Discover Provence

Pont St Benezet, Avignon

Discover traditional towns, scented citrus groves and stunning landscapes as you explore beautiful Provence.

Your Itinerary

DAY 1: UK - Marseille.

Fly to Marseille where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for one night.

DAY 2: Marseille - Avignon.

Your discovery of Provence starts with a morning tour of Marseille, France's oldest city and largest seaport. The capital of Provence, this cosmopolitan city was founded by the Greeks in 600BC and is packed with fascinating sights. Your tour takes you to its bustling ancient heart, the picturesque Vieux Port or 'old port', where elegant 'quais', bustling markets and handsome townhouses surround the boat-filled harbour. Next, you'll head for the hilltop Basilica Notre Dame de la Garde. This afternoon, continue to historic Avignon, where you'll stay for five nights. (B)

DAY 3: Avignon and Pont du Gard.

This morning, enjoy a walking tour of this fortified medieval city, once the home of popes and famed for its Saint Bénezet, the arched bridge immortalised in the song 'Sur le pont d'Avignon'. Set alongside the River Rhône, the city's pink sandstone buildings, cobbled streets and leafy squares are reminiscent of a Van Gogh painting. See the Romanesque cathedral and later, perhaps visit the Palais de Papes or 'Pope's Palace'. Topped with fairytale turrets, the court of this citadel once attracted Europe's most distinguished intellectuals and artists. This afternoon, visit the Pont du Gard, a stunning, three-tiered Roman aqueduct across the Gardon River, which more than warrants its UNESCO World Heritage status. (B)

DAY 4: Nîmes - Uzès.

Begin today in the Roman town of Nîmes, the original heart of the 19th century denim - 'de Nîmes' - industry. Take a walking tour around its lotus tree-lined boulevards and squares to see the superbly preserved Roman arena and Maison Carrée, a colonnaded 5th century temple. This afternoon, explore the lovely town of Uzès, where medieval towers rise over narrow cobbled lanes. (B)

DAY 5: Châteauneuf-du-Pape - Orange.

Once the summer retreat of Avignon's popes, Châteauneuf-du-Pape is now better known for its local wines and has cobbled passageways filled with wine shops, all overlooked by its ruined papal chateau. Sample prized wines at a wine cellar before taking an afternoon trip to Orange, home to a spectacular, 9,000-seater Roman theatre. (B)

DAY 6: Arles - Les Baux de Provence.

Your sightseeing starts in delightful Arles, where Van Gogh painted his masterpieces 'Sunflowers' and 'Starry Night'. Set off on a walking tour with your local guide to admire its café-filled squares, 9th century cathedral and breathtaking 1st century Roman amphitheatre. This afternoon, visit the walled town of Les Baux de Provence, whose crumbled citadel gives wonderful views over the Camargue. (B)

DAY 7: Aix-en-Provence - Marseille.

Provence's medieval capital and once home to Cezanne, the beautiful city of Aix enjoys UNESCO World Heritage status and has a postcard-perfect old town bursting with medieval treasures, pretty squares and pavement cafés. Enjoy a walking tour of its highlights, seeing the elegant mansions, 12th century cathedral and tree-lined 'Cours Mirabeau', a tunnel of greenery studded with grand fountains, ornate town houses and stately cafés. This afternoon, continue to Marseille. (B)

DAY 8: Marseille - UK.

Transfer to Marseille airport for your return flight to the UK. (B)

Accommodation on Tour

Marseille: Holiday Inn (4*).

Travel by Eurostar

Why not take the Eurostar service from St Pancras or Ebbsfleet international?

Your Holiday Map

Discover Provence

Itinerary Map

Mercure Avignon Cite des Papes
3 plus diamond rating

Ideally set in the vibrant heart of the Old Town, Mercure Avignon Cite des Papes is a modern, comfortable hotel offering great access to the centre of Avignon with its many restaurants, bars and cafés.

Location: Set in the Place de l'Horloge square, next door to the Palais des Papes and just 100m from the famed Pont d'Avignon.

Facilities: Reception lounge; bar; contemporary restaurant offering French cuisine; wi-fi connection; lift; safety deposit box and minibar in bedrooms.

Price includes: Bed and breakfast in a twin room with private facilities; air-conditioning; TV; telephone; radio; hairdryer.

Options: Single room.

Official category: 3 star.

Discover Provence 7 nights

Availability and our best prices for all dates
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Earlier 2012 Later
May Mon 14 Jun Sat 09 Jun Sat 16 Jul Mon 30 Aug Mon 06 Sep Mon 03 Sep Mon 10 Sep Sat 15
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own way

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Birmingham

Departure Times

  • 09:30

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  • 09:20

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  • 09:20

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  • 09:30

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  • 09:30

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  • 09:30

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Edinburgh    

Departure Times

  • 07:35
 

Departure Times

  • 09:25
       
Glasgow        

Departure Times

  • 06:45
       
Inverness    

Departure Times

  • 07:05
           
London Gatwick

Departure Times

  • 07:50
  • 13:20 (+ £40)

Departure Times

  • 08:00
  • 13:20 (+ £30)

Departure Times

  • 08:00
  • 13:20 (+ £55)

Departure Times

  • 07:50
  • 13:20 (+ £40)

Departure Times

  • 07:50
  • 13:20 (+ £40)

Departure Times

  • 07:50
  • 13:20 (+ £40)

Departure Times

  • 07:50
  • 13:20 (+ £40)

Departure Times

  • 08:00
  • 13:20 (+ £30)
 
Manchester

Departure Times

  • 09:40

Departure Times

  • 09:40

Departure Times

  • 08:45
  • 09:40 (+ £85)

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  • 09:40

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  • 08:45
  • 09:40 (+ £100)

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  • 09:40

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  • 09:40

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  • 09:40
 

Discover Provence 7 nights

Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and accommodation options. Then select your holiday from the grid.

Date Depart From Price from PP  
14 May 2012 Make your own way

Make your own way

This is the price of the holiday without flights
Select
14 May 2012 Birmingham

Departure Times

  • 09:30
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14 May 2012 London Gatwick

Departure Times

  • 07:50
  • 13:20 (+ £40)
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14 May 2012 Manchester

Departure Times

  • 09:40
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Discover Provence

Price from £775.00

What's Included

  • Flights UK - Marseille - UK
  • Accommodation on tour in a twin room with private facilities
  • Meals on tour 7 breakfasts (B)
  • Services of a tour director
  • Porterage at hotels (for one suitcase per person)
  • Transfers between overseas airport and hotels
  • All local and airport taxes/service charges

All this included

  • Marseille Walking city sightseeing
  • Avignon Walking city sightseeing
  • Pont du Gard Visit
  • Nîmes City sightseeing & Roman Amphitheatre
  • Uzes Visit
  • Châteauneuf-du-Pape Visit and wine tasting Â
  • Orange Visit
  • Arles City sightseeing
  • Les Baux de Provence Visit
  • Aix-en-Provence Walking city sightseeing

Departures from

  • Birmingham
  • Edinburgh
  • Glasgow
  • Inverness
  • London Gatwick
  • Manchester

Departures between

14 May 2012 to 22 Sep 2012

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NO HIDDEN EXTRAS: All prices shown include ALL compulsory charges (Fuel Supplement, Air Passenger Duty & Flight Supplement where applicable). Book with confidence: We are members of ABTA and all our air-inclusive holidays are financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme

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