Day 1: Following your home taxi collection, you will join our Platinum coach and travel to Kent for the short sea crossing to France. On arrival, we continue through the French countryside to our overnight hotel, the Ibis Dijon Gare, where dinner, bed and breakfast are included.
Day 2: After breakfast, we continue our journey through France, travelling through ever-changing landscapes as we head towards the south. We pass through the historic city of Lyon, where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet, before continuing towards the Mediterranean.
Crossing briefly into Italy, we follow the stunning coastline before arriving in Cannes. Here we check in to the four-star Pullman Cannes Mandelieu Hotel for a five-night stay on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis.
Day 3: Today is free for you to enjoy Cannes at your own pace, soaking up the glamour and charm of this world-renowned resort.
Perhaps take a leisurely stroll along La Croisette, the elegant palm-lined promenade overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean, or relax at a café and watch the world go by. You may also wish to visit the Palais des Festivals, home of the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, where you can walk the famous red carpet and see the handprints of stars along the Allée des Étoiles.
Alternatively, enjoy some shopping, explore the old quarter of Le Suquet, or simply unwind by the sea before returning to the hotel to enjoy the facilities.
Day 4: This morning we travel to the vibrant city of Nice, where there will be time at leisure to explore. Wander through the narrow streets of the Old Town, browse the colourful markets, or take a stroll along the famous Promenade des Anglais, enjoying views of the azure coastline.
This afternoon, it’s time get ready for the Corso Carnavalesque flower parade. This fabulous event is made up of flower-covered floats, with costumed characters who throw thousands of flowers into the enthusiastic crowd. This art promotes the breathtaking quality and variety of Riviera flowers – a staggering 90% of the flowers used are produced locally. The parade route follows the seafront along the Promenade des Anglais, between the Théâtre de Verdure and the Hotel Negresco, and takes around 90 minutes! Be sure to stay until the end when the floats are plucked of their floral decorations. The event is a truly unique and memorable spectacle.
We return by coach to the hotel where dinner is served this evening.
Day 5: Today we travel along the beautiful Côte d’Azur to the charming town of Menton, located close to the Italian border, to experience the famous Fête du Citron (Lemon Festival).
This extraordinary event showcases impressive sculptures and displays created from more than 140 tonnes of citrus fruit. Set within the Biovès Gardens, the vibrant arrangements—often towering over 10 metres high—create a spectacular sea of colour and creativity.
Later, take your seat to enjoy the lively procession of citrus-decorated floats, accompanied by music, dancers, and performers. After a memorable day, we return to Cannes for dinner and a relaxing evening.
Day 6: Today, we cross the border into Italy, trading the glamour of the French Riviera for the vibrant charm of the Riviera dei Fiori. Our first stop is the lively border town of Ventimiglia, where the atmosphere shifts to a quintessentially Italian rhythm. You’ll have free time to explore the historic Ventimiglia Alta, a medieval maze perched on a hill overlooking the modern town. Wander through its narrow, sun-drenched streets to discover the 11th-century Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta or simply soak up the local life in one of the bustling piazzas, perhaps sampling your first authentic Italian espresso of the trip.
Leaving the coast behind, we head inland into the verdant Nervia Valley to reach the enchanting medieval village of Dolceacqua. Divided by the river, the town is famously linked by a breathtaking 15th-century "humpback" stone bridge—a sight so beautiful that Claude Monet captured it in his paintings, describing it as a "jewel of lightness." Above the village sits the imposing ruins of the Doria Castle, watching over a labyrinth of ancient carruggi (vaulted stone alleys). As you wander through these cool, shaded passages, you’ll find artisan workshops and wine cellars tucked into the rock, providing a fairytale conclusion to our Italian excursion.
Day 7: After a final breakfast on the coast, we bid a fond farewell to the Riviera and begin our journey north to our overnight hotel, again the Ibis Dijon Gare. You will have time to settle into your room and perhaps enjoy a quiet drink before we gather for dinner
Day 8: After breakfast, we make the journey to Calais to board the mid-afternoon ferry back to Kent. Upon our arrival we continue homewards to Norfolk, where our door-to-door service awaits to return you home.
Holiday Information:
7 Nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
Price: £1520pp
Single Supplement: £265 (Will be allocated a twin or double room for sole occupancy, depending on availability)
Tour Reference: EUR1944
Deposit Required: £100pp (Non refundable or transferable unless cancelled by Eastons)
Balance Due: 13 weeks prior to departure