Provence and the French Riviera

Summer is a great time to visit the South of France.  The weather is warm and the wildflowers bring color to France’s mountains and valleys.  This trip starts in Cannes along the blue waters and sandy beaches of the French Riviera before climbing into central France to the historic cities of Avignon and Lyon.  An optional excursion to Monaco will allow you to visit the second smallest country in the world, or you can use your free day to take a locally provided tour to travel into the medieval villages in Provence’s highlands.  Your return ride home will showcase panoramic views of the still snowcapped Mont Blanc and the Alps as well as Lake Geneva.

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

Estimated Itinerary

Wednesday: 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.

Thursday: 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 who only want 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.

Friday: Free Day or Monaco Excursion*

How you spend your day today is entirely up to you.  Maybe you will spend your day on the beach in Cannes, perhaps even getting the chance to do some star-gazing along the celebrity rich promenade.  You might want to use an app like Getyourguide or Viator to register for a locally operated tour to the medieval villages in Provence’s mountainous interior.  If neither of these options appeal to you, you can join us on an optional excursion to the second smallest country in the world, The Principality of Monte Carlo.  Whichever you choose, you will be sure to enjoy your Saturday on France’s Mediterranean coast. 

Saturday: 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.   

Sunday: Geneva, Neuchatel and return to Kaiserslautern

Your return journey to Kaiserslautern will be broken up by several stops in Switzerland. After checking out of 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, Europes highest peak, Mont Blanc, is clearly 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, on or prior to Friday, May 17

• Double Occupancy: $629 per person
• Single Occupancy: $879

Price, on or after Saturday, May 18

• Double Occupancy: $699 p.p.
• Single Occupancy: $949
   
• Up to 2 children aged 3-11 in triple room or adjoining double rooms with 2 paid adults: $579 per child
• Infants under 3 sharing existing bedding with adult: $229 per infant
   
• Children under 12 will be accommodated in either a triple room for two adults and one child or in connected double rooms for families with multiple children.
• Infant price does not apply in triple rooms.

Deadlines and Discounts: 

• Early bird discount expires on Friday, May 17
• Empty hotel rooms will be cancelled on Friday, May 31
• Registration on or after Saturday, June 1 will be possible if the hotel has rooms available and may be subject to hotel rebooking fees or price supplements.

Trip Includes: 

• Round trip tour bus transportation 
• 3 nights lodging at a 3 star or higher rated hotel 
  • 2 overnights at Cannes Eden Hotel & Spa**** or equivalent
  • 1 overnight at Novotel Lyon Confluence**** or equivalent 
• Daily breakfast
• Guided tour of Nice

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

What to Bring: 

• Comfortable, weather appropriate shoes and clothing
• Credit/Debit Card or Euro
• Power Banks (ODR cannot guarantee charging capability on 3rd party contracted busses)
• Military ID and Passport

Departure: 6 p.m.

Return: Around 10 p.m.