces. And today you’re going to discover more of this inspiring region. First on your agenda is Avignon. Here you'll have time to explore the historic centre and the soaring Palace of the Popes. This fortress was the hub of the Roman Catholic world when the popes fled the political pressures of Rome. Grab a bite to eat, stroll through the streets and discover the youthful vibe of the city before we move on. In the afternoon, we head east to Sénanque Abbey nestled among the Luberon hills. If you’re searching for an iconic shot of a medieval monastery surrounded by fragrant lavender fields, you’ve come to the right place. Explore the quiet cloisters, perhaps meet the monks who still live here and continue your journey deeper into the hills. Next, get a taste of traditional Provençal life in Gordes, one of the most beautiful villages in France. This honey-coloured hamlet clinging to the edge of a hill is a perfect place to admire the grand vistas of the Luberon valley. After a day of savouring the charms of the region, you head to Sisteron for two nights. (B)

Day 5: Provence

Today you follow the trail of quaint villages and lavender fields as you delve into the Verdon Regional Nature Park. The first stop will be at a village that literally clings to a cliff face, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. Here, there are a few options to choose from. You can take in the spectacular views, visit ateliers selling the local pottery, or climb 262 steps leading to a beautiful chapel perched above the village. Then you'll travel to the shores of the immense lake of Sainte Croix and the village of Sainte-Croix-du Verdon. The water looks tempting here, so pack your swimwear and try some water sports or bask in the sunshine. Next, head to Valensole and the Valensole Plateau where lavender, ‘the soul of Provence’, grows. These fields of ‘blue gold’ and sunflowers are some of the most famous in the world. And they stretch as far as the eye can see. If you’ve got a soft spot for this aromatic flavour, try some of the local dishes. Intoxicated with today’s experiences and sights, you'll arrive back in Sisteron in the evening. (B)

Day 6: Gorges du Verdon | Nice

Impressive canyons, magnificent mountains, idyllic villages and the French Riviera. This is today’s exciting journey through Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Alpes Maritimes. Your first stop is the commune of Castellane, the gateway to the Verdon gorges. Stretch your legs and wander through the maze of picturesque narrow lanes. And if you’re keen on history, you can visit a place where Napoleon stopped for lunch on his return from Elba. Next, travel to the Point Sublime of Gorges du Verdon. Brace yourself, because this spectacular view will make your heart race. It’s the best viewing point for admiring the sheer cliffs, the vastness of the canyon, and the turquoise colour of the river Verdon. Then, travel onwards through the mountains, forests, and hillside vineyards until you reach Saut Du Loup Waterfalls where you can have a short walk. And just before you leave the mountains and plunge down to the glamorous French Riviera, you'll visit your last idyllic village, Tourrettes Sur Loup. Take some photos of this hamlet that’s affectionately called the ‘city of violets’ and say au revoir! to the lush countryside. In the early evening, arrive in Nice. (B)

Day 7 : Nice

Bonjour! Today is your free day to explore Nice La Belle, the capital of the French Riviera. This city is famous for its sparkling sea, 19th-century mansions and glamorous promenades and boulevards. In the morning, you could start by visiting the Vielle Ville (the Old Town), a maze of shady alleys, colourful facades, and local shops and restaurants. While you’re in the area, make sure to stroll to Cours Saleya, the lovely market which will make you crave a few more breakfasts than you usually have. Next, you can pop into an art museum or a gallery. Among the more prominent ones, there’s the Matisse Museum with the world’s largest collection of the impressionist’s work and Masséna Museum inside a magnificent Belle Époque mansion. Once you’ve had your art fix, choose a café or a restaurant and try some of the unique Provençal and Niçoise flavours of the region. In the afternoon, you can burn some of these delicious calories off as you stroll along the famous Promenade des Anglais. This gorgeous stretch along the coast is framed by the azure water on the one side and lined up with the palm trees on the other. In the evening, head to the Old Port to explore wine bars and pubs and absorb the city’s nightlife. But remember, don’t let your soirée become too crazy because you continue your tour tomorrow morning. (B)

Day 8: Cinque Terre

This morning you'll leave the bustling streets of Nice and head east along the French Riviera. This area of the coast is also called the Côte d’Azur and it’s as stunning as it is famous. It’s where the greatest artists came for inspiration and the rich and famous come to soak up the sun. You'll cross the border into Italy and continue your journey along the Italian coast. Your first stop of the day is the charming seaside town of Porto Maurizio where you can get some refreshments and take a photo of the pastel-coloured houses rising over the harbour like a pop-up book and then continue your journey to Recco. It’s time to have lunch and we suggest that you try the local focaccia with cheese. This little town, located on the aptly named Golfo Paradiso (Paradise Gulf), is the gastronomic capital of the area, so make sure to try as many culinary specialities as possible. In the afternoon, you arrive in La Spezia, check in to your hotel, and get ready to uncover the gems of the Ligurian coast; Cinque Terre. Perched to the side of the cliffs and strung like colourful beads, Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore are yours to explore for the rest of the day. Simply purchase a rail ticket and just jump on the Cinque Terre train and decide where you want to go first. If it’s beaches and a seafront promenade you’re after, head to Monterosso. The wine lovers should explore Manarola which is surrounded by vines and offers some great local wine. And if you want to visit the hamlets with the great views and a dramatic location, travel to Riomaggiore, Vernazza and Corniglia. After an afternoon and an evening exploring the Cinque Terre villages, you get on the train back to La Spezia, your base for the night. (B)

Day 9: Pisa | Lucca | Florence

Buongiorno! Today is all about discovering the architectural wonders of Northern Italy. You'll leave La Spezia in the morning and travel to Pisa where you can explore the city for a couple of hours and have lunch on your own. Once a maritime power competing with Genoa and Venice, this city is now famous worldwide for an architectural project which went horribly wrong. Tilting or not, the Leaning Tower of Pisa has beautiful, elaborate Romanesque architecture and a fascinating history. But remember, the Tower is just one component of a spectacular architectural ensemble. You should not overlook the Duomo, the Baptistery and the Camposanto, which are part of Campo dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles). Next on the list of our Italian delights is Lucca, known as the city of a hundred churches. Originally founded by the Etruscans, then a Roman colony, the city has gained its wealth through the silk trade. And you can see this prosperity in the abundance of graceful buildings and pretty piazzas. You'll have time to wander around shady promenades or along the Renaissance city walls before you continue your journey further. All these impressive architectural gems of the day were just a warm-up. Prepare yourself for a real feast for the eyes as you travel to Florence, your base for the next two nights. (B)

Day 10: Florence

Today you have a full day to enjoy the ‘Birthplace of the Renaissance’ and can decide how you want to spend it. You can start by following the paths of Leonardo, Michelangelo, Dante and Galileo - stare in awe at the Duomo, the city’s majestic cathedral that dominates the skyline; see The Birth of Venus and some of the most celebrated treasures at the Uffizi Gallery; or visit Galleria dell’Accademia, to admire Michelangelo’s masterpiece, David. Man does not live by art alone, so don’t forget to try some of the local specialities. The culinary delights like handmade pasta, pizza, bread, pastries, wine and gelato will help you to regain your strength. In the afternoon, you could ponder over the Medici’s power and secrets as you explore Palazzo Pitti. The grand palace of this influential family is home to some of the greatest treasures of the Renaissance and the secret Vasari Corridor. For a perfect end of the day, visit Boboli Gardens peppered with statues, fountains, ponds and hidden mazes. It’s your second night in Florence so spend the evening soaking up the atmosphere as you explore the bustling squares or excellent restaurants and bars.(B)

Day 11: San Gimignano | Siena

It’s time to wave Florence goodbye and set off to discover the spectacular medieval hill-towns of Tuscany. As you travel over the green Tuscan hills, you'll notice the 14 towers of San Gimignano soaring like a medieval Manhattan. Originally set up by the Etruscans, the settlement was named after San Gimignano, the bishop of Modena, who is said to have rescued it from Attila the Hun. You'll have a chance to explore this unique town, walk around the well-preserved fortified old centre, and ponder over the noble families who got caught up in a race for building the highest tower house. Continue south to Siena, the highlight of the day. This gorgeous red-brick city celebrates Gothic architecture like no one else. The place’s essence centres around the unique shell-shaped Piazza del Campo. It’s here where the bi-annual horse Palio is hosted. And it’s also where James Bond madly chases his enemy in ‘Quantum of Solace’. Savour your lunch on the Piazza, watch as the world go by, and enjoy the atmosphere. Next, you travel along the country roads, past cypress trees and olive groves to arrive in Chianciano Terme in the early evening. This hilltop town in the rural Tuscany is your home for two nights. (B)

Day 12: Montalcino | Pienza

Curvy backroads lined by cypress trees, vineyards, olive groves, and old romantic villages. This is the dreamy Tuscan region of Val d’Orcia where time seems to slow down. This area boasts unspoiled beauty and is steeped in history and culture. No wonder it has been declared a UNESCO heritage site. Start the day with a leisurely drive through the rolling green hills to Bagno Vignoni. This extraordinary ancient site grew around a basin renowned for its curative waters. The Etruscans, Romans, pilgrims of the Via Francigena, and even the Medici appreciated the hot sulphurous waters here. Today, you can admire this ancient spa and can choose to take the waters at the hot springs below the village. So, remember to bring your swimwear and a towel for a quick dip. Rejuvenated after your therapeutic bath, you'll continue the journey through the green and ochre hills dotted with chapels. This land, its culture and identity are inextricably connected with wine production. So, it’s time for you to try some of the best wines in the world in a local winery. You can choose to visit the historic wine cellars, discover the secrets of ageing wine, and savour the legendary Brunello di Montalcino. Next, you'll travel to the medieval walled city of Montalcino surrounded by scenic vineyards. With its famous wine heritage and stunning location, it’s a perfect place for lunch. Your adventure takes you to Pienza after your delicious meal and possibly a few too many glasses of Brunello. This jewel of a city is known as the ‘Ideal City’ and is a fruit of the Renaissance vision of Pope Pius II. Call it vain or forward-thinking, but in the 15th century, the Pope set about transforming his birthplace. And the results are so stunning that UNESCO designated Pienza as a world heritage site. Wander around the Piazza Pio II and marvel at the magnificent ensemble of the church, papal palace, town hall and accompanying buildings. You finish your afternoon off with a visit to an organic cheese farm where you can choose to have a guided tour and discover more about rural life in Tuscany. Learn about cheese production, savour some local specials accompanied by a glass of wine, and enjoy a remarkable view of Val d’Orcia. After experiencing and savouring the best of rural Tuscany, you'll arrive in Chianciano Terme in the early evening for your second night. (B)

Day 13: Rome

This morning you'll leave Chianciano Terme and Tuscany and travel south to the Maremma region to discover Sorano. Literally carved out of tuff rock and built on a fortress, this hilltop city feels like a time capsule. It dates back to the Etruscan era and is a fascinating ensemble of towers, alcoves and cellars perched above the Lente river and gorge. Delve into the maze of small streets and alleys and marvel at the city gates and the impressive fortified medieval castle towering over the city. Then the tour continues to another dramatic hilltop city, Pitigliano, where you can enjoy your lunch. The city rises from the outcrop of the volcanic tufa rocks and is surrounded by gorges on three sides. With its rows of jumbled houses and cobblestone streets, it looks like something out of an old fairytale. Pitigliano became known as ‘Little Jerusalem’ because it turned to be a safe haven for persecuted Jews. You can still discover their rich heritage in the local cuisine and enchanting synagogues. In the afternoon, we'll get off the beaten path and travel through a patchwork of green fields towards the Bolsena Lake. It’s the largest volcanic lake in Italy and its deep waters sustain a thriving fishing community in the local area. We'll stop to take some pictures and then continue along the edge of the lake to Capodimonte. Here, you have time to enjoy the sun and relax on the beach, or you can soak up the atmosphere, roam the town, and admire the castle and many of the town’s beautiful churches. Then continue your leisurely ramble south along the west coast of Italy taking photo stops along the way. Finally, you can say ‘Ciao Roma’ as you arrive at the gateway to Rome in the evening. (B)

Guaranteed departures!

Guaranteed departures: May 4; June 1, 15 & 29; July 13 & 27; August 10 & 24 and September 7, 2020   All visits, tastings & excursions are optional and at your own expense   Cancellation & change penalties for this tour differ from regular CIT Terms & Conditions.   Full cancellation penalties of 100% apply at 45 days prior to departure.