Itinerary

DAY 1 Arrive Paris

On arrival at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport you are transferred to your hotel. After check-in, late this afternoon,  we head off on a guided sightseeing tour which features views of the Champs  Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral and visits Bohemian Montmartre,  with its picturesque cafes and street artists, dominated by the Basilica of the Sacre Coeur. We also ascend to the second level of the Eiffel Tower.  Then time to relax before a welcome drink with our Tour Director this evening.

DAY 2 Paris - Tournus - Orange

This morning our day begins with a drive along the 'Autoroute de Soleil' and into Burgundy, making  a stop at Tournus to visit the Abbey Church of St. Phillibert,  the finest example of Romanesque architecture in the area. Then we continue past  Lyon and follow the Rhone Valley into Provence, via Montelimar, before we arrive in the Cote du Rhone vineyards and the ancient Roman town of Orange.  On our orientation tour, we visit the most preserved Roman theatre in existence and view the impressive 2,000 year old commemorative Arch. (BB D)

DAY 3 Orange - Avignon - Mallemort-en-Provence (4)

This morning after breakfast, a short drive brings us to the celebrated vineyards  of Châteauneuf du Pape. Here we enjoy a sampling of some of these great Rhone wines! From here we're off to the 'Pont du Gard' before  our arrival at Avignon, where an orientation tour shows us the famous broken bridge and the Palace of the Popes. Then down to St. Remy de Provence,  where we see the asylum where Van Gogh was to spend some of his last days. Later,  it's only a quick drive to the beautiful Provencal village and resort at Mallemort-en-Provence,  where we spend the next four nights. This evening, we get together for dinner at  our hotel. (BB D)

DAY 4 Aix-en-Provence orientation & at leisure

Our orientation  tour this morning shows us the elegant Cours Mirabeau with its  many cafes and 19th century architecture. Then free time to relax or explore.  Aix was the home of Paul Cezanne - maybe visit the museum dedicated to him  or take an excursion to visit Marseilles with its impressive port, magnificent corniche  drive and the pretty seaside resort of Cassis. (BB)

DAY 5 French Riviera Excursion

An early start this morning  as we pass the Abbey of St. Maximin to Ste. Maxime - a stylish resort on the Esterel coast. From here we will cruise across the Mediterranean to St. Tropez. There's time to watch out for the rich and famous from one of the cafes before we head back to Mallemort for dinner  at our hotel. (BB D)

DAY 6 Van Gogh's Arles and 'Les Alpilles'

After breakfast, we enjoy a morning drive into the heart of the Camargue to Arles.  Here we see the Roman Arena and the Cathedral of St. Trophime before  we continue to Les Baux - the most mysterious, hilltop ghost town in  all of France! Later, you may wish to take an optional excursion to visit the beautiful  Luberon National Park, with its hilltop villages and rolling green hills, reminiscent of Peter Mayle's 'Year in Provence'. (BB)

DAY 7 Mallemort-en-Provence - TGV - Paris (2)

Today a short drive brings us to Avignon's train station where we  will board our supremely comfortable high-speed TGV train to Paris. We arrive  in Paris in less than three hours. This evening, why not enjoy dinner in a typical  Parisian bistro? (BB)

DAY 8 Paris at leisure

Enjoy a full day at leisure. Paris has much to offer, your Tour Director will be happy to advise you. Maybe visit the Louvre and the Musue d'Orsay or you may wish to take an excursion to the nearby ornate Palace of Versailles. Shopping in Paris is always fun, try out the boutiques  near St. Sulpice for next year's designs! On your final evening in this exciting, colourful city, why not enjoy a night out at the world-famous cabaret, 'Moulin Rouge'? (BB)

DAY 9 Depart Paris

This morning after breakfast, it's "au revoir Paris", with time to bid farewell to new-found friends as we transfer to  the Charles de Gaulle airport for our return flight home. (BB)

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