The South of France - Tours - Travelsphere Europe by Coach & Rail

Aix-en-Provence White Horses of the Camargue The South of France Savour the sights and sounds of historic Provence �799 Your holiday includes 7 nights' bed & breakfast Your experienced Tour Manager Standard class return rail travel by Eurostar/European train provider B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner from only 8 days Arles Your included meal guide Station transfers (if applicable) and transfers between stations and hotels Included excursions & other highlights Travel through picturesque French countryside to the heart of beautiful Provence Explore the winding medieval streets of historic Aix-en-Provence Beautiful Avignon on the banks of the Rhone Take a fascinating journey through the heart of southern France, discovering historic buildings, quaint artists' haunts, spectacular scenery, beautiful cities including Aix-en-Provence and Avignon and of course the relaxed pace of life synonymous with France. DAY 1 UK/Aix-en-Provence Today we leave the UK for the South of France and your hotel in Aix-en-Provence, home for the next seven nights. DAY 2 Aix-en-Provence & Cassis This pretty city offers narrow streets winding between 16th and 17th-century houses and plenty of history to explore. No trip to this delightful city would be complete without spending time at the Cours Mirabeau. This long, straight road is lined with trees and fountains and is as popular with the locals as it is with tourists. There is also the opportunity to take a trip to the picturesque village and harbour of Cassis. This lovely Mediterranean fishing village is hemmed in by soaring white cliffs and is a delight to explore. Meals: B DAY 3 Les-Baux-de-Provence Join us today as we enjoy an optional half day excursion to the fortified village of Les Baux. Perched on a rocky outcrop above the Proven�al landscape, you can wander up through the winding streets to the ruined citadel and take in the breathtaking views over the Camargue. Meals: B DAY 4 Avignon Explore the old ramparts of the Palais des Papes, the famous Pont d'Avignon and the cathedral, Notre Dame des Domes on our included excursion to Avignon today. Meals: B DAY 5 Aix-en-Provence More time to explore this delightful city. Perhaps discover the medieval art treasures of the beautiful Cathedral of St Sauveur, including tapestries that once hung in Canterbury Cathedral. Immerse yourself in the French way of life by relaxing with a coffee in one of the many pavement caf�s, people watching and taking in the atmosphere. Meals: B DAY 6 Arles & the Camargue Located on the River Rhone, Arles is a charming town and our optional excursion will take us to its well-preserved amphitheatre and numerous other Roman and medieval monuments. It was here that the troubled Van Gogh painted such masterpieces as Sunflowers and Starry Night. The Camargue is a hauntingly beautiful wilderness at the mouth of the Rhone, dotted with lagoons and marshes. We'll see the best of it today from the undulating plains known for their white horses, to the prolific birdlife. Meals: B DAY 7 Nimes & Pont du Gard Set against the foothills of the Cevennes, Nimes has an impressive Roman past. We'll get to experience some of it, including the amphitheatre and a superbly preserved temple, the Maison Carree, on our optional excursion today. Our day ends at the magnificent Pont du Gard, a Roman acqueduct and an ancient marvel of engineering. Meals: B DAY 8 Aix-en-Provence/UK After breakfast this morning, board the train for your return journey back to the UK. Meals: B YOUR HOTEL Best Western Hotel Le Galice (3-star) Ideally located close to the centre of Aixen-Provence, this hotel offers guests a restaurant and choice of bars and lounges, as well as an outdoor swimming pool. The guest rooms have private facilities, TV and telephone. Hotels will be confirmed in your final documents. The South of France Optional excursions Cassis Les-Baux-de-Provence Arles & the Camargue Nimes & Pont du Gard PRiCES 2012 The South of France HOliDAY REF: PEAIX 28 Apr 12 May 9 Jun 25 Aug* �879 �879 �879 �799 1 Sep* 15 Sep 29 Sep 20 Oct �829 �879 �849 �849 CUSTOMER RATiNG THE HOLIdAy 100% Customers rating excellent or good Sep 10 - Aug 11 FRANCE Nimes Les Baux Arles Avignon Aix-en-Provence Cassis Journey by train Journey by coach *Direct Eurostar service to Avignon. This tour operates in conjunction with our sister company Page & Moy. Single room supplement from �350. For insurance information, please see page 73. All prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin or double-bedded room with private facilities. TRAVEl ARRAnGEMEnTS Your route may vary depending on the date you travel, you will either travel from St. Pancras International to Avignon, then transfer by coach (approximately 1 hour 15 mins) to Aix-en-Provence or from St. Pancras International to Aix-en-Provence (via Lille). Please note: All timings are subject to change. TRAVEl UPGRAdE First Class Travel Upgrade (Standard Premier - Eurostar see page 15) from �170 per person. For latest prices visit travelsphere.co.uk or call 0844 567 5229 Please have passport details ready when booking 69