You will be picked up from your hotel in Avignon at 0900h (09:00am), you will travel in a private minibus accompanied by a driver/ guide.
Your first stop of the day is the Popes' Palace in Avignon. The palace, whose construction began in 1335, is known to be the biggest Gothic palace in Europe, equivalent in size to four Gothic cathedrals. Explore the palace and visit the private apartments where popes lived for over 70 years. Stroll across the palace gardens overlooking the city and walk down to the famous "Pont d’Avignon ", immortalized in the famous song “Sur le Pont d’Avignon”. It was built in 1177, after a young shepherd named Bénezet who claimed to have heard Divine voices in his dreams.
After a short drive to the Ile de la Barthelasse, enjoy a typical Provençal meal at a lovely restaurant from where you can appreciate the unique "one million dollar view" of the ramparts of Avignon and the Popes' Palace.
After lunch enjoy a walking tour in Villeneuve-lés-Avignon. Your guide will escort you through this charming fortified little town across the Rhone River, facing Avignon. Villeneuve-lés-Avignon used to be the frontier between the kingdom of France and the provençal Pope's possessions. Enjoy a visit to the Monastery of the Val de Benediction, one of the world’s largest Carthusian monasteries. See its frescos and discover how monks lived in the Middle Ages. End your walking tour with views of Fort St. Andre and its Italian abbey styled gardens.
En-route back to your hotel you will stop for an aperitif. You will return to your hotel in Avignon at around 1700h (05:00pm).