Colours of Provence

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)

Farewell Barcelona this morning and travel by TGV high-speed train to Nimes. From here, transfer to a coach for the journey to Avignon where you'll meet your river ship. Stay Seven Nights: Concerto River Ship (B/D)

Arrive in Tarascon and decide how your day unfolds. Choose a guided walking tour of the Roman ruins of Arles, enjoy a bike ride along the Rhone to the Langlois Bridge or discover Van Gogh's Arles on a walking tour along with a visit to the Vincent van Gogh Foundation. There are more sightseeing choices in the afternoon. Visit the Castle of Tarascon or explore the Carrieres de Lumieres, where you'll be treated to a presentation projected on the former limestone quarry walls.

Afterwards, choose to visit the medieval hilltop village, Les Baux de Provence, or the medieval, walled village of Aiges-Mortes. Back on board this evening, enjoy an illuminations cruise around the city of Avignon. (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. Or visit venues around the city to taste regional specialties including macarons, cheese and wine, and tapenades.

This afternoon you might like to visit the Pont du Gard, a magnificent Roman aqueduct. Alternatively, pedal through the city on a bike tour. (B/L/D)

Arrive in Viviers, a charming town on the right bank of the Rhone. From here you'll travel to the magnificent hilltop village, Grignan. Enjoy some time to wander at your leisure before searching for the region's rare ‘Black Diamond' truffles with a farmer and his canine. (B/L/D)

Arrive at the hilltop village of Tournon and choose from four excursions. 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)

Tucked between the Beaujolais and Cotes du Rhone wine regions is the town of Vienne. 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. If you're feeling active, you can 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.

Continue cruising to  Lyon, known as France's food capital. Begin your discovery in Fourviere Hill, where 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' then sample delicacies on offer at the famous indoor market hall, Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse. Another option is a guided bike tour. (B/L/D)

Leave the city for a journey into the spectacular Beaujolais wine region, known as the Pays d'Or or ‘Land of the Golden Stones'. Enjoy a wine tasting at a winery and learn about the history and techniques of their vineyard. Return to Lyon for a free afternoon and evening (B/L/D)

Farewell your river ship and enjoy the final chance to taste a selection of Lyon's specialties before taking the high-speed train to Paris. Check in to your hotel and relish some free time to explore. Stay Three Nights: Paris, Hotel Pont Royal (or similar) (B)

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. Also see the Champs Elysees, with its cinemas, sidewalk cafes and luxury shops.

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. (B)

Enjoy a full day at your leisure to discover more of this romantic city. Join an incredible evening tour, discovering why Paris is renowned as the ‘City of Light'. (B)

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