Avignon | The City of Popes!

Itinerary What's Included Pricing Hotels Map Request

Discover the many charms of Provence - Avignon the 'City of Popes', the cliff-perched medieval towns of the Luberon, picturesque country roads through olive groves, vineyards & lavender fields, and tasting of world renowned wines in the Rhône Valley. This Provence City Break is sure to leave you wanting to come back!

Day 1: Arrive in Avignon

Arrive in Avignon and make your way to the hotel for check-in, before venturing out to start exploring this beautiful historic city. Also known as 'The City of Popes' for having been the retreat of Popes during the 14th century, it is one of Europe's oldest towns. Avignon's history can be traced to pre-historic times and still today monuments & buildings of all ages abound. Overnight accommodation at the selected hotel.

Day 2: Provence in One Day

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before departing on a full day small-group excursion the Provence. You’ll be picked-up at your hotel and whisked off to discover the most beautiful monuments & spots in Provence. Departing from Avignon, the tour starts by visiting the hill-top town of Roussillon, famous for its red and yellow ochre cliffs and ochre-washed façades and where on Thursdays you can enjoy the local market. Your guide will then take you to a panoramic photo stop facing the medieval hilltop village of Gordes. This Provencal village is perched up high in the Luberon and is listed as one of "the most beautiful villages in France"  Next, we drive to Fontaine de Vaucluse where you'll walk up to the cave from which the River Sorgues emerges. This impressive resurgence spring hasn't revealed its secrets yet and many speleologists have searched in vain the exact depth of the well. Continue to Pont du Gard and visit the best-preserved aqueduct of the Roman period, dating back to the 1st century and listed by UNESCO (entrance fees included). In Les Baux de Provence enjoy free time to visit this medieval village located on a rocky spur in the Alpilles mountain range, admiring its historical centre, beautiful 16th-century houses & the Romanesque style St-Vincent Church. Our final stop will be in the city centre of Saint Rémy de Provence, before returning to Avignon in the early evening. (B)

Day 3: Châteauneuf du Pape Wine Tour

This morning you'll enjoy a small group tour highlighting the wine culture of the Provence region. Departing your hotel by minibus, enjoy a scenic drive through the Rhône Valley to the charming village of Châteauneuf du Pape. From the ruins of the Pope's summer residence, take in the magnificent panoramic views over the Rhône river valley and the hills surrounding the village. You'll visit two different wineries of this famous appellation to sample some of the finest wines from the region. With a duration of about 4 hours, this tour offers a good introduction to the wines of the Rhône Valley and you'll learn about "terroir", grape varieties, vinification, and aging cellars. Return to Avignon and spend the afternoon at leisure. (B)

Day 4: Depart Avignon

Sadly it is time to depart Avignon. Following breakfast at your hotel, check-out and make your way to your next destination. (B)

Daily Departures

The excursions included in this City Break do not operate daily. The itinerary will be modified to suit.