Nice – Côte d'Azur from Thessaloniki

Breakfast at the hotel, and then we begin our tour of cosmopolitan Nice, the elegant capital of the French Riviera. A city considered one of Europe’s oldest settlements, it was named in honor of the goddess Nike, symbolizing its radiance and timeless charm. We’ll stroll along the legendary Promenade des Anglais, the boulevard that stretches along the coast and owes its name to the English aristocrats of the 18th century, who chose Nice as their winter retreat thanks to its mild Mediterranean climate. Along the way, we’ll admire the iconic Negresco Hotel, a symbol of the Belle Époque; we’ll pass through the elegant Place Masséna with its impressive fountains and the statue of Poseidon; we’ll explore Garibaldi Square, and we’ll end up at the Nice Cathedral, dedicated to Saint Reparata, the city’s patron saint. This will be followed by free time for coffee and a stroll through the historic center, before we depart for one of the most picturesque villages on the Côte d’Azur, Saint-Paul-de-Vence. An authentic medieval gem, surrounded by the walls of Francis I, it served as a refuge for artists, painters, and poets. Narrow cobblestone streets, small galleries, and fragrant courtyards create a scene straight out of a painting. Free time, followed by an afternoon return to our hotel in Nice. For the evening, we recommend an optional visit to Monte Carlo, in the Principality of Monaco. Experience the world’s most famous casino up close and try your luck in the dazzling halls designed by Charles Garnier, the architect of the Paris Opera House. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, enjoy a drink or dinner at the historic Café de Paris, try a Kir Royal at Le Bar Américain in the Hotel de Paris, or dance to the cosmopolitan beats of the Buddha Bar.

After breakfast, we’ll depart for Antibes (ancient Antipolis), a city with deep Greek and Roman roots that has retained its Mediterranean charm. We’ll explore it by walking through the picturesque alleys of the old town, among colorful facades and balconies adorned with flowers. We’ll pass through the traditional bazaar, see the exterior of the Picasso Museum, housed in the old castle, the house where Nikos Kazantzakis lived, the old guilds of dyers, tailors, and tanners, as well as the Archaeological Museum with its Greco-Roman antiquities. We then head to Cannes, a symbol of glamour and cosmopolitan sophistication. We’ll drive along the famous Boulevard de la Croisette, one of the world’s most iconic streets, lined with ultra-luxurious hotels and elegant buildings from the Belle Époque era. We’ll see the Palais des Festivals, where the biggest movie stars walk the red carpet every year. Free time for coffee, lunch, or a stroll on the beach. Next, we’ll head to Grasse, the world capital of perfumery. A city that lives to the rhythm of the senses, where every alleyway seems to capture the scents of jasmine, rose, and lavender. Our visit to one of the historic perfume houses—such as Fragonard, Molinard, or Galimard—reveals the magic behind the creation of a fragrance. We’ll explore the stages of distillation, blending, and aging, learning how the “nose”—the expert perfumer—composes invisible poems from notes and nuances. At the end, we’ll have the opportunity to create our own Mon Parfum, a unique keepsake as personal as the experience itself. Our return journey along the Côte d’Azur is accompanied by a breathtaking sunset, which bathes the sea in shades of gold and rose, providing the perfect ending to a day filled with sights, scents, and light.

Breakfast and departure for the small but glamorous Principality of Monaco and the legendary Monte Carlo. As we arrive, the cosmopolitan atmosphere is immediately palpable. We’ll take the elevators up to the top of the hill, next to the Jacques-Yves Cousteau Oceanographic Museum and the exotic gardens (admission optional), enjoying a panoramic view of the Mediterranean. We’ll see the exterior of the Grimaldi Palace, where the changing of the guard often takes place, and we’ll experience the air of understated luxury that makes Monaco unique. We’ll then head to Menton, the “city of lemons” and the pearl of the Côte d’Azur. As we approach, the pastel colors of the houses, the citrus scents, and the serene light of the Riviera create an atmosphere of unparalleled elegance. We’ll explore the old town, with its narrow alleys and stairways leading to St. Michael’s Cathedral, a vantage point overlooking the sea. Afterward, there will be time for a stroll through the lush Biovès Gardens or along the Promenade du Soleil, the perfect spot for a coffee and some relaxation by the water. Those who wish can visit the Jean Cocteau Museum, dedicated to the artist who celebrated the light of Menton. Free time, followed by departure for Milan. Arrival, check-in at the hotel, and overnight stay.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, on the last day of our trip, we’ll explore Milan. We’ll see the Sforza Castle and Piazza del Duomo, the city’s central square, which takes its name from the imposing Milan Cathedral. The impressive Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano) is the seat of the city’s archbishop and is considered one of the most important cathedrals in the world. We will visit the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, named after the first king of unified Italy. The building consists of two glass-roofed arcades and connects Piazza del Duomo with Piazza della Scala. La Scala Opera House, also known as the Scala of Milan, is one of the world’s most famous opera houses and takes its name from the church that once stood on the same site, Santa Maria della Scala. Transfer to the airport for our return flight.