Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

First-Class Côte d'Azur & Nice Carnival

First-Class Côte d'Azur & Nice Carnival, a rail journey with Great Rail Journeys

The perfect destination for a spring break, discover the Côte d'Azur & the zest of the Nice Carnival on an escorted rail holiday with Great Rail Journeys.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Nice

    London to Nice: Journey to the French Riviera

    Your wonderful tour of the French Riviera begins at London St Pancras, where we meet the Tour Manager this morning. We board the Eurostar to Paris, enjoying a light meal on the way. In the French capital, we change trains for a journey in First Class to Nice, arriving in the French Riviera this evening. On arrival, we check in to our four-star hotel on the famous Promenade des Anglais. Tonight, we have an evening at leisure, relaxing at the hotel or stepping out to enjoy dinner in a local restaurant.

    Meals: Eurostar Light Meal

  2. Day 2overnight: Nice

    Discovering Nice's history on a guided tour

    After breakfast at our hotel, we explore Nice on a guided coach tour. Beginning at Mont Boron, an exclusive hilltop neighbourhood of Beaux-Arts mansions, we admire panoramic views across the city and the glimmering Mediterranean. Next, we explore the Cimiez Roman Ruins. Returning to Nice's colourful Old Town, we wander through the picturesque maze of alleyways, stopping to see the ornate Opera House, colourful flower market and striking cathedral. In the afternoon, you are free to explore this artistic city at your own pace, before a three-course dinner at our hotel.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  3. Day 3overnight: Nice

    The spectacular Nice Carnival

    Today, you are free to enjoy the atmosphere of the city. You could walk along the famous Promenade des Anglais or use the area's excellent public transport to visit nearby towns like Cannes, Antibes, Juan les Pins and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Tonight, we travel by tram to the city's Masséna Square, where we experience the carnival extravaganza from our reserved grandstand seats. More than one thousand dancers, actors and performers take part in this incredible spectacle.

    Meals: Breakfast

  4. Day 4overnight: Nice

    Exploring Monaco and Èze

    In the morning, we embark on a coach journey along the Lower Corniche Road to Monaco. Our guided tour includes Monaco's medieval Old Town, the Palais du Prince where we witness the Changing of the Guards ceremony, and the Place du Casino in front of the Monte-Carlo Casino. After the tour, you have free time to explore. Leaving Monaco in the afternoon, we stop at nearby Èze, a medieval village set high on a rocky peak above the glistening sea, with free time to explore before heading back to our hotel.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  5. Day 5overnight: Nice

    The French Riviera at leisure

    After breakfast this morning, the rest of the day is yours to explore. You might like to visit Antibes, Cannes or Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat using the Côte d'Azur's excellent and affordable trains. Tonight, we dine independently.

    Meals: Breakfast

  6. Day 6overnight: Nice

    The fragrant and artistic charms of Provence

    Heading into the beautiful countryside of Provence today, we explore its charming towns, starting in Grasse. We enjoy a guided tour of Parfumerie Fragonard to learn about its fascinating history. Later, we make our way to St-Paul-de-Vence, a beautiful medieval village perched on a hilltop, with free time to explore including the Maeght Foundation and historic ramparts.

    Meals: Breakfast

  7. Day 7rail

    Homeward bound

    Your tour concludes after breakfast this morning. Boarding a train to Paris, we journey through the heart of France. Changing trains in Paris, we board our First Class seats and arrive back in London this evening, saying farewell to the Tour Manager and making your way home.

    Meals: Breakfast, Eurostar Light Meal

Included

  • Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 6 nights' 4-star hotel accommodation
  • Eurostar Plus First Class rail travel
  • First Class rail travel throughout
  • All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Eurostar light meals
  • Breakfast each day
  • 2 dinners
  • All guided tours and excursions
  • Reserved grandstand seats at Nice Carnival

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

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