TTC has held its inaugural Tour de Luxe famil, wowing VIP clients and partners in a hybrid Luxury Gold and Insight Vacations itinerary in France.
TTC says the tour for the FCTG brands (Luxury Travel Collection, Travel Associates, Envoyage, and Link Travel Group) was to “celebrate the beauty and sophistication of France featuring stunning hotels in amazing locations, mouthwatering French cuisine and many VIP experiences along the way, just as your customers enjoy when travelling with us”.
Attendees walked through the streets of Old Nice before heading to Provence, visiting the medieval village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, perched high above the Riviera beaches.
There was a tour in a vintage Citroen 2CV through the Luberon mountains and a winery tasting before a light and sound show in an abandoned limestone quarry, before the trip ended in Paris.
TTC Head of Trade Sales and Partnerships Tomas Malmberg says, “Our Travel Director Laurent really brought the region to life with his passion and amazing knowledge, French sophistication, and delightful sense of humour”.
“Local guides joined the group along the way to share the hidden gems of each town/city with Old Town Nice being a favourite as well as Saint-Paul-de-Vence and Arles.”
He says highlights also included, “outstanding hotels handpicked in the best locations including the Château De Fonscolombe near Aix-en-Provence and Hotel Napoleon in Paris, steps away from the Arc de Triomphe, a tour through the Luberon Mountains before lunch at the Citadelle Winery and The Carrieriers de Lumiere featuring Monet in an old lime quarry at Les Beaux de Provence.”
Villages, vistas and great guides
Travel Associates GM Australia & NZ Rachel Kingswell says the village visits were a highlight.
“One of the real hidden gems we visited was the village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence. It’s a charming hilltop village in Provence, with narrow cobblestone streets and breathtaking views over the surrounding countryside. It’s such a picturesque spot that feels like stepping back in time.
“But what really made this experience unforgettable was our amazing Tour Director, Laurent. He was fantastic. Every day he had something special for us, whether it was a thoughtful treat or an insightful story about the places we were visiting.
“His personal touch and enthusiasm brought everything to life, making the tour even more memorable. It’s these unique experiences, along with Laurent’s daily flourishes, that will definitely wow your clients.”
xTravel Managing Director Niki Davies was also taken by the experiences and village vibe.
“Three hidden gems in France that will consistently wow our clients are the Pont du Gard, Les Baux-de-Provence, and a Citroën 2CV ride through the Luberon Valley. Pont du Gard, a breathtaking Roman aqueduct, is an architectural masterpiece that transports visitors back in time. Les Baux-de-Provence enchants with its charming medieval village and the mesmerising Carrières de Lumières exhibition – an immersive art experience set in a former limestone quarry.”
For Wolf & Turner Travel Associates’ advisor Abby Pezze, the guide made the experience exceptional.
“Our tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable about each destination. He highlighted many hidden gems and shared fascinating historical insights about every location.
“I believe the biggest difference between this premium experience and others is the variety of towns and villages we visited. We explored so many, yet there was always enough time to learn, enjoy, and fully immerse ourselves in each unique experience.”
Envoyage leisure and luxury travel advisor Melissa Goodwin mirrored that sentiment.
“Laurent, who has spent 25 years with Insight alone and is a specialist in France, is evident that guides are carefully selected and they choose to stay with their company as they love their job, their organisation and their destination. Their passion enhances their delivery and organisation of the tour.“
Standout selling points
“The standout features of this itinerary are undoubtedly the exquisite accommodations and the fine dining experiences,” says Kingswell.
“Guests stay in some of France’s most luxurious five-star hotels and châteaux, ensuring the utmost comfort and indulgence. The culinary experiences are equally exceptional, with Michelin-starred meals and exclusive private dinners in iconic settings.”
“One of the absolute highlights was our stay at Château de Fonscolombe in Provence. The château itself is breathtaking – it’s got that perfect mix of historic charm and luxury. But the real standout for me was the Michelin-star dinner we had right there on the property.
“It’s these kinds of exclusive, personalised experiences – like enjoying world-class food and wine in a stunning setting that would really appeal to clients looking for something extraordinary and memorable.”
For Pezze, many details set this hybrid famil apart.
“The experience is filled with exquisite touches, whether it’s a gift from the tour director, a surprise visit to a beautiful location, unexpected picnics, or afternoon tea. We truly felt well taken care of.”
And as Davies adds, it was the thoughtful personal touches that elevated the experience.
“Special flourishes included surprise food tastings at local markets, indulging in regional delicacies and tasty treats, and receiving a handpicked gift of an artisan wine pourer.
“I enjoyed a personal meet-and-greet on arrival in Nice and, as I opted to use local transport, was personally shown how to purchase a ticket and where to get off the tram.”
Malmberg says it was clear the advisors loved experiencing premium and luxury touring, which makes travel seamless and stress-free.
“With porterage included, wow moments checking into each stunning hotel in central or scenic locations, the perfect balance of included meals featuring local cuisine and wines and free time and local guidance to gain a much deeper appreciation for the region – this all ensures travellers have a lot of fun.”
TTC GM Sales Oceania Andrew Young says all too often we hear that touring is not a category often considered for luxury travellers, “when in fact it delivers personalised, small group, experiential immersion at a very upfront, inclusive and attainable price point”.
“Our guests not only were treated to the very best of Provence and the French Riviera – but they also got to experience a different luxury hotel experience with a new view every few nights, without having to touch their luggage in between.”
For more information, visit TTC.
