Here is the itinerary for our trip:
Wednesday August 18—Saturday August 21--Fly to Geneva, Switzerland. Gruyeres Tour and Lake Geneva cruise.
Sunday August 22—Sunday August 29--Thomson Cycling Tour from Chatel to Opio, France (click on elevation profile for larger view)
Wednesday August 18—Saturday August 21--Fly to Geneva, Switzerland. Gruyeres Tour and Lake Geneva cruise.
Sunday August 22—Sunday August 29--Thomson Cycling Tour from Chatel to Opio, France (click on elevation profile for larger view)
Day 1 Warm-up ride around Chatel-- 20 miles (2,750 ft)
Day 2 Col du Corbier › Col de Joux-Plane › Col de la Colombiere--74 miles (9,700 ft)
Day 3 Col des Saisies › Col des Aravis › Cormet de Roselend--59 miles (9,000 ft)
Day 2 Col du Corbier › Col de Joux-Plane › Col de la Colombiere--74 miles (9,700 ft)
Day 3 Col des Saisies › Col des Aravis › Cormet de Roselend--59 miles (9,000 ft)
Day 4 Col de la Madelein--71 miles (9,350 ft)
Day 5 Col du Telegraphe › Col du Galibier ›Col d'Izoard--83 miles (11,100 ft)
Day 6 Col de Vars › Col de la Bonette › Col de la Couillole--92 miles (12,850 ft )
Day 7 Col de St Raphael › Col de Vence--80 miles (4,950 ft)
Sunday August 29—Sunday September 5—B & B Les Amandiers in St. Paul de Vence (Provence). Tour area by car. (see photos of B & B below)
Day 5 Col du Telegraphe › Col du Galibier ›Col d'Izoard--83 miles (11,100 ft)
Day 6 Col de Vars › Col de la Bonette › Col de la Couillole--92 miles (12,850 ft )
Day 7 Col de St Raphael › Col de Vence--80 miles (4,950 ft)
Sunday August 29—Sunday September 5—B & B Les Amandiers in St. Paul de Vence (Provence). Tour area by car. (see photos of B & B below)
Sunday September 5—September 14--Tauck Tour begins in Nice, France.
Monday September 6 - From medieval Eze to glittering Monte-Carlo in Monaco Tauck's southern France tour begins with a visit to the medieval village of Eze en route to a glimpse of how the rich, the famous, and the royal live and play in the Principality of Monaco. Explore the area of the famed Prince's Palace in Monaco-Ville before lunch on the terrace of the Fairmont Monte Carlo; spend the rest of the afternoon and evening as you please in Nice.
Monday September 6 - From medieval Eze to glittering Monte-Carlo in Monaco Tauck's southern France tour begins with a visit to the medieval village of Eze en route to a glimpse of how the rich, the famous, and the royal live and play in the Principality of Monaco. Explore the area of the famed Prince's Palace in Monaco-Ville before lunch on the terrace of the Fairmont Monte Carlo; spend the rest of the afternoon and evening as you please in Nice.
Tuesday September 7 - Artistic inspirations amidst the treasures of Provence. Imagine great artists like Paul Cézanne at work amidst the spectrum of colors found in Provence as you view Mont Ste-Victoire and join your local guide for a walking tour among the fountains, squares and medieval center of lovely Aix-en-Provence. Discover the private Baux Valley estate and winery of Château d'Estoublon on an afternoon visit. Continue on to St-Rémy-de-Provence, where Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh spent one year of his life at a monastery that served as an asylum; his stay here resulted in a period of creativity that produced 150 of his most beloved paintings including Starry Night, Wheat Field with Cypresses and Irises.
Wednesday September 8- Lovely Arles, a famous aqueduct and olive oil galore. A southern France tour isn't complete without exploring the Provençal landscapes that inspired van Gogh, where olive groves, cypress trees, and flowers the color of the rainbow greet you. Travel today to ancient Arles, exploring the historic Old Town noted for its narrow streets, medieval stonework and lingering evidence of its ancient Roman residents; enjoy lunch on your own. Then take an adventurous guided walk on the famous Pont du Gard, an ingenious 2,000-year-old Roman aquaduct spanning the River Gardon, before visiting Mas des Barres, an award-winning olive oil producer in Maussane les Alpilles. Their product is a gourmet delight you'll discover on an insider tour of their orchards and production process, with an olive oil tasting and dinner accompanied by a presentation of Provençal folklore.
Thursday September 9 - The ancient walls of Avignon and a rail excursion to Paris. The medieval walled city of Avignon, where popes reigned from 1309 until 1376, is one of the most interesting places in France. A visit to the Palais des Papes reveals the Gothic glories with which the popes of Avignon surrounded themselves. Board the TGV, one of Europe's fastest trains, bound for Paris and an unforgettable five-night stay in the very heart of the inimitable French capital.
Friday September 10 - A morning tour of enchanting Paris encompasses some of this legendary city's best-known landmarks. See the Champs Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe, Place de la Concorde, the Eiffel Tower, and inspiring Notre Dame Cathedral. Your stylish, elegant boutique luxury hotel is ideally located in the heart of the city looking out over four Parisian landmarks - Musée du Louvre, the Opera Garnier, the Comédie Français, and Place du Palais Royal.
Saturday September 11 - Musée du Louvre and a romantic Seine River cruise. Once a royal residence, today the Musée du Louvre houses some of the world's best-known artistic masterpieces in its extensive collections of paintings, sculpture, and antiquities. Enjoy a guided tour of this celebrated institution just steps from your hotel before spending some free time discovering more of Paris as you please. Join us this evening for a dinner cruise on the River Seine, gliding slowly past the illuminated beauty of Paris.
Sunday September 12—Giverny small group tour
Monday September 13-- Champs Elysees walk; Montmarte walk. Wine tasting O'Chateau 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Tuesday September 14—Fly to LAX on Air France
