Dangling its feet in the Mediterranean, the French Riviera is a region of mountains, hills, and beaches, plus handsome cities, quaint villages and a treasure trove of history. Begin your journey with five nights in Provence, a land known for its verdant countryside, Roman ruins, and breathtaking sunsets. Next, explore the French Riviera, the playground for the world's rich and famous, with its sparkling seaside vistas and fashionable promenades. Marvel at a delightful mixture of old and new as you discover the best of southern France on this travel adventure.

Day 1: Depart your gateway city for Marseille, France.

Day 2: Upon your arrival, transfer by motorcoach to the Mercure Pont D'Avignon. This evening, enjoy your special welcome reception and dinner.

Day 3: On your walking tour of Avignon, see the Pont St-Bénézet and the tiny Chapelle St-Nicholas before visiting the famous Palais des Papes, or Palace of the Popes. See the ancient walls and fortifications of the city as you enjoy a leisurely cruise on the Rhône River. The afternoon is yours to pursue your own interests iin Avignon.

Day 4: Journey to Arles to see Les Arènes, a well-preserved Roman arena, and the Théâtre Antique. This afternoon, visit Nîmes to see its dramatic Roman Amphitheater and the Maison Carée, the best-preserved Roman temple in Provence. Savor lunch in Arles.

Day 5: See the Roman Amphitheater of Orange, the best-preserved in all of Europe, and its Arc de Triomphe. Next, visit the wine village of Châteauneuf du Pape to see its castle. Enjoy lunch and a special wine tasting in Châteauneuf du Pape. Marvel at the Pont du Gard, the superb Roman aqueduct that remains one of the wonders of antiquity.

Day 6: Visit Les Baux, a village of cobbled streets and tiny squares perched in the hills, to get a taste of medieval life, and St. Rémy, the town that inspired Vincent van Gogh's paintings. Enjoy lunch in Les Baux.

Day 7: En route to Nice, stop to explore the historic capital of Provence and its beautiful sights and scenes. Enjoy time to explore the markets of Aix or relax in a café. Enjoy a delicious local lunch.

Day 8: Stroll the winding streets of St-Paul-de-Vence and visit the Foundation Maeght's collection of art. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 9: Explore sunny Nice. Visit the Matisse Chapel, the Marc Chagall Museum, and the Russian Orthodox Cathedral. Enjoy lunch on Cours Saleya. This afternoon, enjoy free time to visit the markets or explore.

Day 10: Learn how perfume is distilled from local flowers and fruit in Grasse. Enjoy lunch in Grasse. Spend the afternoon pursuing your own interests.

Day 11: Enjoy the day at leisure to explore or relax independently. This evening, join your friends for your graduation ceremony and a special farewell reception.

Day 12: Transfer to Nice airport for the return flight to your gateway city.

Colby College Professor of History Larissa Taylor will accompany the trip. Larissa J. Taylor is Professor of History at Colby College, where she has taught since 1994. She teaches courses and has published widely on Medieval and early modern religious history, Joan of Arc, Pilgrimage, Sainthood and popular devotion, Romanesque and Gothic architecture, and French culture. She is a member of the Governing Council, Western Society for French History. Prof. Taylor received her A.L.B. from Harvard University, and her MA and PhD from Brown University. She also served as the faculty host on a popular alumni travel-study trip to Tuscany in 2002.