This lot benefits: Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast
Just the name French Riviera, or Cote d'Azur as the French say, is synonymous with dazzling Mediterranean views, magnificent beaches, and luxurious villas. Three couples are invited on a journey from Marseilles to Nice to enjoy the Riviera lifestyle with its distinctive cuisine and local wines. Add a dash of Cezanne-inspired color with a day trip to Aix-en Provence for Provencal cooking and a chance to shop for handicrafts produced by famed area artisans.
Arrive in Marseilles where you will be greeted by Michel and Marla, your guides for the duration of your trip. Join them at their villa along the Riviera in Cassis for a glass of champagne before venturing into the village for a feast of freshly-caught seafood while enjoying views of the sparkling blue marina. Spend one more day in Cassis visiting Clos Sainte-Magdeleine and sampling their exquisite blanc and rose? wines. Cruise by boat along the coast through small inlets taking in the beautiful aqua water and secluded beaches. End your day dining at one of the village's finest water-view cafes.
Your third day in France will be spent in the vibrant city of Aix-en-Provence where Roman antiquities meld with Medieval churches and contemporary architecture. Art lovers can visit Musee Granet to view the paintings of the city's favorite son and artistic genius, Paul Cezanne. Spend time at the farmer's market filled with handcrafted, local products before enjoying a leisurely lunch and a Pastis, which originated in Provence.
Spend your fourth day exploring the limestone hills within the pretty seaside resort of Bandol while enjoying the region's unique wines. Begin the journey to Nice the next morning with a few planned stops along the way. Visit the ultra-glamorous Saint Tropez for an early cocktail and walk along the harbor. Stop next in Antibes, famous for the many artists who succumbed to its charms, including Picasso and Monet, and tour Chateau Grimaldi, Picasso's home-turned-museum. It's a short drive from Antibes to your hotel in Nice where you'll enjoy panoramic views of the appropriately named Baie de Anges or Bay of Angels. Join the locals for a stroll down one of Nice's top attractions, the Promenade des Anglais. The spectacular walkway stretches over 4.5 miles along the Mediterranean and boasts some of the world's best sunsets.
Continue your exploration of Nice at Cours Saleya in the heart of the city's exotic local markets. Ambitious guests may wish to climb Castle Hill to take in the sweeping views from the highest point in Nice. Enjoy an honored French tradition of an evening aperitif from a rooftop bar before dining in one of the city's best restaurants. End your unforgettable adventure with a toast to the extraordinary coastline and villages referred to as the French Riviera.
This lot includes:
- Six (6) nights in Cassis and Nice on the French Riviera for three (3) couples at four-star hotels
- Private tour of the French Riviera including all planning, reservations, driving, and organization of wine tastings by private guides, Michel Thibault and Marla Norman for six (6) days for three (3) couples
- Boat ride in Cassis along Calanques for three (3) couples Visits to Cassis and Bandol vineyards for three (3) couples
- Guided day trip to Aix-en-Provence for three (3) couples Visits to Saint-Tropez and Antibes
- Airport and train station transfers
Restrictions: Van rental, gas expenses, meals, and any other activity not listed above are not included. Travel must be scheduled in advance on mutually agreeable dates and is based on availability between April 12 - May 10, 2020, or October 20 - November 15, 2020.
