Unforgettable carnival in Nice

Tour start date(s):	23-02-2026
Duration:	7 days/ 6 nights
Location:	Nice - Monaco - Cannes - Nice
Price (including tax):	DBL $1,900.00 US; SNGL $2,400.00 US (flights not included)

We offer a new exclusive luxury holiday on the French Riviera during the brightest season!

Discover one of the world’s greatest carnivals in the very heart of the Côte d’Azur — in Nice!

The Nice Carnival dates back to 1294, when a celebration organized to entertain the nobility before Lent was documented for the first time.

The modern form of the carnival began to take shape in the 19th century: in 1873, the Carnival Committee was founded, and parades of floats decorated with flowers and papier-mâché figures became an annual tradition.

Over time, the Nice Carnival grew to a grand scale and joined the list of the world’s most important carnival events, alongside the carnivals in Venice, Rio, and Mardi Gras.

The Nice Carnival gathers over 200,000 visitors and transforms the entire city into a giant open-air stage each year. Every year a new theme is chosen, inspiring artists and designers to create fantastic floats, costumes, and sculptures.
The “Flower Battles” on the Promenade des Anglais are especially popular, during which participants throw hundreds of thousands of fresh flowers into the crowd.

 

February 23, Monday

Arrival at Nice Airport. Meet with the guide, transfer to Hotel Splendid Nice 4*.

Check-in at the hotel. A short independent walk: the Promenade des Anglais — the famous seaside promenade and symbol of Nice. The Negresco Hotel — the legendary luxury hotel in Belle Époque style. The Old Town — a labyrinth of narrow streets, colorful markets, and ancient buildings. Overnight in Nice.

 

February 24, Tuesday

Breakfast at the hotel. Meet the guide in the hotel lobby. Walking tour of Nice (3 hours): Old Town (Place Rossetti, Cathedral of Sainte-Réparate) — the historic center with picturesque architecture and spiritual atmosphere.

Cours Saleya Market — the famous flower and food market.

Ascent to Castle Hill — a panoramic viewpoint with the best views of Nice.

Free time.

In the evening — visit to the Parade of Lights on Place Masséna (grandstand tickets included). Overnight in Nice.

 

February 25, Wednesday

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning: free time for walking and relaxation.

After lunch — visit to the Flower Parade on the Promenade des Anglais (grandstand tickets included). Overnight in Nice.

 

February 26, Thursday

Breakfast at the hotel. Full-day excursion to Monaco.

Old Town — the medieval district with the palace and narrow streets. Prince Albert II’s Palace — the official residence of the ruling family. Casino Square — the heart of Monte-Carlo, home to luxury and the famous casino. Walk to the Oceanographic Museum — the renowned scientific center located on a cliff. Transfer to Cap Ferrat and visit to Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild — a luxurious palace with gardens. Overnight in Nice.

 

February 27, Friday

Breakfast at the hotel. Full-day excursion to Cannes.

La Croisette Boulevard — the famous palm-lined promenade with boutiques. The Palais des Festivals — venue of the famous Cannes Film Festival. The Walk of Stars — the French analog of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Transfer to Saint-Paul-de-Vence — a picturesque medieval village that inspired many artists.

Return to Nice. Overnight in Nice.

 

February 28, Saturday

Breakfast at the hotel. Free time in the first half of the day.

In the evening — the King’s Parade and the festive closing of the Carnival with fireworks on Place Masséna (grandstand tickets included).

 

March 1, Sunday

Breakfast at the hotel. Group transfer to the airport. Flight home.

 

Additional hotel night before/after the tour: ½ DBL $95.00

 

Tour price includes:

• 6 nights at Splendid Nice 4*: Premium rooms 22 m², the hotel has no twin rooms!

• Breakfasts, city taxes, transfers — arrival and departure at any time

• 3 Carnival visits (grandstand tickets included): 2 times at Place Masséna (Parade of Lights and King’s Parade) and 1 time on Promenade des Anglais (Flower Parade)

• Walking tour of Nice (3 hours)

• Two full-day excursions: Monaco and Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild; Cannes and Saint-Paul-de-Vence

• Entrance tickets: Monte-Carlo Casino in Monaco, Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, Nice Carnival (all 3 events)

Not included:

• Tips for the guide and bus driver

 

Recommendations & Hidden Gems of the Côte d’Azur

Where to drink the best coffee in Nice?

• Café Marché (Old Town): atmospheric café with aromatic coffee and homemade pies.

• Brûlerie des Cafés Indien (Cours Saleya): small coffee shop with its own roasting.

Where to get the best ice cream?

• Fenocchio (Place Rossetti): legendary ice-cream shop with over 100 flavors — lavender, rose, cactus, fig, and more.

Places for unforgettable photos

• Viewpoint on Castle Hill: the best panorama of the Bay of Angels.

• Gate of Saint-Paul-de-Vence: perfect for romantic shots.

• Upper Garden of Villa Rothschild: “dream garden” style photos.

Best lavender & souvenir shops

• Molinard Nice: family perfume boutique chain since 1849.

• Fragonard (Grasse): perfume shop where you can create your own custom scent.

Restaurants with authentic cuisine

• Lou Balico (Nice): typical Nice cuisine — try “Niçoise salad” and stuffed vegetables.

• Chez Acchiardo (Old Town): cozy family spot with homemade-style dishes.

Hidden gems

• Castle Park without the crowds: go up early (before 9:00) — the views will be all yours.

• Rue Obscure in Villefranche-sur-Mer: a real medieval street hidden under archways.

• Cactus Garden in Èze: stunning sea views and sculptures among giant cacti.

What to bring back from the trip?

• Lavender honey

• Rose or lavender-scented soaps

• Bandol or Bellet wine

• Provençal spices

• A carnival mask from Nice

Travel tip:

In carnival days, the promenade and Place Masséna are lit up with lights and live musicians in the evening — we recommend staying longer after the show!