France By Rail

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Fully Guided Group Rail Scenic
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 Trip Length
11 Days
 Trip Starts
Lyon
 Trip Finishes
Paris
11 Day France By Rail Itinerary (APT)
Countries Explored: France
Trip Operator
Trip Style
Rail Journey
Accommodation
4 - 4.5 Star
Max. Group Size
40
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
EULFT11

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on APT's 11 Day France By Rail. Join a first-class rail journey through France and visit some of its top gourmet destinations including Lyon, Aix-en-Provence, Carcassonne and Bordeaux.

Itinerary

The gastronomic capital of France is ready to embrace you with open arms. We will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to your hotel. This evening, attend a welcome reception. Stay Two Nights: Lyon, Intercontinental Lyon Hotel Dieu

Become acquainted with this picturesque city during a guided tour of Lyon this morning. Visit Vieux Lyon, the World Heritage old town of Lyon. Explore its narrow streets and admire the medieval and Renaissance houses. You'll also enjoy the chance to see the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourviere. A sight to behold, marvel at the stone facade and intricate mosaics, before turning around to take in sweeping panoramas of the entire city from the terrace. Later, enjoy a welcome dinner. (B/D)

This morning, a first-class train journey takes you into the quintessential French town of Aix-en-Provence. Enjoy time at leisure before dinner at a local restaurant. Stay Two Nights: Renaissance Aix-en-Provence Hotel (B/D)

You have the choice between two experiences in Aix-en-Provence today. Later, enjoy your Signature Experience. (B)

Freedom of Choice:
  • Join a culinary walking tour at a local market, or art lovers may wish to explore Paul Cezanne's studio.
Signature Experiences:
  • Visit Chateau Virant, home to a prized vineyard and olive grove. Arranged especially for you, a member of the Cheylan family will guide you around the estate where you will gain an insight on the history of the chateau. Afterwards, enjoy a tasting of the fine wines and olive oils produced on the estate.

This morning, journey to Carcassonne. En route, disembark your train in the busy port city of Marseille, situated on the Provencal coastline. Continue to the medieval town of Carcassonne. Tonight, we've arranged something very special. Stay Two Nights: Carcassonne, Hotel De La Cite (B/D)

Signature Experiences:
  • Dinner is served at La Barbacane, a fine Michelin-starred restaurant in the heart of the city.

Enjoy a walking discovery of the fortified hilltop village, which is famed for its medieval fortress, the Cite de Carcassonne. Traces of humankind dating back to 6th century BC were found on the promontory where the Cite lies today. The rest of the afternoon is yours to spend at leisure. Perhaps explore more of Carcassonne's medieval wonders or take it easy and relax at your hotel. (B)

Travel to Toulouse and embark on a driving tour of the Airbus Factory, home of the acclaimed A380 aircraft. During your panoramic tour of the 700-hectare site, you will see the SAS Headquarters Training Centre where the pilots are trained and visit the assembly sites for the A320-A350 flight lines. Stay: Hotel Pullman Toulouse Centre (B/D)

Today, it's on to Bordeaux. Upon arrival, take in the city sights on a walking discovery that includes neoclassical neighbourhoods surrounding the Place des Quinconces. The 18th-century Grand-Theatre is a sight to behold, along with the reflecting pond in front of Place de la Bourse and the narrow lanes of the Saint Pierre district. This evening, taste for yourself why Bordeaux has earned its reputation as a gastronomic haven as you sit down to dinner at a local restaurant. Stay Two Nights: InterContinental Bordeaux, Le Grand Hotel (B/D)

Another train transports you with ease to the seaside town of Arcachon, renowned for its oyster harvesting. There's nothing better than freshly shucked oysters caught that day, so we've arranged a tasting just for you. Afterwards, lunch at Cap Ferret puts you in the prime setting on a headland overlooking the waters of the Cote d'Argent. Later, return to Bordeaux. (B/L)

Board a high-speed train to Paris this morning. On arrival, transfer to your hotel before time at leisure. Tonight, enjoy a fabulous cabaret extravaganza at the Moulin Rouge. You'll be entertained by the world-renowned cabaret troupe, featuring stunning acrobatics, dancing and the birthplace of the can-can. Stay: Paris, Hotel du Collectionneur (B/D)

The time has come to say goodbye to the City of Lights and be transferred to the airport. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Visit Chateau Virant, where a member of the Cheylan family will guide you around the prized vineyard and olive mill
  • At the Michelin-starred La Barbacane, treat your taste buds to fine dining
  • Enjoy a seafood lunch at Cap Ferret overlooking the waters of the Cote d'Argent

  • Experiences in 7 destinations
  • Freedom of Choice Inclusions
  • Expert tour director
  • Transfers, rail porterage and gratuities

  • 17 included meals over the course of your trip.

  • Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
  • Ask about our Magnificent Europe extension - EUMCF25
  • Prices are for land/rail only. Flights not included

Prices & Dates

There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.

Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by APT. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from APT. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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