b'YOUR ITINERARY 7 DAY HOLIDAYFROM FRANCEDay 1London to Avignon We continue to Gordes, on the1,595 PPAt London St Pancras we join thefoothills of the Vaucluse mountains, Eurostar service to Paris, then travelone of the regions loveliest in First Class by high-speed rail to thehilltop villages. Here a labyrinth of2024 Departures in: Provenal city of Avignon. On arrival,cobblestone alleys flanked by rusticMAY, JUN, AUG, SEP, OCTwe enjoy a traditional French dinnerbuildings evoke a bygone time. At the on a pretty restaurant terrace.heart of the village is its 10th-century 1 2 3 4chteau. We have free time to wanderEveryday Traveller ratedand enjoy remarkable views.Day 2The art and history of Arles We cruise down the Rhne, enjoyingUPGRADE YOUR HOLIDAY:lunch amid picturesque landscapes. Day 5Gastronomic AvignonHotel Room upgrades available.The narrow streets of Arles burst withWe explore Avignons vibrant culinaryCall to book or for more information.history and we are free to explore atscene with a knowledgeable local leisure. You could admire the variedguide. At Les Halles market, we sampleYOUR HOLIDAY INCLUDES:architecture, from the Roman arenaolives and delicacies such as sacristain to the Place de la Rpublique with its(an almond pastry), Camargue saltExpertise of a UK Tour Manager obelisk and Romanesque cathedral. toffee, and melon-flavoured sweets.from start to finishThe work of one of Arles mostYou are then free, maybe to enter theFirst Class rail and all transfers, famous residents, Vincent vanPalais des Papes, or take a peacefulEurostar Standard PremierGogh, is celebrated at the Van Goghstroll, maybe head to the pretty Foundation. Maybe visit the Place dustreet of Rue des Teinturiers (StreetAll rail and coach travel Forum for a drink or meal and bask inof Dyers) with its graceful stream andthroughout your tourthe scene that inspired his renownedwaterwheels. This evening youre free to dine in one of the beautiful squares.6 nights 4-Star hotel work Caf Terrace at Night.accommodation in a 19th-centuryPlease note: On our departures from hotel in the centre of AvignonOctober, groups will travel by rail to Day 6The Pont du Gard and Arles and you will have a full day toChteauneuf-du-Pape wine tasting Breakfast each day plus 1 lunch explore independently with a touristWe view the remarkable and beautifuland 2 dinners (*lunch not included pass, lunch is not included piece of Roman engineering: theon departures from October)Pont du Gard, one of Frances mostAll tour excursionsDay 3Avignon: The City of Popesrecognised landmarks. The aqueduct is UNESCO-listed due in part to the We are joined by an expert guideforexceptional state of preservation. a walking tour of Avignons sights withAlthough nearly 2,000 years old, an expert guide. We see the famouspeople are still permitted to walkTO/FROMPont St Bnezet, and the Papal Palace.across this historic masterpiece. Chteauneuf-du-Pape PARISWith a free afternoon you could strollWe continue to the medieval town of through the citys tree-lined avenuesUzs, dominated by a chteau. With or the leafy Jardin des Doms, withfree time to wander in Uzs charmingPont Du Gard 6 Avignongreat views of the Rhne. Avignoncentre of graceful stone buildings, we offers laidback squares where livelymay opt to enjoy lunch in a squareUzs Gordesrestaurant terraces spill out under dappled with light and plane trees.the shade of stately plane trees.FRANCEThis afternoon is a highlight of the TOUR MANAGERS HIGHLIGHT:holiday as we enjoy a presentation Staying in this historic city that wasand tasting of three varieties ofArleshome to Popes in the Middle Ages delicious Chteauneuf-du-Pape wine. This evening we enjoy a final dinnerTour Code: AVB |per person based on 2 Day 4The villages of Provencetogether at a local restaurant.sharing. Deposit from 250 per person. Supplement for solo travellers from 450Our day starts with a visit to aTOUR MANAGERS HIGHLIGHT: nougaterie to sample this regionalSavouring incredible wines at a delicacy, on a tour enhanced by theChteauneuf-du-Pape wine tasting To book and for scent of honey and toasted almonds. information go toIn the beautiful village of LIsle-sur- Day 7Homeward bound la-Sorgue, we explore the Venice ofgreatrail.com/AVB24 We retrace our First Class rail journey Provence. With the gently babblinghome via Paris, with time to reflector call 01904 527168Sorgue river running between sun-baked pastel-coloured buildings, thison our excellent holiday. Arriving in& speak to ourLondon St Pancras, we say farewell to island village, the antiques capital ofour travelling companions.expert team.Provence, is a joy to explore.85'