The South of France - 8 days from £799

Accommodation

Best Western Hotel Le Galice (3-star)
7 nights. Ideally located close to the centre of Aix-en-Provence, this hotel offers guests a restaurant and choice of bars and lounges, as well as an outdoor swimming pool. The guest rooms have private facilities, TV and telephone.

Itinerary

Day 1: UK/Aix-en-Provence

Step aboard Eurostar for a relaxing journey by rail to the South of France where you will stay in your comfortable hotel in Aix-en- Provence for seven nights.

Day 2: Aix-en-Provence & Cassis

The lovely city of Aix-en-Provence knows how to blend different eras and culture, and its preserved heritage and the city of tomorrow merge perfectly. Aix offers narrow streets winding between 16th and 17th century houses and plenty of history to explore. As you wander the charming streets, take in the golden stone of the facades, the transparent green of the fountains and the shade of the plane trees.

No visit here would be complete without spending time at the Cours Mirabeau, a long, straight road lined with trees and fountains that is popular with the locals. You can also take a trip to picturesque Cassis, a pretty Mediterranean fishing village hemmed in by soaring white cliffs that capture the imagination.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Les-Baux-de-Provence

Discover the fortified village of Les Baux, perched on a rocky outcrop above the Provençal landscape. Stroll through the winding streets up to the ruined medieval citadel and take in the breathtaking views over the Camargue or taste some local produce – the town is known for its olives and delicious wine.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Avignon

Situated on the banks of the Rhone, Avignon is home to some truly exquisite architecture – a photographer’s dream. Explore the ramparts of the Palais des Papes, a spectacular sight with arches and turrets that conjure up images of childhood fairytales, and cross the famous medieval Pont d’Avignon – beautiful during the day and romantically lit at night. The Romanesque cathedral, Notre Dame des Doms, is a stunning 12th century building with a sense of history; wander through its beautiful gardens as you contemplate its past.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 5: Aix-en-Provence

Spend time getting to know charming Aix as you meander through its cobbled streets. Watch the residents go about their daily business and stop for a rustic lunch made from delicious local produce, or enjoy a coffee at a pavement café as you soak up the atmosphere. Get a real feel for medieval Aix by immersing yourself in the art treasures of the beautiful Cathedral of St. Sauveur, which include tapestries that once hung in Canterbury Cathedral.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 6: Arles & The Camargue

Arles will fill you with awe as you discover its famous array of art and architecture. A well-preserved amphitheatre and Roman and medieval monuments are dotted across the landscape, just waiting to tell you their story. It was in Arles that the troubled Van Gogh painted such masterpieces as The Sunflowers and The Starry Night, works that remain famous long after his death.

You’ll also travel across the Camargue, a hauntingly beautiful wilderness at the mouth of the Rhone, dotted with lagoons and marshes. Fabulous views of the area can be seen from the undulating plains, known for their amazing white horses and prolific birdlife.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 7: Nimes & Pont du Gard

Experience the impressive Roman legacy in Nimes, idyllically set against the foothills of the Cevennes. From the amphitheatre to the Maison Carree, a superbly preserved temple, there is something to investigate around every corner. The magnificent Pont du Gard, a Roman acqueduct and an ancient marvel of engineering, is a beautiful part of the landscape that will astound you with its sheer scale and grand arches.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 8: Avignon/UK

After breakfast this morning you board the train for the journey back to the UK. (Note: Certain departures as indicated by an asterisk depart from Avignon at lunchtime)

Meals: Breakfast