Day 1 - Provence

Scheduled flight to Marseilles - transfer with our guide in our private executive coach to the 3* Hotel Le Galice in central Aix-en-Provence - welcome drink and dinner in the hotel.

Day 2 - Aix-en-Provence & ‘In Cezanne’s footsteps’

Guided walking tour of Aix-en-Provence introduces us to the beautiful old buildings, magnificent squares, fountains, street cafés, markets, art galleries and boutiques of this elegant town - afternoon tour ‘In Cezanne’s footsteps’ to discover the life and landscapes that inspired the great painter including a visit to his studio.

Day 3 - Arles, Glanum & Les Baux de Provence

Guided walking tour of the delightful town of Arles, home to the magnificent Roman cathedral of Saint Trophime and where Van Gogh is said to have eventually lost his sanity - continue on to Glanum to see the extensive remains of an important Roman settlement that prospered from the 6th century BC to the 3rd century AD including ruins of both civic and religious structures that are unique to Provence - brief stop at the stunningly beautiful Les Baux de Provence.

Day 4 - Avignon & Le Palais des Papes

Full day in the city of Avignon - visit Le Palais des Papes, the Pope’s Palace, which is the largest and most important Gothic palace in Europe testifying to the leading role played by Avignon in 14th century Christian Europe - see the four remaining of the original 22 arches of the famous Pont St Bénezet, better known as Pont d’Avignon.

Day 5 - Nimes & Pont du Gard

Explore the stunning Roman temple known as La Maison Carrée in Nimes, one of the finest remaining examples of a Roman Colliseum in the world - reaching a height of 49 metres, the Pont du Gard is the major structure along the Nîmes Aqueduct and is the highest aqueduct bridge ever built by the Romans.

Day 6 - Sainte Madeleine Basilica & Aix-en-Provence

Considered to be the most beautiful Gothic building in Provence, Sainte Madeleine Basilica in the town of Saint Maximin was founded in the 13th century by Charles of Anjou and is built above a Gallo-Roman crypt containing the tomb of Mary Magdalene - return to Aix-en-Provence for an afternoon at leisure.

Day 7 - Château de Lourmarin, Cucuron Church & Château Val Joanis vineyard

Visit the Renaissance style 15th century Château de Lourmarin, one of the most beautiful in France - travel on to Cucuron Church and the lovely Château Val Joanis vineyard, situated in the Luberon region on the site of an ancient Roman villa, for a tour of the winery before tasting the wine and olive oil produced here.

Day 8 - Marseilles

Transfer to Marseilles for the flight back home.

Seven nights at the 3* Hotel Le Galice with a welcome dinner on the first night and the other six nights on bed and breakfast basis. Located just 450 metres from the centre of Aix en Provence, the hotel boasts a bar, restaurant and outdoor swimming pool. All the bedrooms are en suite.

Single room supplement £189

Insurance

Entrance fees to places of interest

Gratuities

Remember this itinerary is just our suggestion. Tailor make this tour exclusively for your group to suit your members’ budget or preferences. You could:

• incorporate a visit to Marseilles & Château d’If, the fortress on an island off Marseilles & the setting for Alexander Duma’s The Count of Monte Cristo
• stay at a 4* hotel
• on half board basis throughout
• with fewer or different excursions
• for more (or fewer) days
• bring your own specialist lecturer
• include all entrance fees & gratuities