Spend a month in a Mediterranean style resort with spectacular sea and mountain views and minutes from the lively Cannes La Bocca shopping quarter. Explore the local culture along with your tour host Fay Farmer, who will help you capture the essence of the French Riviera.
Fay had a career as an educational teacher and consultant. She has always enjoyed travel and has visited many places in Canada, USA, Mexico, the Caribbean, Hawaii, the British Isles, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. Fay now hosts tours in Victoria, BC; Galveston, Texas; China; Egypt, Kenya, Tunisia; Greece; Costa Rica; Russia; Italy; Norway and the Netherlands. As a co-host on four world tours, she has visited many exotic places including the Taj Mahal, Ankor Wat, the Mekong Delta, Dubai, Easter Island, the Galapagos Islands, Tahiti, the Iguassu Falls in Brazil and Robben Island in Capetown. Fay hosted 30 Merit guests on our sold out Mediterranean Spain Longstay cruise vacation in 2011 and is looking forward to welcoming our new group of guests on this French Riviera Longstay.
Day 1: March 01, 2012
Depart Toronto – Nice (via Paris). Air France Flight 351 departs Toronto at 6:50 p.m. arrives Paris Charles de Gaulle at 8:20 a.m. the following day on March 02. Connecting with Air France flight 7702 departs Paris Charles de Gaulle at 10:25 a.m. arrives Nice at 11:55 a.m. Upon arrival in Nice, transfer to Cannes.
Days 1- 28 March 02-29, 2012
Your accommodations for 28 nights will be at the Residence Villa Francia. Address: 33 avenue Wester Wemyss, 06150 Cannes La Bocca, France
The Residence Villa Francia is situated in a quiet residential area, and offers spectacular views of the bay of Cannes, the Lerins Islands and the red rocks of the Esterel. The residence is built like a Mediterranean style villa, and facilities include a bar and restaurant with terrace, tennis court, laundry facilities (for a fee), a newly built reception area, mini market, and a beautiful pool overlooking the sea.
One bedroom sea view apartments feature a bedroom with double bed, living area with pull out sofa, fully equipped kitchen with 4 hotplates, mini oven, refrigerator, dishwasher, coffee-maker, bathroom, television, telephone, safety deposit box (for a fee) and private balcony or terrace with garden furniture. Parking is also available for a fee and a shuttle service is offered weekdays to the centre of town in the Cannes La Bocca shopping quarter (approx. 7 minute drive from the hotel). The beach is 1km from the hotel.
Relax at your resort and enjoy the amenities, take a stroll on the beach or explore the surrounding area of Cannes and the French Riviera. You will also have included in your vacation 4 cultural tours to really understand the local culture.
Monaco: Take a day trip from Cannes to Monaco to see the changing of the guard at Monte Carlo's palace, and take a perfumery tour in Eze to discover the true essence of Provence. After enjoying panoramic views over Nice from Mt. Boron, you'll make a stop at the medieval village of Eze, perched up high with its craft shops and breathtaking views. While in Eze you'll take a guided tour of a traditional perfumery.
Your visit to the Old Town of Monte Carlo will allow you to explore the Palace (open June to October), the Cathedral, and the changing of the Palace Guards. You will have free time at Casino Square to do some luxury shopping or see the stunning gardens and mega yachts in the harbor. Take a drive along the spectacular coastline of the Lower Corniche between Nice and Monaco, past tranquil villages, modern marinas and the bay and Citadel of Villefranche as you return to Cannes.
St. Tropez: Today drive through the scenic hills to the coast and the glitzy resort of St. Tropez. Just a few miles away lies Port Grimaud, a purpose-built town designed to be the "Venice of the French Riviera".
Visit this French Riviera hotspot and on the way back to Cannes stop for wine tasting on this delightful tour.
Antibes: Founded in the fifth century B.C. by the Greeks, Antibes lies on the Mediterranean coast, between Nice to the east and Cannes to the west. It includes the resort towns of Cap d'Antibes and Juan-les Pins. High cliffs meet the Baie des Anges at Antibes, which enhanced its long history as a fortification. The castle in Old Town Antibes was at one time a vacation home for the Grimaldi family of Monaco; it dates from the 16th century. Now called the Chateau Grimaldi Musee Picasso, it is home to a collection by such modern artists as Picasso, Modigliani, Miro, Ernst and Leger. The old quarter of Antibes is like a picture postcard. Its' tall and pastel medieval houses contrast with the bright blue sky, and flowers line the twisting streets. Turn a corner, and the azure Mediterranean is in your view.
Avignon: The medieval city of Avignon was for many years the seat of the Papacy and the heart of Christian Europe. You will stroll through the charming streets and squares and visit the Palais des Papes, one of the most famous palaces in the Christian world. The Provencal capital of France's Vaucluse region throngs year-round in bijou squares and museums, on bustling cafe terraces, and atop the ruins of the world's most serenaded bridge, the Pont d'Avignon.
Day 29 March 30, 2012
Depart Nice. Transfer to the airport for your flight home. Air France Flight 7701 departs Nice at 10:25 a.m. arrives Paris Charles de Gaulle at 12:00 p.m. Connecting with Air France flight 356 departs Paris Charles de Gaulle at 1:55 p.m. Arrive Toronto at 4:05 p.m.
Optional Ama Waterways Provence River Cruise Extension
Departs March 29 – April 05, 2012
An enchanting cruise through France's legendary wine growing regions with stops in Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Tournon, Vienne, Trevoux & Lyon. Enjoy wine tastings at local vintners, marvel at Roman ruins, stroll through medieval villages and shop for Provencal crafts. Your itinerary includes the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Avignon as well as Arles, the city where Vincent Van Gogh spent much of his life.
Ama Waterways owns and operates the newest, most state-of-the-art fleet of river cruise vessels in Europe. The ms AmaDagio which debuted in 2006, is part of the Ama Waterways fleet setting new standards in European river cruising and offering a number of features which no other European cruise ships can match.
Each Ama Waterways vessel carries 150 passengers in unequalled luxury, comfort and style and is staffed by a highly-trained professional crew, with an ongoing emphasis on personal service.
Highlights
- Motor coach transfer from the hotel in Cannes to Arles
- 7 nights deluxe cruise accommodation in an outside stateroom - 82% of the staterooms with large French balconies
- Daily sightseeing program as outlined in the itinerary
- Superb dining with all meals included during your cruise
- Free-flowing wine, beer and soft drinks with every dinner on board the ship
- Bottled water in every stateroom replenished daily
- Cocktail reception, welcome dinner & Captain's gala dinner
- Motor coach transfer from the ship to Lyon airport
- Special highlights including lectures, theme dinners, cooking demonstration, onboard music performances and afternoon & evening piano music
- Services of professional cruise manager
- All English language on board in a non-smoking environment (smoking permitted only on the Sun Deck)
- All transfers with the purchase of cruise, & air package
- All local taxes
Detailed Cruise Itinerary
Day 28 March 29, 2012
Transfer from Cannes to Arles via motor coach. Arrive in Arles and embark on Ama Waterways' ms Amadagio cruise. Welcome cocktail and dinner.
Day 29 March 30, 2012
Arles. Les Baux excursion ;Olive Farm visit. Arles walking tour. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 30 March 31, 2012
Avignon. Walking tour and Papal Palace; Viviers. Grignan excursion; Onboard nougat demonstration; Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 31 April 01, 2012
Viviers. Ghost walk; Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 32 April 02, 2012
Tournon. Winery visit and tasting; Chocolate tasting; Vienne. City tour or Castle visit; Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 33 April 03, 2012
Trevoux. Beaujolais excursion; Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 34 April 04, 2012
Trevoux. Walking tour;. Lyon. City tour; Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 35 April 05, 2012
Lyon. Disembarkation. Disembark ship and transfer to the airport for flight home. Breakfast included.
Itinerary subject to change without notice.
ms AmaDagio
State of the art public areas: These vessels feature an array of amenities specifically designed for comfort, convenience and luxury on the great waterways of Europe.
The latest high-tech features onboard
BICYCLES: Each ship has plenty of bicycles onboard which can be used by passengers, free of charge, to explore the small towns. Most regions offer well-maintained bicycle paths along the river.
WELLNESS AREA: Located in the aft area of the Violin Deck, this generously designed space includes a glassed-in fitness room, massage and beauty salon; the aft lounge with modern wicker furniture and French doors to enjoy the fresh river air.
ELEVATOR: Each ship has an elevator, which very few river cruise ships feature. The elevator reaches four different levels: the Restaurant level (1), the staterooms on the Cello Deck (2), the Lobby and Panorama lounge (3) and the staterooms on the Violin Deck (4).
INFOTAINMENT SYSTEMS: Every stateroom is equipped with monitor, keyboard with Internet access, English language TV stations, a large movie selection and numerous music programs. Our satellite telephone system allows you to call home for a nominal fee.
STATEROOMS: Inside your exquisitely decorated stateroom, you'll find all the amenities of a fine hotel with white-on-white plush bedding, a cozy sitting area, Infotainment System, hair dryer, safe, terry bathrobes, individually controlled air-conditioning and ample closet space. All staterooms and Jr. Suites are outside; over 82% feature large French balconies, which are a true delight when relaxing in your stateroom.
JUNIOR SUITES: Although rarely found on European river cruise ships, junior suites aboard our ships are extra spacious at 255 square feet. They feature a comfortable sitting area with a sofa and two chairs, floor-to-ceiling windows with French balconies and luxurious, extra spacious bathrooms with bathtubs and showers. The suites sell quickly, so early reservations are recommended.
ms AmaDagio Dining and Cuisine
Our onboard culinary staff offers sophisticated menus comprised of wonderful soups, fresh produce, high quality choice cut meats, and fresh fish and seafood. Your Maitre d' always welcomes you to the restaurant with a bright smile.
Start your day with a lavish gourmet champagne breakfast buffet. Choose from a rich assortment of breads, croissants and pastries, a variety of fresh fruit, yogourt, cereals, and smoked salmon. Sample the delicious cheeses, cold cuts and local sausages, as well as our daily regional specials. An array of traditional breakfast items is also available from the menu.
Return from your shore excursion to a delicious lunch. Start with mouth-watering hot or cold appetizers, homemade soups, then choose from a selection of great entrees, finish off with a delectable dessert and complimentary cappuccino.
In the evening, be our honoured guest for an elegant dinner or a traditional theme night with a feast of regional specialties. Enjoy delicious cuisine and complimentary free-flowing wines from the local vintners. Our kitchen crew knows how to orchestrate a truly memorable dining experience.
ms AmaDagio activities and services
- Gratuities: Not included in cruise fare
- Drinks: Complimentary wine, beer & soft drinks with every dinner on board. Complimentary champagne with buffet breakfast as well as complimentary bottled water in all staterooms and 24-hour complimentary specialty coffees and teas in the lounge.
- Shore Excursions: With AMAWATERWAYS, complimentary shore excursions are included in every port. Upon disembarking, you'll separate into a small group so our Local Guides can shape the excursion according to your expectations and interests. We will always offer a "Gentle Walkers" group, for those who'd like to explore at a more leisurely pace. Wherever possible, we will also offer an "Active Walkers" group, for those interested in covering more ground, and a "Late Starter" group for those who prefer to sleep in. Whichever group you join, your experience will be enhanced with the use of our complimentary headset system. These state-of-the art devices allow you to hear the audio transmissions from our guides, without the need to huddle together in a group. It provides maximum flexibility and convenience so that you can truly explore at your own pace!
- Specialty Restaurants: One main dining room featuring local gourmet cuisine. Light lunch is served in the Main Lounge and if weather permits, we will also offer a weekly barbecue on the Sun Deck.