Day 1 – UK to France

Scheduled flight to Toulouse – transfer with our guide in our private executive coach to the 3* Hotel Chiffre in Albi – dinner in the hotel.

Day 2 – Albi

Guided walking tour of Albi to introduce us to the medieval streets of the old quarter and the enormous Gothic Cathedral of Sainte Cécile whose outer defensive architecture is in stark contrast to the sumptuous inner decoration – rest of the day is free to enjoy Albi at your leisure.

Day 3 – Castres

Drive through the scenic Black Mountain region to the pretty riverside town of Castres, a centre of wool making since the 14th century where old tanners' and weavers' houses overhang the river and best known as the home of famous socialist leader Jean Jaurès and for its major Goya Museum of Spanish paintings.

Day 4 – Carcassonne & Béziers

With its double battlemented walls, turreted towers and panoramic views over the countryside, the fortress at Carcassonne captures the atmosphere of medieval France – guided tour takes in the church of St Nazaire et Celse, the Old Bridge and 12th century Château Comtal – visit the medieval town of Béziers which rises in terraces from the banks of the River Orb and Canal du Midi.

Day 5 – Najac & Cordes

The fortified village of Najac is set on a conical hill on a wide bend in the Aveyron Valley and its photogenic castle sits right on the peak – free time in the unspoilt medieval walled town of Cordes with steep cobbled lanes, perched on a ridge above the river.

Day 6 – Toulouse

Guided tour of Toulouse – transfer to Toulouse Airport for our scheduled flight home.

Five nights in the 3* Hotel Chiffre in Albi. Once an old coaching inn, the hotel is centrally located and just a short walk from the historic centre. Dinner is included the first night and the following four nights are on bed and breakfast. All the rooms are en suite and the hotel has a restaurant.

Single room supplement £89

Insurance

Entrance fees to places of interest

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

• travel by Eurostar to Avignon
• stay at a 4* hotel
• on bed & breakfast or half board basis throughout
• with fewer or different excursions
• for more (or fewer) days
• bring your own specialist lecturer
• include all entrance fees and gratuities