Day 1: Arrival in Arles

What do you dream of on the flight to Marseille? The light and herbs of Provence? We look forward to our travel destination Arles and move into our hotel. 90 km (A)

Day 2: Ancient center of power

Let's take a first look at the ancient "Rome of the Gauls" on a city tour. In no other city in Provence is the region's Roman heritage as alive as in Arles. The amphitheatre is large, once accommodating over 21,000 visitors. Today, only two of the original three floors remain. People also wanted to be entertained in the nearby Roman theater. The Romanesque cathedral of Saint-Trophime is different, but just as interesting: it was here that Emperor Frederick Barbarossa was crowned King of Burgundy in 1178. Enjoy the pleasant atmosphere of the city with a café au lait on a free afternoon. For everyone else, we have a tip: discover the Tour Luma cultural complex, controversial but well worth a visit (F)

Day 3: In the Massif des Alpilles, the Little Alps

Just outside Fontvieille, Provence pulls out all the stops in terms of landscape beauty. The nearby mill is legendary, as the poet Alphonse Daudet is said to have lived there. Legends also surround Les Baux-de-Provence, the (high) castle of the medieval troubadours. The white limestone used to build this castle and the village below comes from the Carrières des Lumières quarry. Today, we cross the quarry and discover art at its best. Another stroll through the charming town of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence with its plane tree-lined avenues and we taste local wines in a cellar and try fruity olive oil. 60 km (F)

Day 4: Nîmes and Pont du Gard

Fancy an exciting optional excursion? Come with me to Nîmes! No matter which side of the city we enter, it's hard not to stumble across its ancient roots. The amphitheatre - Les Arènes to the French - and the Maison Carrée, intact remains of a temple complex, are the most striking witnesses. In the Jardin de la Fontaine, we see the Temple de Diane and watch the boules players. And we see another highlight of Provence today: in Roman times, the Pont du Gard aqueduct was part of a 50-kilometre-long water pipeline that supplied Nîmes with fresh water. A structural masterpiece! 110 km (F)

Day 5: Through the Camargue

Let's take it easy and focus on everyday life in Provence. The weekly market in Arles beckons. We wander from stall to stall, seeing, smelling and tasting the delights of the South of France. The highlight of the day follows: we see a manade in the mirror-smooth landscape of the Camargue. If we're lucky, we'll also see pink flamingos roaming the wetlands. We look for a shady spot to picnic and enjoy the atmosphere. 100 km (F, P)

Day 6: Pure Provence: Luberon and Vaucluse

The scenery on our way through the Vaucluse department to the Abbaye de Sénanque is wildly romantic. Picturesquely nestled in gentle hills and surrounded by fragrant lavender fields, the monastery is an excellent example of Cistercian architecture. Let's enjoy the peace and seclusion. Then we'll be enchanted by the small mountain town of Gordes, with its winding streets, and the festival of 17 different shades of ochre in which the rocks of Roussillon are bathed. In the evening, we dine together. 180 km (B, D)

Day 7: In Aix-en-Provence

Seeing forty fountains in one day? Not possible? If you join the optional excursion to Aix-en-Provence, you'll see them! On the way from the historic Cours Mirabeau to the Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur, we choose the most beautiful. And we learn that we're in Paul Cézanne's hometown. Let's stop off at the Musée Granet, one of France's finest museums, and enjoy the works of great artists. Have you heard of Calissons? It's time to try this Provencal delicacy! 160 km (F)

Day 8: Return journey

Let's enjoy the last few hours. We drive to Marseille airport and catch our return flight. 90 km (F)

We reserve the right to make changes to flight plans, hotels and programs.

(B=breakfast, P=picnic, D=dinner)