Provence and Rhone Valley – France Cultural

WHAT TO EXPECT

There are simply too many reasons to visit Provence. It goes without saying that it has an amazing climate and gorgeous landscapes. It’s also the architecture and art, the museums and buildings, the culture and natural wonders that make this place exceptional.

Itinerary and Location

 

Day 1

Private transfers from the airport or station to your hotel. This is your free time to wander along the Cours Mirabeau, and discover charming squares and fountains. Welcome drinks and dinner at the hotel.

 

Day 2

This morning you will discover one charming Provencal village after another. Enjoying the Clifftop settlements, sprawling vineyards, antique shops and a 12th-century abbey. This will include a visit to the Luberon towns: L’Isle sur la Sorgue, and its open air market and scenic canals; the hilltop village of Gordes, including a photo stop outside of Senanque Abbey (in July and August you can even enjoy the lavender fields). You will end the day in Roussillon, and enjoy (Rosé de Provence) wine tasting. Traditional lunch included.

 

Day 3

After breakfast you head to the Camargue, the delta of the great Rhône River and a beguiling landscape of flat saltwater marshland teeming with around 400 species of birds – including remarkable pink flamingos. Also home to the region’s iconic black bulls and an ancient breed of white horse, some of which you may spot being ridden by the Camargue’s famous ‘Cowboys’. You will arrive at the small port town of Saintes Maries de la Mer and take a guided boat trip to explore the natural splendour of this wetland environment. Afternoon you continue with a stop at the city of Arles, and enjoy a short walking tour and view several of UNESCO listed monuments and the incredibly well-preserved Roman amphitheatre. Plus you will seek out some locations associated with Vincent Van Gogh, who spent 14 months here from early 1888, inspired by Arles and the light and beauty of the Provencal countryside, he produced around 300 works, including The Café de Nuit and Sunflowers. Traditional lunch included.

 

Day 4

With your local guide you start the day with two photo stops at Les Baux de Provence and the UNESCO World Heritage listed Pont du Gard. You will continue to Avignon, and explore the city on foot including a photo stop at the famous Pont d’Avignon, then you will visit the Palais De Papes and learn about its papal history. You will end the day with a visit to the winery of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a tour and red wine tasting. Traditional lunch included.

 

Day 5

Full day free at leisure. *Optional tour min 2 pax: Half day Baking/pastry class – with Chef Clement *Optional tour min 4 pax: Full day Provencal regional cooking class *Optional tour min 4 pax: Half day or Full day tour Wine appreciation class

 

Day 6

Private transfer to the airport or station. End of tour.

 

France Provence
France
Rhone

Private: Grand Tour of Europe

The famous Arc de Triomphe, Paris. See it up close on your free day in Paris!

Eastern European Experience

Straight out of a fairy-tale - see Neuschwanstein Castle on day 2 of your tour!