French City Trios by Train

After giving your taste buds a treat in the unique bouchons of Lyon, work your way towards the Côte d’Azur. Pass through lavender and olive oil scented Aix-en-Provence before taking a stroll through the famous Promenade des Anglais in Nice.

Includes:

• 6-night accommodation
• Daily breakfast
• Arrival and departure transfer from and to the airport with English-speaking driver assistance
• High-speed train tickets (TGV): Lyon – Aix-en-Provence / Aix-en-Provence – Nice, in economy class

Exclusions:

Flights – Gratuities – Porterage – Hotel city tax to be paid locally at destination – Night supplement for transfers (before 8am-After 8pm) – Any other item not mentioned in the Inclusions

Additional Information:

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS (+$):
* TGV train from Toulouse to Lyon, in economy class (Day 1)
* 2h00 private walking tour of the Old Lyon (not valid on May 1st – September 18,19)
* 3h00 Private tour of the Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse Tasting of 2 glasses of wine and Lyon gourmet specialties (not available on Sunday PM – Monday – May 1st)
* 2h00 walking tour of Aix en Provence (Sunday supplement 50% surcharge, Bank holidays supplement 100% surcharge)
* 2h00 Walking Tour of Nice (Sundays / Bank holidays supplement 15% surcharge, May 1st 100% surcharge)

View Itinerary

DAY 1 ARRIVAL IN LYON
Arrival at Lyon airport or train station. Meet with your English-speaking driver-assistant after the customs and transfer to your hotel.
Lyon has been growing and evolving for 2,000 years! From the ancient theatres and abundant ruins that date back to Gallo-Roman times, winding through the Middle Ages and Renaissance influences in Vieux-Lyon, from the classical buildings on the Presqu’île, to the canuts and silk manufacturing workshops in the Croix-Rousse… Over time, the city stretched itself along the banks of the river Saône, later encompassing the Rhône and beyond, and today has reached the Confluence area, all while managing to preserve its precious heritage.
Lyon is also renowned for its art of living and gastronomy : Visit a ’bouchon’, an authentic local eatery, where you can sample Lyon’s delicious specialties. Overnight in Lyon.
Accommodation : Lyon for 2 nights


DAY 2 LYON
After breakfast, you have the entire day to discover the city at your own pace. Stroll and wander in the 3 neighbourhoods of Lyon, dating back from the Renaissance: in the south, Saint George with the craftsmen; central location, Saint John, area of the upper clergy and aristocracy; in the north, Saint Paul district of the “bourgeoisie”, where large families of Italian bankers and merchants have established themselves, by building sumptuous residences. Go up the hill of Fourvière and visit the famous Basilica: this mysterious building is devoted to the Virgin Mary and the interior is richly decorated. Enjoy a cruise on the River Saone, and sail along the banks of districts inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage list, from Renaissance Vieux-Lyon to the Presqu’île. The cruise continues on down the river Saône all the way to the Confluence district, to show the more contemporary aspects of Lyon.
Meals :Breakfast


DAY 3 LYON TO AIX-EN-PROVINCE BY TRAIN
After breakfast, transfer on your own to Lyon railway station and board your TGV train to Aix-en-Provence.
Bathed in the light of its special climate, Aix-en-Provence is a city of refined elegance on show in its constantly bustling streets and squares. Aix-en-Provence on its own draws together an exceptional array of heritage.
Transfer on your own from Aix TGV station to your hotel. Overnight in Aix-en-Provence.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Aix-en-Provence for 2 nights


DAY 4 AIX-EN-PROVENCE
After breakfast, head out and discover the city. Leafy boulevards, elegant public squares lined in 17th & 18th century mansions – Aix is a tourist paradise. You can’t fail to fall in love. Walk to the Place Général de Gaulle, moving through the historic centre, Fontaine des Tanneurs, Chapelle des Bourras, Cathédrale St Sauveur, Hôtel de Ville, rue Espariat, Passage Agard and Cours Mirabeau, la place des Quatre Dauphin and rue Cardinale. Along the way you’ll take in the ambiance of this beautiful town and compose some truly great photo images of Aix.
Meals : Breakfast


DAY 5 AIX-EN-PROVENCE TO NICE BY TRAIN
Enjoy a tasteful breakfast at your hotel. Transfer on your own to Aix-en-Provence TGV railway station and board your train to Nice.
Located on the Mediterranean coast, only a few kilometers from Italy, Nice has all the charm of a southern city. Capital of the French Riviera, Nice is the perfect embodiment of the art of living.
Transfer on your own from the train station to the hotel. Overnight in Nice.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Nice for 2 nights


DAY 6 NICE
Enjoy a tasty breakfast at your hotel. The blue of the Mediterranean, the marvelous light that can only be found here, breakfast on a sunny terrace, a quiet stroll through the narrow streets of the old town, lunch on a hotel terrace, an afternoon of shopping in the city’s prestigious boutiques, a dip in the sea, a classical music concert at the Opera, a gala evening at the Casino, a candlelit dinner in a Michelin-starred restaurant… Nice is all of these things and more! Old Nice is, in itself, a festival of sensations! Narrow streets, yellow and ochre facades, craftsmen’s shops and small boutiques, restaurants and lively squares make up the soul of this old quarter, which is alive day and night, not forgetting, of course, the Cours Saleya market, classified as one of the exceptional markets in France! You could also take the opportunity to visit the neighbouring Principality of Monaco as well as the picturesque village of Eze.
Meals : Breakfast


DAY 7 DEPARTURE FROM NICE
Enjoy a tasteful breakfast at your hotel. Meet your private car driver in the hotel lobby and transfer to the airport or extend your stay in France.
Meals : Breakfast

Fine print / T&Cs: All sites & activities in the itinerary are subject to availability. All offers are subject to Merit Travel standard Terms of Service. Additional terms and conditions may apply.