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Three-Week Southern France to Umbria Road Trip: Provence, Riviera & Hilltowns of Umbria

Viewed by 108 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & Explore

Nice, France on August 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Marché (Cours Saleya)

Light Provençal breakfast among the flower-and-food market stalls; good for fresh fruit, croissants and coffee. Market stalls usually open from 7:30am–1:00pm, but individual cafés open earlier — confirm seasonal hours.
EUR12, 45m

9:30am

Promenade des Anglais & Beach

Stroll the iconic seafront and relax on the pebbled beach to recover from travel; great light for photos and people-watching. Public beaches are open all day; private beach chairs available from ~9:00am.
EUR0, 1h30m

11:30am

Old Town (Vieux Nice)

Wander narrow lanes, Baroque churches and boutique shops in the historic heart; sample socca from a street vendor. Shops and food stalls typically open 10:00am–7:00pm.
EUR6, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at La Merenda (or similar bistro)

Traditional Niçoise dishes served in an intimate setting — book ahead if possible; many popular bistros close between 2:30pm–7:00pm so check current hours.
EUR25, 1h15m

3:00pm

Castle Hill (Colline du Château)

Climb or take the elevator to panoramic viewpoints over Nice and the Baie des Anges — the park is open daytimes (roughly 9:00am–8:00pm in summer).
EUR0, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Le Bistro du Fromager or Le Bistrot d'Antoine

Enjoy Provençal regional cooking and local wine; restaurants typically open for dinner ~7:00pm, earlier for tourist areas — reservations recommended.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 2: Riviera Villages

Èze & Monaco, France / Principality of Monaco on August 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local boulangerie

Grab fresh pastries and coffee to-go; bakeries usually open from 7:00am and are an efficient start for day trips.
EUR8, 30m

9:00am

Drive to Èze & Jardin exotique

Climb the cobbled lanes to the medieval village and visit the Jardin Exotique for spectacular sea vistas — gardens typically open 9:00am–6:00pm in summer.
EUR7, 1h30m

11:30am

Fragonard perfume tour in Èze

Free (short) guided tours about perfume-making at the Fragonard factory and shop; open most days 9:00am–6:00pm but check closures.
EUR0, 30m

1:00pm

Lunch in Monaco — Café de Paris (near Casino)

Classic brasserie fare with people-watching in Monte Carlo; many Monaco restaurants open 12:00pm–2:30pm and 7:00pm–11:00pm.
EUR35, 1h15m

3:00pm

Explore Monaco: Casino Square & Oceanographic Museum

See the famous casino façade and the Oceanographic Museum (museum hours typically 10:00am–6:00pm); the casino has dress and entry rules — check them online.
EUR17, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner back in Nice — seafood restaurant on the port

Return to Nice for dinner and sample Mediterranean seafood specialties; many ports have restaurants open nightly from 7:00pm.
EUR45, 1h30m

Day 3: Antibes & Cannes

Antibes & Cannes, France on August 12, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast in Antibes at Marché Provençal

Enjoy market produce, cheese and pastries; market stalls are usually open 7:00am–1:00pm (market closed on some days — check day-specific hours).
EUR10, 45m

9:30am

Old Town Antibes & Picasso Museum

Stroll ramparts and visit the Picasso Museum housed in Château Grimaldi — museum often opens 10:00am–6:00pm, but check seasonal times.
EUR7, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch in Cannes — La Môme or tapas on Rue d'Antibes

Brioche-and-seafood options in Cannes’ lively centre; many lunch services run 12:00pm–2:30pm.
EUR30, 1h

2:30pm

Walk La Croisette & beach time

Promenade, designer shops and beaches — public beaches open all day and private beaches from around 9:00am.
EUR0, 2h

6:30pm

Return to Nice & Dinner at Le Plongeoir (or similar)

Dine at a unique cliffside spot if open (seasonal hours vary — typically evenings from 7:00pm); reserve ahead in high season.
EUR50, 1h30m

Day 4: Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence, France on August 13, 2025

8:00am

Drive to Aix-en-Provence — breakfast en route

Travel inland (approx 2–2.5 hours from Nice); stop at a roadside boulangerie for coffee and pastries, open from 7:00am.
EUR10, 2h30m

11:00am

Cours Mirabeau & Mazarin Quarter

Stroll the grand avenue, fountains and historical mansions; shops and cafés open from ~9:30am–7:00pm.
EUR0, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Les Deux Garçons or local bistro

Historic café on Cours Mirabeau for Provençal cuisine and people-watching; busy lunch service generally 12:00pm–2:30pm.
EUR30, 1h15m

2:30pm

Atelier Cézanne visit

See the artist’s studio (opens typically 10:00am–6:00pm) to connect with Provence’s art history; small museum, so book ahead in high season.
EUR10, 1h

5:00pm

Relax at hotel or explore local markets

Enjoy a late-afternoon stroll through local markets or sample rosé at a wine bar; market hours vary, cafés often open into evening.
EUR0, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at a Provençal restaurant

Try classic dishes like aioli or lamb; many restaurants open from 7:00pm–10:30pm in summer and accept bookings.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 5: Luberon Villages

Gordes & Roussillon, France on August 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel then drive to Gordes

Depart early to avoid crowds; Gordes is about 45–60 minutes from Aix. Cafés open from ~8:00am in summer.
EUR8, 1h

9:30am

Explore Gordes and Sénanque Abbey

Picturesque hilltop village and nearby lavender fields (lavender season mid-June to early August; out of season by August mid-late month). Abbey visiting hours are typically 9:30am–12:00pm and 2:00pm–6:00pm — check exact times.
EUR6, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch in Roussillon — Le Jardin or local bistro

Try regional Provençal fare and local produce in the ochre village; many cafés open 12:00pm–2:30pm.
EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Walk the Ochre Trail (Sentier des Ocres)

Short hike through red ochre cliffs and sand, an easy 1–2 hour loop; park and trail access usually open daylight hours, small entry fee applies.
EUR3, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner back in Gordes or stay in a Luberon farmhouse

Enjoy a relaxed Provençal dinner — many village restaurants serve evenings from 7:00pm; consider a family-run auberge for local specialties.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 6: Avignon & Pont du Gard

Avignon & Pont du Gard, France on August 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and drive to Avignon

Head to Avignon (approx 1h) for a morning in the historic papal city; cafés open from 8:00am.
EUR8, 1h

9:30am

Palais des Papes visit

Tour the imposing papal palace — typical hours 9:00am–6:30pm (longer in summer); buy tickets ahead for peak season.
EUR12, 1h30m

11:30am

Walk the Pont Saint-Bénézet (Avignon bridge)

See the remains and learn the bridge’s history; site open daily, usually until early evening.
EUR5, 30m

1:00pm

Lunch at a riverside bistro

Enjoy Rhône River views and local Rhône valley cuisine; lunch service typically 12:00pm–2:30pm.
EUR30, 1h

3:00pm

Afternoon at Pont du Gard (Roman aqueduct)

Drive 30 minutes to this spectacular UNESCO site — visitor centre open roughly 9:00am–7:00pm in summer; great for history and swimming nearby designated areas.
EUR9, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner in Avignon

Return for dinner in the lively centre and sample southern French cuisine; book ahead in high season.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 7: Camargue & Arles

Camargue & Arles, France on August 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and drive to the Camargue

Early start to see horses, flamingos and marshes; seasonal nature reserves open in daylight hours and guided tours run from morning.
EUR0, 1h

9:30am

Camargue nature reserve tour (horseback or 4x4)

Choose a guided safari or horseback ride to see wildlife and salt flats — tours usually operate from 9:00am and must be pre-booked.
EUR50, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch in Arles — traditional brasserie

Arles offers Roman ruins and Provençal flavours; many restaurants serve lunch 12:00pm–2:30pm.
EUR25, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Arles: Roman Amphitheatre & Van Gogh sites

Explore the Roman amphitheatre and the places that inspired Van Gogh — museums often open 9:30am–6:00pm but hours can vary.
EUR10, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner in Arles or return to Avignon

Enjoy Provençal specialties and a relaxed evening; check times as many eateries open for dinner from 7:00pm.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 8: Les Baux & Alpilles

Les Baux-de-Provence, France on August 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and short drive to Les Baux

Leave early to beat the crowds at this dramatic hilltop village and citadel; cafés open from ~8:30am.
EUR8, 45m

9:30am

Château des Baux & Village

Explore ruined fortress and panoramic views — site hours commonly 9:30am–6:30pm in summer with small admission fee.
EUR10, 1h30m

11:30am

Carrières de Lumières (art projection show)

Spectacular immersive art projections in an old quarry; shows run multiple times daily (check exact showtimes and book tickets).
EUR15, 45m

1:00pm

Lunch in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

Charming market town with excellent bistros; lunch typically 12:00pm–2:30pm.
EUR28, 1h

3:00pm

Leisure time: olive oil tasting or walk in Alpilles

Visit a local olive mill for tasting or take a gentle walk through the Alpilles hills; most small producers operate daytime hours and may require booking.
EUR10, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at a country auberge

Enjoy farm-to-table Provençal plates in a relaxed setting; evening service generally from 7:00pm.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 9: Marseille & Calanques

Marseille & Cassis, France on August 18, 2025

7:30am

Early breakfast then drive to Marseille

Head to Marseille (about 1 hour from Les Baux area); early arrival helps with boat trips to the Calanques. Cafés open from 7:00am.
EUR8, 1h

9:00am

Boat trip to Calanques from Marseille or Cassis

Half-day boat tour of dramatic limestone fjords — departures commonly at 9:00am or 10:30am; book ahead in summer as trips sell out.
EUR35, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch in Cassis — seafood on the harbour

Fresh fish and Provençal dishes with a view; harbour restaurants usually open 12:00pm–3:00pm then again for dinner.
EUR35, 1h

3:30pm

Stroll Cassis village & beaches

Relax in the pretty port village and perhaps swim on a public cove; beaches and shops open through the afternoon.
EUR0, 1h30m

7:30pm

Return to Marseille and dinner in Le Panier district

Explore Marseille’s oldest quarter and dine on Provençal-Mediterranean cuisine; many restaurants open from 7:00pm.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 10: Travel East to Italy

Drive east along coast towards Florence, Italy (overnight near Pisa or Florence) on August 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and depart Marseille

Begin the longer drive east along the A8 and A10 coastal route toward Italy — plan rest stops; motorway services typically open 24/7.
EUR10, 30m

10:30am

Stop in Genoa for coffee and a short stroll

Explore the old port and narrow lanes; many attractions open 10:00am–6:00pm but timing depends on what you choose to visit.
EUR0, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch in coastal Liguria (seafood or focaccia)

Sample Ligurian specialties like focaccia and pesto — lunch service usually 12:00pm–2:30pm.
EUR20, 1h

4:30pm

Continue to Pisa/Florence area and check into hotel

Arrive late afternoon; relax and prepare for next day. Check-in times typically from 2:00pm–3:00pm, but confirm with your property.
EUR0, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner near hotel (Tuscan trattoria)

First taste of Italian cuisine — simple Tuscan dishes and regional wine; most restaurants open for dinner from 7:00pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 11: Florence & Travel to Umbria

Florence en route to Perugia, Italy on August 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and quick Florence highlights visit

If you have time, stop for a quick walk to see the Duomo exterior and Ponte Vecchio — cathedral hours and museum times vary (Duomo complex requires timed tickets).
EUR0, 1h30m

10:30am

Drive to Perugia (Umbria)

Scenic drive inland to Perugia (approx 2 hours from Florence) following the A1 and SS73; expect tolls and aim to arrive mid-afternoon.
EUR10, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch in Arezzo or Cortona en route (optional)

Stop in a Tuscan hilltown for lunch and a short stroll — most restaurants operate 12:00pm–3:00pm.
EUR25, 1h

3:00pm

Arrive Perugia & check into accommodation

Settle into your Umbrian base; Perugia’s centre is walkable with hilltop views and medieval architecture. Hotel check-ins usually from 2:00pm.
EUR0, 30m

4:00pm

Explore Perugia: Piazza IV Novembre & Fontana Maggiore

Wander the main square, cathedral and archaeological sites; many museums open 9:00am–6:00pm but hours vary, so check ahead.
EUR0, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at a local Umbrian trattoria (try truffle or wild boar)

Sample Umbrian specialities like porchetta, truffles and local wines; restaurants generally open from 7:00pm.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 12: Assisi Spirituality

Assisi, Italy on August 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast in Perugia

Have a leisurely Italian breakfast (cappuccino and pastries) before heading to Assisi; cafés open early, around 7:30am.
EUR6, 30m

9:00am

Drive to Assisi & visit Basilica of San Francesco

Explore the basilica with its famous frescoes — opening hours are typically 9:00am–6:00pm but can vary; dress respectfully for religious sites.
EUR0, 1h30m

11:00am

Stroll Assisi streets & Rocca Maggiore

Walk the medieval lanes up to the castle for sweeping views of Umbria; castle access normally daytime hours with a small fee.
EUR4, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at a family-run osteria

Enjoy simple Umbrian dishes like tagliatelle al ragù or bruschetta; lunch service usually 12:00pm–2:30pm.
EUR25, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Santa Maria degli Angeli (Porziuncola)

Short drive or walk to the lower basilica, a key Franciscan site open during daytime hours; quiet spot for reflection.
EUR0, 45m

7:30pm

Return to Perugia for dinner

Choose a trattoria with Umbrian wine to finish the day; restaurants open from 7:00pm–10:30pm in summer.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 13: Spello & Bevagna

Spello & Bevagna, Italy on August 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast then drive to Spello

Cute hill village famous for flowers and stone lanes; cafés open from mid-morning in small towns, so bring water if you start early.
EUR8, 45m

9:30am

Explore Spello — Roman gates & frescoed churches

Wander peaceful alleys and see the Village of Flowers; small churches are open daytime but hours vary widely.
EUR0, 1h

11:30am

Drive to Bevagna for market/visit

Bevagna is a beautifully preserved medieval town with artisan shops — opening hours of museums and shops usually 10:00am–1:00pm and 4:00pm–7:00pm.
EUR0, 30m

1:00pm

Lunch in Bevagna — traditional Umbrian menu

Try handcrafted pasta and local olive oil; many eateries serve lunch from 12:00pm–2:30pm.
EUR25, 1h

3:00pm

Afternoon wine tasting or olive oil visit

Visit a nearby winery or frantoio (olive mill) for tastings — most open afternoons but require prior reservation in high season.
EUR20, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner back in Perugia

Sample more Umbrian cuisine and relax after a day of small-town exploration; dinner hours typically from 7:00pm.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 14: Orvieto Day Trip

Orvieto, Italy on August 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and drive to Orvieto

Drive south to the dramatic cliff-top town of Orvieto (approx 1 hour); arrive early to enjoy cooler morning hours.
EUR8, 1h

9:30am

Duomo di Orvieto & Cappella del Corporale

See one of Italy’s most ornate Gothic cathedrals and its chapels — opening hours typically 9:00am–6:00pm; consider a guided tour.
EUR5, 1h

11:00am

Take the Pozzo di San Patrizio (St Patrick’s Well)

Descend this remarkable Renaissance well for architecture and history; open roughly 9:00am–6:00pm with a small fee.
EUR6, 45m

1:00pm

Lunch at a terrace restaurant overlooking the Umbrian countryside

Enjoy slow food and local wines; most restaurants open 12:00pm–2:30pm for lunch.
EUR30, 1h15m

3:00pm

Explore Orvieto’s Etruscan tunnels or winery tour in surrounding hills

Take a guided subterranean tour or short winery visit for Orvieto Classico tasting — check tour times and book in advance.
EUR20, 1h30m

7:30pm

Return to Perugia and dinner

Late dinner back in town; choose a relaxed trattoria to reflect on the day’s discoveries.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 15: Todi & Montefalco

Todi & Montefalco, Italy on August 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast then drive to Todi

Todi is a graceful hilltown famous for sweeping views and medieval architecture; start early as small cafes open around 8:00am–9:00am.
EUR8, 1h

9:30am

Walk Todi’s main square & cathedral

Stroll the elegant Piazza del Popolo and visit the cathedral and nearby viewpoints; most sites open daytime hours.
EUR0, 1h

11:30am

Drive to Montefalco for wine tasting

Montefalco is known as the ‘Balcony of Umbria’ and for Sagrantino wines; wineries often open 10:00am–6:00pm but require booking for tastings.
EUR25, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch in Montefalco

Have lunch paired with Sagrantino or regional dishes; lunch service usually 12:00pm–2:30pm.
EUR30, 1h

3:30pm

Visit small wineries & olive groves

Afternoon tastings of wine and olive oil with producers — bookings recommended in summer.
EUR30, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner in Perugia or a local agriturismo

Return to Perugia or dine at an agriturismo nearby for rustic Umbrian fare; evening meal times generally from 7:00pm.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 16: Spoleto & Cascata

Spoleto & Cascata delle Marmore, Italy on August 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast in Perugia then drive to Spoleto

Scenic drive to Spoleto (about 1 hour); enjoy cafés open from 8:00am for a caffeine boost.
EUR8, 1h

9:30am

Explore Spoleto: Ponte delle Torri & Duomo

See the dramatic aqueduct bridge and historic cathedral; many sites open mid-morning and close late afternoon.
EUR0, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch in Spoleto — simple trattoria

Local pasta and seasonal vegetables in a cosy eatery; lunch service normally 12:00pm–2:30pm.
EUR25, 1h

2:30pm

Drive to Cascata delle Marmore (waterfall)

Spectacular engineered waterfall near Terni with marked walking trails and viewing platforms — park open typically 9:00am–7:00pm, check seasonal opening times.
EUR8, 2h

7:30pm

Return to Perugia and dinner

Relaxed dinner at a favourite Perugia spot; book a table during the tourist season.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 17: Norcia & Monti Sibillini (optional)

Norcia & Monti Sibillini, Italy on August 26, 2025

7:30am

Early breakfast and drive to Norcia

Norcia is famous for cured meats and mushrooms; it’s a longer day trip (approx 1.5–2 hours), so start early. Cafés and shops open from mid-morning in small towns.
EUR8, 2h

9:30am

Explore Norcia town centre & local food shops

Taste cured hams, sausages and local pecorino; specialty shops open 9:00am–1:00pm and 4:30pm–7:30pm in many cases.
EUR10, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch — try local salumi and chestnut dishes

Enjoy Norcia’s culinary specialities in a mountain trattoria; lunch typically served 12:00pm–2:30pm.
EUR30, 1h

2:30pm

Short hike in Monti Sibillini National Park (or scenic drive)

Afternoon exploring small trails or viewpoints; park trails are open daylight hours; bring water and sun protection.
EUR0, 2h

7:30pm

Return to Perugia for dinner

Relaxed dinner back in town; finish the day with Umbrian specialties and local wine.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 18: Gubbio & Medieval Streets

Gubbio, Italy on August 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and drive to Gubbio

Gubbio is an authentic medieval town with narrow streets and a lively town square; get an early start for cooler exploring.
EUR8, 1h15m

9:30am

Explore Gubbio’s Palazzo dei Consoli & Upper Town

Visit the striking medieval palace and wander the historic centre; museum hours commonly 9:00am–6:00pm, check local times.
EUR5, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch in Gubbio — try crescia or local fare

Sample local breads and dishes in a family-run eatery; lunch service usually 12:00pm–2:30pm.
EUR25, 1h

2:30pm

Cable car or walk to Basilica of Sant’Ubaldo

Take the short funicular or scenic walk to the basilica for views; cable car times vary by season, so check schedules.
EUR3, 1h

7:30pm

Return to Perugia & dinner

Final Umbrian dinner — choose a restaurant that features seasonal produce and local wines to celebrate the trip.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 19: Cooking Class & Relax

Perugia / Umbrian countryside, Italy on August 28, 2025

8:00am

Leisurely breakfast in Perugia

Prepare for a hands-on experience later in the day; enjoy a slower morning exploring shops or a market if available (market days vary).
EUR8, 45m

10:00am

Half-day cooking class at an agriturismo

Learn to make regional pasta, sauces and a dessert with local ingredients — classes typically run 3–4 hours and include eating what you make. Book in advance.
EUR70, 4h

2:30pm

Relax at agriturismo or pool

Rest after the class, enjoy local olive oil and wine tasting on-site if offered; facilities hours vary by property.
EUR0, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner (meal from your cooking class or agriturismo)

Usually your class includes dinner — savour the dishes you prepared paired with local wine; informal dining typically starts 7:00pm.
EUR0, 1h30m

Day 20: Leisure Day

Perugia, Italy on August 29, 2025

8:30am

Slow breakfast and market visit (if open)

Check for Perugia’s local market days and enjoy fresh produce and artisanal goods; market hours vary — typically morning-only.
EUR10, 45m

10:30am

Museum or chocolate tasting (Perugina factory museum)

Visit Perugia’s chocolate museum or the National Gallery of Umbria — many cultural sites open 9:00am–6:00pm but check current times and bookings.
EUR10, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at a cafe with view over Umbrian valley

Enjoy a relaxed lunch and reflect on the trip; lunch services generally 12:00pm–2:30pm.
EUR25, 1h

3:00pm

Spa time or last-minute shopping

Treat yourself to a spa or pick up souvenirs in artisanal shops (opening hours vary).
EUR50, 2h

7:30pm

Farewell dinner at a fine-dining Umbrian restaurant

Celebrate the end of your journey with a refined meal featuring seasonal produce and local wine; reservations strongly recommended.
EUR60, 2h

Day 21: Departure

Perugia or Rome (departure), Italy on August 30, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast and pack

Have a final Italian breakfast and prepare for onward travel; hotel check-out times vary (commonly 11:00am), ask for luggage hold if needed.
EUR8, 30m

8:30am

Drive to Perugia Airport or transfer to Rome (FCO) / train station

Allow extra time for driving or train transfers; travel time to Rome Fiumicino is about 2.5–3 hours by car, train options are available but may require a transfer in Florence or Arezzo.
EUR0, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch en route or at airport

Grab a simple meal and any last souvenirs; airport dining hours vary but most options open early to mid-morning through evening.
EUR15, 45m

3:00pm

Depart — safe travels

Board your onward flight or train. Allow recommended check-in times (flights: 2 hours for EU, 3 hours for long haul) and enjoy memories of Provence and Umbria.
EUR0, n/a
0
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