TOUR DATES: July 26 - Aug. 2, 2008
We've selected a variety of types of markets to explore and concerts to enjoy during one week with a small group of 6 to 10 travelers. Afternoon and evening performances by classical artists will take place in chateau courtyards, dramatic quarries, theaters under the stars, and ancient abbeys.
The tours are scheduled to take full advantage of the prestigious 27th annual La Roque d'Anthèron Piano Festival, which attracts major pianists from all over the world. From exquisite Aix-en-Provence to hillside Cadenet, fascinating open-air markets will give you a varied sampling of the sensual glories of Provence.
Your adventure will begin when we pick you up at the Aix TGV (high-speed train) station or Marseilles airport and take you to the lovely Hotel des Augustins, an elegantly restored convent in the historic center of town, where you can unpack and get settled in for a fabulous week of music. Each morning during breakfast, we'll go over the plan for the day, including scheduled meals and background information about the villages we'll be visiting and the concerts we'll enjoy.
Although our trips are designed for music-lovers, this doesn't mean you'll be spending all your time confined to concert halls. In fact, none of the venues we'll visit are traditional concert halls at all.
In addition to the wonderful concerts we'll enjoy each day, we'll visit historic and picturesque stone villages and other points of interest where you can soak up the culture and observe every-day Provençal life. Maybe we'll find time for one of the great pleasures of Provence: just sitting in a town square, enjoying an afternoon aperitif of pastis and watching a boules game on the adjacent court.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival Aix-en-Provence
You'll be met at the Aix-en-Provence TGV (fast train) station, or Marseilles airport and transported to the hotel in Aix-en-Provence. Later, we'll take a slow, introductory stroll through historic Aix followed by a welcome and orientation dinner (included).
Day 2: Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
Breakfast (included), and an early start to the fabulous open-air antique and vintage market of Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. Wait 'til you see the hundreds of vendors that come each Sunday, spreading out their treasures for us to ogle.
We have several cherished finds from previous visits to this world-renowned market. Enjoy a typical French lunch (included) at a charming waterside brasserie in Isle-sur-la-Sorgue before our return to Aix, where you'll have a free hour or two before an early concert, followed by a light supper (included).
Day 3: Cadenet, Charleval
Breakfast (included), and off to the little village of Cadenet, with its traditional Monday market, our destination this morning, after which we'll relax in the garden or the pool at Madame and Monsieur Motte's home in Charleval. The Mottes will prepare a bountiful Grand Aïoli, a typical provençal fish and vegetable feast (included). An evening concert and light supper will round out the day.
Day 4: Aix-en-Provence
After breakfast (included), the Aix market awaits, packed with marvelous treaures: from flowers, to produce to artisanal soaps and honeys, to striking clothing. After choosing our fill of goods, we will assemble lunch from the market bounty and enjoy a picnic together. Dinner and an evening concert will complete the day.
Day 5: St- Remy-de-Provence
After breakfast (included), we'll head for the lovely medieval village of St-Remy-de-Provence, with its lively Wednesday market - more treasures to discover. Down one lane an accomplished watercolor artist often sets up a display, offering charming mementos of picturesque Provence.
Then a leisurely, abundant, and delicious lunch (included) at one of our favorite country inns - the Bistro du Paradou, after which we'll head for the striking hilltop fortress-town of Les Baux. Nearby, an extraordinary multi-media spectacle celebrating the 100th anniversary of Cezanne in the quarries of Les Baux is our musical event of the day. Dinner and a free evening on your own in Aix.
Day 6: The Luberon
After breakfast (included), we'll take a break from markets today, first exploring the fascinating villages of Rousillon and Bonnieux.
Then we'll arrive at hilltop Ménerbes in time for lunch (included), and return to Aix before enjoying an evening concert.
Day 7: Lourmarin
Enjoy breakfast (included) then market day in the up-scale village of Lourmarin - our last chance to find one more provençal memento to fit in a suitcase: perhaps a couple of lavender sachets - a fragrant reminder of beautiful Provence. Lourmarin offers a variety of interesting places for lunch - find a spot and enjoy! After an early concert, we'll complete the week with a memorable dinner (included).
Day 8: Departure
Breakfast (included), then au revoirs to new-found friends before transport to Aix TGV station or the Marseilles airport before noon.
* Schedule subject to program to be finalized in June, 2008.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
The cost for the 7 day tour is $4099 USD per person, double occupancy. For a single room, the cost is $4250. A deposit of $1200.00 will secure your place and registration.
The balance of $2899 ($3050 for a single room) is due not later than 60 calendar days before Day 1 of the tour, which is May 28, 2008. We will not accept more than 10 registrations.
Price includes:
- 7 nights in a specially chosen comfortable and elegantly restored hotel, located in the historic center of Aix en Provence;
- 7 breakfasts and a combination of eight lunches and/or dinners as indicated on the itinerary;
- ground transportation to itinerary events;
- entrance and event fees as indicated on the itinerary;
- transfers from the TGV station in Aix-en-Provence or the Marseilles airport to our hotel and back as indicated on the itinerary;
- all tips for housekeeping and for meals included in the itinerary;
- more unforgettable experiences than you can possibly imagine;
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Cultural Journey
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