Classic France

Day 1: Paris
Arrival in Paris, reception and private transfer to your hotel, the Hotel Millennium Opera.
Accommodation in a classic room.

Day 2: Paris (B)
After breakfast, a walking and private car tour visiting some of the highlights of Paris. Split by the River Seine, the tour will include passing across Pont Neuf, the oldest bridge in Paris dating back over 400 years, followed by Notre Dame Cathedral, a 12 century Gothic masterpiece. Dating back to 1163, Notre Dame is the cathedral of Paris and the seat of the Archbishop of the city.
After a guided tour, we shall visit the ubiquitous Eiffel Tower, the icon of Paris and France which was completed in 1889. A trip to the top of the Eiffel Tower. (We shall endeavour to accommodate this when first arriving but there may be a queue or the tower may even be closed due to weather and other factors). After lunch (not included), we shall visit the basilica of Sacre Coeur in the hilltop quarter of Montmartre. Once, one of the world's most influential artistic centres, today it is a splendid place to walk around sampling a coffee or for a little shopping. Some free time will be provided for you at leisure.
Return to your hotel along the imposing Champs Elysees, past the majestic Arc de Triomphe to the Place de Concorde with more breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower.

Day 3: Paris (B)
After breakfast, a full day visit to the Louvre, the great Parisian Museum and also the most visited museum in the world. The museum opened its doors on 10 August 1793 with an exhibition of 537 paintings and today houses over 35,000 objets d'art with such famous works as the Mona Lisa by da Vinci, the Wedding feast of Cana by Veronese and Liberty Guiding the People by Delacroix; in addition to great sculptures such as Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory of Samothrace to name but a few. Return to your hotel.

Day 4: Paris - Versailles (B)
Today we will leave Paris and head to the magnificent Palace of Versailles, lying just outside the Paris. A royal chateau which was embellished by the Sun King Louis IV in the 17 century, this magnificent chateau with its vast grounds is an incredible testimony to the heights of royal extravagance. Lunch (not included) before returning to Paris.
Free evening at leisure.

Day 5: Paris (B)
After breakfast, free day to go shopping along the famous Champs Elysees or perhaps along the Seine to the bouquinistes, second-hand dealers in rare books, prints and postcards. Car and driver will be at your disposal.

Day 6: Paris - Loire Valley (B & D)
After breakfast, we leave behind Paris and head south in a private car with driver to the wonderful Loire Valley, some 100 miles southwest of Paris. The Loire Valley is known as the Garden of France and the Cradle of the French Language and as the whole region was a playground for 16th century royalty it resulted in the building of the greatest number of chateaux in the whole of France. It is also noteworthy for the quality of its architectural heritage in its historic towns and excellent wine.
Lunch (not included) before arrival to the majestic Artigny Castle, the dream Belle Époque castle of François Coty, the famous perfumer, an elegant castle hotel located south of Tours. Accommodation and dinner.

Day 7: Loire Valley (B &D)
After breakfast, you continue your trip south to Chateau Azay-le-Ferron, the beautiful Loire Valley castle where you may enjoy its topiary garden. Belonging to the Barony de Preuilly on Claise, the castle consists of four parts built at various times: the tower, Frotier (end of 15th century), the wing of Humières (middle of 17th century), the house of François I (16th century), and the Breteuil house (18th century). The common areas, known as the Cingé wing, are from the 17th century. They are connected to the castle by a gallery inspired by that of the castle of Valençay and built in 1926.
Several great families were owners of Azay-le-Ferron, in particular Gregoire Michel, a banker for Napoleon's armies. After the tour, continue to vineyards of Vouvray for some wine tours. Return to your hotel for accommodation and dinner.

Day 8: Loire Valley - Lyon (B & D)
After breakfast, private transfer to Bourges through the Loire valley and onto the train station for the TGV train journey to Lyon in first class. After the 3 hour train journey, arrival to Lyon, and transfer to your hotel, the Villa Florentine for dinner and accommodation.

Day 9: Lyon (B)
Free day to wander around the town and explore the roman ruins or the largest renaissance quarter in France. Free evening at leisure.

Day 10: Lyon - Nice (B)
After breakfast, transfer to the train station for the TGV train journey to Nice in first class.
Reception and private transfer to your hotel, Le Meridien. At n°1 Promenade des Anglais, the most prestigious address in town, Le Méridien is located in the heart of the city, a few steps from the old town, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Accommodation in a classic room.

Day 11: Nice (B)
After breakfast, private tour of Nice including a panoramic view over Nice from Mt. Boron. You shall start the tour with a visit to Castel Park overlooking the Bay of Angels and Old Town, site of the trading town founded by the Greeks 2,700 years ago. Visit Place Garibaldi in the Old Town and stroll along the Promenade des Arts, home to the Modern Art Museum, Sosno's library and the Acropolis centre. Arriving in Cimiez, winter home of Queen Victoria, you will have the opportunity to visit the Matisse Museum and the Russian Cathedral, the most beautiful outside of Russia. Free afternoon.

Day 12: Nice (B)
Free day at leisure.

Day 13: Nice (B)
After breakfast, private transfer to Nice international airport for your flight home.

Day 1: Paris
Day 2: Paris (B)
Day 3: Paris (B)
Day 4: Paris - Versailles (B)
Day 5: Paris (B)
Day 6: Paris - Loire Valley (B & D)
Day 7: Loire Valley (B &D)
Day 8: Loire Valley - Lyon (B & D)
Day 9: Lyon (B)
Day 10: Lyon - Nice (B)
Day 11: Nice (B)
Day 12: Nice (B)
Day 13: Nice (B)

The price includes accommodation in 4 star hotels, deluxe chateaux and country hotels in standard rooms, all tours in private with English speaking guides, some meals as per the itinerary, first class TGV train tickets and all taxes.

Flight to Paris, meals not specified and travel insurance are not included.