Provence and the French Riviera

Meet the group in the shining capital of the French Riviera and get to know one another over a delicious welcome meal. After all, there's no better place to begin our journey than alongside the clear waters of the Côte d'Azur! Stay: Hôtel Locarno (or similar) (D)

After breakfast, our first stop will be Antibes – where we'll take some time to stroll the narrow streets and picturesque old port with our Tour Leader. Indulge in some local produce and soak up the charming atmosphere at the Provençal market before enjoying some free time to explore this seaside town at your leisure.

Later, we'll continue our journey along the Mediterranean coast – where we'll have the evening free to relax at our accommodation in the French Riviera. Stay: Best Western Hotel & SPA Coeur De Cassis (or similar) (B)

This morning we'll make our way towards a local vineyard to learn about Provence rosé and enjoy a tasting of the region's sweet wines. Following a sumptuous lunch at the winery, our path will lead us to Aix-en-Provence, where we'll take some time to explore this charming town at our own pace.

Later, we'll move on to Avignon – home to Palace of the Popes, one of the most significant medieval buildings in Europe and centre of the Roman Catholic world during the 14th century – and relish in free time to relax at our hotel or seek out a restaurant for some delicious local cuisine. Stay: Hotel Regina (or similar) (B/L)

First today, we'll pay a visit to the iconic Pont du Gard – an ancient Roman aqueduct with no fewer than three tiers of archways. And this afternoon? We'll stop off in Arles, where we'll take a stroll around this historic city with our knowledgeable Tour Leader. After, you'll have some free time to explore the local highlights. Take the opportunity to visit the Arles Amphitheatre – built in 90 AD and home to centuries of historic spectating – or spend the afternoon among thought-provoking art at the Vincent van Gogh Foundation.

Back in Avignon, you'll have the rest of the evening to spend as you please. Perhaps seek out a local wine cellar and sample some the of the local Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Côtes-du-Rhône wines – accompanied with a sumptuous French meal, of course! Stay: Hotel Regina (or similar) (B)

Today, we'll remain in Avignon to uncover the city's local culture nestled within its heart. To begin, our expert Tour Leader will take us on a walking tour, sharing secrets and tales as we go. Following this, we'll take the opportunity to uncover the Palace of the Popes and learn its unique history. Then, you'll have time to further explore the city at your leisure.

This evening, we'll clink glasses over an included meal and share stories of our day. Stay: Hotel Regina (or similar) (B/D)

First today: a stop at the famous Les Baux-de-Provence – renowned for its Les Baux stone. Here, we'll experience an extraordinary multimedia art show within an old quarry – before continuing to a local olive farm. We'll take a tour of the farm, learning all about the olive cultivation process and sampling some of the delicious produce as we go. Then? We'll make the most of our glorious surroundings by tucking into a hearty picnic together.

Appetites satisfied, we'll make tracks to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, where a visit to the impressive Saint Paul de Mausole Monastery is lined up for us. Vincent van Gogh lived here from 1889 to 1890 – and in the Van Gogh Field, you'll have the opportunity to see 20 large-scale reproductions of his work. Before returning to Avignon for the evening, we'll enjoy some free time exploring the romantic and traditionally Provençal town of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. Stay: Hotel Regina (or similar) (B/L)

We''ll begin today with scenic stops at some of the traditional villages of the Luberon – a region known for its vivid lavender fields, endless vineyards, towering red cliffs and incredible organic produce.

This afternoon, we'll visit the idyllic Sénanque Abbey, where we'll meet the monks and take some time to enjoy the serene atmosphere and picturesque surrounds. And in Gréoux-les-Bains this evening, we'll come together for a final group dinner – celebrating a wonderful tour of Provençal France. Stay: Villa Borghese (or similar) (B/D)

As our tour comes to an end today, we'll travel along the spectacular Gorges du Verdon – the jewel in the region's crown. Known as the ‘Grand Canyon of Europe', picture steep cliff sides, rushing rapids and turquoise-coloured water. Our tour will end back in Nice, where we'll say our goodbyes. (B)