MEDD

After a boat tour that reveals breathtaking views of coastal rock formations, the Grotta del Cavallo cave and the islet Vulcanello, you'll land at Porto di Levante to begin your exploration of the rugged and beautiful island named for Vulcan, the Roman god of fire. Consisting of three craters, Vulcano is a fascinating example of the stunning landscapes and outstanding volcanic phenomena that earned the Aeolian Islands their UNESCO World Heritage site designation. One crater, Gran Cratere, is still active, and its last eruption occurred in 1890.

When you first step onto the unique geological summit on which the citadel of Lipari is perched, you know this island is special. The most populated of the seven inhabited Aeolian Islands, Lipari is the only one built on an urban plan. Forever vulnerable to attack, Lipari residents lived for months on end within the castle walls. Exploring the museum, you'll see beautifully displayed artifacts from their lives, as well as the world's most complete collection of Greek theatrical masks.

Take in the scenic majesty of Lipari during this driving tour that stops at idyllic vistas overlooking the Aeolian archipelago. Your ultimate destination is the local pizzeria Le Macine, where the owners will enthusiastically demonstrate the secrets to making traditional Sicilian pizza. You'll create your own pie according to your own taste and then settle in to enjoy it with wine and Aeolian cookies.

Experience the beauty of the Cote d’Azur in nature while walking along gentlly sloping trails that deliver spectacular views. Relax on the scenic drive from Saint Tropez to Bormes-les-Mimosas. This medieval village, built on the hilltop, is renowned for its blooms, especially the golden mimosas, at their most extravagant in winter, and colorful cascades of bougainvillea. Your hike begins at the Trapan Dam, where mimosa trees line the road that runs along the reservoir-lake that formed when the dam was built in 1969.

Your guide will meet you at the pier to a leisurely stroll around St. Tropez, along the chic waterfront and down narrow streets lined with colorful buildings. Along the way, discover the port town’s long history, one overshadowed by its reputation as a glamorous playground, while soaking up the ambience. You’ll follow a route that ends back in the harbor area, in the leafy square of Place des Lises.

Discover the scenic beauty of the port town and resort destination – and the surrounding region -- from the air on a helicopter flight. At the heliport, meet your pilot who will also serve as your guide for this private flightseeing trip. The views from the air are truly spectacular: see the Old Port, the harbor area, the popular beach of La Pampelonne and the luxurious villas surrounded by century-old pine trees.

In the 1960s, French architect Francois Spoerry transformed what had been a swampy area into a premiere resort destination. He drew inspiration for Port Grimaud from Venice, whose canals inspired the network of waterways, as well as French village traditions. Each house, painted in traditional Provencal hues, comes with its own mooring, making this seaside town a haven for sailors and yachtsmen. Your guided exploration begins with a walking tour along the quays and across pedestrian-only bridges.

The Esterel Massif is a mountain range whose volcanic origin is responsible for the distinctive ochre hues of the exposed rock and dramatic cliffs. Experience the rugged beauty of this region via an open-air buggy. As you navigate the trails near the hillside village of Saint-Raphael, enjoy some of the most spectacular views of the mountains, the seascapes and the sparkling blue sea. You’ll stop frequently to switch drivers, so everyone gets a turn behind the wheel, and to appreciate the panoramic views in full. There’s a chance to cool off with the dip in the sea or in a creek.

Soft sands are rare along the French Riviera, enhancing the appeal of La Pampelonne, a 4.5 kilometer stretch of beach just beyond Saint Tropez city limits. Your destination is Nikki Beach Saint Tropez, an exclusive private club, where you’ll have several hours of sun, DJ music, swimming and informal dining. This branch of the South Beach club has been a hot spot since opening in the south of France in 2002, drawing an eclectic crowd of jet setters, celebrities and vacationers of all ages. Relax on a sunbed for two, with your own umbrella for shade if desired.

A short distance from the coast, the estate of Château Saint-Maur Cru Classé covers 100 hectares, most of it planted with vines. The winery enjoys views of the 11th century ruins of the castle in the nearby village of Grimaud from its 21st-century storehouse, which was designed to blend into the landscape while introducing the latest techniques to its production of its Côtes de Provence Cru Classé wines. Fewer than 20 châteaux in Provence have obtained this prestigious designation.