21 day Southern France and Italy Tour with Monaco & Amalfi Coast

Day 1 -HOME - DUBAI

This evening we board our Emirates flight bound for Dubai. Sit back, relax and enjoy the world-class service as we begin our unforgettable journey through the sun-drenched landscapes of Southern France and the timeless beauty of Italy.

Accommodation - N/A

Included meals - As per flight

Day 2 - DUBAI -LYON

After a brief transit in Dubai, we re-board our Emirates flight and continue on to Lyon. Known as the gastronomic capital of France, Lyon is a UNESCO World Heritage city bursting with Renaissance architecture, hidden traboules (passageways) and world-class cuisine. Upon arrival, your tour manager will be here for a warm meet and greet before we transfer to our hotel for a welcome dinner to kick off this incredible adventure.

Accommodation - Lyon Mercure Central or similar

Included meals - As per flight / Dinner

Day 3 - LYON - MENDE

After breakfast, we meet our local guide for an orientation tour of Lyon, where you will discover Vieux Lyon (the magnificent Renaissance Old Town), the elegant Presqu'île district, the vibrant Place Bellecour, the grand Rue de la République and the imposing Fourvière Basilica perched high above the city. After lunch, we bid farewell to Lyon and travel south through the stunning French countryside towards Mende, a charming medieval town nestled at the foot of the Massif Central mountains. Upon arrival, we enjoy a leisurely walking tour of Mende before checking into our hotel for a relaxed dinner together.

Accommodation - Mende Les 2 Rives Hotel or similar

Included meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 4 - MENDE - ALBI - TOULOUSE

This morning we continue south, with a stop in Albi, the stunning "Red City" set on the Tarn River. On arrival, we meet our local guide for a tour including a visit to the magnificent Sainte-Cécile Cathedral, one of the largest brick buildings in the world and a masterpiece of Southern French Gothic architecture. We also wander across the picturesque Pont Vieux, view Place Savène and Place du Vigan. After a local lunch, we continue to Toulouse, the "Pink City" of southern France, and check into our hotel for dinner.

Accommodation - Mercure Toulouse Airport Hotel or similar

Included meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 5 -TOULOUSE - CARCASSONNE

After breakfast, we go on a tour of Toulouse where we will see the iconic Capitole Building, the beautiful St-Sernin Basilica, the scenic Garonne River and the historic Pont Neuf. After a local lunch, we transfer to Carcassonne, one of the most perfectly preserved medieval fortified cities in Europe. Visits include the imposing Narbonnaise Gate, the impressive Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus, the magnificent Carcassonne Ramparts and the atmospheric medieval castle courtyard. We then check into our hotel for dinner.

Accommodation - Carcassonne Tribe Hotel or similar

Included meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 6 - CARCASSONNE - NIMES

Today we travel to Nimes, a city in the heart of Provence with an extraordinarily rich Roman heritage. On arrival, we meet our local guide for an orientation tour that brings the ancient world to life. Today's highlights include the magnificent Arena of Nimes, one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world, the remarkably intact Maison Carrée and the beautiful Jardins de la Fontaine. After a local lunch, the afternoon is yours to explore Nimes at leisure before we regroup for dinner.

Accommodation - Hotel C Suites Nimes or similar

Included meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 7 - NIMES - PONT DU GARDE - AVIGNON - AIX-EN-PROVENCE

A truly spectacular day awaits! After breakfast we make a memorable photo stop at the awe-inspiring Pont du Gard, the towering Roman aqueduct that has stood for nearly 2,000 years. We then drive to Avignon, the former seat of the Catholic popes and another UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, we visit the magnificent Palais des Papes, the elegant Jardins Pontificaux and the iconic Pont d'Avignon. After lunch, . We then continue to Aix-en-Provence, the elegant "City of a Thousand Fountains" and birthplace of painter Paul Cézanne. Overnight in Aix-en-Provence.

Accommodation - Radisson Hotel Aix-en-Provence or similar

Included meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 8 - AIX-EN-PROVENCE - MARSEILLE

After breakfast our local guide takes us on a guided tour where we will discover the famous Cours Mirabeau, the historic Saint-Sauveur Cathedral, the charming Old Town and Place de l'Hôtel de Ville.If time permits, we will have a bit of free time after lunch before travelling along the Mediterranean coast to Marseille, France's oldest city and a vibrant port founded by Greek sailors over 2,600 years ago.

Accommodation - Mercure Centre Vieux Port Marseille or similar

Included meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 9 - MARSEILLE CITY TOUR

A wonderful day exploring the treasures of Marseille! After breakfast, we meet our local guide for a tour of the city. Highlights include a mini train ride to Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica for stunning panoramic views over the Mediterranean, the colourful streets of Le Panier, photostop at the charming Place des Moulins and the majestic Longchamp Palace. After a local lunch, the remainder of the afternoon is yours to explore at leisure, perhaps with a visit to the beautiful Vieille Charité, before we regroup for dinner.

Accommodation - Mercure Centre Vieux Port Marseille or similar

Included meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 10 - MARSEILLE - CALANQUES - NICE

This morning we transfer to the Vieux-Port for an unforgettable boat trip to the spectacular Calanques National Park, exploring the dramatic limestone cliffs, turquoise inlets and crystal-clear waters of this Mediterranean paradise. After a relaxed lunch, we make our way east along the stunning Côte d'Azur towards Nice, the glamorous capital of the French Riviera. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel for dinner.

Accommodation - Nice Centre Hotel by Marriott or similar

Included meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 11- NICE CITY TOUR

After breakfast, we meet our local guide for an orientation tour of Nice, where you will see the famous Promenade des Anglais, the colourful Old Town (Vieux Nice), the elegant Place Masséna and the beautiful Russian Orthodox Cathedral of St. Nicholas. After a local lunch, the afternoon is yours at leisure — perhaps shopping at the iconic Galeries Lafayette or exploring the charming streets. Overnight in Nice

Accommodation - Nice Centre Hotel by Marriott or similar

Included meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 12 - NICE - GRASSE - CANNES - NICE

A delightful day exploring the gems of the French Riviera! After breakfast we transfer to Grasse, the world-renowned perfume capital. Here we enjoy a guided tour of the historic Fragonard Perfume Factory and Museum, where you will discover the centuries-old art of French perfumery. After a local lunch, we continue to Cannes, the glamorous city of film festivals. Our local guide takes us on a walking tour including the famous Boulevard de la Croisette, the iconic Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, the Red Carpet Steps and the Cannes Walk of Fame. We also stroll up to Le Suquet, the charming old quarter, view Port de Cannes and the beautiful Notre-Dame d'Esperance Church, before enjoying some free time for shopping along Rue d'Antibes, Cannes' premier shopping street. We then return to Nice for dinner.

Accommodation - Nice Centre Hotel by Marriott or similar

Included meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 13 - NICE - MONACO

This morning we transfer to the Principality of Monaco, the second smallest country in the world and a dazzling playground of the rich and famous. Our tour takes in the magnificent Monaco-Ville (The Rock), the iconic Port Hercule and the legendary Formula 1 circuit landmarks. After a local lunch, the afternoon is yours to enjoy free leisure at the famous Monte Carlo Casino. Tonight we enjoy our farewell dinner in the south of France.

Accommodation - Fairmont Monte Carlo Monaco or similar

Included meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 14 - MONACO - MILAN

Today we say au revoir to France and cross the border into Italy, travelling through the picturesque Italian Riviera towards Milan, the global capital of fashion and design. On arrival, we meet our local guide for walking tour of the city, where you will have photostops at the magnificent Sforza Castle, the iconic Duomo Square and Milan Cathedral (Duomo), the elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and Da Vinci Square. Overnight in Milan.

Accommodation - Starhotels Grand Milan or similar

Included meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 15 - MILAN - LAKE COME- BELLAGIO - MILAN

A truly unforgettable day awaits as we drive to Lake Como, the most glamorous of the Italian lakes. We transfer to Como, where we board our ferry to Bellagio, often called the "Pearl of Lake Como". On arrival, our local guide leads us on a walking tour through this enchanting village of colourful houses, charming cobblestone streets and breathtaking Alpine vistas reflected in the deep blue waters. You'll have free time to wander the elegant lakeside promenades, browse the chic boutiques and soak in the romantic atmosphere. We then cruise back via Bellano, where our coach picks us up, and return to Milan for dinner.

Accommodation - Starhotels Grand Milan or similar

Included meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 16- MILAN - NAPLES

After breakfast, we transfer to Linate Airport for our domestic flight to Naples. Upon arrival, we are greeted by our local coach and go on tour of Naples, the vibrant capital of the Campania region and the birthplace of pizza. Highlights include the UNESCO-listed historic Spaccanapoli centre, the bustling St. Gregory Street, the elegant Galleria Umberto I, the magnificent Plebiscite Square, the imposing New Castle (Castel Nuovo) and the seaside Castel dell'Ovo. Overnight in Naples.

Accommodation - Hotel Vergilius Billia Naples or similar

Included meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 17 - NAPLES - POMPEII - VIETRI SUL MARE

This morning, we transfer to the legendary Pompeii Archaeological Site where our local guide leads us on a walking tour through the streets, villas and forums of this ancient city frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. We then continue to Vietri sul Mare, a beautiful coastal town on the famous Amalfi Coast, where we enjoy an orientation tour of the Ceramics Streets, Church of San Giovanni Battista and the iconic Majolica dome before checking into our hotel for dinner.

Please note from Naples onwards, due to the narrow roads we will be using smaller 17-19 seat mini buses for the group.

Accommodation - LLoyd's Baia Hotel Vietri Sul Mare or similar

Included meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 18 - VIETRI SUL MARE - SORRENTO - POSITANO - AMALFI - VIETRI SUL MARE

Today is the crown jewel of our journey — a magical full-day guided tour exploring the spectacular Amalfi Coast, one of the most breathtaking coastlines in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. We begin with a transfer to Sorrento, the charming clifftop town with stunning views over the Bay of Naples. Here we stroll through Piazza Tasso, the historic centre and visit the Chiesa di San Francesco. We then continue along the legendary Amalfi Drive to Positano, a picture-perfect vertical village of pastel houses tumbling down to the sea. We then continue to Amalfi, the great maritime republic of legend, where you will see Piazza del Duomo, the magnificent Duomo di Sant'Andrea with its iconic coloured dome, the atmospheric Old Paper Mills and History Street.

Please note from Naples onwards, due to the narrow roads we will be using smaller 17-19 seat mini buses for the group.

Accommodation - LLoyd's Baia Hotel Vietri Sul Mare or similar

Included meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 19 - VIETRI SUL MARE - CASERTA - ROME

After breakfast we bid farewell to the Amalfi Coast and travel north to visit the magnificent Royal Palace of Caserta, one of the largest and most spectacular royal residences in the world. Built by the Bourbon Kings of Naples in the 18th century, this UNESCO World Heritage site boasts 1,200 rooms. Our guided tour includes the stunning Grand Staircase, opulent Royal Apartments and the breathtaking Royal Park. After our tour, we continue north to Rome, the Eternal City, where we check into our hotel for dinner.

Please note from Naples onwards, due to the narrow roads we will be using smaller 17-19 seat mini buses for the group.

Accommodation - Rome Marriott Park or similar

Included meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 20- ROME - DUBAI

After a leisurely breakfast, enjoy some free time before we bid farewell to Italy. We then transfer to the airport for our Emirates flight back to Dubai, arriving in the UAE that same evening.

Please note from Naples onwards, due to the narrow roads we will be using smaller 17-19 seat mini buses for the group.

Accommodation - N/A

Included meals - Breakfast / As per flight

Day 21 - DUBAI/HOME

After a brief transit in Dubai, we re-board our Emirates flight and continue on to Australia. We arrive home today filled with unforgettable memories of the lavender-scented landscapes of Provence, the dazzling Côte d'Azur, the romance of Lake Como and the timeless wonders of Italy. Welcome home!

Accommodation - N/A

Included meals - As per flight