[France] Romantic Blossoms of France: 9-Day In-Depth Essence of France Tour from CAD 1998

Day 1:

• Arrival in Marseille and transfer to hotel for rest.

Day 2:

• Explore Marseille's Old Port, including the famous fish market and "Nombril de la Terre" (Navel of the Earth) sculpture.
• Visit the Saint-Jean Fort, built by Louis XIV in 1660, and the nearby Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations.
• Admire the Cathédrale La Major, a Byzantine-Romanesque style cathedral constructed between 1852 and 1896.
• Stroll through the Le Panier district, the oldest part of Marseille, with its narrow streets and colorful buildings.

Day 3:

• Embark on a scenic drive to Calanques National Park, renowned for its stunning natural beauty.
• Hike through the lush Gorges de Sugiton, marveling at the picturesque landscapes.

Day 4:

• Journey to Nice and wander along the Promenade des Anglais, the city's main coastal avenue.
• Ascend Château Hill for breathtaking views of Angel Bay and Nice Old Town.
• Visit the Prince's Palace of Monaco, the Monaco Cathedral, and the Monte-Carlo Casino.
• Explore Nice's Old Town, characterized by its narrow streets, charming shops, and lively squares.

Day 5:

• Drive to Paris and check into your hotel.
• Enjoy an evening cruise along the Seine River, taking in iconic landmarks like the Louvre Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Eiffel Tower.

Day 6:

• Embark on an optional guided tour of the Louvre Museum, one of the world's most renowned museums, housing a vast collection of art and artifacts.

Day 7:

• Visit the Palace of Versailles, the former royal residence of France, located just outside Paris.
• Explore the opulent palace, stroll through the manicured gardens, and witness the mesmerizing Fountain Show (during summer months).

Day 8:

• Prepare for departure and bid farewell to France.

Tour Inclusions:

• 8 nights' accommodation in standard hotels
• Local Chinese-speaking driver and guide services
• Domestic airfare and train tickets
• Transportation for included activities
• Entry fees for Seine River cruise and Palace of Versailles

Tour Exclusions:

• International airfare
• Meals
• Gratuities (€6 per person per day)
• Optional activities: Louvre Museum entrance fee

Please note: This itinerary is subject to change based on availability and seasonal factors.

Additional Information:

• The best time to visit France is during the spring (April-May) or fall (September-October) when the weather is pleasant and crowds are smaller.
• The official language of France is French, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
• The euro is the official currency of France.
• Tipping is not expected in France, but a small gratuity is appreciated for good service.