Day 1 Paris

Transfer upon arrival at Paris CDG Airport to Paris city center hotel. This afternoon is on your own to relax or sightsee. Diner cruise on the river Seine offering an all-inclusive menu with starter, main course, cheese (depending on the service), desert. Beverage included: aperitif, wine*, mineral water and coffee. After dinner your English speaking driver will take you on an illuminations tour of Paris and then dropping you off at the conclusion at your hotel.

Overnight in Paris  (D)

Day 2 Paris

After breakfast an independent visit of the Miraculous Chapel, a pilgrimage site that is visited by many and treasured for the appearance of the Blessed Virgin to Saint Catherine Laboure in 1830 to offer the world the miraculous medal that we know today. This simple object, intended for all people, making no distinction, sums up the mysteries of Christian faith through its rich symbolism. When a deadly cholera epidemic broke out in Paris in February 1832, claiming more than 20,000 lives, the Sisters began distributing the first medals. Many cures were reported, and the people of Paris called the medal “miraculous”.

Next you will be able to explore the Musée de Cluny, you will find yourself in exceptional surroundings which join together two prestigious buildings in the heart of Paris: the Thermes Gallo-Romains de Lutèce (Gallo-Roman baths), built at the end of the 1st century and the Hôtel des Abbés de Cluny, built at the end of the 15th century. You also have access to a large collection of art from the Mediterranean, Scandinavia and the British Isles. Colorful, diverse and sometimes strange, the collections include paintings, sculptures, tapestries, stained glass, and silver and ivory pieces which give you an insight into the history of art. The medieval inspired garden is another place to see when you visit as it provides a link between the collections, building and urban surroundings. Your afternoon will be spent in the Montmarte. Your guide will direct you with a brief history of the area and the Basillica  Sacré-Coeur before giving you free time to explore the area on your own, and stop for lunch. The Basillica was consecrated in 1919, is one of the most iconic monuments in Paris. At the top of the Butte Montmarte, it provides one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the capital. Dinner this evening is at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Paris (B, D)

Day 3 Paris

Today after breakfast you have a guided visit the beautiful Cathedral Notre Dame de Paris. Notre-Dame, is a historic Catholic cathedral on the eastern half of the Île de la Cité in the fourth arrondissement of Paris and still the religious center of Paris today.This afternoon we will transfer to Chartres for a visit of the Chartres Cathedral, also known as Cathedral of Our Lady of Chartres, is a medieval Roman Rite Catholic cathedral known for its amazing stained glass windows.

Overnight in Paris (B, D)

Day 4 Avignon

After breakfast you will catch a high speed train to Avignon. Enjoy a walking tour of this medieval walled city. The Palais des Papes was once home to the pope and quite different than the Vatican structure in Rome. The palace was fortified to withstand attacks from enemies, so you’ll find battlements, turrets, arrow slits and deadly gateways. After a visit to the palace, a walk up to the Rocher des Doms.  This park offers views over the town and its famous bridge, the Pont St-Bénezet.  This medieval bridge was once nearly 3000 feet long and had 22 arches.  A flood in the 17th century reduced it to 4 arches and now it has been made famous by a children’s song “Sur le Pont d”Avignon”. 

Overnight in Avignon  (B, D)

Day 5 Gordes / Apt

 Begin with a visit to the Sénanque Abbey set in its green valley, the Bouillons oil press and the cellars of St Firmin’s s Palace. Finally you will move on to the village of Apt and a stop one of the most beautiful cities of France that is famous for its weekly market and candied fruit. Situated on the ancient Domitian road, its downtown, grouped around the Cathedral Sainte Anne, once occupied an island. The city was built in 45 BC on order of Julius Caesar.  The Cathedral Sainte Anne is the most important monument of the city, with its Merovingian crypts its Treasury and Royal chapel built by Anne of Austria. Lunch in Apt and then a  visit to the village of Gordes. The village can boast about being amongst one of the most beautiful villages in France. It has narrow cobble streets which thread their way through tall houses; built againt the rock, clinging onto its flanks and whispering the tales of a thousand legends. Gordes is also proud of its castle firmly planted in its very core and which reminds the passer-by of a past rich with conquests , but also marked with the sufferings of its inhabitants. Today, the castle is both town hall and a museum sheltering the works of the painter Pol Mara.  

Overnight in Avignon (B, D)

Day 6 Saint Maximin la Beaume / Cassis

Leave Avignon this morning after breakfast for Saint Maximin la Beaume for a walking tour of the village and a visit to the Basilica. This small town is gathered around its magnificent basilica, the largest Gothic edifice in Provence and south-eastern France. The basilica houses the relics of Saint Mary Magdalene, and is known to be Christianity’s third most important tomb.

This afternoon we will continue on to Cassis for a boat excursion to see the Calanques. Cassis was a very ancient fishing port and is an interesting village to visit and surrounding by the Calanques that are impressive limestone cliffs that plunge into the Mediterranean.

Evening on your own in Aix en Provence for dinner and to enjoy this beautiful Roman city. 

Overnight in Aix en Provence(B)

Day 7 Sainte Marie de la Mere / Narbonne

After breakfast you will head to the coastal city of Sainte Marie de la Mere. Since the 12th century, pilgrimages have taken place and relics of the Saints found in 1448 during excavations. Then this afternoon a stop at the Abbey of Fonfroide for lunch and a visit to the Terass Garden. Evening in Narbonne

Overnight in Narbonne (D, L)

Day 8 Narbonne / Carcassonne

 Market Tour this morning in Narbonne followed by lunch in Lastours in the shadow of the Chateaux du Lastours. The Cathar castles are four castles on arocky spur above the village. Then after lunch, a tour of the medieval village of Carcassonne. This evening is one your own to enjoy the city. 

Overnight in Carcassonne (B, L)

Day 9 Albi / Toulouse

Walking Tour and visit of the Cathedral Sainte Cecile d’Albi. The Cathedral of Sainte-Cécile of Albi is the largest brick cathedral in the world, The southern gothic style makes this very unique from others cathedrals in France. Next you will have time for lunch and a visit of the Toulouse Lautrec Museum. It possesses the largest collectionof the artist in the world. Over 1000 works, pictures, lithographs, drawings, preparatorystudies including all 31 posters afford a complete documented approach of the artist and

illustrate each facet of his multifarious and innovative talent. This afternoon we make our way to Toulouse for some freetime and dinner on your own. 

Overnight in Toulouse (B)

Day 10 Lourdes

Morning departure for Lourdes.  You will have plenty of time to visit of the Grotto where Bernadette Soubirous had mulltiple visions of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We can arrange a mass or service if your group desires. Individuals can join masses throughout the day as well. Don’t miss the candlelight procession this evening it is a very moving and prayerful moment. 

Overnight in Lourdes (B)

Day 11 Paris

Mid morning departure for Pau and your journey by highspeed train to Paris. Transfer to hotel upon arrival in Paris with the remainder of the day on your own. Farewell dinner this evening

Overnight in Paris  (D)

Day 12 Depart for Home

Transfer to CDG airport for departure of your onward journeys or your trip home.