Provence and the French Riviera

Everyone in Europe seems to descend upon Provence in the summer.  The warm sunny coasts allow you to bask in the sun while the blooming wildflowers bring color to France’s mountains and valleys.  This trip starts in Cannes along the blue waters and sandy beaches of French Riviera before climbing into central France to the historic cities of Avignon and Lyon.  A visit to Monaco will allow you to visit the second smallest country in the world and your ride home will showcase panoramic views of Mont Blanc and the French Alps.

This 4th of July weekend will have something for everyone.  Reserve your space with Kaiserslautern Outdoor Recreation today!

Estimated Itinerary

Friday: Check in

After settling into your seat, just lean back and relax while your comfortable coach whisks you away to the French Riviera. Don’t forget the essentials for your overnight ride! Blankets, pillows, power banks, and drinks will all help make your overnight journey to Cannes more enjoyable.

Saturday: Nice and Cannes

Today is dedicated to visiting the Côte d'Azur, where the cold northern winds are stopped by the French Alps and the skies are as blue as the sea. This waterfront playground is where the rich and influential spend their summers and festivals like the Cannes Film Festival draw massive crowds to see and be seen. Two overnights in Cannes, will allow you to enjoy the 2 kilometer long Promenade de la Croisette and the famous seaside resort city.

Sunday: Free Day or Monaco Excursion*

The Principality of Monte Carlo is the second smallest country in the world, and is also the most densely populated. Today you have the choice to visit the Principality, or to remain on the promenade in Cannes. Whichever you choose, you will be sure to enjoy your Saturday on the Mediterranean coast. If you go on the excursion, a visit to the Fragonard Perfume factory will start your day, while an optional walking tour* of Monte Carlo's old town will highlight the burial site of Princess Grace, the Oceanographic Museum and the Prince’s Palace. Make sure you bring “proper attire” if you do go to the Monte Carlo Casino, made famous in multiple James Bond movies, and in Ocean’s Twelve. While tuxedos and evening dress are not required, jeans, shorts, sneakers and flip flops are never allowed inside this exclusive facility. 

Monday: Avignon and Lyon

Provence's rugged mountains and gorgeous valleys will amaze you with their outstanding natural beauty as you drive to Avignon, home of a series of 7 popes in the 14th century. Continuing up the Rhone river, you will reach Lyon, the 3rd largest city in France late in the afternoon.  Lyon is known as the Gastronomic Capital of the World", and whatever meal you enjoy is sure to be something to “Insta” about.  

Tuesday: Geneva, Neuchatel and return to Kaiserslautern

Your return journey to Kaiserslautern will be broken up by several stops in Switzerland. After departing Lyon, you will follow the Rhone River to its source in Lake Geneva and see the city which shares its name with the lake. The beautiful setting of the lake at the base of some of the highest mountains in Europe will inspire amateur and professional photographers alike. Even though it is over 80 kilometers away from Geneva, if the weather is clear, Europe's highest peak, Mont Blanc, is easily visible from Morges. Your return trip will pass another lake, Lake Neuchatel, before an evening arrival in Kaiserslautern. 

* Optional excursion at additional fee paid directly to tour manager

Price:

• Double Occupancy: $769 per person
• Single Occupancy: $969

• Up to 2 children aged 3-11 in family room or adjoining double room with 2 paid adults: $599 per child
• Infants under 3 sharing existing bedding with adult: $229 per infant
   
• Room assignments for families will be determined individually by the hotels based on their specific capacity and available room types. 
• Families will be assigned to Family Rooms or adjoining double rooms by the hotels.
• Kaiserslautern Outdoor Recreation will request Family rooms upon customer request, but does not guarantee the room configuration assigned by the hotel.

Discounts and Deadlines:

• Empty hotel rooms will be cancelled on Monday, May 15

Trip Includes: 

• Round trip tour bus transportation 
• 3 total overnights in 4 star or higher rated hotels
  • 2 overnights at ibis Styles Le Cannet Cannes Hotel*** or equivalent with breakfast
  • 1 overnight at Mercure Lyon Centre**** or equivalent with breakfast
• Guided tour of Nice

Optional Excursion: Monaco Excursion - €45 per person - paid cash directly to tour manager

What to Bring: 

• Comfortable, weather appropriate shoes and clothing
• Credit/Debit Card or Euro
• Military ID and Passport

Departure:  6 p.m.

Return:  Around 10 p.m.