From the Lights of French Provence to the Romantic Canals of Venice…with Love!

You start your 18-day romantic getaway and arrive at Marseille International Airport. Go to the rental car agency and pick up your vehicle. Drive to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or start the discovery of Provence and Marseille on your own. 

Preening and pampered, tagged and trendy, rumoured – wrongly! - to be ruled by mobsters, prey to all hoodlums, Marseille spins the visitor in a ballet, sometimes improvised, sometimes choreographed, from its Greek and Roman origins to the modernity of the 21st century. In its dance of the seven veils, Marseille reveals the many monuments, picturesque spots and museums in its 111 neighbourhoods and 16 arrondissements. Let's make a quick tour of the town - exhausting maybe but not exhaustive!

One of the best times to be there is in the early morning when the golden light of the sun reflects off the old façades and shimmers across the water and the fishermen bring their catch to the very typical fish market. But also in the evening, when the quarter lights up for wild nights in the restaurants and bistros around the port, and the jazz clubs, discos and piano bars on the Place Thiars and Cours Honoré d'Estienne d'Orves.

And, it must be said, during the day... The British architect Norman Foster and French urban landscaper Michel Desvigne were chosen in December 2010 to carry out the city centre urban design project. The Ombrière du Vieux Port is, literally, the reflection of it.

This morning, you make your own way to the meeting point for your tour: Marseille and Cassis guided tour (small group / approx.5.5 hours). 

The Gineste and the Crests roads will lead you to the outstanding site of Cape Canaille from where you will appreciate the exceptional view on the bay of Cassis and the Gardiole mountain range.

Cassis is a very ancient fishing port and the harbor is probably the most beautiful part of the village. You will board (depending on weather and sea conditions of course!) on a 45-minute boat trip to discover 3 Calanques, steep-walled coves with tiny harbours or beaches at the end. 

Possibility of swimming or sun-bathing at the beach. Panoramic tour of the city of Marseille is planned on the way back, including a photo stop at Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica. From this hill, enjoy a breathtaking view of the Phocaean city, the Frioul islands and If Castle. Drive on the Corniche Road, a symbol of holiday and outward sign of wealth for merchants and bourgeois from the 19th century who built magnificent houses with many ostentatious splendid features. You will then reach the 11th-century Saint-Victor Abbey that guards the entry of the Vieux-Port (Old Port).

The rest of the day is at leisure. 

This morning, you make your own way to the meeting point for your tour:  "A Taste of Provence in Aix" (small group / approx. 4 hours).

Off to the city of Aix en Provence (approx. 45 minutes drive) for a memorable walking tour and discover some of the best markets in Provence! Walk along the Cours Mirabeau lined with 17th and 18th-century private mansions, where large plane trees provide shade on hot summer days. The old town is packed with traditional boutiques, architectural and religious sites, bustling squares and refreshing fountains (Aix is said to be « the city with 100 fountains »!). Take a stroll through one of the numerous markets taking place every day in the center of the city. There, products (fruits, vegetables, pastries...) are from the local area and are sold by the grower or breeder. Discover and savor local specialties like the « Calissons », the « nougat » or « tapenade ». Enjoy those local delicacies with your expert guide. This authentic experience will make you feel like a local. Beware, the ambiance of the local market is addicting!

The driver-guide brings you back to Marseille at the end of the morning. The rest of the day is at leisure. 

This morning, you make your own way to the meeting point for your tour: Arles, Les Baux and Saint Rémy de Provence (small group / approx. 10 hours). 

Through the Crau Plain, this itinerary will lead you to the Grand Rhône River bank where the ancient city of Arles (which is part of UNESCO World Heritage) stands. Following Van Gogh's footsteps, you will discover the Roman remains such as the amphitheater and the antique theatre, Saint-Trophime church (carved portal from 12th century), the Forum Square where the statue of the provencal poet Frédéric Mistral stands, and also the Hôtel-Dieu (former charity hospital) and Van Gogh’s Café. Enjoy lunch on your own (not included), in the village of Les Baux de Provence which has kept its medieval layout with its narrow streets and the ruins of the castle. You will have the possiblity to purchase the entrance tickets to the light and sound show about a famous painter (it changes every year). 

In the afternoon, you amble through Saint Rémy de Provence, through the Alpilles mountains to discover its "Antiques" (Roman monuments) and its nice old town. Possibility to visit the mental hospital of Saint Paul de Mausole where Van Gogh was confined.

The driver-guide brings you back to Marseille at the end of the day. 

In the morning, hit the coastal road that runs along the Mediterranean Sea and drive eastwards in the direction of Nice and the Côte d’Azur (the french name of French Riviera). We advise you to make stops in Port Grimaud and Saint Tropez on your way. 

Port Grimaud is both a port and a true Provençal village. You get about solely by boat or on foot in this village where every house was designed in an authentically Provençal style. Never ceasing to grow, Port Grimaud now has a thousand colorful houses with red roof tiles, 2000 spots for boats, 7 kilometers of canals, and 12 kilometers of quays with both private and public moorings. Very lively, the village of Port Grimaud has its own church, shops and businesses, even a post office. And restaurants certainly aren't lacking!  

Arrival in Nice in the afternoon and installation at your hotel. 

Day at leisure to visit Nice and the Riviera. 

With its mix of real-city grit, old-world opulence, year-round sunshine and stunning seaside location, Nice is the unofficial capital of the Côte d'Azur, and a must-see for every visitor.

A magnet for sun-seekers and high-rollers since the 19th century, this bewitching coastal city has so much going for it that it's almost embarrassing: fabulous markets, an enticing old town, glorious architecture and a wealth of super restaurants. It's far from perfect: it's scruffy in spots, the traffic's horrendous and the beach is made entirely of pebbles…but if you really want to soak up the Riviera vibe, there's really no better place to do it! 

Early afternoon, en route to Monaco, and make your first stop to discover the medieval village of Eze, one of the most picturesque sites of the French Riviera. Dating from the Middle Ages, the village was built on top of the rocky outcrop for security reasons. Visit the famous Fragonard perfume factory down to the village.

Go through the village of La Turbie, also called the "Monaco terrace" because of the panoramic view of the Principality of Monaco.

NB: This tour can also be done with a guide, on a small group or private basis. Please ask us. 

This morning, you make your own way to the meeting point for your tour: Market tour, cooking class and lunch (small group class of 7 people max. / approx. 5.5 hours). 

Your day begins shortly after breakfast at the Cours Saleya market, while there is still a fresh morning breeze. The narrow maze of centuries-old streets that is the Vieux Nice opens up onto this splendid space lined with bars, cafés and fish restaurants on either side and market stalls down the center. Though the bigger stalls are the most dazzling thanks to their array of colors, what really interests us is the small producers’ stalls. Because traditional Niçois cooking relies more on vegetables than meat or fish, we can also plan an entirely vegetarian menu. No matter what the main ingredient of our meal, we will not forget the wine and selection of cheeses.

You will then make your way to the newly created cooking studio, where everyone will play a role in preparing the meal. No need to worry if you are a beginning cook, the atmosphere is relaxed! 

The rest of the day is free for a nap (you deserve it!) or to relax on the beaches. 

You’re leaving France today, and the border with neighboring Italy is only 1-hour drive. You still follow the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, until you reach the small village of La Spezia, one of the only two entrance points to the villages of Cinque Terre. 

The Italian Riviera is not short of rugged coastline or romantic towns and villages, but the five fishing communities of the Cinque Terre are its most iconic highlight. The five villages are no longer the isolated hamlets they once were, but there’s still a feeling of remote authenticity, with few roads, perfectly preserved architecture and a network of stunning coastal and mountain trails. 

Installation at your hotel and rest of the day at leisure. 

Combine train and trails to explore the villages of Cinque Terre. 

The five Cinque Terre villages from south to north: 

- Riomaggiore has one main street, a harbor, a rocky beach, a castle, a church, a pharmacy, and a dozen restaurants. It also has good train connections and is the closest to the main city of La Spezia.  

- Heading north from Riomaggiore is the second village called Manarola. It’s also a one-street town, with a small harbor where you can swim. It has an incredible spit of land where the most famous Cinque Terre photos are taken from. 

- The baby of the family and the smallest village is Corniglia.  She’s a rebel. She’s built far above the ocean on the cliffs. To arrive in Corniglia you’ve gotta hoof it up the 365 steps (one for each day of the year) to reach the center of town.

- The beauty queen of the Cinque Terre is named Vernazza. This village is the most popular girl at school; everyone wants to hang out with her and be her friend. She’s incredibly photogenic.  

- The northernmost village is called Monterosso al Mare. Her landscape isn’t as vertical as her sisters’ — you could spend the entire day not climbing hills and stairs here.

Reach your car parked in La Spezia and drive to Florence (150 km / approx. 2 hours). You might make a small detour through Pisa to see the famous Leaning Tower. 

Installation at your hotel in Florence early in the afternoon. Rest of the day at leisure. 

Day at leisure to visit Florence on your own. 

OPTIONAL: Best of Florence (private / approx. 3 hours).

Meeting your guide on the Republic square, you’ll start your exploration of the city from its Roman foundations. A few steps away stands the city’s most glorious monument, the cathedral, known locally as the Duomo for its impressive dome. 

After a stop at the leather market, you’ll reach the bank of the Arno river and enjoy the best vantage point for the picturesque old bridge known as Ponte Vecchio. Over the bridge, the secret corridor built by the powerful Medici family takes you to the Uffizi Courtyard and once the city’s political center, the Piazza Signoria. Today it has become an open-air gallery dotted with beautiful sculptures, including a copy of Michelangelo’s David that marks the entrance to the historic city hall, where this masterpiece was meant to be.

Drive to Sienna, the gate to authentic villages of Tuscany. Sienna is only 1.5 hours drive from Florence, but you’re likely to take the whole day as you’ll make many stops in picturesque places to visit monuments, taste wines or simply admire the beautiful rolling hills of Tuscany!   

The story of Tuscany spans more than 3000 years of art, architectural wonders, culinary surprises and warm, welcoming hospitality. It is where art, history, romance, adventure and relaxation come together to create the perfect vacation. Tuscany is a land that was built using the local stone, marble and terracotta, creating towns and monuments that still stand tall today. As you plan your itinerary, be sure to include the castles in Casentino, the Walls of Lucca, the towers of San Gimignano, the Roman amphitheater in Fiesole, the beaches along the coast or on Elba Island and the stunning square in Volterra.

Installation at your hotel at the end of the day. 

OPTIONAL: Chianti and San Gimignano Sunset Trip from Siena (small group / approx. 8.5 hours / only on Wednesdays and Saturdays)

Spend the whole day discovering South Tuscany on your own.  

When you see a postcard from Tuscany, you see the Valdorcia. Gentle hills colored in green (or yellow) with lonely cypresses sitting atop the hills are typical landscapes of this area. 

Also do not miss the villages of Montalcino and Montepulciano, famous for their excellent red wines, Pienza and its Renaissance square, San Quirico d'Orcia and its gardens. The smaller towns such as Bagno Vignoni and Buonconvento also hold their own special charm. Buonconvento is technically in the Crete Senesi, which is between Siena and Val d'Orcia, so you can definitely explore more of it and its sights on the way down or back up.

You drive back to Florence in the morning. Drop off your car at the train station and take the train to Venice. On arrival, take a practical and local « Vaporetto », a water taxi that will lead you to your hotel through the canals of Venice. 

Rest of the day at leisure. 

To be in Venice is to be a believer in fairy tales, for the only way to get around this 1.500-year-old city is by foot or by water. Take the classical Venetian gondola or motorized waterbuses which ply regular routes along the major canals between the city’s islands. You will be awed by the magical beauty of this city filled with palaces and art. Wander the alleyways and bridges, stroll across the Bridge of Sighs – connecting the Doge’s Palace with the prisons where prisoners would suffer their final torments as they view Venice for the last time – relax on the Piazza San Marco in the very heart of Venice, which opens up on to the Grand Canal. With its water-lapped palaces, its panoramic view across the water from the Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace) it is precisely as Canaletto painted it. You will surely be awed at the Basilica whose exterior is richly decorated by marble and mosaic and the relics of St. Mark resting in the main altar. There are numerous beautiful churches, palaces and museums, many fine shops and restaurants serving excellent food. The Ghetto (Jewish quarter) is a hauntingly beautiful and secret corner of the Cannaregio district close to the bustling Strada Nuova. 

2 days at leisure to get the best of Venice on your own. 

OPTIONAL: 

- Best of Venice (private / approx. 4 hours): A walk tailored to cover three major districts of Venice – San Marco, San Polo, and Cannaregio, this half-day tour offers the best overall introduction to the city. In an intimate private tour, your local expert will lead the way to the city’s highlights such as St. Mark’s Square & Basilica, the Grand Canal and the Rialto Bridge, while demystifying the fascinating history behind the landmarks. You’ll enjoy a unique local experience: walk through the narrow alleys of the Ghetto, sip a coffee in a peaceful neighborhood campo, and even hop on a traghetto to cross the canal in the locals’ way!

- Walk on the dark side of Venice (private / approx. 2 hours): Offering a unique and unforgettable experience, this walking tour adventures to the dark side of Venice after sunset, when evening fog pervades the lamp-lit city and the tourists are gone.

- Venice aperitivo tour (private or small group / approx. 3 hours): The Italian pace of life is one of the most beloved aspects of its culture that visitors admire and enjoy.