Take an unforgettable boat ride along Bonifacio’s extraordinary coastline to see dramatic views of the citadel perched on the magnificent limestone cliffs. Cruise across cerulean seas to the Lavezzi Archipelago, a collection of small granite islands that sit in the strait between Corsica and Sardinia. Here you will disembark on the archipelago’s only inhabited island, Cavallo, for a luxurious day at Hôtel des Pêcheurs.
On a picturesque drive through the Corsican countryside, you will pass idyllic beaches, dense evergreen shrubland, huge granite boulders and charming villages. Amidst this spectacular scenery, learn about and sample the wines of Corsica, where winemakers have been cultivating the fine art of winemaking for thousands of years. Turning off onto a dirt road, you will wind your way to Domaine de Torraccia, a family-owned, organic winery that produces award-winning wines.
Board Bonifacio’s little train to travel comfortably from the pier up the steep cliffs to the medieval citadel. Pass through the historic Bosco Quarter, including an eerie marine cemetery filled with mausoleums in a jumble of architectural styles, as well as a rare example of Corsican Gothic architecture at Église Saint-Dominique de Bonifacio. As you arrive at the clifftop citadel, you will have marvelous views of the Strait of Bonifacio and as far as Sardinia on a clear day.
Experience three distinct ambiances of the fabulous French Riviera. You will begin by browsing the Provençal Market of Antibes. After soaking up the sights, colors and scents of local produce, flowers, spices and more, perhaps you will purchase a local olive oil or other luscious ingredient of traditional Provençal cuisine. Then take a stunning drive along the coast to Cannes, the breathtaking jewel of the Côte d'Azur. From here, head north to the hills of charming Le Cannet, a hidden gem and historical extension of Cannes.
You’ll quickly understand why some of the world’s great artists spent time in Saint-Paul-de-Vence as you stroll the narrow cobblestone walkways between stone buildings adorned with vines and colorful flowers. In one of France’s oldest medieval towns, you will visit the renowned modern art museum featuring works by celebrated artists like Chagall, Giacometti, Léger and Miró. Further inland, wander in and out of galleries and workshops in Tourrettes sur Loup, a charming hilltop village nicknamed the “Violet Village” because of the violets that grow in abundance here.
The history and glamour of the French Riviera unfold as you are chauffeured along the highways and byways of the Côte d'Azur in a vintage car. Departing the Old Town of Antibes and making your way down the coast, you will journey by some of the most luxurious villas and hotels in the area, stopping along the way to gaze out on the shimmering azure waters of the Mediterranean. Discover the modern side of Antibes in Juan les Pins, a lively port with a Saint-Tropez feel that hosts several renowned summer festivals.
Walk in the footsteps of some of history’s greatest artists as you wander through a maze of medieval cobblestone streets lined with historic homes dripping with foliage in the Old Town of Antibes. The friendly cafés spilling onto leafy sidewalks and the bustling markets brimming with local produce will inspire you as they did Pablo Picasso – the perfect preparation for a watercolor painting workshop in Antibes’ Safranier district. Afterward you will take a short trip to Vallauris to see the work produced by Picasso when he lived here from 1948 to 1955.
This rewarding excursion begins with a drive along the ramparts of Antibes. Overlooking the sea, you will pass luxurious villas and the famed L'Hôtel du Cap Eden Roc before stopping at Villa Eilenroc at the tip of the Cap d'Antibes. Here you will embark on one of the most scenic walks in the Côte d'Azur, following the coastal trail known as Le Sentier du Littoral, which was once used to combat smuggling. Its winding route takes you around a rocky headland, passing gurgling creeks and spectacular private chateaux.
Begin your exploration of Cannes by boarding Le Petit Train to track the history and glamour of this international city of cinema, from the medieval district of Le Suquet to the famous palm-lined boulevard of La Croisette. Continue on foot to see celebrity handprints on the Allée des Étoiles du Cinéma, or Path of the Movie Stars, and stroll La Croisette for a closer look at the boutiques, luxury hotels and art deco wonders lining the beachfront promenade.
As you look out from the ramparts of Antibes, the luxury yachts bobbing in the expansive harbor create a starkly modern contrast to the maze of cobblestone streets and historic buildings in the Old Town. Follow a guide through the winding medieval lanes framed by stone buildings dripping with vines and flowering plants to the Provençal Market in the heart of the city center.
