Colours of Provence

Your first full day in Paris begins with a morning city tour. Take in the key sights including the Arc de Triomphe and iconic Eiffel Tower. (B)

Enjoy a full day at your leisure to discover more of this romantic city.

In the evening, visit the eclectic Montmartre neighbourhood. During the 1800s, artists began calling Montmartre home including Pissarro, Jongkind and later Henri Matisse, Toulouse-Lautrec, Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Pablo Picasso. Join an incredible evening tour, discovering why Paris is renowned as the ‘City of Light.' (B)

After breakfast, make your way to the train station to board a TGV high-speed train through the French countryside to Lyon. Since you're in France's food capital, follow your nose to an indoor market hall where you'll sample a range of offerings from butchers, bakers, chocolatiers and cheesemongers while enjoying all the colourful sights and enticing aromas around you. It's then time to meet your river ship. Stay Seven Nights: Concerto River Ship (B/D)

Begin today's discovery of Lyon in Fourviere Hill, part of the city's historic region and a World Heritage-listed site. You'll see the 19th-century basilica Notre-Dame de Fourviere before reaching the old town of Lyon. Enjoy a guided walk through the St Jean district and its covered walkways, known as ‘traboules'. Alternately, join a guided bike tour through the city.

In the afternoon, travel to the Beaujolais wine region, known as the Pays d'Or or “Land of the Golden Stones”. Indulge in a wine tasting at a traditional winery and learn about the history and techniques of their vineyard. (B/L/D)

Enjoy free time in Lyon. You can pop into an outdoor cafe for an authentic French breakfast or visit one of the cities many amazing museums during your leisurely morning. Bid Lyon adieu and set sail for Vienne. (B/L/D)

Tucked between the Beaujolais and Cotes du Rhone wine regions is the town of Vienne. Step back in time and discover the town's Roman past on a walking tour to see the Augustus and Livia Temple, the Saint Maurice Cathedral, and St Pierre Abbey, one of the oldest surviving churches in France and now an Archaeological Museum. If you're feeling active, you can either take a guided hike from the ship to the Monastery at Mount Pipet for spectacular views. Or, you might prefer a guided bike tour along a section of the ViaRhona bike route. (B/L/D)

Choose from three excursions today in Tournon. Take a train journey through magnificent landscapes along the Gorge du Doux, stopping at the charming little station of Colombier le Vieux-Saint Barthelemy le Plain where the train prepares for its return journey. Gourmands might want to visit Le Chateau de Tournon for a presentation and tasting on the pairing of red wine and chocolate. Or, for a more active adventure, take a hike through the vineyards of Tain l'Hermitage for a visit to a winery, or take a leisurely cycle through the French countryside. (B/L/D)

Avignon, named the ‘City of Popes', was the centre of the Catholic Church in the 14th century. Choose from three excursions here this morning. Discover the city's history on a walking tour that includes the Papal Palace and the medieval walls surrounding the World Heritage-listed town centre. Visit venues around the city to taste regional specialties including macarons, cheese and wine, and tapenades, or take a bike tour.

This afternoon you might like to visit the Pont du Gard, a magnificent Roman aqueduct, or explore the enchanting hilltop village, Grignan, then go in search of rare Black Diamond truffles with a farmer and his canine.

In the evening, enjoy a short cruise to the Pont d'Avignon, illuminated against the night sky. (B/L/D)

Considered one of the most beautiful cities in France, Arles enchants all with its tantalizing history. Choose a guided walking tour of the Roman ruins of Arles, or enjoy a bike ride along the Rhone to the Langlois Bridge. Or you may decide to discover Van Gogh's Arles on a walking tour along with a visit to the Vincent van Gogh Foundation.

In the afternoon, venture to the hilltop village of Les Baux de Provence and then delve deeply into the Carrieres des Lumieres, where you'll be treated to a spectacular presentation of art, sound and history projected on the former limestone quarry walls of caves. (B/L/D)

Farewell your river ship this morning and transfer to Nimes where you will board a TGV high-speed train to Barcelona, the magnificent Spanish city that inspired architect Antoni Gaudi. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon and evening all to yourself. Stay Three Nights: Renaissance Barcelona (or similar) (B)

The bustling capital of Catalonia is yours to explore. With a guide, set off on a tour along the cobblestoned streets of the Gothic Quarter through the medieval city centre and the bustling main pedestrian street Las Ramblas. Marvel at a selection of Gaudi's whimsical creations, including his unfinished masterpiece, La Sagrada Familia. With a free afternoon and evening at hand, you're able to enjoy the city at your own pace. (B)

Join today's excursion into the mountains of Montserrat, home to the Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria de Montserrat. Take the funicular to the top of the mountain for sweeping views of the Catalan landscape below you. While here, you'll see the famous Black Madonna sculpture located at the back of the church. Travel back to Barcelona for an evening at leisure. (B)

Your journey comes to an end after breakfast today with a transfer to the airport. (B)