At our designated tour assembly point, meet our tour manager and prepare for boarding. Soon, it is southward we go, towards the port of Dover where P &O Ferry will bring us across the English Channel to France. Continue the journey to the thrill of the SIN capital Paris. Why not hop on an evening optional trip, cruising the Seine so as to soak up the fragrance of the city? [Meal on own] Service Tipping: 3.00 Euro: per person per day tipping to Tour manager (child pays same rate) 2.00 Euro: per person per day tipping to tour driver (child pays same rate) 15.00 25.00 Euro: average per meal for Lunch or Dinner After breakfast, we head southwards, passing the township of Melun, for a quick stop to enjoy the view of the Vaux le Vicomte. As opulent, if not in the similar spectacular extravagance, Vaux le Vicomte was once owned by Nicolas Fouquet, the Finance Minister to the young king, Louise XIV. The estate became the template of the Chateau of Versailles later on. Continue to the 3 rd largest city in the country for overnight in Lyon, situation romantically by the two rivers the Rhone and Shone. (Continental Breakfast) Mark our morning stop at Bellcour Square, the most enchanting area of the centre of town. Dominated in the centre is the equestrian statue of the famous French King Louise 14 th. Why not take this opportunity to ascend up by funicular from the old town toward the highest point of the city? From the grand balcony of Notre Dame Fourviere, we could busk in the beauty of the settings spread before your eyes. Heading down south in a short moment, we enter the city of Avignon, the starting point of Provence. Each year in the month of June till August, the outburst of purplish blue fragrance of Lavender plants attracts thousands of visitors, all for the spectacular display of the blossoms. Visit the city encompass by the 14th C old wall, one of the best-preserved monuments in the country. Our walk about will give you some idea of the daily life and routine enjoyed by the citizens in her market squares, where fish; meat and fruits are displayed daily.
You have a chance to tour the Popes' Palace, Europe's largest Gothic palace. Though after the revolution, none of its decorative furnishings could be seen, but the traces of its murals and ceiling carvings still reflects its sumptuous and glorious past. Strolling from room to room, we see it s highlights: Cour d Honneur, The Lower Treasury Hall; Grande Tresoreriel; Chapelle Saint-Jean; Chapelle Saint-Martial; and Chambre du Pape etc. Enjoy the same for Pont d'avignon, a stunning bridge that's been immortalized in the French children's song, 'Sur le Pont d'avignon. Proceed westward, to more sun-kissed river views as you arrive at the UNESCO-listed Pont du Gard. Considered an ancient work of art, this three-tiered construction is the highest of all elevated Roman aqueducts. View the perfectly preserved masterpiece of ancient engineering and the rushing Gardon River below. 20.00 Euro: Papal Palace Our first stop is the township of Gordes; one of the most beautiful places in France. Its houses and buildings of white stone root themselves into the sharp cliff of the mountain, its labyrthinth of "calades" (narrow cobblestone streets) do not leave the visitor indifferent to its charms. 5 km away is the mediaeval Cistercian Abbey of Sénanque, it is one of the most instantly recognisable icons of Provence. Many visitors are content just to pause and admire its soft grey stone and pure, graceful contours from the road that winds high above the abbey but it is the work of Taiwanese romantic story made into TV series and movies that have attracted Chinese visitors. More so, thanks to Peter Mayle s A Year in Provence adapted by Ridley Scott s 2006 film, (starring Russell Crowe), that has attracted even a wider audience today. The patch of lavender field that was the back drop of many shows is not to be missed. (During season) Into the in the mountainous Luberon Natural Park, lying in the Vauclause region, visit briefly the mythic place where the Sorgue River originates. The crystal-clear water from this famous Fontaine de Vaucluse is so fresh you could drink directly from the fountains. Easily identified is the old paddle wheels and antique shops next to it, selling hand-made papers and many local products of art. Our last and the best show is Roussillon. The Romans named it the RED EARTH to describe its unforgettable look of famous ochre cliffs and stones, painted in swathes of red and yellow. We go on a trail walk into the pine forest and spreading ahead of you is an awesome sight that could only be seen here. From one of its strategic point, we could take in the entire little village that is nothing but red tiles; red walls and indeed a sea of red. After an enjoyable day, we return to our hotel.
For those who are familiar with the Dutch artist, The foot-steps of Van Gogh will give you a taste of his life that was not at all happy until his untimely end of life. It is in Arles we see some of the locations where his master pieces of some 200 were created in slightly over a year. It was where Van Gogh had his most difficult years and a downturn in life. Struggle with his mental illness that resulted in the famous incident when he cut off his own ear. View the Yellow café where he worked; the bridge that reminded him of home, today both are renamed: Van Gogh Café and Van Gogh bridge; it touches everyone who may not even know him, his life that is more than moving. Visit another Roman city so well preserved that is considered one of Europe s most important historic cities Nîmes. See Maison Carrée, a remarkably preserved temple built to honour Emperor Augustus two heirs, reputed to be one of the best preserved ancient monuments in France, and the only fully preserved classical Roman temple remaining in the world. Visit the Arènes de Nîmes, a formidable Roman amphitheatre built in the 1st century, as well as Jardins de la Fontaine (Gardens of the Source), decorated with monumental vases and Baroque-style statues, the gardens were part of a project to embellish Nîmes in the 18 th century. 15.00 Euro Van Gogh museum 55.00 Euro Carmargue horse excursion Continue on to the medieval city of Aigues-Mortes, the Camargue s largest town, Here we witness piles upon piles of white salt-hills extracted from the Mediterranean Sea. Enjoy a little train ride to view the entire area in comfort include Constance Tower, the Ramparts and the town area. For your enjoyment, further, why not hop on an optional tour, to meet our cow-boy guide; he will show us his Camargue, as you embark on a horse-back riding through the wet-land for an open-air visit of its pristine geographical features. See the famous wild horses of the Camargue, they are largely allowed to roam free, although French cowboys have trained the horses to rustle the black bulls that are sold to Spain for bull fights. Also notable are the tens of hundreds of flamingos, rare in Europe but plentiful here as they nest to breed together with thousands of migrating birds and animals. IN the distance, there are also the salt hill; and the rice field of Camargue. A day with nature is indeed your climax of today s program (this tour could combine with a Safari jeep ride for more bird watching) This evening, we return to hotel for a good night rest.
The cosmopolitan port of Marseilles is our program this morning. This brusque, bustling place contains bags of character. It is France s second city. We climb up to its highest point dominated by the gorgeous Basilique Notre- Dame de la Garde, a Neo-Byzantine Catholic church that sits atop Marseille s highest point. From this vantage point, catch sweeping views of the Vieux Port (Old Port), the sparkling Mediterranean Sea and the grand Chateau d If, Churches and the Marsailles football stadium. Palais de Longchamp, build by Napoleon III, despite the name, this is not a palace. It's an extravagant monument to the glory of water and its crucial importance ever since Marseille was founded by the Greeks 2500 years ago. Next, is the French Languedoc region. Here owns a Hilltop Carcassonne, a medieval citadel famous for its 53 watchtowers and double-walled fortifications. The first walls of the upper town, were built in Gallo-Roman times; major additions were made in the 13th and 14th centuries, so much so that it now looks like Disneyland but we shall find out and decide for ourselves as we spend some time wandering in the old walk, that totally encompass this township. In the narrow streets and courtyards, houses and dwellings are colourful and the flowers adorning every possible space, making it delightful for visitors and the citizens alike. This evening, we stop by in the best wine growing region of Bordeaux. We head for the city Poitiers, a riverside city in western France. We have a free time for pictures in the town centre, to see it Town Hall; and of course, its Romanesque church of Église Notre-Dame-la- Grande is known for its intricately carved facade, which illustrates episodes from the Bible. There is also the Palace of Poitiers, home to the city's courthouse. In its forecourt, often are local food fair where the smell of BBQ sausages and popular French bread will whet anyone s appetite, you could enjoy a picnic perhaps while we wait for the opening of the Futuroscope Park. (Optional for entrance). Futuroscope, or Parc du Futuroscope is a French theme park based upon multimedia, cinematographic futuroscope and audio-visual techniques. It has several 3D cinemas and a few 4D cinemas along with other attractions and live performance of magic and illusion performance. At 10 p.m. when the night falls, the grand pool will be transformed into one of the most spectacular stage for sound and laser spectacle; the aquatic fairy-tale fantasy from CIRQUE DU SOLEIL dancers will perform alongside imaginary figures in the air, a dazzling evening not to miss. Our coach return to hotel near mid night. (Passengers not going to the show will be picked up from Poitiers centre after your own early dinner) 35.00 Euro Futuroscope High Tech cinematography park with night transfer
Northwards we travel towards the region of Saint-Malo on the coastal route of Brittany. A brief stop for your own lunch inside the walls of this unique granite town. Traces that it was once a stronghold for privateers are evident in many of its lanes and squares. Dominated by Saint-Malo Cathedral, the centre of the old town, is built in Romanesque and Gothic styles, featuring stained-glass windows depicting city history. Our highlight of the day is the UNESCO listed Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy. As our coach approaches the village, this fairy tale like structure of St. Michel on and God created island is simply awe inspiring. One of France's most recognizable landmarks, visited by more than 3 million people each year. Free to begin your own visit, climbing up narrow lanes to the top of it. Learn more about Mont St- Michel s history as a pilgrimage destination in the Middle Ages and its renowned abbey, which according to legend, was founded in the 8 th century when the bishop of Avranches received a vision of Archangel Michael. The abbey has its cloister, refectory and ramparts, and exhilarating look out at the sea, with often extreme tides that surround the island, changing its landscape from water to sand. For those happy to be free, wander up and down the streets of the village are also a delightful experience, where you shop for gifts and unique souvenirs, visit a museum or just admire views of the Atlantic. Later, we settle down at our hotel in Caen area. 20.00 Euro Mont St. Michel boat to/from It is all too soon, we bid au revoir to France, as we head for Calais port, where our ferry and British driver will take over to end your enchanting journey in London city centre (Euston Train Station). Tipping: 3.00 Euro per person per day tipping to Tour manager (child pays same rate) 2.00 Euro per person per day tipping to tour driver (child pays same rate)