On this short break to the French Riviera, we will visit and stay in the cultural capital of Nice. With its year-round sunshine, stunning promenade, quaint streets of the old town, the Cote d’Azur is a perfect short getaway. Take in the views overlooking Nice and the deep blue waters of the Mediterranean upon Castle hill or mix with locals in the Old Town. A short train ride away along the riviera is the principality, and wealthy playground, of Monaco. With the harbour peppered with yachts and the streets lined with designer shops, we explore all of what the second smallest state has to offer.
Extras
Today we arrive into the south of France and transfer from the airport to our centrally located hotel in Nice. After check-in, we have the day to get acquainted with our surroundings before gathering for a welcome drink and dinner with our fellow travellers.
After breakfast at the hotel, we embark on our walking tour of Nice. The city is adorned with grand buildings, particularly in the sun-drenched old town. Our first stop will be Place Massena, Nice’s vibrant main square, which serves as the city’s heart and soul. Just off the square, we’ll explore Rue Massena, a lively street lined with restaurants and shops. Continuing our tour, we’ll head to Garibaldi Square, another of the city’s significant landmarks. However, the true essence of the old town can be found in the Cours Saleya market. Here, we’ll immerse ourselves in the vibrant displays of stalls, inhaling the fragrant scents of fresh flowers and fruit, and experiencing the local hustle and bustle. Our tour would not be complete without a visit to the Promenade des Anglais. Lined with palm trees, this renowned attraction is a must-see. Stretching for seven kilometres, it offers an uninterrupted view of the azure sea gently lapping against the pebble beach.
This afternoon we will have free time to explore this city further or we can head to one of the many cafes and relax.
After breakfast at the hotel, we head to Nice Train Station and make our way along the French Riviera to experience the glamour of the principality of Monaco, tucked between the Mediterranean and the mountains. Monaco is the second smallest independent state in the world and is a playground for the wealthy, drawn here by its climate and the beauty of its location. Tourists also flock here to witness the wealth in the harbour and streets. One of Monaco’s highlights is the Casino Square, especially the Place du Casino, built in 1861, which is a hub of activity. We will have a tour of the principality and then have free time to explore further before catching the train back to Nice.
This morning, we enjoy our final breakfast together before making our way back to the airport for our flight home.
Located in the Gare de Provence, centre of Nice, the small and friendly hotel is situated on a semi pedestrianised street and is a perfect location for our break away.
The hotel has the facilities needed for a comfortable stay, free Wi-Fi, a restaurant, bar and roof top terrace.
The double rooms for sole use are small but perfectly formed for our city break. All rooms includes a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and all are equipped with a marble bathroom. The bathrooms also come with toiletries and a hair dryer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Transfer time from Nice Airport to the hotel is roughly around 15 minutes.
The dress code for during the day is casual. In the evenings the dress code is smart casual. Comfortable shoes for walking and sightseeing are recommended.
There is often confusion on the question of gratuities, since it frequently depends on the type of holiday, location and, of course, your attitude towards tipping, as to what is normally expected. In order to give you a rough idea, we have given appropriate guidance below. Your Tour Leader will be on hand to offer advice or suggestions if required but gratuities are offered entirely at the sole discretion of the individual. We suggest a group collection to cover drivers, porters and hotel staff of €20.00. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip. The tipping of housekeeping will be left to your individual discretion (a small amount left in your room on departure should cover this and would be much appreciated). As is customary, ‘the hat’ will be passed around for the driver and guide on all optional excursions. For any meals that are not included in your itinerary, or taxi fares, your Tour Leader can advise of an appropriate add on.
Passport and visas
To enter France your passport must meet 2 requirements. It must be:
Check both the issue date and the expiry date in your passport. If you renewed your passport early, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. This could affect the requirement for your passport to be less than 10 years old.
At least 8 weeks before your trip check:
France uses the Euro.
Tourist tax is 2,01 Euro per person per night.
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