Highlights of the trip :

"The appeal of Provence lies in its gorgeous hilltop villages, charming painters and artists inspired medieval towns, 18-19th century pastel painted Provencal premises......."

Indeed, we have picked the grandiose versions of numerous Provencal estate-turned-hotels for accommodation so that our tour members will immerse in the total Provencal ambience throughout the tour.

Jumbo Golf’s escort-led tour to Provence & French Riviera will allow us to avoid the summer heat and crowds while still mesmerize you under the soothing Provencal sunlight and give you a great time that you will remember forever.

Rarely offered on the itineraries of other Hong Kong travel agencies, our carefully chosen destinations, such as, the small villages of Eze, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Roussillon, Gordes to the billionaire' playgrounds of Cap Ferrat, St. Tropez, Antibes, to the most beautiful old port in France, Monaco, Cassis and Marseilles, are covered in this itinerary.

In fact, the remarkable quality of Provencal sunlight , has attracted photography enthusiasts from around the world with the picturesque scenery it offers, just as it has inspired, decades and centuries ago, some of the world’s greatest artists from Paul Signac to Vuillard, Matisse, Picasso, Renoir, Van Gogh and Chagal, who all lived or spent long periods of time here.

As always, gourmet eating is an enjoyment that Jumbo Golf tours have much to offer. One of the culinary attractions to look out for will be a chance to dine at an extravagant restaurant, serving bouillabaisse (commonly referred as "Marseilles Fish Soup" in Hong Kong), the lip-smacking fish stew alone priced at a whopping Euro 128 for two, with expenses for your meal covered by the tour. Here, bouillabaisse is prepared from six kinds of expensive fish, including rockfish, monkfish, John Dory and red mullet.

Golfing will also be arranged at some of Europe’s finest courses, including Barbaroux Golf Club, Country Club de Cannes Mougins, La Grande Bastide.

Besides posh five-star luxury hotels, such as Les Mas Candille, Mougins, and Sofitel Vieux-Port, Marseilles, arrangements will be made for you to stay in some characterful boutique hotels, especially in those days when we travel to the rural region. As they come with a limited number of rooms, the boutique hotels require a booking commitment before they could allocate the highly sought-after rooms to us. If you register with Jumbo Golf before 15 Apr 2013, you will enjoy a special early bid rate. For those who register after this date, a higher rate will apply and successful reservation will depend on the accommodation places available.

Destination
Price
Provence & French Riviera
HKD 38,800 / per person + tax


Guests can upgrade their travelling class from economy to business on the Air France tickets by paying a modest supplement of HK$26,000 per person. This offer is limited to first six applicants and valid as long as stock lasts.

Suggested Itinerary:

Day 1: HK – Nice

30 Sep

Flight depart HKG in the late evening at 11:05 pm. Hong Kong to Nice via Paris, Air France AF185/AF7700 HKG/Nice 2305/0855 (on next day)

Day 2: Nice- the Village of Eze, one of France most picturesque towns - Monaco


Upon arrival in Nice Cote-d'Azur International airport, transfer to Eze.

Forming a circular pattern around the castle, the village of Eze is renowned for its well-restored old buildings and narrow streets, with high stone walls and narrow, red-bricked roadways, which lead to the Jardin Exotique Panorama, an amazing garden of cacti and succulent greens.

Perched like an eagles nest on a narrow rocky peak overlooking the Mediterranean sea, this ancient fortified village is crowned with the ruins of its 12th-century fortified castle. The castle grounds host the well-known Jardin Exotique, and from the top (429 m) you'll have a good view of the coast.

After a delectable lunch at a handpicked restaurant, marked by white interiors, formal service and a menu that offers a taste of French flavours, we will enjoy a drive through scenic Corniche Road and set our sights on Monaco.

Bordered by France on three sides, with one side adjacent to the Mediterranean Sea, Monaco is the world’s second smallest independent state and a global tourist destination due to its mild climate, splendid scenery and casino facilities. Throughout the city are fabulous parks and gardens, with the sun shining down all year round. Its sumptuous boutiques, luxury hotels and extremely chic restaurants are also common sights.

Afterwards, transfer to your hotel in Mougins

Evening at leisure.

Stay in Les Mas Candille, Mougins.

Day 3: Villa Santo Sospir & Villa Ephrussi, the most beautiful French Riviera Palazzo


Enjoy a game of morning golf at Country Club de Cannes Mougins (3 km away from our hotel). After lunch, our chauffer will drive you to some of Provence’s most beautiful villas and gardens, including Villa Santo Sospir, Villa Ephrussi and its lush gardens.

Overlooking the town on a hill, these gardens are filled with plant species that thrive in the micro-climate of the area, providing a stunning sensory experience that will take your breath away. Combined with the beautiful views of the coastline spread out to the side of the gardens, this is definitely a place you will not want to miss.

On your way to the Villa Santo Sospir, we will stop at the Villa Ephrussi at Cap Ferrat, where you can discover the most beautiful French Riviera Palazzo and its nine wonderful gardens. Through the art dealers and experts she befriended, Baroness Ephrussi de Rothschild sought out artworks all over the world, transforming the Villa at Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat into a collector’s paradise. Between sea and sky, overlooking the bay of Villefranche, the nine heavenly gardens are adorned with patios, fountains, ponds, flowered and shaded paths.

Built in 1931 on the Western side of the Billionaire peninsula of Cap Ferrat, the Villa Santo Sospir was bought by Francine Weisweiller in 1950. She invited her friend, the multitalented French artist, Jean Cocteau who decorated the walls of the villa which is classified historical monument since 2007.

Dinner at a handpicked restaurant

Stay in Les Mas Candille, Mougins.

Day 4: Provence hilltop villages - Grasse and Saint-Paul-de-Vence, a refuge for the likes of Picasso, Monet & Chagall

Enjoy a game of morning golf at La Grande Bastide (10 km away from our hotel). The Grande Bastide golf course is one of the Cote d’Azur’s most famous. It is situated at the heart of the region of perfumes, at the foot of the hills of the Nicoise hinterland. Blending perfectly with its environment, it offers magnificent views of Grasse, Opio and Chateauneuf de Grasse. Designed by Cabell Robinson, the course is essentially contemporary. It offers the golfer wide-open fairways and greens protected by numerous bunkers and water obstacles.

After lunch, depart for Grasse, the perfume capital of the world and a gateway town. Surrounded by fields of lavender, jasmine, centifolia roses, mimosa, orange blossom and violets, Grasse is one of France’s leading perfume producers, with its tightly coiled streets that make for an absorbing stroll. The altitude of the town, from 300-400 m, and the hills behind give Grasse a fresher climate.

We’ll head to Saint Paul de Vence from here. One of the oldest medieval towns on the French Riviera, it is well known for its modern and contemporary art museums and galleries, The beauty of the surrounding area, quality of life and exceptional light has inspired numerous famous artists, painters, writers and poets, some of whom took up residence in the village. You can find signatures from some of these famous artists at the Foundation Maeght, a museum of modern art which has a large collection of paintings, sculptures, drawings and other graphic works from the 20th century.

Dine at hotel. Evening at leisure

Stay in Les Mas Candille, Mougins.

Day 5: Esterel Masif along a scenic coastline drive - St. Tropez, billionaire’s playground


Depart for Central Provence that involves a scenic drive along the coastline.

Our first stopover is Antibes, once a small fishing village but now a glamorous and expensive seaside town considered to be one of the social hubs of Europe.

Then stop by at Frejus, a city located in the department of Var of the French region Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur. Dating back to the pre-Roman times, Frejus has a medieval centre situated around the Place Formage where the cathedral of Saint Leonce and the Mairie fill two sides of the square.

Spend time exploring the red-colored rock and cliff formations of Esterel Masif, a large natural area along the coast,

Next on our itinerary is St, Tropez, an International tourist mecca. The drive from Cannes to St. Tropez may be slowed by the heavy traffic along the tiny winding coastal road, but still, this is a must, given the breathtaking views we will be soaking up along the way.

St. Tropez is famous for its beaches such as the Bay of Pampelonne where the sand is soft and snow-white with a growing row of restaurants and bars. Enjoy the sights of big yatches moored in the turquoise waters. In this area, we’ll also find lovely vineyards, and some medieval hilltop villages to enjoy lunch amid the stunning views.

For shoppers, the good news is that St. Tropes has many chic boutiques.

Stay in Barbaroux Golf Club and dine at hotel.

Day 6: Var, France oldest vineyard – Luberon


Enjoy a game of morning golf at Barbaroux Golf Club. Spectacular with its natural beauty, Barbaroux is surrounded by vineyards and Mediterranean pine trees covering the hillsides. Ranked 42nd in the top 50 European courses by Golf World, Barbaroux is one of Europe’s most prestigious golf courses. Located in the heart of the Provence, Barbaroux golf course unfolds over a distance of 6068 metres in a magnificent wooded landscape of 87 hectares. Pete and PB Dye, two American architects, chose the Provence to build their unique European jewel.

After the game, head for the “Green Var.” Set in the heart of Provence, the Var’s vineyards are the oldest in France. If time permitting, we’ll visit vineyards and enjoy wine-tasting at the domains.

Next proceed to Lorgues, Religious buildings, ruins, olive oil mills, and ancient facades all come together under the shaded courts and along the winding streets of this town. Bordered by two rivers, with sloping hills and terraced planting, the land around is also full of little hamlets, chapels and varied vegetation. In Lorques, there are no fewer than 12 wine estates, including Chateau de Berne and its fantastic wine resort.

Check into La Coquillade, a luxury hotel located near Roussillion.

Stay in La Coquillade.

Day 7: Luberon and its rural charm – L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue' fabulous Sunday Market


Another day to sightsee Luberon, with its spectacular countryside of vineyards and orchards, fascinating “perched” hill-top villages and the light of Van Gogh and Cezanne.

Must-visit destinations include Roussillon, listed as one of the most beautiful villages of France; Gordes, a traditional Provencal 'village on a rock' with narrow cobbled streets that wind ever higher to the castle and church at the top; Bonnieux, a village that sprawls attractively down the hillside; as well as L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, a town and commune, famous for its fabulous Sunday market.

We’ll also drive from Beames des Venise to Suzette, then over to Malauscene. Superb scenery with lots to see. Chateau Redortier, one of the local major vineyards. has a cave right at the crossroads in Suzette with a good wine selection including vins de pays and local produce (olive oil, honey and pates).

Dinner at a handpicked restaurant

Stay in La Coquillade.

Day 8: Upper Luberon , Chateauneuf du Pape & Avignon


Check out of hotel after breakfast. Driving further up north to Upper Lucheron, we’ll take you along a scenic wine route towards Vaison la Romaine and Seguret, a tiny charming perched village.

Vaison la Romaine is a very ancient town in a low basin along the Ouveze river, beneath the watchful chateau on top of the Haute Ville hill on the south side of the river. The town, with its vast collection of ancient ruins, is picturesque and dynamic. Ten kilometres away is Seguret, which will bowl you over with its rural charm, amid Provencal atmosphere and medieval character.

Following lunch is a visit to the most famous wine area of Provence, Chateauneuf du Pape, a medieval village on a hill topped by the ruins of a castle. The village streets and alleys curve around the hillside and climb up to the chateau. It looks quite imposing as the only two walls are still intact. >From the hilltop chateau, you’ll enjoy an outstanding view in all directions, mostly of vineyards. At the chateau, you will be warmly welcomed as a guest and treated to a splendid session of chocolate and wine tasting.

Spend the afternoon marveling at the great architecture of the city of Avignon , which was the seat of papacy from 1390 to 1378. Named the City of the Popes or Altera Roma, Avignon retains the indelible mark of the Popes’ stay in the city, judging by its grandiose buildings and infrastructure. See The Popes Palace, the Petit Palais, The Church Saint Pierre, the city walls and the Bridge of Avignon.

Late afternoon, check into the Hotel at Les Baux de Provence. Surrounded by gardens with a pond, the hotel offers a great view of Les Baux castle atop a mountain. Walking around and unwind is a fabulous experience in this tranquil setting.

Dinner at a handpicked restaurant

Stay in the Hotel at Les Baux de Provence.

Day 9: Marseilles Old Harbour, Basilica of Notre-Dame & Cassis


Check out of hotel after breakfast, spend the day exploring Marseilles and its neighbouring suburb in depth.

Foremost among the attractions is the Vieux Port (old harbor), where Marseilles was founded over 2,000 years ago. This was the city’s commercial and military harbor for most of that time, but now it is used mainly for pleasure boats, since the new container ships have their own bigger harbor just a short distance away to the north. One of the highlights is to watch fishermen selling their stock by auction.

During your visit, you can witness a new landmark coming to life – Ombriere, a uniquely-shaped shelter against the sun and rain, designed by Norman Foster. Its high ceiling of polished steel reflects a backdrop of upside down ferries and inverted fishing boats.

Next, we’ll travel to the highest natural point of Marseilles, where the basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde is located. This ornate Neo-Byzantine church is perched on a 162 m (532 ft) limestone outcrop on the south side of the Old Port, providing an overview of everything - sea, sky, city, islands, mountains and new urban developments. Built by architect Henri-Jacques Esperandieu in the Neo-Byzantine style, the basilica was consecrated on 5 June 1864.

Up next on our sightseeing agenda is Cassis, the most beautiful old port in France. Located in a commune east of Marseilles alongside its famous cliffs and sheltered inlets scenery.

Evening farewell dinner to savour Marseilles' most celebrated dish Bouillabasis and other lip smacking food.

Dinner at a handpicked restaurant

Stay in Sofitel Vieux-Port, Marseilles.

Day 10: Marseilles - Morning Free at Ease, Afternoon Flight from Paris to HK


After breakfast, check out of hotel and proceed to the airport for your flight back to Hong Kong via Paris.

Marseilles to Hong Kong via Paris, Air France AF7663 Marseilles/Paris 1050/1220 and then AF184 Paris/HK 1345/0720.

Day 11 : Hong Kong


Arrive at Hong Kong in the morning (ETA 7:20 am) – home sweet home

Inclusive of ：

- 8 night accommodation (twin-sharing), economy class round-trip air ticket on Air France between HKG and Europe via Paris

- 3 rounds of 18-hole golfing with green fee only as mentioned in the itinerary on specified golf courses

- Sightseeing programs as mentioned in the above itinerary

- Meals including daily breakfast, 3 lunches & 6 dinners (beverage on guests' own account unless otherwise stated)

- Transportation on a chauffeur driven coach service as mentioned in the above itinerary

- Escort service on the tour

- Levy fee of Travel Industry Council

 

Tour price exclusive of：

  1. All airport and city taxes, fuel surcharges & security charges
  2. Tippings for driver and escort in the amount of HK$1,380 per customer

 





















 

Hotline：（852） 2545 3233 (Sam)

If you require an Chinese version of this itinerary , please call us at 3548  2666 for a copy.

Address: Room B, 6/F, Unionway Commercial Centre, 283 Queen `s Road Central, Hong Kong

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