Late morning flight with British Airways from London Gatwick to Toulouse. Transfer by coach to hotel. Introductory walk through Albi followed by dinner in the hotel.

A day to explore Albi. In the morning we will visit the cathedral. Dedicated to St Cecilia, the patron saint of music, this Romanesque church, built as a holy fortress, sits on the site of a 5th century foundation and was a focus of the 12th century Cathar rebellion. After lunch (included) we will visit the collegiate church of St Salvi, a gem of Romanesque and gothic architecture with a tranquil cloister garden.

All day coach excursion to visit Rodez cathedral, which, built after the Albigensian crusade, is a symbol of North European religious dominance and orthodoxy. After lunch (independent) we will travel on to visit the important pilgrimage church of St Foy in the walled mediaeval town of Conques and visit the museum that now exhibits the amazing 5th century jewel encrusted shrine of St Foy, reputedly the last surviving example of mediaeval statuary reliquaries.

All-day coach excursion to Moissac travelling via the fortified town of Cahors, famous for its wine making and a remarkable mediaeval bridge. In Moissac we will examine the extensive series of sculptures in the cloisters of the Clunic Abbey of Saint-Pierre, which has one of the most complete sets of Romanesque capitals in existence and a truly remarkable tympanum. Return to Albi for dinner (included).

This morning we will visit the impressive 13th century archbishop’s palace in Albi (now home to the work of Albi’s most famous son, Toulouse Lautrec) with its beautiful, recently restored terraces and gardens. After lunch you are free to explore the town at your leisure.

All-day excursion to the spectacular fortified mediaeval town of Carcassonne, with 3 km of turreted fortifications overlooking the beautiful Aude valley. Here we will explore the charming old town, the centre of the Cathar rebellion, and visit the gothic basilica of St Nazaire, which boasts what is reputed to be the finest stained glass in the south of France. Return to Albi for dinner in the hotel (included).

On the final day we will visit the fine Romanesque basilica of St Sernin in Toulouse, another important pilgrimage site on the road to Santiago de Compostela. After lunch (included) we will catch an early evening flight back to London Gatwick.