Arles is a good example of the adaptation of an ancient city to medieval European civilization. It has some impressive Roman monuments, of which the earliest – the arena, the Roman theatre and the cryptoporticus (subterranean galleries) – date back to the 1st century B.C. During the 4th century Arles experienced a second golden age, as attested by the baths of Constantine and the necropolis of Alyscamps. In the 11th and 12th centuries, Arles once again became one of the most attractive cities in the Mediterranean. Within the city walls, Saint-Trophime, with its cloister, is one of Provence's major Romanesque monuments.

While the old city of Les Baux only dates back to the Middle Ages, it was built on the site of a very ancient settlement. From Neolithic times (around 6,000 years BC), a relatively large population lived here, using this rocky escarpment as a home and its narrow cavities as a burial site for their dead.

There are few archaeological remains, but they indicate the presence of a small, well-established farming community. The location was advantageous for trading and offered favourable natural conditions: deep valleys, numerous caves, an abundant spring nearby and steep-sided plateaus for shelter.   The medieval history of the rock was based on a legend. After the birth of Jesus, Balthazar, one of the three wise men, is said to have continued his journey following the star of Bethlehem as far as Les Baux-de-Provence. His descendants display their claim to this illustrious lineage by using a sixteen-pointed star on their coat of arms and the motto “à l’asard Bautezar” (by the grace of Balthazar).

The Tour

• 9.00am meet your guide in the lobby of your hotel

• Departure by bus to Arles. Your guide will take you across the Crau plain to the left bank of the Grand Rhône, where the ancient city of Arles, a UNESCO World Heritage site, sits enthroned.

• Following in Van Gogh's footsteps, you'll discover the Arènes and the Théâtre Antique.

• Entrance to antique theatre and Arenas

• Lunch on your own

• After lunch, drive to Les Baux de Provence, perched village, which has retained its medieval character with cobbled streets and castle ruins.

• 6.00pm drop off at your hotel.

Price: Euros €760

Luxury mini van with English speaking driver/guide. Up to 8 people maximum

(if 8 people the price would be Euros 95 per person; if 2 people it would be Euros 380 per person)  The entrance into the theatre & Arena in Arles is an extra Euros 18 per person.