Cannes, France - Mediterranean Cruises

Explore the Riviera, drive along the Golden Corniche, view the beautiful Esterel Hills and visit charming St Raphael.

From Cannes, travel along the famed Golden Corniche, the coastal road which takes you through La Napoule, Port La Galere, Pointe du Cap Roux and Agay. Take in views of sweeping bays and seaside villages en route to St Raphael.

St Raphael is a fashionable seaside resort located on the Golden Corniche. Enjoy some free time in St Raphael to explore at your leisure. Visit the old harbour, lined with cafés, browse the small shops and boutiques or simply relax and watch the world go by.

Whilst in St Raphael, you will be offered refreshments of tea or coffee at a local café.

After meeting back with your group, re-board your coach for the return drive to Cannes by highway.

Note: The drive from Cannes to St Raphael is approximately 1½ hours each way. The amount of walking in St Raphael is at guests’ own discretion.

Discover the opulent Prince’s Palace, exquisite gardens, exclusive shops and casinos or just relax and absorb the atmosphere.

This tour is un-guided, giving you the perfect opportunity to enjoy Monaco at your own pace.

You’ll be given a map of the Principality of Monaco and booklet, which includes tourist attractions (including opening times and entrance fees). Attractions you may like to visit in Monaco are the Prince's Palace, the Palace Square - to see the Changing of the Guards at 11.55 am sharp; the Oceanographic Museum, Aquarium or Monaco Cathedral - the choice is entirely yours. Your guide will advise you of the meeting point for the bus service between Monaco and Monte-Carlo. (Please note there will only be one complimentary departure.)

You’ll have time in Monte-Carlo to shop along the Place du Casino, admire the fabulous yachts in the harbour or perhaps have a flutter at the Casino. Attractions worth a visit include the Japanese Garden and the National Museum.

Note: Due to the very hilly nature of Monaco and Monte Carlo, you will be required to negotiate steps and inclined surfaces. There is a considerable walk to and from the bus drop-off points. Comfortable, flat walking shoes are recommended. Entrance fees are not included.

Enjoy the wonderful delights of Nice and a ride aboard the little land train.

Nice is the undisputed ‘Queen and Capital’ of the French Riviera. Take a drive along the
Promenade des Anglais, a three-mile-long seafront boulevard with palms and flowers following the curve of the wonderful Bay of Angels.

Popular with both the young and the young-at-heart, the little train is a pleasant and unusual way to discover Nice. You will board a small open-air land train for a narrated panoramic ride through Nice. See the narrow streets of the old town, featuring interesting buildings and an abundance of small shops, bars and restaurants. Pass by the Cours Saleya, where the local flower market is held. Make your way up to Castle Hill which offers you wonderful views over Old Nice and the glittering Bay of Angels.

There will be an opportunity to spend approximately one hour of free time to enjoy the sights and atmosphere of this popular Riviera resort town. Stroll along the beachfront promenade, wander through the old town and purchase some local specialties or a souvenir of your visit.

Note: This tour involves limited walking however guests must be able to undertake an approximate 15 minute walk from the coach parking area to the land train departure point. There are also some steps to negotiate, including those onto and off the coach. Guests will also be required to undertake a certain amount of walking during free time. In order to use toilet facilities guests are advised to purchase a drink from one of the small cafés. These are likely to be located on the basement level. On Mondays the flower market is replaced with a flea market.

Discover the dramatic landscapes and quaint villages of the Alpes Maritimes.

Take a scenic drive via La Colle-sur-Loup and the pretty town of St Paul. You will make a photograph stop at St Paul de Vence to admire this wonderfully preserved medieval hilltop town. Enjoy the sights as you cross the dramatic and stunning Gorges du Loup, one of the most beautiful sights in the entire Alpes Maritimes. Your scenic journey continues past numerous quaint, medieval villages en route to Gourdon.

The village of Gourdon lies astride a rock spur over 1,600 feet above the Loup River. Traditional houses have been lovingly restored and converted into boutiques and workshops producing olive woodcarvings, glassware, pottery, distilled lavender and honey. The spectacular views range from the mouth of the Var and Cap Roux to the Estérel Massif and Courmettes peak.

Note: This tour involves some uphill walking over paved surfaces including some steps. Comfortable, flat walking shoes are recommended. Due to the location of Gourdon the views are subject to weather conditions.

Spend an unforgettable day walking amidst the splendour of Monaco and Monte-Carlo, playground of the rich and famous.

The Principality of Monaco covers just one square mile on the Côte d'Azur. Despite its small size Monaco has a large reputation that spans the globe.

The Principality of Monaco is proudly ruled by Prince Albert II. You will see the exterior of the Prince’s Palace, home of the royal family, where every day at 11.55am sharp, you can see the Changing of the Guards ceremony. Your guide will show you the Cathedral, where Prince Rainier III married film star Grace Kelly, and where they are now both laid to rest.

The Principality is composed of four districts: Monaco-Ville, the capital; La Condamine; Monte-Carlo; and Fontvieille. Visit the most famous district, Monte-Carlo, full of glitz and glamour, where fortunes have been won and lost on the roll of a dice. During some free time you will have the opportunity to stroll amidst the exclusive designer boutiques, restaurants and gardens or perhaps do a spot of people watching. One of Monte-Carlo’s most famous buildings is, of course, The Grand Casino, which exudes pure elegance and elitism.

Enjoy a taste of French cuisine, during luncheon at a restaurant in Monaco.

Note: This tour involves around two hours’ walking over uneven and inclined surfaces. There are approximately 80 steps to Casino Square and 19 steps to reach the Cathedral. Comfortable, flat walking shoes are recommended. Entrance fees are not included at the Prince’s Palace or Casino.

Discover the highlights of wonderful Nice and spend some time browsing the colourful market stalls of the old town.

Take in the sights of the famous Riviera town of Nice during your panoramic drive along the Promenade des Anglais, which sweeps around the Bay of Angels towards Antibes. Enjoy the sights as you pass by the famous Hotel Negresco. Your panoramic tour also includes sights such as the famous Regina Hotel and Cimiez Hill.

The Old Town and Market area is full of atmosphere; a network of twisting, narrow lanes and steps, where there are tall houses with pastel-coloured façades, shops and restaurants. A flower market is held in the Cours Saleya. Here you will have free time to browse at leisure, admiring the colourful produce and specialities of Provence. Local honey, olive oils, fruits, handicrafts and souvenirs are all beautifully displayed, giving you an ideal opportunity to purchase a memento of your visit or the perfect gift for someone at home.

Note: This tour involves limited walking, however guests must be able to negotiate steps onto and off the coach. There is little walking involved in this tour. On Mondays the flower market is replaced with a flea market.

Take the Golden Corniche along the coast, visit the popular resort of St-Tropez, and explore Port Grimaud.

Journey south along the Golden Corniche through La Napoule, Port La Galere, Pointe du Cap Roux, Agay and St Raphael, with sweeping views of secluded bays and seaside villages. The coastal rock formations display a reddish tint, unique to the area south of Cannes.

Upon arrival to St Maxime, you will be transferred by boat to the international resort of St- Tropez. Here, visitors shelter from the sun and enjoy drinks at the exclusive waterfront cafés on one of the most beautiful bays on the Mediterranean. Discover the delights of the harbour, cafés, shops, and boutiques on a walking tour, followed by some free time at your leisure to explore and perhaps purchase a spot of luncheon.

Afterwards, you will drive to Port Grimaud. Built in 1962, architect Francois Spoerry transformed a virtual swamp into a waterside village where houses line over four miles of canals. Each house has a waterfront view, a garden and space to moor a boat. Stone and wood bridges span the canals, connecting the port’s islets. A short boat trip on one of the small electric launches will take you through the community which is scattered with cafés, shops and restaurants, only accessible by foot or the small electric launches.

Note: This tour does not include luncheon, but offers free time in St-Tropez to allow for maximum flexibility. This tour involves two hours of walking over relatively flat ground and some steps. Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended.

Discover the opulent Prince’s Palace, exquisite gardens, exclusive shops and casinos or just relax and absorb the atmosphere.

This tour is un-guided, giving you the perfect opportunity to enjoy Monaco at your own pace.

A map of the Principality of Monaco and booklet will be provided, which includes tourist attractions (including opening times and entrance fees). Attractions you may like to visit in Monaco are the Prince's Palace, the Palace Square - to see the Changing of the Guards at 11.55 am sharp; the Oceanographic Museum, Aquarium or Monaco Cathedral - the choice is entirely yours. Your guide will advise you of the meeting point for the bus service between Monaco and Monte-Carlo. (Please note there will only be one complimentary departure.)

There will be an opportunity in Monte-Carlo to shop along the Place du Casino, admire the fabulous yachts in the harbour or perhaps have a flutter at the Casino. Attractions worth a visit include the Japanese Garden and the National Museum.

Note: Due to the very hilly nature of Monaco and Monte Carlo, you will be required to negotiate steps and inclined surfaces. Guests may be required to stand on the 10-15 minute city bus ride due to limited seating. There is a considerable walk to and from the bus drop-off points. Comfortable, flat walking shoes are recommended. Entrance fees are not included.

A full day of sightseeing to discover the highlights of the Côte d’Azur combined with luncheon in the famed Café de Paris.

Setting off from the port, you will take a drive to Monaco and enjoy a guided walking tour through the Old Town. Stroll through the cobblestoned lanes, passing by the Oceanographic Museum and St Nicholas’s Church. You will also view the exterior of the Prince’s Palace. Some limited free time will be given before driving to Place du Grand Casino in Monte Carlo. The time spent in Monte Carlo is for you to enjoy at your own leisure, before reconvening for a delicious French cuisine luncheon in the famed Café de Paris.

Afterwards, you will head to the medieval village of Eze, taking the Middle Corniche road, which offers scenic views of Villefranche, Cap Ferret and Beaulieu. Eze is perched on a stark rock outcrop on top of a hill. The village is a delight to behold as you approach on a narrow, winding road. Upon arrival, stroll the charming cobblestone streets lined with old stone houses with pink, tiled roofs and enjoy some free time to browse the smart boutiques and artists’ studios.

Your return drive to Cannes will take you via Nice and along the Promenade des Anglais, passing the famous Negresco Hotel.

Note: This tour involves approximately two hours of walking, which includes some uneven and cobblestoned surfaces, steep inclines and steps. Comfortable, flat non-slip shoes are recommended. Entrance fees are not included at the Prince’s Palace or Casino. Guests are reminded that suitable attire is required for entry to the Grand Casino along with passport identification.

Taste the luscious wines of Provence and visit the beautiful French countryside.

Leaving Cannes, a 45 minute drive on the highway will take you to Le Chateau de Sainte Roseline, located in Les Arcs, the ‘capital’ of the Côtes de Provence wine-growing region. This region has an incredible 18,000 hectares of vines. Considering the size of the area and the differences in soil and climate, Les Côtes de Provence encompasses a large variety of wine.

Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by a wine professional with an introduction to the history of the Chateau, its vineyards and wine varieties. You will also visit the Chapel Sainte Roseline and learn of Sainte Roseline’s life. Afterwards, you will head to the cellar and stroll through the steel and oak barrels of the harvest and oak rooms. Discover the fermentation process and enjoy a sample of the delicious wine.

To round off your visit, a demonstration of wine tasting will take place, learn to look, smell and define aromas. Experience blind tasting in black glasses which forces your senses to come alive. During the tour, there will be an opportunity to purchase the delightful wines.

Note: This tour involves approximately one hour of walking which includes some uneven ground. There are approximately 20 steps to reach the cellar. Participants in the wine tasting must be over 18 years of age. Comfortable, flat non slip walking shoes are recommended.

Discover the charm of this medieval town and admire the numerous art galleries and quaint boutiques.

Take a scenic drive along the sun-drenched coast of the Riviera filled with spectacular beaches and glittering resorts. You will pass by Villeneuve Loubet backed by the glittering blue sea, before heading inland towards the charming, lesser known hill towns, each with their own character.

St Paul de Vence is one of France’s most lovingly preserved medieval villages. Savour the wonderful atmosphere, winding streets and old buildings. The charm and spectacular scenery, which surrounds St Paul, has changed little over the years and has inspired artists such as Picasso.

Your guide will walk you to a central point in the village where you will have free time to wander at leisure through the studios, antique shops, and arts and craft galleries. Relax with a refreshment and watch the world go by or take a stroll along the medieval ramparts. You might like to take advantage of your time here and visit the world-class museum of modern art, the Foundation Maeght.

This wonderful little town is bound to leave a lasting impression.

Note: This tour involves some walking over uneven cobblestone surfaces and hills. The uphill walk from the coach park takes approximately 15 minutes. The drive between Cannes and St Paul de Vence takes approximately one hour each way.