Quintessential Luxury Tour of France: Paris, Bordeaux, and More

Easily one of Europe's most visited capitals, Paris enjoys a unique position as both an ambassador for the modern state of France and the centuries of history you can see throughout the country's famous museums. The city presents visitors with an impressive array of iconic architecture, such the Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel tower, unparalleled artwork, and a delightful city center with an array of award-winning restaurants. You will venture into this world after your flight arrives. After collecting your belongings, a private transfer will convey you to your luxurious hotel.

The banks of the Seine River are an excellent place to enjoy a morning stroll as the sun spreads across the breathtaking city. Arguably one of France's most important cultural legacies is the food. Today, you will embark on a private tour of the nearby market with a culinary guide, who will help you pick out the best ingredients to use in an immersive cooking class. During your private cooking course, the secrets of French cuisine will be revealed. In the evening, your culinary tour will be capped by a scenic boat cruise on the Seine River.

Perched on its own island is the iconic Arc de Triomphe. Construction on this magnificent monument began in the 19th century and was commissioned by Napoleon. Today, it is a stunning example of inspiration taken from ancient Roman architecture. You will enjoy a private visit of this exceptional space with a guide who can detail the site's many reliefs and legendary views before leading you to the famous Louvre in the afternoon for a thorough exploration of the breathtaking artwork of masters, such as Picasso, Titian, and Monet.

After enjoying the urban charm of Paris, you will turn your back on the French capital and make your way to the fertile banks of the Garonne River. After a leisurely morning, a private transfer will convey you from your luxurious accommodation to the train station so that you can travel by train to Bordeaux and the capital of French wine production. Upon your arrival, a brief journey will be all that separates you from your lush hotel and spa. Here, you can spend the rest of the day in bliss and relaxation.

Your first full day in Bordeaux will be celebrated with a VIP wine tour of the adjacent Modoc vineyard. Here, you will catch your first glimpse of the savory heritage and techniques that wine producers have been using for centuries. Your visit to the Modoc Chateau will be complemented with an excursion into the vineyards. Here, you will be able to survey the neatly arranged rows of grapes in all their glory before returning to the production shop where the grapes are turned into world-famous wines.

A cup of strong French coffee will be an excellent way to start your day. Your hotel will also happily provide a fortifying breakfast before you plunge into the fertile landscape around Bordeaux for some unforgettable experiences. Today, you will venture to the medieval village of Saint Emilion and its surroundings. Here, you will be led on a private tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can savor the many vintages of wine and learn about the legacy of wine in this area, which dates back to the Romans.

Even with exceptional service from your Bordeaux hotel, it will not be easy turning your back on this charming city in the heart of France's wine country. By now, you will have heard rumors of a city that is known for its cuisine and gastronomy, presenting travelers with a blend of stunning architecture and warm hospitality. As the capital of the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes Region of France, Lyon will be an outstanding launchpad for an adventure. After a brief flight, a private transfer will convey you from the airport to your conveniently located accommodation.

Lyon is situated among a landscape that is well-suited for agricultural enterprise and viticulture. Today, you will explore this legacy during a wine experience that will take you deep into the heart of the Rhone River Valley. With a private driver, you will have little to keep you from enjoying the vintages at the many wineries and villages you visit. As you pass through the quaint communities of Vienne and Condrieu, the rural charm of this picturesque landscape will be yours to enjoy.

Food and history will be the main themes when you embark on a private excursion through the city center of Lyon to visit the main sites and learn the fabled history of French cuisine from a knowledgeable guide. As you stretch your legs on this gourmet walking tour, you will enjoy a series of tastings that are designed to showcase the region's culinary flair. Afterward, you will make your way to the city's famous indoor food market. It is the Halles Paul Bocuse where you will truly witness the diversity of ingredients that give French food its culinary reputation.

With visions of delicious piles of sausages, steaming potatoes, and charcuterie boards still floating in your imagination, you may wake with a much better appreciation of the gastronomic legacy of France. Today, your tour of landlocked French cities will come to an end when you depart for Nice. Overlooking the gentle waves of the Mediterranean, Nice is the jewel of the French Riviera. Today will reach your final destination after a brief transfer.

Nice will be your playground this morning, and you can enjoy a leisurely morning in your luxurious hotel. A stroll down the waterfront will not be out of the question and can be an excellent way to take in the views and bracing sea air of the city. Today, you will enjoy a trip into the French Riviera with a private tour at Cannes and Saint Paul-de-Vence. Here, the region's charming villages and scenic views will be on full display.

Today, you will pay a visit to the second-smallest country in the world after enjoying a delicious breakfast. After breakfast, you will enjoy a staggeringly beautiful drive in a Ferrari. Situated just down the coast from Nice, Monaco is a sovereign state that hugs the Mediterranean and is known for luxurious hotels, spas, and some of the world's largest private yachts. You will travel in style to explore the city, which will allow you to visit the famous castle of the Sun King and conclude your day at the iconic Monte Carlo Casino.

Getting its name from its ancient status as a province of the Roman Empire, the modern region of Provence encompasses Nice and all the adjacent coastal communities. The city is known for its ancient ruins, magnificent mountain ranges, and some of France's best wines. It is this viticultural legacy you will explore on your final full day on this vacation with a wine experience among the stunning countryside of Provence. As you enjoy the red and white wines for which the region is famous, a private guide will ensure no question goes unanswered.

From the banks of the Seine River in Paris to the placid shores of the Mediterranean, this tour of France will have presented you with an exclusive glimpse of what is best in each region. After a fortifying breakfast, a private transfer will drive you to Nice's main airport for your departing flight home.