Avignon, the Rhône & Provence

Your holiday begins at London St Pancras this morning as you meet the Tour Manager and rest of the group. Boarding the Eurostar service to Paris, we start our journey to the French capital. Here, we change trains and continue to the historic Provençal city of Avignon, arriving in the early evening, having weaved through the verdant fields and hills alongside the expansive Rhône from Lyon.

Lying just outside the city walls, near the station, our hotel has wonderful facilities to aid relaxation after an enjoyable day of exploration. This evening, we enjoy our first dinner together in the hotel restaurant.

• Dinner

In late morning after a leisurely breakfast, we board a boat for a relaxing cruise down the Rhône. Enjoying lunch on board, we sail through picturesque landscapes and past the impressive château at Tarascon that stands squarely on the riverbank.

Arriving in Arles, there's free time to explore this historic town at leisure. Blending Roman and medieval architecture, the narrow lanes of Arles are bursting with history, from the UNESCO-listed Roman arena that would have seated 20,000 people to its evocative Place de la République with its obelisk and Romanesque cathedral. The legacy of one of Arles' most famous residents, artist Vincent van Gogh, is visible in many parts of the old town. The post-impressionist lived in and painted many parts of Arles, and his work is celebrated at the Van Gogh Foundation.

Alternatively, visit the Place du Forum and bask in the scene which inspired van Gogh's renowned piece 'Café Terrace at Night'. This quaint tree-covered square has many places in which to eat or savour a drink before catching the train back to Avignon for a free evening.

• Breakfast, Lunch

A walking tour of the sights of Avignon awaits after breakfast, accompanied by an expert guide. Along the way, we take in landmarks such as the 12th-century Pont St Bénezet, the bridge that featured in the popular children's song Sur le Pont d'Avignon. All but four of its arches were washed away by a devastating flood in 1668, and the surviving arches are an iconic symbol of the city.

After the tour, you have the rest of the day at leisure to explore at your own pace. You may choose to visit the Palais des Papes (the Papal Palace), one of the largest Gothic buildings in Europe and once the seat of the papacy during the 14th century. Here you can wander the peaceful pontifical gardens, a retreat offering wonderful views over the city's rooftops.

This evening, discover an abundance of restaurants and bars around the Place de l'Horloge, Place des Corps Saints and Place Pie, all perfect spots to enjoy your evening meal.

• Breakfast

After breakfast, we visit a nougaterie. Breathe in the scent of honey and toasted almonds on a tour of the workshop, learning about the history of nougat before sampling some ourselves.

Arriving in the beautiful Provençal village of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue at lunchtime, we have time at leisure to explore the 'Venice of Provence' and its tightly knit cluster of pastel-coloured buildings. Surrounded by the gently flowing Sorgue river, this island village is also known as the 'antiques capital of Provence'. Our next stop is Gordes. Built on the foothills of the Vaucluse mountains, this is one of the most well-known hilltop villages in the region. Gordes is a labyrinth of beautiful cobblestone alleys, or 'calades', flanked by rustic buildings that evoke a bygone time. At the heart of the village is its 10th-century château that was renovated during the Renaissance. We have free time in Gordes to wander through its delightful streets and bask in its remarkable views.

We return to Avignon in the early evening where you have time to relax before heading out to dine independently.

• Breakfast

Today after breakfast, you have a free day to soak up the beauty of Avignon at your own pace. Lose yourself in the timeless charm of the city, where Provençal sunlight bounces off buttery limestone walls and olive-hued shutters, while lively squares brim with cafés and restaurants.

You might choose to explore the shaded squares and hidden courtyards of the Old Town, browsing the independent boutiques, art galleries and antique shops. Or simply follow your senses through Avignon's cobbled streets, discovering tucked-away bistros and brasseries, where you might pause for a glass of wine or afternoon pâtisserie.

For wonderful views over the Rhône, wander up to Jardin des Doms, a leafy park perched on a hill above the city. With its sculptures, fountains and shaded pathways, it's a tranquil place to relax and take in the scenery. Or, for a gentle stroll, walk down the pretty Rue des Teinturiers, where old waterwheels turn slowly in the canal that runs alongside.

• Breakfast

We join a knowledgeable guide after breakfast this morning to explore Avignon through its vibrant culinary scene. We are introduced to artisan producers and local specialities, before visiting many of the different stalls at the city's renowned food market, Las Halles. On this tasty tour, we sample local olives and delicacies such as sacristain (an almond pastry), Camargue salt toffee, and callison (candied fruit with ground almonds).

Later, we enjoy an excursion to a remarkable piece of Roman engineering as we visit the iconic Pont du Gard. Built in the first century AD, this three-tiered bridge was part of the aqueduct used to transport water to the Roman city of Nîmes. Today it stands 160 feet above the Gardon River and is UNESCO-listed due to its remarkable state of preservation.

Next, we enjoy a tasting of Roman-style wines at Les Terrasses, a restaurant overlooking the magnificent monument. These unique wines are unlike any other traditional French wines and pair beautifully with the historic backdrop. Afterwards, we return to Avignon in time for our final dinner together at our hotel.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Avignon, with its sun-baked architecture and fantastic history, was the ideal base from which to experience the delights of Provence and the Rhône on this beautiful holiday. The Roman influences and artistic culture of Arles were explored after a serene cruise along one of France's most scenic rivers, while the ancient Port du Gard and idyllic Provençal villages were also uncovered. The region's famed gastronomy was experienced during a walking tour of Avignon, a visit to a nougaterie and a tasting of Roman wines at Les Terrasses.

Leaving Avignon after breakfast, we board the direct train to Paris. In the French capital, we switch to the Eurostar for the last leg of the journey. Arriving back at London St Pancras this evening, we say farewell to the Tour Manager and our discovery of Avignon and the Rhône.

• Breakfast