Itinerary

Prepare to literally be blown away by Toulon, the capital of Provence, as the climate is distinctive for more than 30 diverse types of wind that blow in from all points, and figuratively by the many charms of this ancient port. In Toulon you can find specialties like lavender, wine, and fine herbs at the Cours Lafayette, or head to boulevard Amiral Vence with your lover and jump on the cable car which will lead you almost 2,000 feet up to the top of Mont Faron and visit the Mémorial du débarquement et de la libération de Provence.

With streets full of colorful buildings, palm-lined boulevards, and a harbor of turquoise blue, you may feel like you’ve somehow stepped into a living painting when you arrive in Nice. Often called “The Queen of the Riviera,” the epitome of Nice’s famous joie de vivre can be found in full swing on the Promenade des Anglais, which features stunning views, especially at sunset.

Don’t miss the opulent Hôtel Negresco, where royalty and high society have held court since 1912, or the art deco Palais de la Méditerranée. To visit the Cathédrale Saine-Réparate, head for the heart of the city to the picturesque Place Rosetti. After dark, the square becomes an open air-dance club complete with dramatic lighting that casts a magical glow on the ancient cobblestones.

From Nice you can take a quick trip by train to Monaco, the city with a reputation that’s far bigger than its mere 0.76 square miles. It’s the kind of place where professional athletes, royals, socialites, and Bond villains (or the actors who play them) rub elbows while searching for elusive lady luck. Come prepared to be amazed by the opulence, by the breathtaking beautiful surroundings, and for some of the finest people watching this side of the seas.

Florence is the sublime birthplace of the Renaissance, bursting with elegant squares, imposing palaces, magnificent churches, and museums with such an abundance of riches that it could make an art lover weep for joy. The list of illustrious names connected with this city include Botticelli, Dante, Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Galileo. For many years, the city was ruled by the powerful Medici family, patrons of the arts and bankers to the papacy, whose line included six kings and, allegedly, four popes.