You'll soon find yourself with some new friends when you explore Italy in a small group, writes Chanel Parratt.
This is my room with a view of the tiled rooftops of Arles, the southern Provence city with a history that has preserved its Celtic, Greek, Roman and Medieval heritage. I was leaning out the window a little to take this, so tilt your head slightly to the right and you’ll get the picture.
Friday evening in Nice on the Cote d’Azur and it’s still a balmy 25 deg C. The icy Mistral ripped through the region on Thursday, snatched away the heat haze and had everyone reaching for jackets and scarves. The wind that drove Vincent Van Gogh mad. But today it’s warm again and the sky a hard sapphire, with the alps behind the famous southern French city etched in detail.
Well hello, is that Jesus standing next to the reception desk? Welcome to three-star Hotel Gounod in the heart of Saint Remy de Provence, possibly one of the quirkiest hotels in the world.
Fresh flowers always adorn her tomb in Monaco. Princess Grace was killed 30 years ago but she is still revered and remembered. A photographic exhibition dedicated to her life, in the historic village of Les Baux de Provence, is a poignant reminder of how much she was loved.
The Mistral drove Vincent Van Gogh mad. That demon gale turns narrow cobblestone streets into icy wind tunnels and chills your body to the marrow.
My tour with Back-Roads Touring Company exceeded my expectations, was lots of fun and exceptional value for money. We sang along to Tom Jones and Shirley Bassey, learnt a lot about Welsh history, visited amazing places and continually drove through beautiful scenic landscapes. I fell in love with Wales, and I have Back-Roads to thank! I can say therefore, with certainty, that this will not be the last tour I do with this excellent, professional company.
Striking the perfect balance between ‘work’ and play, Back-Roads’ La Belle France tour offers a glimpse into the French l’art de vivre.
Australians and New Zealanders have travelled to Gallipoli for decades to commemorate the WWI battles fought there, but in recent years they have been seeking out the Western Front. Paul Daley finds that organised tours are a moving history lesson.
Back-Roads Touring Company Ltd.
Level 1, 107 Power Road,
London W4 5PY
United Kingdom
Phone: +44 (0) 208 9870 990
(Mon - Fri: 0900 - 1800 GMT)
Fax: +44 (0) 208 9940 888
info@backroadstouring.us
