Consider this your ‘Tour de France’ — a 16-day guided tour that embraces the best of the country, from fortified towns and fine wines. Drive along the Grand Prix circuit in Monaco, stopping to step inside its cathedral, where Princess Grace has been laid to rest. In St Paul de Vence, play pétanque, a bocce-like sport, then celebrate your new skills with a fine French aperitif. Travel to Carcassonne, a fortified city complete with ramparts and a medieval keep. Drive through the Valley of the Dordogne, then feast on a farm-to-table dinner paired with regional wine. In Paris, embrace the City of Light’s most beloved sites: marvel at the Eiffel Tower, gaze at Louvre's glorious facades, and be driven down the posh Champs Elysées to Napoleon's Arc de Triomphe.
Travel & Accommodation: 16 days, 2 countries and 19 cities Meals: 15 Breakfasts, 8 Dinners Travel Dates: 10 July 2027. Itinerary and price may vary.
Please note international airfares are NOT included. These are an additional cost. Contact one of our Travel Advisors who can assist with giving you the best available airfare.
Inclusions
15 nights accommodation
15 Breakfasts, 7 Dinners
Travel Highlights:
◦ Handpicked 4 & 5 star hotels in great locations
◦ Superior dining in top rated restaurants
◦ Daily breakfasts & many relaxed morning starts after 9am
◦ 24/7 personal service – knowledgeable Travel Director & expert Driver
◦ ‘Business Class’ style coaches with extended legroom*
◦ Insider Access, Insightful Encounters and Insight Choice experiences
◦ Local discovery led by Local Experts
◦ Porterage, plus tips and gratuities at hotels and restaurants, is included
Terms and Conditions: *Save 10% on select Tours and 10% on select Small Groups as featured on Trafalgar.com or InsightVacations.com as "Early Booking Offer". Additional $400 per couple, twin-share savings is valid on bookings made by You Travel & First Travel Group NZ. Valid on new bookings made between 07Sep-30Sep2026; not valid on existing bookings. Deposit is due at time of booking to lock in savings; full payment is due 120 days prior to departure or at time of booking if within 120 days. Prices are in NZD, are per person, land or river cruise only, based on double occupancy, are subject to availability and we reserve the right to withdraw or amend this offer at any time. Bookings made and confirmed before this offer is withdrawn or amended will be honoured at the price advised at the time of booking confirmation. Where reasonably practical, we will endeavour to provide advance notice of any withdrawal or material changes to this offer on our website. Minimum number of guests are required to operate departures. If guests change to another tour, river cruise, small group or date not on sale, they are responsible to pay the difference and adhere to different payment conditions; discounts are not transferrable. Offer is combinable with 5% Global Tour Rewards loyalty discount available to eligible past guests only, but cannot be combined with: any other promotional offer or discount code; Future Travel Credit carry-forward discounts or any other special offer, unless expressly stated otherwise. The availability shown on our website is indicative only and may not reflect real-time capacity. In some instances, departures which have recently become fully booked may continue to display as available for a brief period. All bookings are subject to confirmation of availability following your booking request. Other conditions apply. We reserve to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions and to change or update information at any time without prior notice. These terms and conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of New Zealand. General Conditions: All offers are correct as at 07 September 2026, subject to availability, currency fluctuation & may be amended or withdrawn at any time without notice. Amendment & cancellation fees apply. Payment & ticketing deadlines apply. Minimum & maximum stays may apply. Blackout date & seasonal surcharges may apply depending on date of travel & over peak holiday periods. Prices are in New Zealand dollars for payment by Eftpos only. We welcome all major credit cards however a credit card processing fee will apply. Travel Agent professional service fees may apply. Whilst every care is taken to accurately present the information & pricing we reserve the right to correct any errors or omissions. Further terms & conditions apply. Contact us for further details.
Vineyards, Villages and the Riviera By World Journeys
Explore medieval hilltop villages, peruse delightful markets, taste local wines and olive oil, and wander through well-preserved ancient Roman ruins. From the sun-drenched vineyards of Bordeaux to the glamorous French Riviera, this itinerary offers a delightful blend of cultural exploration, culinary delights, and breathtaking landscapes.
Saint Remy de Provence is perhaps the most sophisticated village in Provence but still remains a small rural, authentic Provencal town. Wander through the picturesque villages of Provence, immersing yourself in the rich history and artistic heritage of Avignon and Arles, and experience the glamour of the French Riviera in Antibes and Nice. This unforgettable adventure promises to leave you enchanted.
This luxury barge cruise is the most delightful way to explore beautiful Bordeaux. The Bordeaux region with its “special terroir” has been producing astonishing wine for around 2,000 years, though it may just be the stunning chateaux, eclectic markets or artistic past-times that you fall in love with. Cruising in summer and autumn, highlights include a tour of the famous Saint Emilion, visit to the impressive Chateau de Duras, cruise across the 1,900 foot Agen aqueduct, and wine, cheese and Armagnac tastings.
Alternatively, please enquire about a Gascony cruise in the spring and summer months (April to early July).
**Your luxury European Waterways barge:** Hotel Barge Rosa is an old Dutch ‘Clipper’ barge that was built early in the last century to carry different cargoes on the offshore waterways of Holland. The prettily decorated saloon is particularly welcoming and features attractive wood panelling, comfortable seating, dining area and a bar. The four cosy staterooms accommodating eight passengers have individually controlled air-conditioning, heating and full en suite facilities. Two state rooms have double beds, the other two staterooms have twin beds.
Outside there is a spacious sun deck with a dining area and parasols for enjoying an alfresco prepared by your chef. Comfortable loungers are also there to relax in as you take in the passing countryside on your sedate cruise along the Canal de Garonne. Bikes are available for your use if you wish to perhaps venture into the next village along the towpath. Rosa also featured in the successful television series, Rick Stein’s ‘French Odyssey’, and you are sure to enjoy your own personal ‘odyssey’ through this colourful, captivating part of southwest France.
Book a stateroom cabin, or gather a group of friends or family and charter the whole barge!
Barge Cruising the Canal du Midi By World Journeys
Luxury barge cruise
Cruise the Canal du Midi aboard the elegant Anjodi. Built three centuries ago, the Canal du Midi skirts the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean before turning inland. It connects ancient villages, Roman fortifications and some of the most famous vineyards. This is the perfect place for cycling or walking along scenic tow paths, or simply watching the scenery pass by as you relax on deck with a cool drink. In the distance you can see the Pyrenees, whereas closer to hand are the vineyards that stretch for miles around.
**Highlights include:** Private wine tasting at the beautiful Chateau Pech-Celeyran, cruise through the world’s oldest canal tunnel at Malpas, see the spectacular hilltop village of Minerve, view the Pyrenees mountains across the vineyards, discover Cathar history, and tour Carcassonne – the most complete medieval fortified city in existence.
**Your luxury European Waterways barge:** Constructed in 1929, the Anjodi originally carried grain between Amsterdam and Paris. Later converted to a pretty 8 passenger cruise vessel, Anjodi has now been cruising the Canal du Midi for more than 25 years.
Anjodi has never been more popular since Rick Stein brought her to the attention of the world in his very successful TV series ‘French Odyssey’. She has been completely refurbished in the tasteful tradition of African hardwoods, hand-crafted panelling and shining brass, creating a comfortable and charming ambience.
The well planned accommodation offers a choice of four air-conditioned staterooms all with full en suite facilities and a choice of twin or double bed configuration. The saloon and dining room feature comfortable sofas, books and music, and an always open inclusive bar. The sun deck is spacious and has a heated sunken spa pool, a perfect place to watch the sun set after dinner during the warm Mediterranean evenings.
A full crew including Captain, tour guide/deckhand, chef and two housekeepers are on hand to ensure all you need to do is relax!
Book an individual stateroom, or gather a group of friends or family and charter the whole barge!