Great Rail Journeys
First-Class Carcassonne, Châteaux & Vineyards
First Class rail escorted tour based in Carcassonne, France
7 daysfrom $2,269
29% rail
Great Rail Journeys · Escorted group tour
Avignon, the Rhône & Provence
Tour idyllic Provençal villages, view Roman influences by the Rhône and experience local gastronomy while staying in the charming city of Avignon
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: Avignon
London to Avignon: Through France to Provence
Your holiday begins at London St Pancras where you meet the Tour Manager and the group. Board the Eurostar to Paris, then change trains and continue to Avignon, arriving in the early evening having travelled through verdant fields and hills alongside the Rhône from Lyon. The hotel lies just outside the city walls near the station. Dinner together in the hotel restaurant this evening. Note: For the 17th June departure, accommodation is at the Cloitre St Louis hotel in Avignon.
Meals: Dinner
- Day 2railovernight: Avignon
The art and history of Arles
After a leisurely breakfast, board a boat for a relaxing cruise down the Rhône. Enjoy lunch on board, sailing through picturesque landscapes past the impressive château at Tarascon. Arrive in Arles for free time to explore: the UNESCO-listed Roman arena (capacity 20,000), Place de la République with its obelisk and Romanesque cathedral, and the Van Gogh Foundation. Alternatively, visit Place du Forum, which inspired van Gogh's 'Café Terrace at Night'. Return by train to Avignon for a free evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Day 3overnight: Avignon
Avignon: The City of Popes
A walking tour of Avignon with an expert guide, taking in landmarks including the 12th-century Pont St Bénezet. The afternoon is at leisure – you may visit the Palais des Papes (Papal Palace), one of the largest Gothic buildings in Europe, and its pontifical gardens. This evening, explore the restaurants and bars around Place de l'Horloge, Place des Corps Saints and Place Pie.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 4overnight: Avignon
The beautiful villages of Provence
After breakfast, visit a nougaterie to learn about the history of nougat and sample some. Then travel to L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue – the 'Venice of Provence' – for free time to explore its pastel-coloured buildings and canals. Next, visit the hilltop village of Gordes, a labyrinth of cobblestone alleys flanked by rustic buildings, with a 10th-century château at its heart. Return to Avignon in the early evening; dine independently.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 5overnight: Avignon
A day to explore Avignon at leisure
A free day to soak up the beauty of Avignon at your own pace. Options include exploring the shaded squares and hidden courtyards of the Old Town, browsing boutiques, art galleries and antique shops, visiting Jardin des Doms for views over the Rhône, or strolling along Rue des Teinturiers with its old waterwheels.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 6overnight: Avignon
Tasting Avignon and the Pont du Gard
Join a guide to explore Avignon's culinary scene, visiting artisan producers and the food market Les Halles, sampling local olives, sacristain, Camargue salt toffee and callison. Later, visit the Pont du Gard – a first-century AD three-tiered Roman aqueduct standing 160 feet above the Gardon River, UNESCO-listed for its preservation. Enjoy a tasting of Roman-style wines at Les Terrasses restaurant overlooking the monument. Return to Avignon for a final dinner at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 7rail
Homeward bound
Leave Avignon after breakfast and board the direct train to Paris. In Paris, switch to the Eurostar for the final leg, arriving back at London St Pancras this evening. Farewell to the Tour Manager.
Meals: Breakfast
Included
- Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
- 6 nights' 4-star hotel accommodation
- Eurostar Standard class travel (First & Standard class rail options available)
- All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
- Breakfast each day
- 1 lunch
- 2 dinners
- All guided tours and excursions
Not included
- Cancellation & Travel Insurance
