Day 1 - Travel via short sea crossing into northern France and your overnight hotel.
Day 2 - Continue south, arriving in the Lyon area this afternoon where you will check into your second overnight hotel.
Day 3 - Avignon & Cavaillon
Travel to beautiful Avignon, city of the Popes, in time for lunch and a spot of sightseeing. Continue to Cavaillon to arrive early evening.
Day 4 - Cavaillon
Today is at leisure to discover this pretty Provencale town. This morning go to the market, which takes place in front of your hotel. Take a stroll to discover the Roman ruins and other points of interest by following the signs "Circuit du Vieux Cavaillon".
Day 5 - Arles & the Carmargue
Drive to Arles, once one of the wealthiest cities of Rome. Walk the centre, stopping at the Gallo-Roman ruins, the Church of St. Trophime and the ancient amphitheatre that is still used for bullfights and plays. Continue through the Camargue countryside to the ancient walled town of Aigues Mortes. A successful port in the Middle Ages, it was later overtaken by Marseilles and these days the town's visitors comprise mainly of tourists. Because the town did not grow, visitors witness a sandstone, fortified town that is largely unchanged since its heyday in the 14th century.
Day 6 - Nimes & the Pont du Gard
Travel this morning to Nimes. Walk round the vibrant centre where streets are shaded from the sun by tall leafy trees and admiring the Roman architecture, such as the oval amphitheatre. Why not have a browse around the shops or relax and watch the world go by from one of the many restaurants. Leave Nimes after lunch and drive to Pont du Gard, the acquaduct built in Roman times to provide water to the inhabitants of Nimes and the surrounding area. This incredible structure is not only beautiful in its own right and in an idyllic location, straddled across the River Gard, but there is also a fascinating interactive museum which describes the history of the area, how the structure was built and how it so successfully served its purpose. Coach parking is approximately 50 Euros.
Day 7 - Aix en Provence
Drive to Aix en Provence where the ancient centre is full of boulevards, little squares and fountains. Head to the elegant Cours Mirabeau, the tree lined avenue that is the most famous image of Aix, where elegant fountains and shady terrace cafés are crammed with tourists and business people alike. Many markets take place in Aix, such as the daily food market, the flower market (three days a week), a weekly flea market and the large main market by the Palais de Justice, which sells everything you can think of.
Day 8 - Depart this morning for Lyon, the beautiful 2,000-year-old town with the magnificent
St Jean Cathedral. This evening check into your return overnight hotel.
Day 9 - Continue north to your second return overnight hotel, arriving late afternoon.
Day 10 - Continue homeward to Calais for your return sea crossing.