SHORE EXCURSIONS

Drive to Nice and walk to eco-friendly electric "Little train" which will take you around the area of the old town of Nice and colorful Massena and Garibaldi squares, the heart of the city. Popular with both the young and the young-at-heart, the "Little Train" is a pleasant and unique way to discover Nice with a narrated panoramic ride. 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. Your coach tour includes viewing sights such as Regina Hotel and Cimiez Hill before continuing into the old city of Nice where tall houses, bright with flowers, shade the streets from the brilliant Mediterranean sun, keeping them cool and inviting. 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.

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 tutor 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 tutor 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.

OVERVIEW

Ride around Cannes in a vintage cabrio minibus and while enjoying Mediterranean cuisine and drinks at atmospheric venues throughout the city. To add to the nostalgia of buzzing around in a van that was popular in the 1950s and ‘60s, the driver will be dressed in a marinière, the iconic blue-and-white striped shirt once worn by the French navy. Fittingly, you will first stop at a yacht club restaurant for a cocktail. While driving through Cannes, you will pass the seemingly endless boutiques that line the palm-fringed boulevard La Croisette and head on into the old quarter for a dining experience at the Tredici restaurant. The selections will likely include a French spritz cocktail, petit farcis niçois stuffed vegetables and arancini, a sort of fried risotto street food. Later, you will toast the day with a glass of French wine and tasty tapas at the rooftop bar at Hotel Belle Plage.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Buzz around Cannes in a vintage cabrio minibus.
• Begin with a refreshing cocktail at a yacht club that overlooks the sea.
• Drive along the beaches, through the old quarter and down chic La Croisette boulevard.
• Savor an array of Mediterranean specialties at the Tredici restaurant.
• Take in the views from a rooftop bar while sipping wine and sampling tapas.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

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.

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.

Take a stroll through Cannes as you learn about its history and discover a lesser known side of this famous town. Journey back in time and admire wonderful views during your visit to Saint-Honorat Island, followed by a wine tasting at the monastery.

A walk uphill takes you to the old section of Cannes that is dominated by a castle, from here enjoy stunning views of the bay and islands. Follow your guide through the maze of colourful little streets to the open air market where the locals shop for fresh fruits and vegetables. Walk back to the pier to board a small boat and head out to Saint-Honorat Island, dominated by a 6th century monastery.

See the remains of the stronghold where for centuries, the monks protected the small island from pirates; a white limestone tower serves as a reminder. You'll be welcomed at the beautifully preserved monastery where monks still produce wines using ancient methods, enjoy a taste of a few them.

Enjoy the sights along France's most spectacular coastlines. Drive the famed Golden Corniche and enjoy some time in charming Saint Raphael. Admire stunning coastal views and one of the most beautiful areas of the French Riviera. The road runs close to the sea in some areas and passes between villa gardens set with palms, orange trees and mimosa.

The Esterel has a breathtaking beauty and is made up of fiery red volcanic rocks, which forms a striking contrast to the deep blue of the sea. The fashionable resort town of Saint Raphael is situated on Frejus Bay. The waterfront by the old harbour bristles with activity of the cafes and shops that line Cours Jean Bart and Quai Albert 1st. You'll have some free time to here shop for a souvenir or simply relax and enjoy the atmosphere.

Leaving Cannes, you'll turn inland to Grasse, birthplace of the French perfume industry. Here you'll visit a perfume factory for a tour and learn how flowers are boiled and the essence condensed in one of the world's oldest distillation processes. Your coach then crosses the Loup River canyon before entering Saint Paul de Vence, the meeting place of artists and stars. Your exploration of this 16th century walled village begins as you enter the village by the main gate.

Discover that this village, typical of other fortified villages guarding the frontier, has retained much of its medieval appearance, its ramparts remaining remarkably intact to this day. Here you'll have an opportunity to stroll through the narrow, cobblestone lanes exploring the many wonderful boutiques and art galleries before returning to your ship.