Off the Beaten Path in Southern France

Experience the indulgent life of the rich and famous for an evening at the Principality of Monaco. Take a private tour of this centuries-old kingdom of the House of Grimaldi on a delightful excursion out of Nice. Accompanied by your local guide, visit Monaco’s romantic Old Town, and catch a glimpse of the royal palace of Prince Albert II. Drive over to the lovely Monaco Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, which is also popularly known as the Saint Nicholas Cathedral of Monaco. This is where most of the royal family lie buried, including Prince Rainier III and his Hollywood princess, the legendary Grace Kelly. What’s a visit to Monaco without a stop at the ritzy Monte Carlo Casino? Replete with scandals and stories from its glamorous heyday in the 19th and early 20th centuries, admire its old world architecture as well as that of other historical buildings, like the famous Hotel de Paris. Drive up to the equally fashionable Monte-Carlo Grand-Prix area and take a lap around its famed racing tracks. (Half Day; Time of Day: Evening; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness level: Easy; Please wear comfortable walking shoes. Please note the Cathedral is closed in the evenings).

Board a luxury catamaran and cruise the Bay of Cannes. Meet the crew and sip a welcome drink as you set sail on the Mediterranean Sea. Sailing toward Pointe Croisette, admire views of the French Riviera. Glide past coves and beaches until you anchor near Lerins Islands, a group of four islands. Relax on the deck, sunbathe or opt for a water activity. Go snorkeling, kayaking or paddle boarding and cool off with a swim in the crystal waters. This tranquil spot is set against a backdrop of pine trees and fragrant scrubland of myrtle, cistus and honeysuckle. Then, a cold buffet lunch is served. It comprises an assortment of rice and pasta salads, meat and cheese platters, desserts and soft drinks. After that, sail along the Massif de l’Esterel, a coastal mountain range with its red volcanic soil and rocks. Take in views of the rugged landscape with deep ravines and oak forests. Drop anchor at a cove and go swimming before returning to Cannes. (Duration: full day; Seasonal: May-Sept, closed Mon; Time: 1015 hrs; Shared activity; No transfers; Starting point: Cannes Old Port; Meals included: cold buffet lunch; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance. Cards are not accepted and it is required for guests to carry cash.)

Uncover the connection between Vincent van Gogh and Provence on this exciting guided exploration. Drive out in the morning to the city of Arle where you can see up close the Roman monuments and sites that inspired his paintings. On Saturdays, you could also stop by the weekly market for a glimpse of local life. Halt at Les Baux de Provence to capture stunning images of the village counted among the most beautiful in the country. Savor the multimedia extravaganza at Carrieres de Lumieres featuring the paintings of surrealist artist Salvador Dali. Travel on to picturesque Saint-Remy de Provence where Van Gogh lived and you could choose to visit his recreated bedroom in an optional tour before turning back. (Half Day; Time: 0900; Group Size: Max 8 guests; Shared Activity; Fitness Level: Easy.)

Embark on this comprehensive exploration of the wine region on this full-day tour. Drive past the scenic Rhone Valley vineyards and olive groves at the foothills of Mount Ventoux until you reach a beautiful family-owned winery. Pick up the nuances of wine tasting from local experts. Enjoy a leisurely stroll across the vineyards as you take a closer look at grapes at different stages of growth. Then, it’s time to grab your picnic basket and head to the terrace of the elegant chateau. Settle down to savor your lunch comprising of local delicacies and wash it down with an extra glass of your preferred wine chosen during your tasting session. After lunch, travel to the vineyards of Tavel, famed for its dry and refreshing rosé wines. Bring the day to a perfect end with yet another tasting session, this time with full-bodied red wines at a cellar in Châteauneuf du Pape. (Full Day; Time: 0930; Meal Included: 3 Wine Tastings and Picnic Lunch; Group Size: Max 8 guests; Shared Activity; Fitness Level: Easy. Please let us know if you have any special dietary requirements.

Explore Paris and enjoy a picnic on this classic car tour. Make your way to the city center, where you will meet your guide and your classic car – a Citroën 2CV. Introduced in 1948, it is considered a masterpiece of minimalist automotive engineering. Spend the next 90 minutes driving around the city. Then take a break to enjoy a picnic lunch of cold cuts, cheese, and wine. Then spend another 90 minutes discovering the rest of the city. The tour is usually divided into five areas: north, south, center, west and east. You can customize the itinerary to suit your interests. In the center, go past the Louvre Museum, the Cathedral of Notre Dame, and the Arc de Triomphe. In the west, drive along the Champs-Elysées. The east contains the Grand Mosque of Paris and the Botanical Gardens. In the north, you will see Moulin Rouge and Opera Garnier while in the south you can explore the city’s Latin Quarter. (Duration: 4 hrs; Time: 1000 hrs onwards; Private activity; No transfers; Meals: picnic lunch, Please let us know about any food allergies in advance; Each vehicle accommodates a maximum of 3 people; Meeting point: Paris city center)