| *Delta Flight Schedule from New York JFK to Nice NCE: |
| DL 82 |
MAY 2 |
JFK/NCE |
5:40 PM |
8:20 AM +1 |
| DL 83 |
MAY 9 |
NCE/JFK |
10:30 AM |
1:30 PM |
Exclusively for Women
- Round-trip regularly scheduled non-stop air transportation on Delta Airlines from JFK to Nice. Fuel surcharges included (valid at time of printing).
- Roundtrip Airport/Hotel transfers in Nice based on the group air schedule.
- Six nights hotel accommodations: Five nights in Aix-en-Provence at the Hotel Cezanne and one night in Nice at the Mercure Centre Notre Dame, including taxes and service charges.
- Professional English-speaking local tour escort throughout the program.
- Private coach transportation on all tours in air-conditioned vehicles.
- Meals to include 6 hot buffet breakfasts at the hotels, 3 lunches and 3 dinners (refer to B, L, D at the end of each day to see what’s included).
- Two exclusive cooking classes: one in Aix-en-Provence at Le Passage, and a special bouillabaisse class at the renowned Chef Academy in Marseille.
- Extensive sightseeing, admissions where applicable, walking tours, a boat cruise, and lots of extra personalized service.
Not Included:
- Airport transportation outside of our main group transfer each way. If you do your own air to Nice, your transfer is included if your times coincide with the group’s. For everyone else, we will match you up with others, if possible, so that you can share expenses.
- Other meals – 3 lunches and 3 dinners – plus additional cocktails (refer to the codes B, L, D in the itinerary to see what’s included).
- Personal incidentals.
- Optional activities not included in the itinerary.
- Tips to the bus drivers and tour guides.
- U.S. Airport taxes, government fees and September 11th security fee (currently $102).
France Entry Requirements:
*** Valid passport required. U.S. citizens do not
need a Visa or Inoculations***
You must present a valid passport that will not expire
for at least 3 months after arrival, plus a roundtrip
airline ticket. Passports must be in good condition and
not damaged in any way. For citizens of other countries,
please check your specific entry requirements.
OUR HOTELS
Hotel Cezanne, Aix-en-Provence
Originally an ancient mansion that was fully renovated in
2008, the 4-star Hotel Cezanne was the first "boutique
hotel" in Aix en Provence. Urbane, up-to-date and inviting,
the hotel is situated in the most enthralling part of the
city center, and is just a stone’s throw from shops and
restaurants. Like the surrounding landscape that inspired
the great paintings of Cezanne and Van Gogh, the hotel’s
interior is strong on color and design. Quiet luxury amidst
modern art is its forte. A permanent exhibition of oil
paintings on canvas with a fresco by Zidan, a famous painter
of Berlin Mitte, adds to the unique experience of your hotel
stay.
Hotel Mercure Centre Notre Dame, Nice
Situated in a beautiful garden in the heart of the city, the
4-star Mercure Hotel boasts a privileged location near
luxury shops, pedestrian streets, Old Nice, the famous
Promenade des Anglais, the Nice Etoile shopping center and
Place Masséna. Just opposite Notre Dame Cathedral, the hotel
is also convenient to both the tramway and train station.
Renovated in 2008, the hotel offers 200 comfortable
guestrooms that are stylishly decorated and stocked with an
array of modern amenities, ensuring a delightful stay. On
the rooftop, guests may enjoy a dip in the outdoor swimming
pool , take advantage of the indoor solarium and beauty
salon, or just enjoy the sweeping panoramic views over the
city. The Nice airport is just 4.3 miles away, so whether
you are extending your stay to Paris or returning home after
the main tour, this is the ideal location to spend the night
before an early flight in the morning.
Day 1 – Sunday, May 2
Depart New York JFK on Delta 82 at 5:40 pm – non-stop
service to Nice, France.
Day 2 – Monday, May 3
Arrive Nice with Airport Welcome and Transfer to Provence
Orientation Walking Tour in Aix-en-Provence
Afternoon at Leisure to Rest and Unpack
Dinner at a Local Restaurant
Arrive Nice and meet your private tour escort who will be
with you throughout your stay in France. Once airport
formalities are completed, you will be swiftly transferred
on your way to Provence, a scenic 2.5 hour drive into the
beautiful countryside of France. Upon arrival at
Aix-en-Provence, you will have free time to relax and enjoy
an optional lunch at your own expense with our guide. To
give you an immediate orientation to the local area, she
will lead a panoramic walking tour of the city. Dinner
tonight is at a local restaurant. (D)
Day 3 – Tuesday, May 4
Buffet Breakfast at the Hotel
Sightseeing in Aix-en-Provence
Lunch on Own
Afternoon at Leisure
Evening Cooking Class with Dinner
Your first morning in Provence begins with a guided half-day
sightseeing tour of Aix and includes its two most famous
sites. First, a visit to the
Cathedral St. Sauveur, a
national monument of France. It was built on the site of the
1st century Roman forum of Aix. Following many renovations
from the 12th until the 19th century, it includes
magnificent Romanesque, Gothic and Neo-Gothic elements, as
well as Roman columns and parts of a baptistery from a 6th
century Christian church. The most valuable work of art in
the cathedral is an extraordinary 15th-century triptych by
Nicolas Froment. The Triptyque du Buisson Ardent (Burning
Bush Triptych) depicts the art patrons King René and Queen
Jeanne kneeling on either side of the Virgin Mary, who is
poised above a burning bush. To avoid light damage, the
triptych is only opened for viewing on Tuesdays, and usually
from 3 to 4 pm. (Note: our group will either be allowed
special access in the morning to view the painting or we
will readjust this day to visit the cathedral in the
afternoon before our cooking class).
Next stop is the artist’s studio,
Atelier Cézanne, with
entrance fee included. Provence nurtured the life and art of
Paul Cézanne (1839–1906) like no other place. In the
distinctive countryside around his native Aix-en-Provence,
he found the motifs, rich in natural beauty but also in
emotive associations, that have since become synonymous with
his art. Cézanne created some of his most compelling images
in the solitude of Provence. They include not only
landscapes painted outdoors, but also portraits, still lifes,
and imaginary scenes of bathers that he created in the
studios he occupied in and around Aix. Other artists had
come to paint the Provençal landscape before him, but
Cézanne made this corner of Provence uniquely his own.
Enjoy lunch with the group at your own expense. This
afternoon is at leisure. Later, at about 5:00 pm, you will
depart for your first exclusive cooking class at the
restaurant/cooking school
Le Passage where you will
participate in preparing a delicious regional menu for
dinner. (B, D)
Day 4 – Wednesday, May 5
Buffet Breakfast at the Hotel
Full-day Excursion to Avignon and Arles with Lunch
Evening at Leisure
We start today in the famous city of Avignon, situated on
the left bank of the Rhone. During the 14th century, Avignon
was the medieval capital of the Christian world. Today it
remains the economic and cultural capital of Provence, and
one of the most
 active and beautiful cities of the region.
Your guided excursion will show you the highlights of this
gothic city, including the two sites it is most renowed for
. . .
The Palace of the Popes and the
Pont Benezet.
The wealth and the glitter of the pontifial court vanished a
long time ago, but the
Palace of the Popes still stands as a
superb fortress and reminder of the power of the Popes in
the middle ages. Its tower rises over 150 feet into the sky
and gives the city its exceptional character. More than
650,000 visitors come each year to visit the monument,
making it one of the 10 most visited sites in France.
The Pont Benezet, also known as Pont Saint-Benezet, as well
as Pont d’Avignon, is a famous medieval bridge in Avignon.
At over 3,000 feet long, 13 feet wide, and with 22 arches,
this imposing edifice was called the marvel of its time. Before the bridge, people crossed the Rhône in small boats
which was quite perilous. When Arles lost its Roman bridge,
the Pont d’Avignon became the only place between Lyon and
the Mediterranean to cross the Rhône. This therefore
attracted travellers, merchants and manufacturers to the
city, which quickly developed thanks to the revenus
generated by the tolls. Without doubt, it had also worked in
Avignon's favor when the popes made the decision to settle
there in the 14th century.
Following a wonderful three-course lunch at a local
restaurant, we head to Arles , an ancient city in the south
of France. The Greeks founded Arles in the 6th century BC,
and Julius Caesar established a Roman colony
 here in 46 BC
where it prospered for hundreds of years. Today, Arles'
first-rate museums, ancient Roman ruins, Romanesque
churches, excellent restaurants, and summer festivals
account for its being called "the soul of Provence ," to
which art lovers, archaeologists, and historians are
especially attracted.
Many of the scenes painted so luminously by Vincent Van Gogh
can still be seen in Arles. The great Dutch painter left
Paris for Arles in 1888, and he painted some of his most
celebrated works in this Provençal town. We will visit the
Espace Van Gogh. This was the hospital where Van Gogh was
taken after he cut off a portion of his ear. He also spent
here during his periods of depression and recreated the
interior courtyard in one of his paintings. Today, the
former hospital is a modern cultural center. One wing of the
building is dedicated to Van Gogh and features a permanent
exhibition of unique works of art, including paintings and
sculptures.
Tonight you are free for dinner on your own. Our tour escort
will have lots of suggestions for restaurants and leisure
time activities. (B, L)
Day 5 – Thursday, May 6
Buffet Breakfast at the Hotel
Free Day for a Group Excursion
Lunch and Dinner at Leisure
This day is yours to enjoy on your own, or join a
sightseeing trip with the club. We have deliberately left it
open for a group excursion with your guide and motorcoach.
In the morning, we will visit the Flower Market in
Aix-en-Provence where you can take in the amazing floral
aromas and browse the shops. We are also considering a
sightseeing trip to the seaside. More suggestions will be
offered by your tour escort based on the interests of the
group. (B)
Day 6 – Friday, May 7
Buffet Breakfast at the Hotel
Full-day Excursion to Marseille
Bouillabaisse Cooking Class with Lunch
Excursion to Cassis with a Cruise
Dinner at Leisure
No gastronomic experience in the south of France is complete
without sampling the
delectable fish stew that Marseille is
famous for. In fact, traditional bouillabaisse is rarely
made for fewer than ten persons; the more people who share
the meal, and the more different fish that are included, the
better the bouillabaisse. The menu can vary slightly, but it
usually contains various kinds of cooked fish, shellfish and
vegetables, flavored with a variety of herbs and spices. In
Marseille, the broth is served first in a bowl containing a
slice of grilled bread with rouille – a delicious mayonnaise
made of olive oil, garlic, saffron and cayenne pepper – with
the seafood and vegetables served separately in another bowl
or on a platter.
Starting bright and early at 9:00 am, we’ll arrive at the
exclusive
Chef Academy in Marseille where we will be
introduced to the Chef. After a brief orientation, we’ll
depart for a shopping trip to the local fish and vegetable
markets. Chef will demonstrate how only the freshest
ingredients are selected for this exquisite dish. Back at
the Academy, the class will be taken step-by-step in the
mouth-watering process of creating the dish that Marseille
is world famous for. You will soon know why . . . at about
mid-day you will get to enjoy the fruits (or we should say,
fish) of your labors along with a glass of wine!
In the afternoon, we’ll stop in Cassis, a contemporary town
located 10 miles east of Marseille that was built on the
ruins of an 18th century fishing village. White limestone
cliffs outline a beautiful natural harbor that is frequently
photographed. Its sheltered, fjord-like inlets are called
calanques and are best seen from the water. So while in
Cassis, we will enjoy a 45 minute cruise to take in the
beautiful setting all around. Of course, Cassis is also
known for its white and rosé wines, which are not to be
confused with crème de cassis, a specialty of Burgundy.
Later, we return to Aix-en-Provence for a free evening. (B,
L)
Day 7 – Saturday, May 8
Buffet Breakfast at the Hotel
Check Out and Depart Aix-en-Provence
Sightseeing in Saint Rémy de Provence with Lunch
Dinner at a Local Restaurant in Nice
After a leisurely breakfast, we will check out of the hotel
and depart for the return trip to Nice. It is only a one
hour drive before we arrive at Saint Rémy de Provence, an
historic village built on one of the oldest archeological
sites in Europe. Our tour escort will lead a walking tour
through the narrow winding streets where you will discover
fantastic old fountains, shady squares, picturesque
restaurants and elegant boutiques. Far from the crowds of
the Cote d'Azur, here is where artists and movie stars are
known to seek refuge, where they can appreciate the
unhurried pace of life. It is also here that the beauty of
the countryside and the quality of light inspired many
artists, writers and painters. Without a doubt, the most
famous was Van Gogh who produced more than150 paintings of
the countryside surrounding Saint Rémy de Provence. Our tour
will include a visit to the Ancient Monastery of Saint Paul,
including the Crypt and Chapel.
Lunch will be served in a local restaurant before continuing
on to Nice. Enjoy the scenic ride along the French Riviera!
Blessed by a sunny, temperate climate, Nice attracts
visitors from around the world. Among its many attractions
are its beautiful beaches, lovely seaside promenade,
interesting museums, famous landmarks and other tourist
attractions.
Upon arrival in Nice, we will continue for a guided
sightseeing tour with our tour escort.
You will visit the famous flower market and drive along the
Promenade Des Anglais , the celebrated main boulevard that
lines the Mediterranean coast with beautiful hotels and
outdoor cafes.
In late afternoon, we will check into our hotel, the Mercure
Centre Notre Dame . You will have time to relax before dinner
at a local restaurant. (B, L, D)
Day 8 – Sunday, May 9
Early Breakfast at the Hotel
Check Out and Transfer to the Nice Airport
For those not extending their stay, you will be transferred
to the Nice Airport at about 7:30 am and assisted with
departure for your return flight home at 10:30 am. (B)
EXTENSION OPTIONS TO MONTE CARLO AND PARIS
Following are the costs for individual extensions. Depending
on the number of those interested, we can add special
sightseeing at a reduced cost. Call us for details.
2 Nights Paris Extension
Cost: $725 per person double occupancy
Includes 2 nights at the Hotel du Louvre in Paris, breakfast
daily, one-way flight from Nice
to Paris with Paris/JFK
return; and private roundtrip airport transfers with car and
driver. Optional activities include Paris Museum Pass $46;
Metro Pass $26; Seine River Lunch and Music Cruise $78; and
more! Note that flights mentioned are subject to
availability at the time of booking.
Sunday, May 9
Breakfast at the hotel. Check out and transfer to the Nice
Airport your Air France flight 7701 at 10:25 am. Arrive
Paris at 12:00 noon and meet your car and driver for
transfer to your hotel.
 Check into the Hotel du Louvre. This stylish boutique hotel
is a superior first class landmark, with a distinctive
pentagon-shape and lovely interior courtyard. With an
exceptional address next to the Louvre, near the l'Opera and
the Tuileries Gardens, the hotel is the ideal location in
the heart of Paris for culture, art and sightseeing.
Enjoy the next 2 days at leisure for shopping and
sightseeing. (B)
Sightseeing options in Paris re endless! Call us to
pre-purchase a tour and save!
For an excellent introduction to the city, take a Tour of
Paris to see the Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysees, Eiffel
Tour, Pont Neuf, and Notre Dame. Visit the Versailles
Apartments , symbol of Louis XIV’s extravagant and opulent
court life. Discover the castle of Versailles, the largest
French castle of the 17th century; visit the King’s Grand
Apartment and the Hall of Mirrors. Explore the lovely
gardens; Only an hour from Paris, lovely village of Giverny
was
 the inspiration of the renowned Impressionist artist,
Claude Monet. A guided visit of the flower gardens and
Japanese bridge and pond are included. For entertainment,
consider the legendary Parisian cabaret, Moulin Rouge; or
discover Paris at Night with its illuminated monuments. Have
Dinner at the Eiffle Tower’s Le 58 Restaurant; take a Seine
River Cruise . With your Paris Museum 2-day Pass , you have
access to over 60 Museums and Monuments in and around Paris
including the worlds famous Louvre, Musee d'Orsay and the
Chateau de Versailles. A Paris Metro 3-day Pass gives you
unlimited use on the Metro, buses as well as all the public
transport services. It is the best way to get around Paris
and its region.
Treat yourself to a typical Parisian Gourmet Experience with
our restaurant vouchers that give you entry to the best
Brasseries in Paris. Choose lunch or dinner and a different
restaurant each night. Each voucher is valid for 1 lunch or
dinner and includes wine, water and coffee. Save a minimum
of 15$ off the local price when purchasing 4 or more
vouchers. Please visit www.clubabc.com
and click on the
Excursions Tab to see a sample menu as well as the full list
of restaurants where the voucher is accepted.
Monday, May 10
Beakfast at leisure at the hotel with day at leisure.
Tuesday, May 11
Early breakfast at hotel and then check out. You will be
transferred to Charles de Gaulle Airport at
about 9:30 am and assisted with departure for your return
flight home on Air France flight 6 at 1:35 pm, arriving JFK
at 3:35 pm the same day. (B)
1 Night Monte Carlo Extension
 Cost: $475 per person double occupancy*
Includes 1 extra night at the hotel Mercure Centre Notre
Dame in Nice with breakfast, private escort throughout, full
day sightseeing in Monte Carlo with entrances where
applicable and lunch, private airport transfer with car and
driver to Nice Airport. Note that flights mentioned are
subject to availability at the time of booking.
* Tour cost requires a minimum of 10 ladies. Fewer will
result in a surcharge based on the number participating.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Breakfast at hotel. Depart for full day excursion to Monte
Carlo with your private Monaco tour guide. Enjoy the scenic
drive along the coast en route to the principality of Monte
Carlo. Stop at the Grimaldi Palace to see the changing of
the guard.
Lunch at a local restaurant with a typical 3-course menu.
Visit the Cathedral and Tomb of Princess Grace which is
behind the altar. Entrance to the Monte Carlo Casino is
included with visit the private rooms where Baccarat and
Chemin De Fer are placed. (Extra cost on own to play on the
spot).
Return to Nice with free evening for dinner on own. (B, L)
Monday, May 10, 2010
Early breakfast at hotel. Check out and transfer to the Nice
Airport at about 7:30 am with assistance for your return
flight home at 10:30 am, arriving JFK at 1:30 pm the same
day. (B)
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