Price for 1 traveler starts at:
$1,930*
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About this tour
Enjoy these great tour features
'Personal Concierge' service from a professional Tour Director throughout
Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet and extra legroom
Journey by high speed TGV train from Paris to Lyon.
First Class Hotels in central locations, see map key, including service charges, taxes & porterage
Insight Traveller document wallet, map book journal and information pack
Transfers to and from the airport with Insight's Airport Shuttle Service .
Buffet breakfast each day as indicated
Welcome Drink meeting on day 2
Included Excursions & Sights
Orientation tour of Paris
See the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, Place de la Concorde, Champs Elysees, Arc de Triomphe and Eifel Tower.
Orientation tour of Nimes.
See the Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard.
Orientation tour of Lyon.
See the Roman Arena and well preserved Maison Carree in Nimes.
Select options These optional "experience packages" may be purchased on tour: Paris Experience 1 - an in-depth tour of Paris to see the great impressionists' paintings in the Musee d'Orsay, plus a guided visit of the Palace of Versailles and its gardens.
Paris Experience 2 - appreciate the works of Rodin including The Thinker and The Kiss, drive through the Latin Quarter plus free time in the bohemian quarter of Montmartre with lunch in a typical Parisian bistro.
Experience de la Provence' - Visit medieval Les Baux-de-Provence and an olive oil mill
before a guided tour of Arles and scenic drive through the Camargue.
Avignon & Rhone Experience - Take a little train ride in Avignon, before wine tasting in the
village of Chateauneuf-du-Pape.
Enjoy these great tour features
'Personal Concierge' service from a professional Tour Director throughout
Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet and extra legroom
Journey by high speed TGV train from Paris to Lyon.
First Class Hotels in central locations, see map key, including service charges, taxes & porterage
Insight Traveller document wallet, map book journal and information pack
Transfers to and from the airport with Insight's Airport Shuttle Service .
Buffet breakfast each day as indicated
Welcome Drink meeting on day 2
Included Excursions & Sights
Orientation tour of Paris
See the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, Place de la Concorde, Champs Elysees, Arc de Triomphe and Eifel Tower.
Orientation tour of Nimes.
See the Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard.
Orientation tour of Lyon.
See the Roman Arena and well preserved Maison Carree in Nimes.
Select options These optional "experience packages" may be purchased on tour: Paris Experience 1 - an in-depth tour of Paris to see the great impressionists' paintings in the Musee d'Orsay, plus a guided visit of the Palace of Versailles and its gardens.
Paris Experience 2 - appreciate the works of Rodin including The Thinker and The Kiss, drive through the Latin Quarter plus free time in the bohemian quarter of Montmartre with lunch in a typical Parisian bistro.
Experience de la Provence' - Visit medieval Les Baux-de-Provence and an olive oil mill
before a guided tour of Arles and scenic drive through the Camargue.
Avignon & Rhone Experience - Take a little train ride in Avignon, before wine tasting in the
village of Chateauneuf-du-Pape.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: DEPART USA.
Board your overnight flight.
Day 2: PARIS AT LEISURE.
On arrival at Charles de Gaulle Airport, Insight's Airport Shuttle Service departs for your tour hotel at 08:30, 11:00 & 13:30. The afternoon is yours to relax and settle in. Tonight, join your Tour Director for a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Pullman Bercy
Day 4: PARIS.
In the mid 19th century, Baron Haussmann transformed much of medieval Paris into something more modern; admire his work along the elegant, tree lined boulevards on your included orientation tour. You see Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, Place de la Concorde, Champs Élysees, the Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower. Introductions over, it's time to make the French capital your own. You've got two full days to visit the great galleries, take side trips, stroll by the Seine, window-shop in the Faubourg St-Honore or enjoy a pleasant hour or two watching the passers-by from a Parisian cafe. (BB)
- Scratch beneath the surface of the French capital, and it's not about what you know, it's who you know! On our 'Paris Experience 1' our qualified guide introduces you to Monet and other great impressionists in the Musee d'Orsay. Next it's a short drive into the country to visit the impressive Palace of Versailles. Built by Louis XIV, enjoyed by Louis XV and paid for with his life by Louis XVI. Enjoy the formal gardens designed by Le Notre and the State Apartments including the Hall of Mirrors on your guided tour before returning to Paris where the dazzling nightlife beckons.
- Should you wish to continue your introduction to Paris for a second day then our 'Paris Experience 2' with our expert guide will introduce you to the great works of the sculptor Auguste Rodin, including The Thinker and The Kiss. Later drive through the Latin Quarter along the Boulevard St. Michel, past the Sorbonne University and by the Luxembourg Gardens to the bohemian quarter of Montmartre. Ascend by funicular to the Place du Tertre for lunch in a typical Parisian bistro. Local street artists can capture your likeness in minutes - a great souvenir to take home – and close by you can appreciate the view from the steps of Sacre-Coeur Basilica.
After dark, the City of Light really lives up to its name when the monuments, buildings and bridges are lit up in all their glory and we have great options for touring, dining and cabaret. Whether you opt for fine dining at a top class restaurant, or the more rustic bistros, brasseries and cafes, you can't go wrong at dinner time - you're in the gastronomic capital of the world. Magnifique!
Day 5: PARIS - LYON – NIMES.
Transfer to the Paris station to board a comfortable TGV train for a journey through fertile vineyards and agricultural lands to Lyon, built at the meeting of two of France's great rivers, the Rhone and the Saone. After an orientation tour of the city drive south, stopping at the greatest of the Roman remains, the incredible three-tiered Pont du Gard, before arriving in the old Roman city of Nîmes.
Hotel: Imperator Concorde. (BB)
Day 7: NIMES.
Gazing at the Roman Arena you'll see it's more complete and better preserved than even Rome's Colosseum. Your included orientation tour concludes in the shadow of the 2,000 year old Maison Carree, one of Europe's finest Roman temples. From here you can soak up the atmosphere at an outdoor cafe and plan your day. Across the square stands the modern Carre d'Art, built to complement its ancient neighbour. You could start with the art museum there, return to the Arena for an audio guided tour or cool off amid the canals and shady walks of the Jardin de la Fontaine. It's up to you.(BB)
- The surrounding countryside is not only replete with historic towns, Roman remains and grand scenery, but it also played a key role in the development of modern art. This all becomes clear on our 'Experience de la Provence' which takes you through the charming village of St Remy, noted for its associations with Nostradamus and Van Gogh, and into the jagged peaks of the Alpilles. Visit medieval Les Baux-de-Provence, perched atop a rocky spur, and crowned with a ruined castle. After taking in the magnificent views, taste the local produce at a nearby olive oil mill. Continue to Arles where you follow in the footsteps of Vincent Van Gogh on a guided tour of this beautiful town. The Camargue begins at the gates of Arles and you return to Nimes through part of this unique landscape.
- If you wish, continue the following day with our 'Avignon & Rhone Experience', where a little train ride gives an overview of this papal city, with its medieval battlements and 39 towers. After time to explore or shop for fragrant Provençal souvenirs, head towards the Rhone river and the village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape to taste the renowned wine. À votre sante!
Your evenings are completely at leisure to do as you please. The Spanish influence is palpable by night, evidenced by the lively tapas bars and bodegas - why not join the locals for a glass of sangria and the sound of flamenco or perhaps take an excursion to the fortified town of Aigues Mortes, completely encircled by ramparts?
Day 8: RETURN TO USA.
Continue to Nice with Itinerary Flexibility's Free transfer. Your tour ends on arrival at tour hotel in Nice (BB)
About Insight Vacations
Insight is a mid-range tour company which separates itself from the pack by selecting hotels in great locations and by offering more included sightseeing than comparable tours from other companies. They do charge a premium for the optional add-ons however. Transportation is comfortable and visitors tend to feel less rushed at each sight because the tours spend longer in each destination.
Traveler profile
Generally appeals to couples of 50+ though single travelers of ages 40+ (and occasionally significantly younger or older) are also often guests on these tours.
Group size
Maximum 40 people on a bus, seating adjusted so there's space for only 40 passengers (vs. typical 55)
Tour directors
Tour guides are generally very experienced (10+ years) and experts in their destinations.
Hotel type
"Hotels are centrally located, close to interesting sights, and generally of a
higher quality than many tour companies. "
What's included
Most city tours included. Full breakfast included. Some other meals included, at 2 and 3 star restaurants. Optional add-ons, including many of the most appealing visits, are available for an extra fee.
Free time
Generally there is free time in the evenings upon arrival in each city, and more if you opt out of the add-ons.
Booking Policy
BOOKING CHANGES, CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS
Online Bookings:
To make changes and or cancel a booking made online, Travel agents must call Insight Vacations Automation Helpdesk to modify at (800) 299-1120.
Booking changes:
A fee of $30 per transaction will be charged for any revision or alteration made to a reservation after the booking is confirmed. Any alterations will risk the loss of air space or increased airfares. Name changes or corrections will be treated as a cancellation of air and all normal air cancellation fees will apply.
Note: Cancellation fees will be charged if you cancel you entire tour package to reschedule for a different date.
Cancellations and Cancellation Fees:
* If notice of cancellation is received by Insight Vacations 45 days prior to departure*, the non-refundable deposit will be retained along with the Travel Protection Plan, see Insight’s brochure.
* If full payment is not received 45 days prior to departure the Airline(s) have the right to cancel your Air reservation. Regrettably, if payment is not received by Insight we will not be responsible for lost reservations.
* Notice of cancellation must be made in writing either directly to Insight or through your Travel Agent.
* The following scale of charges will apply when notice of cancellation is given after the booking is confirmed:
No. of days prior to Departure* (Cancellation Fee)
45 days or more (the non-refundable deposit)
44-22 (25% of total price)
21-8 (30% of total price)
7-1 (50% of total price)
Day of departure*/No show (100% of total price)
• Extra night hotel accommodation that is cancelled within 14 days of the booked date incurs a 100% cancellation fee. When accommodation is cancelled outside 14 days, the cancellation fees are:
45 days or more (US$30 per person)
44 - 22 days (25%)
21 - 15 days (30%)
*PLEASE NOTE: The departure date constitutes the date indicated on Insight’s confirmation.
• Airline arrangements: The following cancellation charges apply for airline arrangements made by Insight Vacations:
- Prior to Airline Ticketing service fee $50.00 per person.
- After Airline Ticketing service fee $75.00 per person plus any airline imposed penalties which may be up to 100% of the air ticket value.
Refunds and Penalties:
* Illness or Absenteeism: In the event of your withdrawal from a tour after commencement for reasons of illness, you must obtain a medical certificate in support of any claim. We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including but not limited to, missed meals or sightseeing. Insight makes no representation or guarantees concerning reimbursements of funds paid by you under any claim.
* Air & Land Packages: These packages are based on non-refundable airfares. If flight changes requested after the deposit has been received, or if flights are cancelled after tickets are issued, change fees or airline penalties will be applicable.
* Airline Seating: Tour members are requested to contact the Airline(s) for seating assignments 30 days prior to departure. Seating is solely under control of the Airline. Flight delays are the sole responsibility of the Airline.
* Airlines & Airfares: No refund will be made for cancelled air tickets on air inclusive bookings until tickets are returned to Insight. Refunds for tour portion will only be processed after return of documents to Insight. Please ensure that returned tour documents which contain airline tickets are sent by certified or registered mail. Lost ticket replacement can take up to 1 year and processing fees can be assessed.
* Air Availability: If Insight is unable to confirm your air reservation in its scheduled class of service, Insight may offer an alternative of either connecting flights, substitute gateways or a more expensive booking category. Any air surcharges will be at the passengers’ expense. You will be advised of these conditions at the time of booking.
* Airline & Airport Taxes and Charges: Any domestic and international departure or arrival taxes, security charges, and other types of taxes or charges imposed by Airlines, Airports, Governments, etc. are not included in the Tour Price. The amount of these charges will be passed on to each passenger at the time of booking.
Note: If a promotional airfare is broken or extended for any reason an additional cost may be incurred. Airfares are subject to change at any time. Changes to flight itineraries and name changes may result in penalties charged by the Airline concerned and passed on to the passenger.