Compare Walks & Gardens of the French Riviera by Exodus Travels vs The Best of London and Paris: A Tale of Two Cities by Road Scholar
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 8 days | 11 days |
| Price From | $ 2,235 | $ 3,199 |
| Price Per Day | $ 279 | $ 291 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | N/A |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions | N/A |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | No |
| Activities |
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N/A |
| Meals Included | Seven breakfasts are included. There is a nearby supermarket and boulangerie to buy packed lunches and Menton is brimming with restaurant choices for your evening meal. There is plenty of choice for all budgets and tastes, including traditional French cuisine, fresh seafood and excellent Italian restaurants (influenced by the town's proximity to the Italian border). |
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| Description |
On the Franco-Italian border, by the warm Mediterranean sea, Menton is a delight for any visitor. It is easy to see how the city earned its nickname 'the Pearl of France', combining gardens, seaport, beach resort and a hiker’s paradise into one. With the Alpine chain dropping into the sea at the France-Italy border, it is also an ideal location for a guided walking holiday. Many of the trails start directly from the town and gain altitude in a short distance, offering some of the finest views of the French Riviera.Enjoy coastal walking on the Cote d’Azur |
Compare the grandeur of these two cities as you discover iconic monuments, historic landmarks, distinct cultures and classic architecture on expert-led walks through London and Paris. |
Day 1 Start Menton
Our start point is a comfortable three-star hotel in Menton. Situated just a short stroll from the railway station, beach and shops, it is ideally located for a week of walking. In the evening, our guide will hold a welcome meeting to discuss the week ahead, give advice on the local area and answer any questions.
Day 2 Walk to and around Cap Martin Peninsula, through Menton and Carnolès
Starting from the hotel, we stop at the market where we discover local food ingredients, then take the train or public bus to Carnolès. In the grounds of the Palais Carnolès and Musée des Beaux-Arts, we find a renowned collection of citrus trees. After time exploring the gardens, we start our walk around the beautiful Cap Martin Peninsula where we stop for a picnic lunch. After lunch, we visit the Cap Martin olive groves then walk or take the bus back to Menton.
Day 3 Discover Eze; visit the Exotic Garden. Walk down the Nietzche path to join Eze Plage
We begin our day with a 20-minute train journey to Eze Plage, and carry on by bus to Eze, a medieval village established in the 14th century with magnificent coastal views. From here, we can walk up to the Mont Bastide castle ruins to admire amazing views before we visit the Exotic Garden, which is built 1,407ft (429m) above sea level on the site of an ancient fortress in Eze village. It overlooks the Provençal hill village providing home for cacti, succulents, xerophytes and various Mediterranean species. After free time in the village, we walk down the Nietzsche path to join Eze Plage, before taking the train back to Menton.
Day 4 Train or bus to Carnolès; walk to Roquebrune. Take the ferry shuttle to cross Monaco harbour; discover Monaco old town
Today we take a train or bus to Carnolès, followed by a walk to Roquebrune where we enjoy stunning views over Monaco. Then we walk down to Monaco where we take the ferry shuttle to cross Monaco harbour. We discover the old town with tiny streets and beautiful buildings and the casino, before returning by train to Menton.
Day 5 Free day to explore Menton old town, take a trip to the chic principality of Monaco or visit one of the many exotic gardens in the area
On your free day, you could choose to explore Menton old town. During the 19th century, the British and Russian aristocracy met here in fabulous palaces and villas. The architecture is stunning with the unique baroque style of the Saint-Michel and Conception squares plus the Saint-Michel Basilica façade. Alternatively, you could visit one or more of the eight gardens in Menton or head further afield to Nice by train or bus and visit its renowned market and the Promenade des Anglais. Monaco also has much to offer despite its diminutive size, and is renowned for the luxurious lifestyle afforded to its residents.
Day 6 Train to Villefranche bay; walk to Cap Ferrat and to Saint Hospice peninsula
This morning, we take the train to Villefranche from where we walk to the Gavinette point to admire the spectacular view of Villefranche bay. We continue our walk to Cap Ferrat where we can marvel at the beauty of Villa de Rothschild and its gardens.
Day 7 Visit to Serre de la Madone garden showcasing rare subtropical plants, followed by a visit to Sainte Agnes
In the morning we take the public bus to the Serre de la Madone garden for a visit. Created by Sir Lawrence Johnston, it was turned from terraces of vines and olives into a garden bright with drifts of agapanthus and strelitzia. After our visit, a private bus will collect and take us to the village of Sainte Agnès. High above Menton town, it is registered as “one of the most beautiful French villages”. It hides picturesque streets and artist studios and, at 2,625ft (800m) above sea level, offers a breath-taking view over the blue Mediterranean Sea. We then take the bus or walk back to the hotel.
Day 8 End Menton
After a relaxed breakfast, we say our goodbyes and begin our return journey home. If you’d like to explore a little more, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
Day
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
Day
2
Arrival Day
London D Millennium Gloucester Hotel
Lunch: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.
Afternoon: Arrivals continue, with free time for those who have already arrived. At 5:30pm we will have an Orientation in the hotel. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. This program is staffed with a Group Leader in each country, who will accompany us throughout the program and deal primarily with logistics as well as lecture, conduct field trips and serve as an information resource on program-related topics. We will review the program theme, the up-to-date Daily Schedule and any changes, discuss safety guidelines, emergency procedures, roles and responsibilities and answer any questions you may have. We have set aside some free time in the schedule for your personal independent exploration. Please note that program activities, schedules and personnel may need to change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner: A seated dinner will be taken in the hotel dining room with coffee, tea and water. Other beverages are available for purchase.
Evening: Free time to unpack, relax and prepare for the program ahead.
Day
3
Panoramic Tour & The Victoria and Albert Museum
London B,L Millennium Gloucester Hotel
Breakfast: In the hotel dining room. A breakfast buffet with a range of hot and cold items, as well as coffee, tea, water and fruit juices.
Morning: This morning we depart the hotel by motor coach for a panoramic overview of London’s many monuments and most famous sights. Your Study Leader will discuss the city’s history, as well as its architecture throughout the ages. Our final destination is the Victoria & Albert Museum. The museum houses the world’s largest collection of decorative arts and design, holding a collection of some 4.5 million objects from all over the world.
Lunch: Lunch will be served in a local pub.
Afternoon: Free time. Your Study Leader will be able to offer suggestions and directions, or you may wish to join them on a discovery walk to further explore London.
Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like.
Evening: Free time to relax or further explore London.
Day
4
Kensington Palace
London B Millennium Gloucester Hotel
Breakfast: In the hotel.
Morning: We continue our exploration of London as we head to Kensington Palace, the official London residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall as well as Prince Harry. We’ll be able to explore Queen Victoria’s bedroom, George I’s staircase and the spectacular King’s Gallery amongst other fascinating snippets of history. The palace was also home to Princess Diana, and there remains a selection of her famous dresses in the Royal Ceremonial Dress collection. Here we will be treated to a very special lecture by Ken Wharfe, former head of security to Princes William and Harry and Personal Protection Officer to Princess Diana. The lecture, titled “Diana: Glimpses of a Modern Princess” will explore his relationship with the family right up to the time of her tragic death.
Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon: Free time or join your Study Leader for a walk.
Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like.
Evening: At leisure.
Day
5
St. Paul’s Cathedral & The National Portrait Gallery
London B,L,D Millennium Gloucester Hotel
Activity note: This day includes use of the Underground in London. This underground public transportation system is accessed by going up and down flights of stairs; elevators or escalators are NOT available in the majority of stations. This can add considerably to the amount of walking done in the day. Participants must be able to navigate stairs on their own.
Breakfast: In the hotel.
Morning: Today we take the world famous London Underground to St. Paul’s Cathedral, an unmissable silhouette on the London skyline and often considered to be Christopher Wren’s architectural masterpiece. It has been standing in its current form since 1711 and its tranquil interior is majestic in its Baroque splendour – your Study Leader will take you through its turbulent and fascinating history as we explore its magnificent three domed structure. From St. Paul’s we will then travel to the National Portrait Gallery for an expertly guided visit. Spanning six centuries of history, the Gallery tells the story of Britain through portraits of the men and women who have made a significant contribution to British life.
Lunch: Lunch will be taken near the in St-Martin-in-the Fields Crypt Café or similar.
Afternoon: Free time, or join your Group Leader to explore the highlights of the National Gallery.
Dinner: Dinner will be served at a local restaurant such as Wildwood on Gloucester Road.
Evening: Free time.
Day
6
Transfer to Paris: The Channel Tunnel & Île de la Cité
Paris B,L,D Jardin Du Marais
Activity note: This day includes use of the Underground in London and the Metro in Paris. This underground public transportation system is accessed by going up and down flights of stairs; elevators or escalators are NOT available in the majority of stations. This can add considerably to the amount of walking done in the day. Participants must be able to navigate stairs on their own.
Breakfast: In the hotel.
Morning: This morning we transfer from the London hotel to the St. Pancras train station, where we will board the Eurostar train for our journey under the English Channel. The journey from London to Paris takes only three hours and luggage service will be available upon arrival, whereupon we will meet our Study Leader for the Paris section and take some lunch.
Lunch: An allowance will be given at St Pancras station for you to enjoy what you like on the Eurostar train.
Afternoon: Begin your discovery of Paris with an exploration of L’Île de la Cité. Your Study Leader will cast an expert eye as we visit Notre Dame Cathedral, the Conciergerie and the exquisite Sainte Chapelle before returning to the hotel to check in.
Dinner: Taken at a local restaurant.
Evening: Free time.
Day
7
The Musee d’Orsay
Paris B,L Jardin Du Marais
Activity note: This day includes use of the Metro in Paris. This underground public transportation system is accessed by going up and down flights of stairs; elevators or escalators are NOT available in the majority of stations. This can add considerably to the amount of walking done in the day. Participants must be able to navigate stairs on their own.
Breakfast: In the hotel.
Morning: Travel with your Study Leader to explore the world’s largest Impressionist painting collection at the spectacular Musee d’Orsay.
Lunch: Taken at the Musee d’Orsay.
Afternoon: Enjoy some free time to explore on your own. The Study Leader will provide recommendations for activities and maps will be provided.
Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like.
Evening: Free time.
Day
8
The Food Culture of Paris & The Rodin Museum and Gardens
Paris B,L Jardin Du Marais
Activity note: This day includes use of the Metro in Paris. This underground public transportation system is accessed by going up and down flights of stairs; elevators or escalators are NOT available in the majority of stations. This can add considerably to the amount of walking done in the day. Participants must be able to navigate stairs on their own.
Breakfast: In the hotel.
Morning: Today we explore the market and food culture of Paris. Discover small shops with an expert guide and taste some incredible local flavours in a typical Parisian neighbourhood.
Lunch: Taken at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: This afternoon we will take the Metro to explore the musee Rodin, rated as one of the most enjoyable museums in Paris, boasting the finest collection of works by the sculptors Pierre August Rodin and Camille Claudel. It also features beautiful outdoor gardens for you to explore at your leisure.
Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like.
Evening: Free time.
Day
9
The Louvre & Montmartre
Paris B,D Jardin Du Marais
Activity note: This day includes use of the Metro in Paris. This underground public transportation system is accessed by going up and down flights of stairs; elevators or escalators are NOT available in the majority of stations. This can add considerably to the amount of walking done in the day. Participants must be able to navigate stairs on their own.
Breakfast: In the hotel.
Morning: This morning we will take the Metro to enjoy an on-site presentation at the Louvre, one of the largest museums in the world. Formerly the royal residence of the Kings of France, the Louvre is now home to a collection of art unmatched by almost any other museum.
Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon: Join your Study Leader for a visit to Montmartre, including an exploration of the Place du Tertre and Sacre Coeur. Alternatively, you may wish to take this time to further explore your own interests in the City of Lights.
Dinner: A farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Evening: Round off your Parisian experience by boarding the motor coach for a view of the famous city lights before returning to the hotel.
Day
10
Program Concludes
In Flight B
Breakfast: In the hotel. Some participants may depart prior to breakfast.
Morning: Transfer to Charles De Gaulle Airport for onward flights. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!
