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Carcassonne, Avignon and Beautiful Provence

6days from

£816^*per person

Overview

The rolling countryside of Languedoc and Provence, with their historic, UNESCO-listed crowning glories, all thrillingly brought to life.

Including a guided tour of walled fortress-citadel Carcassonne – one of France’s greatest medieval glories – as well as visits to the stunning papal city of Avignon, with its monumental Palais and fabled bridge, the spectacular Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard and a cruise on the tree-lined Canal du Midi, this is a hugely popular escorted tour to one of France’s most scenic corners. To round out your tour, you'll have the chance to enjoy a wine tasting session on an optional excursion to the coastal Collioure and Narbonne.

Itinerary

Fly to France - Upon arrival meet your friendly tour manager and make the scenic transfer to Carcassonne and your hotel. Accommodation is reserved on a bed and breakfast basis, giving you the opportunity to dine out and discover some exceptional local cuisine during your stay.
Included walking tour of Carcassonne - Join our guide for a fascinating included walking tour of the mesmerising city of Carcassonne, one of the most striking walled settlements in the whole of Europe, with its remarkably preserved, double-walled Cité the jewel in a sparkling crown. Restored in the mid-19th-century, the fairy-tale bastion includes the inner Château Comtal and the beautiful church of St-Nazaire, from the tower of which the views over the fortress are spectacular. Wander the narrow, sometimes steep, streets of this medieval enclave, with its colourful cafés, restaurants and craft shops squeezed into its tiny buildings, or perhaps take in the views from the city walls. After the tour, the rest of the day is free for you to explore at your leisure. Beneath the turrets of the Cité and across the languid River Aude, the equally charming Ville Basse, the second of Carcassonne’s two ‘towns’, offers a wider variety of places in which to enjoy lunch or dinner in charming surroundings.
Optional tour of Narbonne, Collioure and wine tasting - Continue your exploration of historic Carcassonne under your own steam or join today’s optional full-day escorted excursion to France’s south-west corner, beginning with a visit to Narbonne – once the Roman capital of all of southern Gaul. Here, you can explore the town's imposing 13th-century cathedral, walk along its central canal and discover the sections of the famed Roman road, Via Domitia, hidden beneath the main square. After free time in Narbonne, continue to the exquisite port-town of Collioure. Once the home of Henri Matisse, and with its palm-fringed promenade curving around the bay, this is an especially attractive coastal settlement, overlooked by the monumental Château-Royal. You'll then take to historic Domaine de l'Hospitalet, high up on the protected limestone massif of La Clape, overlooking the Mediterranean, for a tasting of various regional wines, before returning to Carcassonne for the evening.
Included Canal du Midi cruise - Today brings the delight of an included cruise on the tree-lined Canal du Midi, part of the 150-mile-long waterway constructed in the 17th-century to connect the Atlantic with the Mediterranean, and now a hugely popular choice for boating holidays. The cruise may take place in the morning, or afternoon, or in some cases earlier during your holiday, depending on local conditions.
Included Pont du Gard and Avignon tour - Another unforgettable, full day awaits you, as you board the coach to journey to two of southern France’s most sparkling jewels. Take in first the breath-taking, three-tiered Roman aqueduct, the stunning Pont du Gard, the towering stone watercourse straddling the River Gard granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 1985 and regarded as a masterpiece of Roman engineering. Continue to historic Avignon, encircled by its ancient low walls, and dominated by its monumental centrepiece, the fortified Palais des Papes, 14th-century home to popes, cardinals and a court of assorted princes, barons and other nobility who helped the city build a dubious reputation as one of medieval Europe’s most decadent and ‘colourful’ enclaves. Don’t miss the curious half-bridge of St-Bénézet – the ‘Pont d’Avignon’ of the famous French folk song – that juts out into the fast-flowing waters of the River Rhône, as it winds its way towards the Mediterranean. Avignon’s bustling main square, the place de l’Horloge, is lined with cafés and restaurants, perfect places in which to rest and relax awhile.
Return to the UK - Bid au revoir to Carcassonne, transferring to the airport for the return flight to the UK, at the end of a wonderful holiday in a truly beautiful corner of the world.

What's Included

Holiday Highlights

Enjoy a visit to majestic Avignon and the stunning Roman aqueduct, the Pont du Gard
Board a delightful cruise on the tree-lined Canal du Midi
Set off on a guided walking tour of historic, walled Carcassonne, including the inner Chateau and the beautiful church of St Nazaire
Join an optional tour of Collioure and Narbonne and enjoy wine tasting

Our Price Includes

Five nights’ carefully chosen bed and continental breakfast accommodation at the Ibis Carcassonne Est Hotel (upgrade hotels available - see below)
Return flights to France
Walking guided tour of Carcassonne
Pont du Gard tour
Avignon tour
Canal du Midi cruise
Coach travel and transfers throughout
Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager
All local taxes, fees and charges

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Dates and Prices

Accommodation

Hotel de la Cité, Carcassonne -

★★★★★

Introduction
Set in the centre of Carcassonne’s stunning medieval citadel, this five-star boutique hotel offers unparalleled views of the surrounding landscapes and is the perfect base from which to explore the city’s attractions.

Facilities and Amenities
The hotel offers a terraced Michelin-star restaurant, offering on-site fine dining options, as well as an outdoor swimming pool, a shaded garden area, and a well-appointed spa area.

Rooms
Elegant guest rooms are air-conditioned and sound-proofed throughout, and include TVs, tea/coffee-making facilities, hairdryers, minibars and complimentary toiletries. Each room also features free high-speed Wi-Fi, ironing facilities and safes.

Mercure Carcassonne La Cité -

★★★★

Introduction
The Mercure is a four-star hotel ideally situated at the foot of the medieval city, a 5-minute walk from its main entrance.

Facilities & Amenities
This hotel has an on-site restaurant, bar, terrace, gardens and outdoor swimming pool (weather permitting).

Rooms
Tastefully decorated and comfortable, the rooms have private ensuite, air-conditioning, safety deposit boxes, satellite TV, and tea- and coffee-making facilities. Free wifi is provided.

Cerise Residence, Carcassonne -

★★★

Introduction
Cerise Carcassonne Sud is a three-star apartment hotel, a 10-15 minute walk from the medieval city gates. Each studio apartment features a kitchenette.

Facilities & Amenities
This hotel boasts its own heated indoor swimming pool and Hamman (Turkish Bath), a lift and vending machine. Reception is open from 7am but may close for a couple of hours in the early afternoon. A buffet breakfast is served every morning.

Rooms
Accommodation is in apartments with private facilities. Each apartment has a bedroom, ensuite bathroom, and living room with sofa bed. The kitchenette includes fridge, coffee machine, kettle, microwave and stovetop. There is air conditioning and free wifi.

Ibis Carcassonne Est, Carcassonne -

★★★

Introduction
Located on the outskirts of Carcassonne, this three-star hotel is served by a local bus to the town centre. It can also be reached on foot in about 30 minutes for those feeling more energetic.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel has a restaurant, bar and heated outdoor swimming pool. Please note the restaurant may be closed for dinner at weekends but breakfast is served daily.

Rooms
The guest rooms are cosy, with comfortable beds, satellite TV, private ensuite bathroom, free wifi and air-conditioning.

Other Information

Hotel transfer times

The transfer time from Toulouse Airport to your hotel is approximately 90 minutes. From Carcassonne Airport it is approximately 15 minutes.

Special requirements

If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.

Disabled access

The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Combining hotel transfers

We sometimes need to combine transfers to and from your hotel. We always try to keep any wait to a minimum, but you may be asked to wait at the airport for up to an hour, while other incoming flights arrive, before the transfer to your hotel. Similarly, we may need to transfer you back to the airport up to three hours before your flight home departs.

Itinerary changes

Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.

Foreign Office Travel Advice

Visit the UK Government's website to find out the latest Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.

Canal du Midi cruise timings

Your cruise may take place in the morning or afternoon of day six (or occasionally earlier during your holiday) depending on local conditions.

Holiday code

N2087

Holiday provided by Newmarket Holidays (for Metro Travel Offers)

BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE: This holiday is sold and operated by Newmarket Holidays (ABTOT 5509, ATOL 2325, ABTA V7812), you can be 100% sure that your money is safe.

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