DAY 3 - 4: Paris / Versailles / Paris, FRANCE
Explore famous Parisian landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysées and the Ile de la Cité, where Notre Dame Cathedral and Sainte Chapelle are located. Then explore the amazing collections in the Louvre Museum, once a royal palace for King Francis I. Seek out its iconic treasures, including Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo, or wander the numerous galleries in search of your own favorite masterpiece. Outside, observe the large glass and steel pyramid, designed by American architect I. M. Pei as an elegant counterpoint to the palace's French Renaissance façade. The next morning, join a restaurant critic and food expert who directs you to some of the best food suppliers in Paris. Glimpse the life of a dedicated chocolatier or tour a cheese cellar beneath one of the city's true fromageries. This afternoon, travel to Versailles to admire the luxe palace of Louis XIV and visit its State Apartments and beautiful gardens. ►For Paris hotel suggestions, see above. Also suggested: Trianon Palace Versailles, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel (in Versailles) (V)
DAY 5 - 6: Paris / Dijon / Saulieu,
FRANCE
You are escorted to the Paris railway station, where you begin your Concierge Rail journey. Arrive in Dijon and embark on a walking tour of the Old Town. Observe the halftimbered houses and visit the Palais des Ducs, housing the Fine Arts Museum. The next day, explore the Burgundy wine country and stop at Clos de Vougeot, known for its winemaking barn. Visit Beaune, the wine capital, with its famous 15th-century hospice. Its multi-colored tiled roof has become an icon of the Burgundy region. Enjoy a winery visit and grand tasting lunch at the Maison d'Olivier Leflaive. ►Suggested hotel: Le Relais Bernard Loiseau
DAY 7 - 9: Saulieu / Dijon / Avignon, FRANCE
Return to the Dijon railway station with your escort for the next portion of your journey — to Avignon. Dominated by its Papal Palace, Avignon is a vibrant Provençal town on the banks of the Rhône River. Discover its glories with a walking tour that includes a visit to the great palace where the popes reigned supreme during their schism with Rome. The next day, join your driverguide for a full day of exploration. Visit the Roman antiquities in St-Remy-de-Provence, followed by an olive oil tasting at a mill. Afterward, stop at the ruined medieval citadel of Les Baux-de- Provence and the astounding nearby Cathedral of Images carved out of the rock. The day finishes with a visit to the impressive Roman aqueduct of the Pont du Gard, built as part of a complex irrigation system.
►Suggested hotel: Hotel La Mirande
DAY 10: Avignon / Marseille, FRANCE / Depart for Home
Transfer to Marseille airport to board your homebound flight.