Carcassonne, Avignon & Beautiful Provence

Tour Itinerary

• Day 1 • Fly to France

  Upon arrival meet your friendly tour manager and make the scenic transfer to Carcassonne and your hotel. Accommodation is reserved on a bed and breakfast basis, giving you the opportunity to dine out and discover some exceptional local cuisine during your stay.

• Day 2 • Including walking tour of Carcassonne

  Join your guide on a walking tour of Carcassonne, one of Europe’s most impressive walled cities, exploring its beautifully restored double-walled Cité, including the Château Comtal, the church of St-Nazaire, and the narrow medieval streets lined with cafés and craft shops, with spectacular views from the ramparts. The remainder of the day is free to explore at your own pace, perhaps crossing the River Aude to the charming Ville Basse for lunch or dinner in its relaxed, atmospheric setting.

• Day 3 • Optional tour of Narbonne, Collioure and wine tasting

  Explore Carcassonne at leisure or join an optional full-day excursion to southwest France, starting in Narbonne, once the Roman capital of southern Gaul, where you can visit its 13th-century cathedral, stroll the canal, and see remnants of the Via Domitia beneath the main square. Continue to the picturesque coastal town of Collioure, famed for its palm-lined bay, artistic heritage, and the Château-Royal, before heading to Domaine de l’Hospitalet on the La Clape massif for a regional wine tasting, then return to Carcassonne for the evening.

• Day 4 • Included Canal du Midi cruise

  Today brings the delight of an included cruise on the tree-lined Canal du Midi, part of the 150-mile-long waterway constructed in the 17th-century to connect the Atlantic with the Mediterranean, and now a hugely popular choice for boating holidays. The cruise may take place in the morning, or afternoon, or in some cases earlier during your holiday, depending on local conditions.

• Day 5 • Included Pont du Gard and Avignon tour

  Enjoy a full day exploring two of southern France’s highlights, beginning with the magnificent Pont du Gard, a UNESCO-listed, three-tiered Roman aqueduct spanning the River Gard and celebrated as a masterpiece of ancient engineering. Continue to the walled city of Avignon to discover the imposing Palais des Papes, the famous Pont d’Avignon reaching into the Rhône, and the lively Place de l’Horloge, where cafés and restaurants offer the perfect spot to relax and soak up the city’s atmosphere.

• Day 6 • Return to the UK

  Bid au revoir to Carcassonne, transferring to the airport for the return flight to the UK, at the end of a wonderful holiday in a truly beautiful corner of the world.