Thematic Tours
Roman Empire tour
Day 1
Geneva
Arrival at the airport and transfer to hotel.
Day 2
Geneva – Orange (345km/5h)
Leave Geneva and continue to Orange, in the region of south-eastern France. This is one of the most rewarding and most visited parts of France. Have some free time to explore the city on your own and later have overnight.
Day 3
Orange
Today visit the charming city of Orange, renown as the “Gateway to the Provence” and also for its spectacular Roman monuments. See the Triumphal Arch, built in 10 B.C. with its fabulous reliefs and, the well-preserved Roman Theatre that is still used today and most appreciated for its excellent acoustics. Following the guided city stroll, you will be able to visit the Arena for a fee. Then on to Pont du Gard, one of the best known landmarks of southern France, built around 19 B.C., as an aqueduct to carry water to Nimes, 25 miles away. This is the highest bridge ever built by the ancient Romans. Other highlights include a panoramic drive that takes us to the romantic wilderness of the Ardeche. Also view the stone arch of Vallon-Pont-d’ Arc. Return to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 4
Orange – Avignon (32km/40min) – Orange
Today visit the city of Avignon, the ancient city of the popes. The city boasts one of the most beautiful medieval cities of France. A most spectacular memory will be Avignon’s most famous bridge, St. Benezet Bridge, built in the 12th century over the Rhone River. Only four of its originally seventeen arches are still standing. After guided visit, enjoy a scenic drive to the ruins of Les Baux de Provence set in a typical Provence landscape. Return to Orange for overnight.
Day 5
Orange – Arles, Camargue Natural Park (86km/1h30min) - Orange
Begin with an excursion to Arles and the Camargue. Arles, a small town, lies on the edge of the Camargue’s Nature Park. It is most famous for two things—its Romans ruins and its association with the painter Van Gogh. While living in Arles, Van Gogh painted over 300 pictures, including “Sun Flowers.” Have a guided city tour of Arles, including seeing the inside of the Roman Amphitheatre. Built between the 1st and 2nd centuries, it is a large round structure once used for gladiatorial competitions. Leaving Arles, drive through the Camargue’s Nature Park, an area famous for its very attractive fauna (animals, birds, etc.) and flora (flowers and plants), amazing ponds and plains. The symbol for the Camargue is a cross for faith, heart for love, and an anchor for home. You will see this symbol quite often in this area.
Day 6
Orange – St Maries de la Mer - Orange
Stop in the Gipsy town of St. Maries de la Mer, which attracts people from all over the world and is famous for its folklore music. The fortress-like church in the center of town dates back to the 9th-15th centuries. From the roof of the church, there are excellent views of the town and of the Mediterranean Sea. At one of the churches, there are bells suspended in archways that play as the wind passes through the open spaces. Overnight in Orange.
Day 7
Orange – Mont Ventoux (55km/1h) - Fontaine de Vaucluse (55km/1h) – Gordes (15km/15min) – Orange (60km/1h)
This morning continue to the legendary Mont Ventoux and you will be rewarded with a spectacular view into the Vaucluse and the Luberon mountains. En route stop in the charming small town of Fontaine de Vaucluse. Later in the afternoon, a photo stop will be made at the hilltop town of Gordes. Its castle was built in the 16th century. Before returning to hotel, visit the old abbey of Senanque, which is set among lush lavender fields. Return to Orange for overnight stay.
Day 8
Orange - Cevennes National Park (166km/3h) - Clermont-Ferrand (216km/3h20min)
Leaving Orange this morning, travel west-northwest through the Cevennes National Park. Today’s tour highlight will be the scenic drive through the Tarn River gorge, one of Frances’ most spectacular natural areas. Our destination is Clermont-Ferrand, capital of the volcanic Auvergne region. Overnight in Clermont-Ferrand.
Day 9
Clermont-Ferrand – Lyon
Today drive through France’s Burgundy region, noted for their vineyards, and continue to Lyon. Have some free time to enjoy the city. Overnight.
Day 10
Lyon
Transfer to the airport.
