Day 1 - Arrival
Begin your trip in Avignon. This medieval walled city will
make an excellent start . Enjoy its myriad of shops, cafes, and restaurants,
all within walking distance of your hotel and all on pedestrian-friendly
streets.
Day 2 - Avignon - Palais des
Papes - Chateauneuf du Pape
In the morning, depart the hotel with your private, English-speaking
tour guide. The guide will walk you through the history of Avignon,
incuding the fascinating period during which the Papacy was housed
here. The Palais des Papes, or Pope’s Palace, is the centerpiece
of Avignon and a living monument to this unique time. Continue on
to visit the wine region of Chateauneuf du Pape and enjoy a tasting
at a few of its famous vineyards. Overnight in Avignon.
Day 3 - Nimes - Pont du Gard
- Tavel
This morning after breakfast, pick up your rental car and
wend your way westward to the Pont du Gard, a feat of Roman engineering
and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue on to Nimes and its famous
Roman Amphitheater, which still hosts live concerts. You’ll
end up near Tavel, a traditional French vintner village. Use the evening
to relax, enjoy dinner, and wander Tavel’s picturesque streets.
Overnight in Tavel or Saban.
Day 4 - Wineries of Tavel
Today is the perfect day to take a leisurely drive along
the wine routes and visit some of the many vineyards near Tavel. If
you like, stop for lunch in the quaint village of Uzes, and you may
also wish to see St. Quentin, known worldwide for its pottery. Overnight
in Tavel or Saban.
Day 5 - Arles
Start your day with a scenic drive
along a lovely section of the Rhone River. On your way, stop in Tarascon
to see its impressive chateau and to visit the Souleiado factory where
beautiful Provencal fabrics are made and sold. Continue on to Arles.
The name Arles is generally synonymous with Vincent Van Gogh. In this
city, you will find the places where Van Gogh set up his easel marked
by panels representing his works. In addition to artistic significance,
Arles also boasts a stunning display of Roman and medieval architecture.
Overnight in Arles.
Day 6 - Vineyards of the Les
Baux Region
This morning, depart from Arles towards St. Remy, following
one of the region’s most beautiful wine routes (a private guide
is included on the 4-star package). Why not spend this day driving
the plane tree-lined route and tasting some of the best reds and rosés
in France? Stop for lunch at the halfway point, Les Baux-de-Provence.
Les Baux is one of the prettiest villages in France. It is set atop,
and built into, a rocky outcrop which is crowned by the ruins of a
castle overlooking the plains to the south. After lunch, wander the
streets of the typically Provençal village of St. Remy and
on the way back to Arles be sure to plan a stop at the beautiful Chateau
de Mausanne for an olive-oil tasting. Overnight in Arles.
Day 7 - Aix-en-Provence
Depart Arles for the stunning city of Aix-en-Provence. This
upbeat university town has much to see and do, but will never leave
you feeling overwhelmed. Its tree-lined avenues and small, winding
sidestreets have a colorful surprise around every bend. Sample some
of the finest Provencal cuisine at one of the many tiny restaurants
tucked away in these alleys. Aix’s main avenue, Cours Mirabeau,
is lined with fountains of all designs, many of which contain thermal
waters from underground hot springs. If you like, visit Cezanne’s
studio, on the outskirts of town. Overnight in Aix.
Day 8 - The Luberon
Aix is in the heart of the rugged, pristine Luberon region.
It is the perfect city from which to explore this area. Today you
will embark on a full-day guided tour (a private guide is included
on the 4-star package) which will take you through the region’s
highlights. You will view Mont Sainte Victoire, the famous peak which
is depicted in numerous paintings and photographs. You will also stop
at a regional winery to tase some of the Luberon’s finest wines.
Overnight in Aix.
Day 9- Return Journey
This morning after breakfast at your hotel, drive your
car to the Aix-en-Provence rail station or Marseille airport to continue
on to your next adventurous destination!
