Provence is a mystical and magical place - all you need to do is look at its past inhabitants to see this is the case - the Romans left vestiges of their time here - many of which are still in remarkable condition, from the 2000-year-old well-preserved, three-tiered Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard, to the impressive amphitheatre in the heart of Arles. The area has long enticed painters and artists because of the particular hues of light to be found - from Van Gogh to Cezanne and Picasso. Be enveloped in this wonderful culture and landscape as you experience it all on two wheels! Biking along quiet country roads, you'll have time to take in all of the sights, smells and sounds. Spend time in charming provencal towns and villages and be sure to catch one of the weekly local markets en route. Fully equipped with detailed route notes, highlighted maps and restaurant suggestions (with local help only a phone call away), you can take things at your own pace stopping at places of personal interest along the way. Relax at the end of each day, perhaps sipping a local aperitif in your luxurious surroundings.

Paris is confident that it's the world's most beautiful, fashionable and artistic capital. After visiting the city you will no doubt find it hard to disagree. Paris is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, with over 30 million foreign visitors per year. Three of the most famous Parisian landmarks are the twelfth century cathedral Notre Dame de Paris on the Île de la Cité, the nineteenth century Eiffel Tower, and the Napoleonic Arc de Triomphe. The city's most prized museum is the Louvre, though there are dozens of other important ones.

Enjoy a private airport transfer in Paris in a private vehicle with a professional driver.

Enjoy the many wonders of Paris. Consider taking a stroll down one of the many quays by the river Seine, or wandering around any of the fascinating neighbourhoods such as Montematre, the Marais or the Left bank. Of course there are a plethora of museums and galleries to choose from if you are so inclined. Consider getting a 2 Day Paris Pass that includes a Paris Transport Travel card for 2 days (zone 1-3) to see all of the sites that are of personal interest to you. The Paris Pass is a smartcard offering free access to 65 attractions in Paris such as the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, Orsay museum, Musee Rodin, commented cruise with Bateaux Parisiens and Pompidou museum. With this pass, you have access to 22 museums, 24 historical monuments, 15 art galleries, 3 tourist attractions, 1 cruise and special offers in shops and restaurants. Please contact your Advisor if you would like more details.

The Quartier Latin Paris (3*) is located in the heart of the Latin quartier, just a few steps from the Mouffetard and Monge open-air market, also has direct access to the Opera, Galeries Lafayette and Printemps. The Saint Germain neighbourhood, the Sorbonne, Luxembourg gardens and Notre Dame cathedral are all nearby. The hotel is in a typical Parisian style building, and the interior is very airy with large windows and wooden furnishings and flooring. The tastefully decorated lobby offers a peaceful atmosphere, while the comfortable salon is the perfect place to relax and avail of the complimentary WIFI and tea and coffee.

Overnight at Quartier Latin (3*) .

The town of Uzès lies about 25 km north-northeast of Nîmes.  It is pretty provencal town with a pedestrianised shopping area which opens up to a delightful square where there are numerous cafes with outdoor seating - perfect for people watching! The castle also has a castle which is worth a visit.

Transfer using a local taxi (available and economical).

Enjoy the train ride from Paris to Avignon on a TGV (high speed train). Train time is approx. 3 hours.

A taxi will meet you in Avignon today at the train station and transfer you to the semicircular hill town of Uzès.

Wander around the pretty town of Uzes and visit the Place aux Herbes, where the local market takes place, admire the restored Renaissance facades, and climb up to enjoy the view from the impressive Ducal Palace.

There is an option of a short ride to limber up your legs if you feel like it.

Before dinner, our representative will meet up with you to go over your trip package and make sure your bikes are fitted properly.

Enjoy dinner this evening in the restaurant of the Hostellerie Provencale.

Part of the Chateaux & Hotels of France, the Hostellerie Provencale Uzes (3*) is located in the heart of the medieval town of Uzès, 100 m from the Place aux Herbes, in a stone building which is more than 300 years old. A perfect blend of charm and authenticity with all the modern conveniences is offered in the 9 hotel rooms. All rooms are equipped with flat screen-TV, air condition, internet, mini-bar and bathrooms with showers or whirlpool bath. The terrace provides fine views over the city of Uzès. The restaurant La Parenthèse, welcomes guests with the very best fresh products of the region. On the terrace guests will have a wonderful view over the countryside. Regional and international cuisine is offered in the restaurant. Furthermore, the wine list is a real gem offering the best wines of the region.

Overnight at Hostellerie Provencale Uzes (3*).

Your ride is a great first full day, taking you through a variety of Provencal countryside. En route, you go through St. Quentin la Poterie, a charming Provencal village with a history of pottery making that has become home for many artists today. You'll also see the famous Pont du Gard, an exceptional 2000-year-old well-preserved, three-tiered Roman aqueduct. Quiet and picturesque routes will bring you to your home for the evening.

Overnight at Hostellerie Provencale Uzes (3*).

Arles is in the south of France, in Provence. The Rhône river forks into two branches just upstream of Arles, and the city gained prominence in ancient times as a river port. Arles has important remains of Roman times, which have been listed as World Heritage Sites, including; Roman theater, arena or amphitheater, Alyscamps (Roman necropolis), and Thermae of Constantine. The town also has an outstanding museum of ancient history.

Another type of countryside awaits you today, as you first cross the Gardon Gorge and then descend into the flat riding of the Costieres de Nimes vineyards. You'll ride past small agricultural hamlets and canals, dotted amongst the vines and beautiful scenery. The end of the day has you enter Arles on a tiny road. You will definitely want to take some time in Arles: visit the spectacular Roman amphitheatre where Provencal style bull fights are still regularly held (the bull doesn't get killed), and sit in one of the many popular cafés in the Place du Forum for an end of the day pastis, like the locals do. Arles is also where Van Gogh lived from 1853 to 1890, and where he painted many of his most well-known works.

The Hotel Arlatan (3*) is located in the heart of the historical center of Arles. Rich in history, the hotel offers all the amenities of a very comfortable establishment with its garden and swimming pool. In every room, the accent has been placed on the enhancement of the historical elements of the building and on the choice of a refined and harmonious decoration. The Provencal furniture adds a warm counterpoint to the hieratic nobility of the environment and you are sure to appreciate the sumptuous marriage of stone and wood. Room amenities include mini-bar, air-conditioning, sound insulation, satellite television, high-speed Internet and direct telephone lines.

Overnight at Hotel Arlatan (3*).

You may decide to simply relax today, and take more time to visit the sites of Arles: the arena, antique theatre and historical town, as well as the boutiques and many souvenir shops. But if you feel like more activity, you can head out on a loop ride into the scenic Natural reserve of Camargue just south of the town. This natural river delta (the largest in Europe!) is the home for hundreds of varieties of birds; as you ride along the flat marshy terrain, cut off from the sea by sandbars, you may spot flamingos or some of the famous Camargue horses.

Overnight at Hotel Arlatan (3*).

The pretty town of Saint Remy in the heart of the western part of Provence is a typical Provencal market town.  With many restaurants with terraces, art galleries galore and plenty of food specialty shops to boot, it is a great place to wander around for a few hours.  On the outskirts of town, the ruins of the Roman city of Glanum can still be seen, including a "Triumphal Arch".

You have a nice ride today, looping around the bottom of the spectacular Alpilles hills, and passing through many small Provencal villages. You may decide to stop at an olive mill on route to taste the product of the many, centuries-old olive trees that you'll be passing. Your goal of the day is St. Remy de Provence. St Remy is where Vincent Van Gogh was incarcerated in the Saint Paul de Mausole hospital for a year (and where he completed an astounding 150 paintings!), but it is also worthwhile visiting the archaeological site of the Glanum. To help your explorations, we provide a small on your own walking tour.

In the heart of the "golden triangle" (Nimes, Aix, Avignon), and at the foot of the Alpilles, bathed in light, you will find le Mas des Carassins (3*). Located a few minutes walk from the center of Saint-Remy, the 19th century historical building is hotel is a clad dry stone farmhouse and has a tranquil garden of over 600 sm, located within the preserved zone of Glanum, an ancient Roman city, where in the shade of hundred year old olive trees you can partake in the pleasure of a Provencal siesta, surrounded by lavender, rosemary, bay trees and thyme bushes. All 14 rooms are individually decorated complete with a Provencal "boutis" (bedcover) and most have been recently renovated to provide you with the utmost in comfort: air-conditioning, bath and shower, private toilets, mini bar, hairdryer, bath robes refined welcoming products.

Overnight at Mas des Carassins (3*).

Your final day riding is quite beautiful, bringing you through olive groves and vineyards to the fortified village of Les Baux de Provence. There is a big climb today, but it will be worth it! And of course you get the glorious downhill back into St. Remy at the end. Take your time to visit the village chateau, looking down on the gorgeous Alpilles mountain range as a backdrop, and also the sound and light show in one of the old bauxite mines, with a different artist as its theme each year. The day's ride is not long, leaving you time to sit in one of St. Remy's many cafes, to watch Provencal life pass by on your return. Alternatively, you can do a longer bike route this afternoon if you feel like getting some more exercise in!

Enjoy dinner this evening in the restaurant of the Mas des Carassins.

Overnight at Mas des Carassins (3*).

Avignon city is well known for its Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes), where several popes and antipopes lived from the early 14th to early 15th centuries. The palace is an impressive monument and sits within a square of the same name. Nearby, Notre Dame des Doms cathedral is a Romanesque building, mainly built during the 12th century.

After breakfast, you will be transferred from your hotel to Avignon where you can continue on your travels.

Explore the highlights of Avignon at leisure on an unescorted tour of the UNESCO world heritage sites of the 12th century Pont d'Avignon (with audio guide), and the 14th century Pope's Palace (with audio guide) before an hour long cruise and dinner. The Pont d'Avignon was the first construction over the Rhone river, between Lyon and the Mediterranean Sea in the 12th century. The bridge collapsed in the 17th century and the king never wanted to pay for restoring it. To this day, it stands as an unfinished structure. The Popes' Palace stands as the mighty symbol of the church's influence throughout the western Christian world in the 14th century and is the biggest Gothic palace in all of Europe. Then take a boat trip on the Rhone river, sailing upstream along the Rocher des Doms and the Pont St Benezet and back downstream to Villeneuve. Finally, enjoy a 3 course dinner in a gastronomic restaurant (drinks not included).

Hotel de L'Horloge Hotel (3*) is set in a 19th century building which oozes charm and character and overlooks the picturesque Place de L'Horloge (Horologe square) in the very centre of Avignon. Here, nestled between the Alpilles hills and the Luberon countryside, you will find yourself in the heart of a city which was once the capital of Christianity. All the rooms are typically quite small and are traditionally furnished with a soft colour scheme, many boasting excellent views into the city. Having recently been refurbished, the rooms and bathrooms are in very good condition.

Overnight at Hotel De L`Horloge (3*).

Enjoy a train station transfer in Avignon with a private vehicle with French speaking Driver.

Enjoy the train ride from Avignon to Paris on a TGV (high speed train). Train time is approx. 3 hours.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard).