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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

First-Class Côte d'Azur & Nice Carnival

Seven-day escorted rail tour to Nice Carnival and French Riviera.

Illustration of First-Class Côte d'Azur & Nice Carnival

Great Rail Journeys' seven-day escorted tour brings travellers to the French Riviera during the Nice Carnival, the highlight of the visit. Departing London St Pancras, the group travels on Eurostar Plus First Class to Paris and continues on TGV First Class to Nice, where they stay for six nights at the 4-star Hotel Westminster on the Promenade des Anglais. The itinerary balances guided group activities with free time: a guided coach tour of Nice explores Mont Boron, Cimiez Roman Ruins, and the colourful Old Town; Day 3 is devoted to the carnival, with reserved grandstand seats at Masséna Square for the evening parade; a coach excursion to Monaco includes the Changing of the Guards ceremony at the Palais du Prince, followed by a visit to the clifftop medieval village of Èze; and a full day explores the Provençal countryside, including Grasse's Parfumerie Fragonard and the hilltop medieval town of St-Paul-de-Vence. A UK Tour Manager travels with the group throughout. This tour suits repeat rail travellers, couples seeking a romantic escape, and history enthusiasts drawn to the Riviera's towns and villages.

What to know before you look closer

  • Only one departure is listed: February 2027. Confirm availability and book well in advance.
  • The single supplement is substantial: GBP 600 extra (from GBP 2599 vs GBP 1999 double), roughly 30% of the tour price.
  • Most dinners are not included; only 2 of 6 nights include dinner. Day 5 requires independent dining arrangements.

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

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Depart London St Pancras on Eurostar Plus First Class to Paris, then continue on TGV First Class to Nice, arriving on the Côte d'Azur in the evening.
  • Day 2Guided tour of Nice: visit Mont Boron for panoramic Mediterranean views, explore Cimiez Roman Ruins, wander the Old Town's alleyways, and see the ornate Opera House.
  • Day 3Experience the Nice Carnival from reserved grandstand seats at Masséna Square, watching more than one thousand dancers and actors in the evening parade.
  • Day 4Coach journey along the Lower Corniche Road to Monaco; witness the Changing of the Guards ceremony at the Palais du Prince, then visit medieval Èze perched on a rocky hilltop.
  • Day 6Explore Provence: guided tour of Parfumerie Fragonard in Grasse to learn perfume history, then free time in medieval St-Paul-de-Vence with access to the Maeght Foundation and historic ramparts.

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

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Great Rail Journeys includes Eurostar Plus First Class from London to Paris and TGV First Class from Paris to Nice and return. All local rail, coach, and tram travel throughout the tour is included.
Is this tour escorted?
Yes. A UK Tour Manager accompanies the group from London through the entire journey.
Where do we stay?
The Hotel Westminster, a 4-star hotel on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice, for all 6 nights.
What meals are included?
Breakfast every day, a light meal on Eurostar, and 2 dinners. Days 3 and 5 include only breakfast; dinner on those nights is not included.
How much walking is involved?
The tour includes guided walking tours of Nice Old Town, Monaco, Èze, and St-Paul-de-Vence. Several days offer free time to explore at your own pace using public transport.
When does this tour run?
Great Rail Journeys lists one departure in February 2027.

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