Paris, Provence, and the Riviera

What’s that huge white arch at the end of the Champs-Élysées? It’s the Arc de Triomphe, commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 after his victory at Austerlitz. Your licensed local guide will elaborate on this and other Parisian landmarks. See some of the city’s most famous sites, including the ornate 19th-century Opera, the presidential residence, and the Place de la Concorde—where, at the center, you’ll find the Obelisk of Luxor, a gift from Egypt in 1836. Spot chic locals (and plenty of tourists) strolling the Champs-Élysées. Look up at the iron girders of the Eiffel Tower, built for the 1889 World's Fair to commemorate the centenary of the French Revolution. Visit Les Invalides (a refuge for war-wounded soldiers) and the École Militaire (Napoleon’s alma mater).

The world's largest art museum, the Louvre, is housed in a medieval fortress-turned-castle so grand it's worth a tour itself. You walk through the 71-foot glass pyramid designed by I.M. Pei and added in 1989, and step into another world--one with carved ceilings, deep-set windows, and so many architectural details you could spend a week just admiring the rooms. The Mona Lisa is here, as well as the Venus de Milo and Winged Victory (the headless statue, circa 200 BC, discovered at Samothrace). The Louvre has seven different departments of paintings, prints, drawings, sculptures and antiquities. Don't miss the Egyptian collection, complete with creepy sarcophagi, or the collection of Greek ceramics, one of the largest in the world. Please note: The Louvre is closed on Tuesdays.

Line up to climb to the top floor of this iconic landmark for a spectacular bird’s-eye view of the glittering City of Light.

The ultimate palace, Versailles was begun by Louis XIII and transformed by Louis XIV into the seat of royal power until the French Revolution. Inside, admire the 250-foot Hall of Mirrors, flanked by the salons of War and Peace, and the State Apartments where lavish ceremonies unfolded. Step into the magnificent Gardens of Versailles, a masterpiece of fountains, sculptures, and sweeping vistas. Be sure to visit Marie Antoinette’s rustic hamlet, where she escaped court life by tending sheep and playing at village life. Please note: Versailles is closed on Mondays.

A lively role-play puts you in the shoes of the monarchy, clergy, nobility, bourgeoisie, or peasantry to explore the issues underlying the French Revolution.

Today, lunch is included in place of dinner.

A bohemian hub during the Belle Epoque era, Paris' Montmartre neighborhood is crowned by the Basilica du Sacre-Coeur. Explore one of Paris' most historic districts while you experience one of the best views of Paris from the Basilica du Sacre-Coeur.

Ride the TGV, Europe’s famed high-speed train, as you travel to Avignon.

Explore the walled city of Avignon, once the seat of the papacy. Stroll through the lively town square, where a 1900s merry-go-round still spins beside bustling cafés. Visit the grand Palais des Papes, the largest Gothic palace in Europe, and see the famous Pont d’Avignon, the medieval bridge celebrated in song, before soaking in the charm of this Provençal gem.

Nîmes Amphitheater visit, Maison Carrée visit

Explore the medieval ruins of Les Baux-de-Provence, a hilltop fortress in the Alpilles mountains that once guarded the valleys and villages below, offering sweeping views of Provence.

Fencing Lesson, Calligraphy Lesson

A masterpiece of Roman engineering, the Pont du Gard aqueduct is one of the most stunning ancient monuments in Provence. Explore its arches and learn how this marvel carried water across the Gardon Valley for centuries.

Make a compelling sales pitch for a masterpiece by Cézanne, Monet, or another artist whose work highlights Provençal landscapes. Emphasize how the region’s unique light and scenery profoundly influenced their artistic vision.

The Côte d'Azur's largest city spills down the hillsides to pebble beaches that line the shore. Your Tour Director will show you around the narrow pedestrian streets and tiny squares of "Le Vieux Nice" (Old Town), which is sprinkled with old palaces and mansions. Stroll down the Promenade des Anglais, which runs parallel to the water. Backed by Nice's grand hotels, the Promenade was built in the 19th century for the British who flocked here en masse.

St. Paul de Vence is a beautifully preserved medieval hill town, and its terra cotta roofs and cypress- and palm tree-dotted landscape have attracted prominent artists for over a century. A favorite hotel was the Colomb d’Or, where painters often paid for their room and board in artwork -- the dining room still displays works by Picasso, Modigliani, and Matisse.

Board your flight home or choose to spend one extra day exploring Nice. Enjoy more time discovering the city’s museums, savoring local cuisine, shopping, or relaxing on the beautiful Mediterranean beaches.