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 Aix-en-Provence – stopping for plenty of photo opportunities en route. Upon our arrival we'll settle into a sumptuous included lunch, before having some time to explore this charming town at our own pace. Then, we'll stop at a local vineyard to learn about the Provence rosé and enjoy a tasting of the region's sweet wines.

Later, we'll move on to Arles – a city that's famous as the inspiration behind Van Gogh's paintings – and relish in free time to relax at our hotel or seek out a restaurant for some delicious local cuisine. Stay: Brit Hôtel Acacias (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 Avignon, where we'll take a stroll around this historic city with our knowledgeable Tour Leader. After, we'll have the opportunity to visit the Palace of the Popes – one of the most significant medieval buildings in Europe and centre of the Roman Catholic world during the 14th century.

Back in Arles, 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: Brit Hôtel Acacias (or similar) (B)

Today, Arles is yours for the taking – so why not seize the opportunity to uncover thousands of years of local history and culture? Spend the day exploring some city highlights including the Arles Amphitheatre, the Church of St Trophime, the Langlois Bridge and the Vincent van Gogh Foundation.

This evening, we'll clink glasses over an included meal and share stories of our day. Stay: Brit Hôtel Acacias (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 Arles for the evening, we'll enjoy some free time exploring the romantic and traditionally Provençal town of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. Stay: Brit Hôtel Acacias (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)