Based from a 15th C. Parish overlooking the Palace of the Popes, the Rhone river and the countryside, tour Provence in 15 days for the incredibly low price of $1950. Alternate ONE WEEK TOUR available ($1800). Wine, bike, walk, cultural and historical tour of a uniquely romantic area, full of myth, fable and Roman history led by the resident american host and guide who knows the hidden beaches, and secluded paths. Choice of dining with the group (limited to 14), or in pairs. Like-minded people doing a laid-back thing in the South of France, in June and July only.
Your Itinerary
Day 1:
Arrival in afternoon. Champagne Party overlooking the tiled roofs of Avignon from the Parish House's Terrace. Women settle into The Cloisters, Men in The Manse. Visit of Avignon at night by foot, only 5min walk away we visit the illuminated Palace of the Popes and an early-evening bistro aperitif.
(D)
Day 2:
After breakfast at our long Monk's Table, we head off by minivan to the Villeneuve antique market, then up the river to Orange Roman amphitheatre, Chateauneuf du Pape winery, lunch at a typical french riverside restaurant, visit to another winery, chocolate factory, then back home to The Parish House and an evening social gathering.
(B)
Day 3:
After Breakfast, we're off to Arles, its quaint squares, Catalan music, a local festival, then on to the Carmargues, and a Mediterranean secluded beach. How late we stay depends on you. Dinner at a seaside resort with dancing music available.
(B) (L)
Day 4:
Today we visit the marketplace at Avignon, and visit the Palace of the Popes. Then on to view the works of Modigliani, Manet, Picasso, Cezanne, and VanGogh at the local art museum. Tonite we go to the theatre, and top it off with a late nite aperitif on the Grand Boulevard.
Day 5:
Off at 9AM to visit the castle of LesBaux, the festive market town of StRemy, then on to explore the Glanum Roman site, and its treasures. Lunch is a picnic, then on to visit a famous VanGogh site before a leisurely slow paced turn thru the countryside, where we stop by the river to sample the local drink, "Pastis".
(B)
Day 6:
Daytrip to the "Pont du Gard", the 2000-year old acqueduct built by the Roman, on to the medieval town of Uzes, its market, and a private visit of its magnificent castle, still inhabited by the original family since 1100 ad. Italian lunch, then on to Nimes, with its fountains and Roman Temple dedicated to Diana. Late afternoon stroll through its large romantic boulevards and aperitifs at an elegant restaurant.
(B)
Day 7:
Rest Day for everyone. Take the opportunity of being in an ancient medieval town, Avignon, to visit its Churches and cathedrals, filled with art, artifacts, and resplendent in the filtered colored light of its leaded glass windows dating back to the early 1300s.
(B)
Day 8:
Daytrip to Isle sur Sorgues, visit the market, then on to Fontaine de Vaucluse, where we eat lunch (trout caught that morning), visit a 9th c. Merovingian abbey and return lazily via inflatable boats to the confluence of the Sorgue River
(B)
Day 9:
After Breakfast, we visit the old sections of the Medieval city, its market stalls, and La Rue des Teinturiers, with its Paris-Left Bank feel, shopping, and tasting the foods of the market. Across the river we visit the Great Abbey before returning home for a much deserved dinner.
(B) (D)
Day 10:
Off to the East and the Valley of the Luberon, the Abbey of Senanque, and the ochre cliffs of the "little Colorado", for a brisk 3 mile walk in the shadows and coolness of the Old Forest. Picnic lunch, then a visit to the perched hilltowns of "Peter Mayle Country"
(B)
Day 11:
Off early today to the Mediterranean once again, this time to the famous "Cote d'Azur", the Riviera, and an exciting boat ride into hidden grottos, then to Aix en Provence, where we visit the workshop of Cezanne. (14-hour day)
(B)
Day 12:
Morning visit to the Abbey of La Chartreuse and the Fort St Andre in Villeneuve, 10 min across the river, and an ice-cream stop that will leave you wanting more, guaranteed.
(B)
Day 13:
Arles at night. After visiting the Roman antiquities museum, settle into a night time of Catalan music, fiery gypsy dancers, and the romantic starlight sky of VanGogh on La Place du Forum.
(D)
Day 14:
A bicycle trip through the countryside, a visit to Daudet's Mill, Village Market Day, and a picnic lunch. Then back to Avignon, visiting the Castle of the last king of Provence (15th c.). Farewell Champagne Party on the Terrace.
(B)
Day 15:
Wake up this morning and do your last shopping in Avignon. It is the End of the Tour, Return to Airport.
NOTE: INQUIRE ABOUT OUR ONE-WEEK TOURS IF YOU CAN'T MAKE THE ENTIRE 2-WEEK TOUR ABOVE.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Our Singles tours are extremely laid back, and occur during the Festival Months in the South of France. Most of these are unknown to Americans, since they are local events, and unadvertised, and thats what your American Host and Guide, who has lived in France for over 20 years, provides. There is a "safari" atmosphere to these single tours, we do what we feel like,when we feel like it, relying on consensus and cooperation. Prima Donas (male or female) please do not apply. The tours are on the 1st-14th and the 16th-29th (or any ONE week in between) of July and June. Call early for availability. Frommer's called us "the best deal in the South of France", and that is why we sell out, each year. Try us, you'll like this unique experience of like-minded people getting together.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
France
Romantic Venture
Singles Tours
Festival Tours
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