Day 1 BEAUNE
Selected early morning coach pick-ups and a
journey to Dover/Folkestone for the 7.00am ferry/
Eurotunnel crossing to Calais. Alternatively, we offer
overnight hotel accommodation close to port for those who would prefer. From
Calais we continue south through, Burgundy, a land
of rolling hills, vineyards and turreted châteaux, to
Beaune, the historic wine capital of Burgundy, for a
one-night stay with dinner and breakfast included.
After your included evening meal, perhaps take
a stroll and admire Beaune’s ancient ramparts,
watchtowers and soaring turrets.
Day 2 ARLES
Depart the hotel after breakfast and continue south
to Lyon, where we make a short stop. Dramatically
sited on the banks of The Rhône and Saone rivers,
France’s second capital Lyon is renowned for its
slow pace of life, Roman heritage and excellent
restaurants.
Take time to stroll the Chemin du Rosaire, visit
the Roman amphitheatres or savour some local
cuisine from one of the stylish bistros. We continue
along the famous autoroute du Soleil, through the
spectacular Maritime Alps and glorious Provençal
landscape to the city of Arles, where you’ll join the
4* MS Van Gogh for a three-night stay with full
board.
Those taking the air option will fly direct from the
UK to France, joining the vessel here following a
coach transfer from their airport of arrival.
This evening, why not explore Arles, home to
many World Heritage sites including a 1st century
Roman amphitheatre that hosts bullfights and plays in
summer, or simply watch the world go by from the
Place du Forum.
Day 3 AVIGNON
This morning we will cruise to the ancient papal
capital of Avignon, a glittering medieval city with a
divinely inspired setting on the River Rhône. While
exploring this former capital of Christendom, don’t
miss seeing the 14th century Popes’ Palace, one of
the most impressive medieval buildings in Europe.
Take a wander down the rue Joseph-Vernet and
the Roi-René for an abundance of enthralling 17th
century houses as well as fashionable boutiques,
pavement cafes and restaurants. Perhaps, after a
glass or three of delectable Grenache from the
Languedoc region of Southern France, enjoy a dance
on Avignon’s renowned 12th century bridge, as the
famous medieval song suggests.
After an included lunch on board, enjoy more
free time in the city, or join our optional excursion
to Saint-Rémy and Les Baux en Provence, two
undisputed stars of the Côte d’Azur. Birthplace of
Nostradamus and the place where Van Gogh was
hospitalised having cut off his ear, the charming
little town of Saint-Rémy has long attracted famous
visitors to its cosy position at the foot of les Alpilles
hills. With its deserted citadel, ruined castle and
ancient houses overlooking the ‘Infernal Valley’
– a tableau of unusually shaped rocks that were,
according to legend, haunted by witches and
goblins – Les Baux de Provence could be one of
the strangest destinations you’ll ever visit.
Day 4 ARLES
This morning we cruise back to Arles, for the
opportunity to explore this fine city by day. Don’t
miss the Palace Constantine, or the Church of
St Trophime, complete with exquisitely carved
saints and apostles. Cobbled streets reveal hidden
courtyards, tiny squares and well-known scenes
from some of Van Gogh’s most famous works.
After lunch, why not join an optional excursion
to Pont du Gard and Nîmes. Absolutely stunning,
the 160ft high Pont du Gard is the tallest aqueduct
the ancient Romans ever built, and is considered a
testament to the greatness of the Roman Empire.
The aqueduct originally carried water to Nîmes
along a 30-mile route from the springs at Uzès.
We continue to Nîmes, a bustling town and
an important crossroads in the ancient world,
renowned for its bullfights, narrow streets, intimate
squares, Roman temples and triumphal arches.
Following dinner, enjoy the farewell party night on
board.
Day 5 DIJON
Disembark the vessel after an early breakfast as well
travel north to Dijon for a one-night stay with dinner
and breakfast. Those taking the air option will transfer
directly to the airport for the return flight to the UK.
The capital of Burgundy, Dijon is home to truly
exceptional architectural heritage and nationally
classed monuments. Glazed rooftops, half-timbered
houses, private 17th century mansions, the Saint
Benign Cathedral, the Palace of the Dukes of
Burgundy ... the list seems endless! Eight excellent
museums enrich the city, while beautiful parks and
gardens offer the perfect place to relax.
The city is also well reputed for its ‘delicacies’, ranging
from its pots of quality mustard to famous Burgundy
wines like Chablis, Mâcon and Nuits-St-Georges. Be
sure to sample the gourmet food of one of the many
restaurants, where specialities like poulet de Bresse
and beef from the white Charollais cattle and game
from the hills of Morvan reign supreme.
Day 6 UK
This morning we head north through the great chalky
plains of the Champagne region, passing the ancient
cities of Reims and Troyes, home to the world’s most
lightest, most subtly flavoured wines with names
such as Möet et Chandon, Krug, Bollinger and Veuve
Clicquot. Join the 6.30pm return crossing to Dover.
Upon arrival you will be returned to your original
point of departure.
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