DISCOVER Provence and the Côte d’Azur: France’s Mediterranean Charms

Fly overnight to France and arrive in Marseille the next day. Meet your group and travel through the Provençal countryside to the 13th-century village of Castillon-du-Gard, your home for the next four nights. Take time to settle into your hotel, beautifully built within a series of medieval homes, and gather for a welcome dinner this evening. (D)

Spend the day immersed in the enchantment of Arles, a city on the banks of the Rhône River founded by Julius Caesar. Set out on foot to explore the Old Town, where layers of history reveal themselves around every corner. Visit the first-century Roman amphitheater, a World Heritage site nestled in the heart of the city, and see the Place du Forum, featured in Van Gogh’s iconic Café de Nuit. You’ll have free time for lunch and to explore on your own—perhaps with a visit to LUMA, a striking art complex designed by Frank Gehry. Return to Castillon later this afternoon and sit down to dinner a local restaurant tonight. (B,D)

Just a few kilometers from the village lies one of the most remarkable vestiges of the ancient Romans: the Pont du Gard. Built in first century, the aqueduct spans the Gardon River, rising in three tiers of graceful arches. Visit the site and enjoy free time for a picnic lunch in the shadow of the aqueduct. Then travel to Avignon, the seat of the papacy during the 14th century, after the pope fled Rome. See the 12th-century St.-Bénézet bridge, half of which fell into the Rhône in 1669, and tour the World Heritage-listed Papal Palace, a magnificent example of Gothic architecture. This evening, join a local chef for a Provençal cooking class and wine tasting in the heart of Avignon. (B,D)

Venture into the Alpilles, craggy, limestone mountains that have long inspired writers and artists, including Vincent van Gogh. Stop at the Carrières de Lumières to witness an immersive digital art and music exhibit set in a former stone quarry. Then wind up the mountain to Les Baux-de-Provence, a medieval gem of a village tucked high upon a rocky outcrop. From here, take in views of the rolling orchards and vineyards of Provence, and explore the village lanes, discovering Renaissance-era facades, restored ancient houses, and monuments such as once-majestic citadel. Descend to charming Saint-Rémy-de-Provence for lunch at a local restaurant. Later, meander through Saint Paul de Mausole, a tranquil Romanesque monastery and clinic where Vincent van Gogh was confined after severing his ear. Dinner tonight is on your own. (B,L)

Journey east to the Côte d’Azur today, stopping along the way to visit the university town of Aix-en-Provence, known for its sparkling fountains and rich architectural heritage. Take stroll through the Old Town and along the famed Cours Mirabeau, lined with shops, cafés, and plane trees. After lunch together in town, continue toward the French Riviera, arriving late this afternoon in seaside Nice. Try out the city’s vibrant dining scene during a free evening. (B,L)

Poised between the Alps and the Mediterranean Sea, Nice dates back to the ancient Greeks but was intentionally developed over the 19th century to be an attractive winter resort for northern Europeans. The city recently earned designation as a World Heritage site. On a city tour, delve into the warm-hued Old Town and the colorful flower market, and stroll the palm-lined Promenade des Anglais. Then ride an art deco elevator to the top of Castle Hill for sweeping views of the city and bay. Pay a visit to the Musée Marc Chagall to see the imaginative works of the Russian-born artist who spent the last 40 years of his life on the Côte d’Azur. The remainder of the day is yours to discover Nice as you wish.  (B)

Ascend to the beautiful village of Èze, perched on a hilltop high above the Mediterranean Sea. Take in views of the coast and the nearby principality of Monaco—your next destination. Measuring less than a square mile in area, Monaco is the world’s second smallest sovereign state after Vatican City. Head for its glamorous capital, Monte Carlo, known for its namesake casino. On a city tour, see the Prince’s Palace and the route of the world-famous Grand Prix de Monaco Formula One race, and view an endless flotilla of yachts in the glittering harbor. You’ll have free time for lunch in this exclusive enclave before returning to Nice in the afternoon. Toast your adventure in the south of France at a festive farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)