Itinerary - Journeys in Provence

 

Day 1

Our exciting time in Provence commences with a rendezvous at Avignon TGV Station and transfer to our Hotel in the centre of Avignon.  This will be our home for the next three nights. 

We will begin with a leisurely stroll around Avignon as an introduction to this fascinating city.  There is time to enjoy a coffee at one of the sidewalk cafes or browse the many boutiques.  

Alternatively you may wish time to settle into your room and relax before we gather in the early evening.  Your Tour Manager is available to assist with either choice.

Welcome drinks will be served in the private courtyard of your hotel.  This is a perfect setting in which to relax and get to know your tour members. 

Dinner is just a short stroll away at one of the local restaurants.
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Day 2

Today we visit the Palais des Papes in Avignon.  It was here the papal court was located during the 14^th century and it was during this time the magnificent Palace was built.  Avignon is an amazing city and we have the opportunity to wander the streets and learn of its varied history from our Guide, visit some of the museums and galleries and much more. 

This afternoon we extend our tour to the surrounding areas of Avignon, Villeneuve-les-Avignon and the beautiful islands in the River Rhone such as Ille de la Barthelasse.

Tonight we will enjoy dinner at one of the many outdoor cafes in Avignon.  This is the best way to soak in the atmosphere and do what everyone does – watch the passing parade!

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Day 3

We depart early today south to the beautiful Mediterranean village of Cassis with its surrounding cliffs. The coast - from the small fishing village of Cassis to Marseille forms many narrow inlets with towering jagged white cliffs known as “The Callanques”. We have time for a stroll through the art deco village of Cassis and its port before boarding our boat for a cruise to view the famous “Calanques” from the sea.  For those who have chosen the Optional Walking tour of the Calanques we will drop you and your guide beachside so you can commence your spectacular walk along the cliffs.  This walk is rated moderate and will take approximately 3 hours.  For those who are not walking we will continue our cruise and return to Cassis for more adventures.

We will all meet up for Lunch.  This area is famous for Bouillabaisse and we have chosen one of the well know restaurants for our lunch.  If you are a lover of seafood the Bouillabaisse is a must. 

Dinner this evening will be casual for our last evening in Avignon. Dinner at own cost.

B, L

Day 4

This morning we leave Avignon and travel north with our guide to Orange.  Two of the greatest Roman monuments in Europe are located here, the Triumphal Arch and the Roman Theatre.  These date back to the First century AD and the Theatre is still in use today.  Sitting on the terraces you can hear the crowd applaud and cry out as they did in Roman times.  Our guide will explain much more about these wonderful structures.
It is wine harvesting season so there will be plenty of activity in the vineyards throughout this area.  To understand more of the wines of this area we will stop at the famous Chateau neuf du pape.

The life of Chateau neuf du pape is wine!  As we meander through the winding streets of the village we have lots of opportunity to sample the outstanding wines of this area.  We have organised some official wine tasting with one of the local producers to explain to us why this region producers such excellent wine.  Although wine is a major focus we should not forget that Chateau neuf du pape was originally built as the “summer palace” for the Popes of Avignon and some of the original features are there for us to see today.

Our home for the remainder of our stay in Provence is in one of the beautiful villages of the Luberon.  After we settle in to our rooms we will meet for drinks in the delightful garden followed by dinner in the local village.

B, D

Day 5

Today we travel south to the medieval capital of Provence, Aix-en-Provence with its beautiful tree lined boulevards and squares.

Our first stop this morning is at a Provencal Bastide, home of our chef and host for our culinary class followed by lunch.  This is hands on cooking of traditional provencal recipes.  You may have already tried these at home but now you will learn how it is cooked in Provence.  Our three course lunch will be accompanied by wines to complement our wonderful cooking.

After lunch we visit Aix itself and the famous Cours Mirabeau with its typically French sidewalk cafes.  Of course we must stop for a coffee at Café Les Deux Garçons just as Cezanne did during his life in Aix.  We visit Atelier Cezanne and learn more of this artist whose life and work dominate Aix.

A casual dinner this evening in the local village just a short stroll away.

B, L

 

Day 6

Our hotel is located in the famous Luberon and today we learn more of this spectacular area.  There is time to wander the antique markets of Ill de Sorgue.  There is always a treasure to find! We stroll through the village of Gordes, classed as one of the “Beaux Villages of France” and certainly one of the most spectacular.  Perched on the top of a rocky outcrop with views across the fields below, it is home to many artists.  There are several galleries in the village where you can view their latest works.

Lunch today will be in Gordes so that we can take advantage of the beautiful views. 

This afternoon we continue on to the Abbaye de Senanque, located  in a valley surrounded by fields of lavender, bordered by high cliffs.  This is still a working Abbaye today. 

Our last stop - the village of Apt. Here we will learn the history of lavender, the plant, the fragrance and the industry …  and much more.

 
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Day 7

For today our destination is the lovely village of St.Remy-de-Provence.  It was this area that inspired some of Van Gogh’s most famous art works.  St.Remy represents the image most of us have of Provence.  Surrounded by lush valleys of olive trees and vineyards it is the heart of Provence.  We have lots of time to visit the boutiques, wander the market and visit artisans.

Today we also enjoy our second cooking experience at an 18^th century farmhouse on the outskirts of St.Remy.  We will prepare local dishes with our hosts in their farmhouse.  The joy will be sitting in the garden surrounded by vineyards and olive trees enjoying our gourmet cooking and tasting the local wines – this is Provence at its best!

B, L

Day 8

For our journey today we will travel south to the charming town of Arles, the gateway to the Camargue.  The Camargue is a unique region of wetlands, pastures and dunes unlike anything else we will see during our time in Provence.  The remarkable sights of Arles also include the gardians (cowboys) of the area and their small white Arab horses, art, ancient remains and bull fighting in the colosseum-like roman amphitheatre.

Arles is a contrast with its Roman remains and Provencal tradition and culture.  We will visit the Roman amphitheatre where the bull fights are still held, the Constantine baths and just outside Arles -  the ancient “Les Alyscamps”, mentioned in Dante’s inferno - painted by Van Gogh and Gauguin (both in 1888). Van Gogh spent some time here but the Arles of his time is very different from today’s Arles – Today Arles is less industrial and more tourist ready.

We have experienced much in our time together so tonight is time to reminisce and say a fond farewell with a special dinner.
We have a special treat for our farewell dinner.  You will have to join us to find out where it is!

B,D

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 9

Sadly, this morning we must say goodbye and move on to new adventures.  Our coach will transfer those returning to Paris and beyond by train to Avignon TGV Station.  Transfer to the Airport can also be arranged. 

Travel Journeys’ Tours are travelling with friends to meet new friends!    

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Abbreviations

 

B         Breakfast

L         Lunch

D         Dinner

 

When the above abbreviations follow the Itinerary Description it denotes these meals are included in the cost of the Tour.

 

 

Costs and Additional Details

 

 

 

 

Tour Inclusions

 

Meals               As listed in Itinerary - All Breakfasts, Lunches and Dinners as described.

Services           Australian Tour Manager plus a

French Registered English Speaking Local Guide

Plus Driver and our own Mini Coach.

                                                                       

Fees                 Daily Excursions and Tours (As per Itinerary)

                                    All Entrance Fees (As per Itinerary)

                                    Wine Tastings as detailed in Itinerary

Cost                 Based on Share Twin/Dbl room

                                    Single cost available subject to availability of single rooms

 

Tour Exclusions

 

Meals               Other than those listed in Tour Inclusions

            Tours               Optional Walking Tour Calanques

Tips                 It is custom to tip both the Guide and the Driver at the completion of the tour.  Exact amounts will be advised with departure documents.

 

Airfares           We can provide details on airfares – please call or email for further information