Beautiful Provence & The Camargue By Rail
- Duration: 8 days
- Board Basis: Mixed Board
- Tour Ref: D2TLEGET8FPC-1
Holiday Summary
- Travel Type: Rail
PLEASE NOTE: Price is per person and based on two people sharing a twin/double room. Single room supplements and upgrades are not included.
Itinerary
8-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Make your own way to London St. Pancras International where you will meet your friendly Tour Manager and board the Eurostar to Paris. We then join the TGV to Avignon. On arrival, we take the short walk to our hotel where we check in for our seven-night stay. The evening is free for you to relax and unwind.
Day 2 - Avignon Guided Walking Tour
This morning, we are joined by our local guide and are plunged into the heart of history as we discover Avignon, a Provençal jewel with a rich heritage. Explore the majestic Palais des Papes, an impressive fortress and papal residence, where each room reveals unique frescoes and captivating stories.
Then stroll over the famous Pont d'Avignon, witness to legends and offering a breathtaking view of the Rhône and the city walls. You'll then be charmed by Avignon's historic centre, with its cobblestone streets, lively squares and architectural treasures that tell the story of its glorious past. This immersive tour promises an unforgettable experience, combining culture, history, and the Provençal art of living.
This evening, we gather for a welcome dinner in a local restaurant.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 - Aigues-Mortes
Today we join our coach for an included full-day visit to Aigues-Mortes, which was the first French port on the Mediterranean but is now surrounded by land. You'll be struck by the excellent state of preservation of the monumental ramparts, which stretch for 1.6 km and the salt marshes cover an area the size of around 10,000 rugby pitches!
When wandering around the town, which is full of artists' and craftsmen's workshops, you will see the majestic Tour de Constance, where King Saint Louis lived and from where he set off on his crusade.
We board a barge and enjoy a cruise along the waterway where we discover the area's architectural heritage, history, fauna and flora.
Meals - Breakfast
Day 4 - Free Time in Avignon
Today is free to relax. There are six public museums in Avignon which are free of charge; they are in beautiful buildings so even if you’re not interested in the exhibition, you can still go and see the building.
If you'd prefer, go to Ile de la Barthelasse, which is the biggest river island in Europe and offers the best panoramic view of the city centre. Here, you can have a stroll over the island between forests, fields and the River Rhône.
Meals - Breakfast
Day 5 - Arles & the Camargue
Today, we travel by coach to Arles – a city of art, history, and Roman treasures. Explore the majestic arenas and the ancient theatre, as well as the unique atmosphere of its narrow streets that inspired Van Gogh. Every stone tells a thousand-year-old story of culture, heritage and living traditions.
We continue to the Camargue, a vast wilderness nestling between the two arms of the Rhône with its marshes, rice fields and wild beaches. This exceptional land is home to pink flamingos, bulls, and white horses. A paradise for migratory birds and a mecca for Provençal culture, the Camargue is renowned for its rich biodiversity, varied landscapes, and farming traditions.
Meals - Breakfast
Day 6 - Uzès, Pont du Gard & Orange
Today, we board our coach and travel to Uzès, a historic town with a rich heritage. Its medieval streets, majestic Duchy of Uzès and lively Place aux Herbes are alluring. Today is market day, so you can browse the various stalls and treat yourself to some local produce.
From here we continue to the Pont du Gard, a masterpiece of ancient architecture and one of the best-preserved Roman structures in the world, built by the Romans in the 1st century AD.
We continue to Orange, a jewel of ancient heritage listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Immerse yourself in Roman history by visiting its emblematic Théâtre Antique d'Orange, one of the best preserved in Europe, famous for its exceptional stage wall that is still intact. You can also marvel at the imposing Arc de Triomphe, a majestic witness to imperial grandeur.
Meals - Breakfast
Day 7 - Free Time in Avignon
Today is free for you to explore more of Avignon or relax at the hotel. This evening we gather for a farewell dinner in a local restaurant.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8
After breakfast, we walk to the station and join the TGV to Paris. From here, we journey by Eurostar back to London St. Pancras International. After arriving in London, you will make your own way home.
Meals - Breakfast