I will be taking the Villages and Vineyards of Eastern France Tour next month. The tour ends in Villefranche-sur-Mer. I will then have one week before I meet with friends in London. I wanted to know where you would go and why with one week to spare in this part of the world.
Thank you!
PS, here is the tour itinerary:
http://tours.ricksteves.com/tours09/product.cfm/rurl/code/FVV09/206
April,
I had much the same decision to make earlier this year. My Paris & the south of France tour ended in Nice and I had a week or so after that for touring. On this occasion I decided to spend some time in Stresa (Lago Maggiore), Locarno (Switzerland), Milano and Varenna (Lago di Como). It was a great (albeit somewhat tiring) week! You could also consider the Cinque Terre or Verona.
If you decide to spend the time in that part of Italy, you shouldn't have any trouble getting a flight from Milano to London. My choice would be EasyJet from MXP to LGW.
Happy travels!
Hi April,
Your tour sounds great! I'd rent an apartment in Paris for a week and live like a local! It would be a nice contrast to your smaller city tour.
You may fall in love with some town on the tour and decide to return there for more time. That usually happens to me on tours. Avignon or Arles are towns I would consider.
Thank you everyone for your suggestion.
I had thought about just waiting to plan something once I get over there and have done the tour. Some part of me feels like I should have a plan before I go, but there is so much to be said for spontaneity on vacation.
I will let you know how things turn out.
Thanks,
April
Hi April - These are all good suggestions. If you haven't been to Provence before, another option would be to explore more of southern Provence, including Antibes, Cassis, Aix, Arles, Avignon, St Remy, Uzes, Pont du Gard. Then fly to London from Marseilles. Enjoy your tour (I'm on the same tour in October)!
