Spotlight on the French Riviera including Nice's Carnival

Included Features

• Free parking with roundtrip transfers to the Philadelphia International Airport 
• Roundtrip airfare from Philadelphia International Airport to Nice, France
• Seven-night hotel accommodations 
• Roundtrip transfers airport/hotel
• Meals: 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners
• Gratuities for included meals
• Services of a AAA Member Choice Vacations Tour Director and Driver
• Gratuities for the AAA Member Choice Vacations Tour Director and Driver
• Sightseeing and admissions as stated in itinerary
• All local taxes, hotel services charges & porterage for one suitcase per person
• Services of a Discoveries Journey Manager

Highlights

• Nice, France
• Food Tour & Tasting
• Nice Flower Market
• Monaco, Monte Carlo
• Choice on Tour: Monte Carlo Panoramic Tour OR Monaco's Oceanographic Museum 
• Nice Carnival Parades
• Menton Lemon Festival
• Grasse
• Fragonard Perfumery Workshop
• Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
• St. Paul de Vence
• Same hotel for all 7 nights- no unpacking!
   

Itinerary

Thursday, February, 20, 2025: Depart Central PA for Overnight Flight to France

Depart Central PA and transfer to the Philadelphia International Airport for your flight and transportation to Nice, France. 

Friday, February 21, 2025: Nice (French Riviera)

Welcome to France! Your tour commences in the stunning city of Nice, a coastal pearl of the Mediterranean known for its legendary opulence and balmy beaches. With an average of 300 sunny days a year, Nice is a seaside paradise. This evening join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner in Vieux Nice, featuring Mediterranean-inspired French cuisine. Hotel: Radisson Blu Hotel, Nice, Nice (Dinner)

Saturday. February 22, 2025: Nice - The Flower Market - Flower Parade.

Step into the shoes of a local and navigate the Tram this morning. Get familiar with the routes and use it to your advantage during free time to explore on your own.  With a local expert, discover Nice by meandering through the city's  famed and colorful flower market. Then delve into the Old Town and sample local  delicacies while on a tasting tour. This afternoon experience French Carnival traditions by attending the Flower Parade. While the carnival's theme changes every year, this event  regularly  features over 100,000 flowers, 80% of which are locally grown. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Sunday, February 23, 2025: Mention Lemon Festival 

Journey to Menton, the most Italianate and warmest town on the French Riviera. Famous for the colorful Menton Lemon Festival, you'll marvel at the impressive citrus sculptures and colorful parades. Take in the festivities, before returning to Nice later this afternoon. (Breakfast)

Monday, February 24, 2025: Monaco 

Travel along the spectacular Corniche coastal road to the Principality of Monaco. On a walking tour, view the changing of the guards and visit the Cathedral of Monaco- the permanent resting place of Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace. Then its's your choice! Explore the tiny Principality on a panoramic Little Train tour taking you across to Monte Carlo for views of its famous Casino-OR-visit the Oceanographic Museum, perusing its aquarium and the collection of fossils and skeletons amassed by the great researcher Jacques Cousteau. This evening, savor a wine-paired tasting menu highlighting cuisine across the South of France. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Tuesday, February 25, 2025: Hilltop Grasse & Perfume Workshop- The Parade of Lights

Today learn the secrets of perfume making during a hands-on workshop and tour of the Fragonard Perfumery, where fragrant formulations have been prepared since 1782. Spend time soaking up the atmosphere of this charming Provencal hill town before returning to Nice in the late afternoon. This evening attend one of the word's oldest and most famous carnivals. Dating back to the middle ages, the Nice Carnival is a party not to be missed. Mingle with locals and travels a like as you take in the many sights and sounds of the Parade of Lights. (Breakfast)

Wednesday, February 26, 2025: Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

Head to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, referred to as the crown jewel of the French Riviera, where you'll visit the impressive Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. Uncover the lush gardens replete with jaw-dropping views of the Mediterranean Sea. Your visit to the villa is complete with lunch served in the charming tearoom overlooking the Bay of Villlefranche. Back in Nice, enjoy free time to relax and take in the laid-back atmosphere along the Riviera. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Thursday, February 27, 2025: St Paul de Vence

This morning, venture to historic St. Paul de Vence, situated atop a hill overlooking the beautiful countryside of Provence. Explore this walled medieval village, soaking in its distinctive light said to have inspired Matisse, Braque, Chagall and other artists. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of an unforgettable trip to the French Riviera coming away with wonderful memories!. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Friday, February 28, 2025: Depart for USA

After breakfast depart for home with many wonderful memories of your journey (Breakfast)

Hotels and itinerary are subject to change at any time without notification and/or compensation.

Activity level 3:

This tour requires moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, upstairs, or on uneven walking surfaces, should be expected. 

On this tour visits of Monaco, the Gardens of Villa Rothschild and St. Paul de Vence village involve negotiating some steep inclines over cobblestones, gravel or multiple flights of steps. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motor coaches, especially in historic areas such as the Old Town of Nice, Monaco, Saint-Honorat Island and St. Paul de Vence.. If you require a walker or wheelchair, or have difficulty walking, you may not be able to access some of these areas

General Information

Travel Documents

Original, signed Passport valid for 6 months beyond stay, and with at least one blank Visa page for Visa Stamp(s) is required for this trip. As of the printing of this brochure all guests are required to obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) travel authorization for travel to Europe's Schengen zone (not included in the price of the trip. Please see your Travel Advisor for additional information. 

As travel policies are rapidly changing as results of COVID-19, the final requirements will be communicated prior to travel. Please see you travel advisor for additional information.

Payment 

A deposit $698 per person will confirm your reservation. Final payment is due to AAA by  November 8, 2024.

Cancellations Penalties 

Deposit date to day of departure $25 per persona, plus..

From  August 22, 2024 to December 21, 2024- $698 per person, plus additional supplier's fees
From December 22, 2024 to February 4, 2025- 40% per person, plus additional supplier's fees
From February 5, 2025 to February 19, 2025 - 75% per person, plus additional supplier's fees
After February 19, 2025- NON-REFUNDABLE

* Airfare is non-refundable after final payment. 

Flight

Air arrangements are handled by the tour operator. Seat assignments cannot be confirmed until the tour operator releases names to the airline(s) 30 days prior to departure. Specific seat request cannot be guaranteed. Some flights may contain code share agreements.

Insurance

For your protection, AAA recommends travel insurance. Pre-existing medical conditions may be waived with proper coverage if travel insurance is purchased within 14 days of initial deposit only. Other conditions may apply; ask your travel agent. AAA recommends Allianz.

Clothing/Climate

Temperatures for the French Riviera in February are in the mid 50's and 60's during the day and dropping to the mid 30's at night. Casual Clothes that can be layered work best. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. 

Baggage

One suitcase per person will be allowed. You may also bring a carry-on bag small enough to fit under your seat.. Baggage fees are not included in the price of the trip. Baggage fees and other charges may be directly assessed by the airlines or airport.

Travel Assistance

For personal comfort, group participants who need assistance are required to have a traveling companion who is capable of and totally responsible for providing needed assistance.

GRP525

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