Highlights
5-night stay in Paris with a highlights tour including Champs Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame and Eiffel Tower
Visit to Versailles and Monet's Garden in Giverny
Entrance and tour to Opera Garnier
Full-day touring of the Loire Valley including visits to the romantic Chateau Chenonceau and Chambord Castles
Evening dinner (one night) at the Eiffel Tower and Paris Illuminations Tour
Half-day tour of Cannes
Visit to the Fragonard perfume factory in Grasse
Visit the Medieval village in Grimaud
Market visit and cooking class in Aix en Provence
Entrance to Senanque abbey with guided tour in Gourde
Entrance to Musee de la Lavande in Cabrieres d'Avignon
Entrance to Glanum archaeological site and Cloitre St Paul de Mausole
Visit the Musee Brotte with a discovery visit - tasting 3 wines, and a chocolate and wine pairing session in Chateauneuf du Pape
Visit to Fourviere Basilica and Maison des Canuts in Lyon
Tour of Beaune's main sights including Les Hospices de Beaune
Entrance to Moutarderie Fallot and Caveau Moillard with tasting - degustation decouverte in Meursault
Entrance to Chateau de Saint Aubin and tasting - Experience Prosper
Market local tastings in Beaune
Visit to the Reims Cathedral
Entrance to a Champagne house - Mumm or similar in Reims
Friends for company!
Inclusions
Fully escorted by an experienced Sisterhood Tour Hostess
Return airfares to Paris including taxes ex Melbourne (other departure cities upon request)
All sightseeing as per detailed itinerary
All meals as per detailed itinerary
All transportation as per detailed itinerary
4 star accommodation as per itinerary ++
Gratuities for Tour Driver and Tour Manager
Willing to share option
Meet and greet prior to departure (subject to minimum numbers attending)
++ Hotels are subject to change.
Tipping in France is appreciated. Sisterhood Women's Travel's tipping system on all Group Tours involves passenges contributing to a kitty and paid directly to the Hostess upon departure. Your hostess will then distribute appropriately to the service providers as required (outside of the included Touring Coach Driver and Tour Manager). This system avoids the need for you to consider individual tipping situations daily throughout the trip. This suggested amount will be confirmed with your tour documentation.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Wednesday 24 April 2024
Melbourne - Paris (meals in flight)
Welcome to Sisterhood Womens Travel. Join your Sisterhood Hostess and fellow travellers at the Melbourne Airport for your flight to Paris.
Sit back, relax and enjoy the airline in flight hospitalilty and entertainment as we head towards the 'City of Love'.
Day 2 - Thursday 25 April 2024
Welcome to Paris (D)
Welcome to Paris, the City of Love and the fashion capital of the world, these nicknames are far from enough to reveal all of Paris.
Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is known worldwide for the Champs Elysees, Notre-Dame Cathedral and of course, the Eiffel Tower. We'll see all of these monuments on our guided panoramic tour following our arrival. Our romance with the city will begin here!
We check into our hotel with the remainder of the day at leisure.
In the evening we'll enjoy a Welcome Dinner.
Overnight: M Social Hotel, Paris (or similar)
Day 3 - Friday 26 April 2024
Paris - Versailles - Giverny - Paris (B)
Today we start our exploring with a full-day guided tour of Versailles Palace and Gardens, whose origins date back to the 17th century, including a hunting lodge, seat of power and now a museum that spreads over 800 hectares.
We then make a visit to Giverny where the famous impressionist Claude Monet lived for 43 years. We visit his house and gardens this afternoon which were the inspiration for many of his works.
Returning to Paris with dinner at leisure tonight.
Optional - Visit to the famous Moulin Rouge for dinner and show *Price to be advised*
Overnight: M Social Hotel, Paris (or similar)
Day 4 - Saturday 27 April 2024
Paris (B, AT)
Today we have a full day in Paris, including a visit to the Opera House and the former artists' village area of Montmartre.
Later, we'll enjoy afternoon tea at the legendary 1903 tea rooms of Angelina Rivoli or similar.
Dinner at leisure tonight
Overnight: M Social Hotel, Paris (or similar)
Day 5 - Sunday 28 April 2024
Paris - Chenonceau - Amboise - Chambord - Paris (B, L)
Today, we embark on a full-day excursion to Loire Valley.
First we go to the most visited and photographed chateau of the Loire Valley, Chenonceau Castle. Filled with artworks and Renaissance furniture, as well as many 16th and 17th century tapestries, this castle is also surrounded by magnificent grounds and has its own chapel.
We then have lunch in a local restaurant in Amboise before heading to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Chambord Château, which is said to be one of the most amazing constructions of the Renaissance.
Return to Paris and dinner at leisure.
Overnight: M Social Hotel, Paris (or similar)
Day 6 - Monday 29 April 2024
Paris (B, D)
Today we have a free day in Paris to explore.
Tonight we enjoy dinner at the Eiffel Tower at Madame Brasserie restaurant (Menu Gustave), followed by the evening Illuminations tour.
Overnight: M Social Hotel, Paris (or similar)
Day 7 - Tuesday 30 April 2024
Paris - Cannes - Mandelieu la Napoule (B, D)
This morning after breakfast, we transfer to the Gare de Lyon train station to depart Paris and travel by TGV train to Cannes.
Whisked through the Paris countryside, we arrive in Cannes mid-afternoon and then transfer to our hotel in Mandelieu la Napoule.
The remainder of the day is free.
We have dinner in our hotel tonight.
Overnight: Pullman Cannes Mandelieu Royal Casino, Mandelieu la Napoule (or similar)
Day 8 - Wednesday 1 May 2024
Mandelieu - Cannes - Mandelieu (B)
Today, after breakfast, we enjoy a morning tour to the glamorous seaside city of Cannes. The capital of cinema is best known worldwide for its Film Festival and also for its prestigious luxury hotels frequented by film stars and other wealthy tourists. We'll see the main sights and enjoy looking at the picturesque beaches, restaurants, cafés and boutiques.
Our afternoon is free.
Dinner at leisure tonight.
Overnight: Pullman Cannes Mandelieu Royal Casino, Mandelieu la Napoule (or similar)
Day 9 - Thursday 2 May 2024
Mandelieu - St Paul de Vence - Grasse - Nice - Mandelieu (B, D)
Today we'll enjoy a visit to the preserved medieval village of St Paul de Vence likened to a quaint open museum filled with modern art galleries tucked beside its calade streets.
We'll then continue onto Grasse, a town known for its long-established perfume industry. We will visit the famous Fragonard perfume factory with the opportunity to purchase some of their fragrances.
We then travel to Nice and enjoy a half-day tour before returning to Mandelieu la Napoule.
Dinner in a local restaurant tonight.
Overnight: Pullman Cannes Mandelieu Royal Casino, Mandelieu la Napoule (or similar)
Day 10 - Friday 3 May 2024
Mandelieu - St Tropez - Port Grimaud - Grimaud - Aix en Provence (B, D)
Depart Mandelieu and travel to Aix en Provence via St Tropez, Grimaud and Port Grimaud for a boat tour. Dinner and Overnight
Today we leave Mandelieu and head for the coastal town of St Tropez - popular with artists and jet setters and showcases beautiful beaches.
We then continue on to Grimaud which is a nearby village with historical links to the Grimaldi family.
Dinner tonight at leisure.
Overnight: Negrecoste Hotel & Spa, Aix en Provence (or similar)
Day 11 - Saturday 4 May 2024
Aix en Provence (B, L)
This morning we make our way to a local market. Markets are a way of life in Provence, food is taken very seriously and is reflected in the delicious, lush seasonal fruit and vegetables on offer. Stylish clothes, hats, straw baskets and jewellery all make for great presents to take home.
After our market visit, we'll enjoy a traditional cooking class which includes lunch.
This afternoon is free.
Dinner at leisure tonight.
Overnight: Negrecoste Hotel & Spa, Aix en Provence (or similar)
Day 12 - Sunday 5 May 2024
Aix en Provence - Gordes - Cabrieres d’Avignon - Aix en Provence (B)
This morning, our day begins with a Provence experience tour including travelling to Gordes to visit the Senanque abbey, followed by a lunch break in Roussillon and then a visit to the Musee de la Lavande Museum in Cabrieres d’Avignon.
Returning to Aix en Provence with dinner at leisure tonight,
Overnight: Negrecoste Hotel & Spa, Aix en Provence (or similar)
Day 13 - Monday 6 May 2024
Aix en Provence - Les Baux de Provence - St Remy de Provence - Uchaux (B, D)
Today we'll travel to Les Baux de Provence and explore this quaint village followed by St Remy de Provence to visit the Glanum archaeological site and the Cloitre de St Paul de Mausole.
We then travel to Uchaux for check-in to our stunning Château de Massillan a 16th-century chateau surrounded by suburb grounds.
Dinner in our chateau.
Overnight: Château de Massillan, Uchaux (or similar)
Day 14 - Tuesday 7 May 2024
Uchaux - Pont du Gard - Chateauneuf du Pape - Uchaux (B)
Today, we'll enjoy a visit to Pont du Gard, an ancient Roman aqueduct built in the first century AD.
We then head to Chateauneuf du Pape in the Rhône wine region in southeastern France where we will visit the Musee Brotte with a discovery visit and and wine tasting before enjoying a chocolate and wine pairing session at chocolaterie Castelain.
Dinner at leisure tonight.
Overnight: Château de Massillan, Uchaux (or similar)
Day 15 - Wednesday 8 May 2024
Uchaux - Lyon (B)
This morning, we'll depart for Lyon with an afternoon guided city tour of the city including a visit to Fourviere Basilica and Maison des Canuts.
Sitting on the junction of the Rhone and Saone rivers, Lyon reflects 2000 years of history from the Roman Amphitheatre des Trois Gaules, medieval and Renaissance architecture in Vieux Lyon to the modern Confluence district.
Dinner at leisure tonight.
Overnight: Hotel Roosevelt, Lyon (or similar)
Day 16 - Thursday 9 May 2024
Lyon - Beaune - Meursault (B, D)
This morning we depart from Lyon and travel to Beaune, a walled city in the centre of the Burgundy winemaking region of France and is a delightful village to explore.
We have an afternoon tour to enjoy the main sights including Les Hospices de Beaune recognised by its colorful geometric-patterned tiled roof and known for its wine auction in November.
Our hotel tonight is just a short drive away from Beaune.
Dinner at our hotel tonight.
Overnight: Hotel Spa La Cueillette, Meursault (or similar)
Day 17 - Friday 10 May 2024
Meursault - Beaune - Saint Aubin - Meursault (B)
This morning we visit Moutarderie Fallot (mustard-making factory) followed by an afternoon wine tour at Caveau Moillard and Château of Saint-Aubin, with various tastings included.
Dinner at leisure tonight
Overnight: Hotel Spa La Cueillette, Meursault (or similar)
Day 18 - Saturday 11 May 2024
Meursault - Beaune - Dijon - Troyes (B, D)
This morning we'll head to the local market in Beaune for a tasting of local products. Few events in France can rival the local Saturday market, and Beaune is no exception. The Saturday market in Beaune is definitely an event that should be at the top of your list of things to do in Burgundy. A perfect place to buy supplies for a perfect picnic lunch/dinner.
We'll then continue on to Dijon, the capital city of the historical Burgundy region in eastern France and one of the country’s principal wine-making areas. It’s known for its traditional mustard, vineyard tours, autumn gastronomic fair and building styles ranging from Gothic to Art Deco.
We explore the town before travelling to Troyes for check-in and dinner tonight at our hotel.
Overnight: BW Premier de la Poste & Spa Nuxe, Troyes (or similar)
Day 19 - Sunday 12 May 2024
Troyes - Reims (B, D)
This morning we explore Troyes - a medieval old town featuring narrow, cobbled streets lined with colourful, half-timbered houses, mostly dating from the 16th century.
After that, we travel to Reims; the unofficial capital of the Champagne wine-growing region.
Dinner tonight at our hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Continental, Reims (or similar)
Day 20 - Monday 13 May 2024
Reims - Vineuil Saint Firmin (B, D)
This morning we will visit the incredible Reims Cathedral. Adorned with over 2,300 statues, this is the only cathedral to display angels with open wings, including the famous Smiling Angel on the western façade of the north portal. The exceptional stained-glass windows mix styles from the Middle Ages until the 20th century.
Then, no visit to Reims is complete without 'popping' into a Champagne House OOh, la, la!
In the afternoon we travel back to the outskirts of Paris, where we'll have our final night and farewell dinner to celebrate our amazing French experience shared with friends!
Overnight: Le Grand Pavillon Chantilly ( Ex Hyatt Regency Chantilly), Vineuil Saint Firmin (or similar)
Day 21 - Tuesday 14 May 2024
Vineuil Saint Firmin - Paris Airport (B, In flight meals)
Following our breakfast we say au revoir to Paris and begin our journey home with a transfer to the airport.
Sit back, relax and enjoy the inflight entertainment of the airlines as we head towards home.
Day 22 - Wednesday 15 May 2024
Welcome home
Welcome back into Melbourne. What a fantastic adventure we've enjoyed.
Thank you for travelling with Sisterhood Womens Travel and we look forward to welcoming you back for your next adventure.
Merci beaucoup and au revoir !