SHORE EXCURSIONS

From Cannes, you’ll drive to Monaco, where after leaving your coach, you'll be carried to the top of the rock by escalators and elevators. On the upper level, enjoy a guided walking tour passing by the Oceanographic Museum, the cathedral, and view the exterior of the Prince's palace. After a short period of free time, you’ll re-board your coach and head to Monte Carlo to enjoy some additional leisure time near the Place du Casino. You may wish to stroll across the street to admire the Hotel de Paris, do a little window shopping, or even try your luck at the Casino de Monte Carlo or the Cafe de Paris Casino.

From Cannes, you'll drive to Monaco, where after leaving your coach, you'll be carried to the top of the rock by escalators and elevators. On the upper level, enjoy a guided walking tour passing by the Oceanographic Museum, the cathedral, and view the exterior of the Prince's palace. After a short period of free time, you'll reboard your coach and head to Monte Carlo to enjoy some additional leisure time near the Place du Casino. You may wish to stroll across the street to admire the Hotel de Paris, do a little window shopping, or even try your luck at the Casino de Monte Carlo or the Cafe de Paris Casino.

The dazzling city of Nice enjoys a privileged setting on the hill-framed curve of the Baie de Anges. Travel along the Promenade de Anglais and take a walk around the fascinating old town. Take in the vibrant colours and fragrances of the flower market. Continue to Monaco and enjoy a guided walking tour of the main highlights. you'll have free time for lunch before continuing to Monte Carlo. Marvel at the Place du Casino, where you'll have some free time to take in the attractions of your choice around the square.

Board your coach for the drive to the village of Eze. As you climb its steep cobblestone streets, the alluring medieval atmosphere will enchant you. Don't miss the stunning views of the coast from the top. Rejoin your coach and continue to Monaco. Your coach will park at the foot of the rock and you'll be carried to the top by escalators and elevators. On the upper level enjoy a guided walking tour, passing by the main sights. After free time for lunch, you'll reach Monte Carlo and discover Casino Square. You'll have some free time to take in the attractions of your choice around the Place du Casino. Your coach will take you back to Cannes.

Take a drive along the Promenade des Anglais, a three mile long seafront boulevard with palms and flowers following the curve of the Bay of Angels. Popular with both the young and the young-at-heart, the "Little Train" is a pleasant and unique way to discover Nice. You'll board the small, open-air train for a narrated panoramic ride through Nice.

See the narrow streets of the old town, featuring interesting buildings and an abundance of small shops, bars and restaurants. You'll have some free time to enjoy the sights and atmosphere of this popular Riviera resort. Stroll along the beachfront promenade, wander through the old town and purchase some local specialities or a souvenir of your visit. This tour provides an effortless way to discover this delightful city.

Relax during your scenic drive from Cannes to Nice. As you enter the city, you'll drive along the Promenade des Anglais, a lovely palm lined boulevard stretching three miles along the Baie des Anges. You’ll pass landmarks such as the legendary Negresco, an imposing hotel with a Rococo façade.

Upon arrival in old Nice, enjoy your walk along Cours Saleya, an elegant promenade lined with shops, restaurants and home to the famous flower market that's held here. Your drive continues passing the Regina Hotel to Cimiez Hill, an upscale area with many large villas. You'll pass the Franciscan Monastery, gardens and Roman arenas, before joining the highway back to Cannes.

Antibes is a very popular and pretty resort town that attracts locals and visitors alike. The old town is well preserved, with ramparts along the sea and a protective wall along the port. Spend some leisure time exploring this little gem of the French Riviera. Enjoy nice views over the Bay of Cannes during your drive. Walk by the best equipped leisure harbour of the Riviera, it lies between Fort Vauban to the north and the gate and ramparts of the Old District to the south. An orientation tour provides you with interesting information and scenic views towards the Maritime Alps and through narrow streets where flowers made their way. Your tour ends by the old market and you'll have approximately 1 1/2 hours of free time. Enjoy the pleasures of the beach, the town or visit the Picasso Museum on your own. There are bars and cafes offering tasty snacks, restaurants of all types and prices and lots of shops. There is a cozy sand beach at the foot of the ramparts with clear blue waters.

You'll be picked up at the pier to Monaco. From the coach parking, elevators and escalators will bring you to the Rock where you will start your day in Monaco. A tour escort will be travelling with you to and from the ship. You'll be given a map of the Principality of Monaco and booklet, which includes tourist attractions (including opening times and entrance fees). Attractions you may like to visit in Monaco are the Prince's Palace, the Palace Square, the Oceanographic Museum, Aquarium or Monaco Cathedral - the choice is entirely yours.

If you want to visit Monte Carlo, you can ride the little train or the hop-on hop-off bus (at your own expenses), that will get you to Monte Carlo Casino square where you can shop, admire the luxury cars or the architecture of the Grand Casino Monte Carlo or the Hotel de Paris, or perhaps have a flutter at the Casino. Attractions worth a visit include the Japanese Garden and the National Museum. After your allotted time in Monaco, you'll rejoin your motor coach for the return to Cannes.

OVERVIEW

Discover the charms of two inland villages, one a medieval gem with fine shopping, the other known for its olive oils. Although Grasse is considered to be the birthplace of the French perfume industry, the hilltop village also produces extraordinary olive oils, which you will sample at a private country estate. After the owner introduces you the manufacturing process, you will taste a variety of extra virgin olive oils produced there and nearby. They may include ones flavored with black truffles, basil and lemon. You may also sample one with an Appellation of Origin from Nice. On the walking tour through the medieval village of Valbonne, you will notice that it was designed on a Roman grid plan, so the streets are straight and perpendicular rather than winding. Free time follows, during which you may enjoy browsing the shops and galleries. The village may be small, but it is surprisingly cosmopolitan.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a leisurely and immensely picturesque drive inland to two villages in Provence.
• Spend free time in medieval Valbonne, where you may shop in its sophisticated boutiques.
• Sample a variety of freshly pressed olive oils at a private country estate.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Snap selfies at the most photogenic spots in and around Cannes and Grasse, many of them iconic attractions that define the cities. To ensure the best possible results, a selfie expert guide will offer tips so you can capture just the right angle, lighting and composition for every shot. Your pictures will be ideal for posting on social media and sharing in other ways.

As you walk and ride through Cannes and Grasse, you will pause at designated selfie stops that include:
• Fragonard perfumery in Grasse
• Église Notre-Dame D’Espérance Viewpoint
• Palais des Festivals Convention Center
• Cannes Old Port

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take inspiring selfies at the most photogenic attractions in Cannes and Grasse.
• Follow tips from your selfie expert guide to ensure the very best pictures.
• Learn the historical significance of the locales while enjoying their dramatic settings.
• Browse the factory in Grasse where Fragonard produces its extraordinary perfumes.
• Pose like a star at the convention center where the annual Cannes Film Festival is held.
• Capture the ultimate shot of Cannes from the Église Notre-Dame d’Espérance viewpoint.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Be sure your phone or camera is fully charged.

Relax during your drive from Cannes to Nice by highway. As you enter the city, you'll drive along the Promenade des Anglais, a lovely palm lined boulevard stretching three miles along the Baie des Anges. Visit the old city and walk along the Cours Saleya, an elegant promenade with its famous flower market.

Continue by way of the Middle Corniche, with its superb views of the coast, towards the medieval village of Eze, perched on a craggy peak above the Mediterranean. As this town is closed to traffic, there will be time for a brief walk along the narrow stone streets before returning to your ship. Visit Fragonard perfume factory where you will discover the art of the perfume creation. You will see the laboratories where the products are crafted. Some free time will be allowed to browse in the shop.

Take a stroll through Cannes as you learn about its history. Accompanied by your guide, admire the old town of La Sequet and the famous Boulevard of La Croisette. You'll begin with a walk to the old part of the city built on the site of the former Canois Castrum, a Roman town dominated by a castle, on the slopes of Mont Chevalier. As you take Rue Perissol, the road ascends to Place de La Castre, surrounded by a defensive wall and dominated by the 16th-17th century Provencal Gothic style church, Notre Dame de L'Experance. The old bell tower leads you to a long tree lined terrace, offering a fine view of the town, harbour and Ile Ste. Marguerite.

Continue on Rue Meynardier, formerly the main street linking the new town with Le Suquet. It is lined with a variety of shops and some fine 18th century doorways. Pass by the old covered market on your way to the famous Rue d'Antibes, the main shopping street. As you return to the maritime terminal along the famous Boulevard de La Croisette, see where locals stroll in the winter, and how the elegant promenade is bordered by palm trees and gardens overlooking a fine sandy beach. Luxury hotels and elegant shops line the front and side streets along with galleries, antique shops, cinemas and night clubs. At the top end of La Croisette, east of the port, is the new Festival and Conference centre; the last stop before heading back to your ship.