Provence | Essential Provence Wine & Gourmet Tour

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With its stunning landscapes, rich history, and legendary food and wine, Provence is a destination that appeals to all the senses. Including easy paced sightseeing excursions out of Aix en Provence, this small group Provence tour offers an intimate & immersive journey through the region's charming villages, historic cities, and natural wonder, with visits to local wineries and the famous Châteauneuf du Pape vineyards included and plenty of opportunities to try the local cuisine!  

Day 1: Aix en Provence

Arriving at either Aix en Provence train station or Marseille Provence airport you will be met and provided with a private transfer to your hotel in Aix en Provence. Check in and enjoy some free time for personal discovery depending on the time of arrival. This evening is at leisure in Aix en Provence.

Day 2: Chateauneuf du Pape Wine Tour

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before meeting your English-speaking driver guide at the Aix en Provence Tourism office and, in the company of no more than 8 like-minded companions, drive to the Châteauneuf du Pape wine region where you'll enjoy several wine-tasting sessions in carefully selected Châteauneuf du Pape wineries. Dating back to Roman times, the vineyards in this region were extended and developed by the Popes residing in Avignon during the 14th century, and in 1936 the Châteauneuf du Pape Appellation became one of 6 to be labeled as the first AOC wines of France. As you reach this famous wine producing region, discover the village and its ancient castle that was the summer residence of the Popes during their stay in the area, and enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the valley. Upon arrival in the village, it will be time to taste some of the region's wines in a local winery. The Chateauneuf du Pape wines are well known for their full bodied red wines made predominantly with different grape varieties such as Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre, all grapes typically found in the southern vineyards of France. There are also some white Châteauneuf du Pape wines, that are intensely perfumed. The grape varieties used for the white wines include Grenache Blanc, Rousannes, Clairette and Bourboulenc many of which are rustic French varietals. You will then have some free time for lunch on your own and in the afternoon experience your second Chateauneuf du Pape winery tour. Here you'll learn about the history of this unique domain, visit the installations and participate in a commented tasting of the estate wines. Take the opportunity to ask about the wine making process, the different blends that are possible and most of all learn about the large range of grape varieties that can be used to make these exceptional wines. After this wine tasting session, it will be time to make our way back to Aix en Provence. (B)

Day 3: Arles, Saint Remy de Provence & Les Baux de Provence

Following breakfast, spend your day on a small group tour exploring 3 stunning gems of Provence - the historic city of Arles, the village of Saint-Rémy de Provence where Van Gogh lived for a year and the outstanding Medieval village of Les Baux de Provence. Our first stop will be in Arles, a fortified town listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its many Roman Monuments, where you will enjoy a walking tour of the historic center to visit its most emblematic monuments including the 1st-Century Roman Amphitheater, the Antique Theater commissioned by Emperor Auguste or Saint Trophime church. Built between the 12th and 15th centuries, this former cathedral is an important example of Provencal Romanesque architecture. You can also follow in the footsteps of Vincent Van Gogh who during his stay in Arles between February 1888 and May 1889 executed about 300 paintings & drawings. The places in the city where the artist set up his easel are today marked with panels representing his paintings. After a short drive, arrive in Saint Remy de Provence, one of the prettiest villages in the area. Saint Remy de Provence is known to be a summer hot spot for chic Parisians, yet it is still possible to find some quiet areas within the village, as there are many small squares scattered all over. Following a tour, enjoy free time for lunch and personal discovery. There is a beautiful Provencal Market held in town on Wednesdays which is well worth exploring.  Then, driving to the Alpilles Mountain region, famous for its vineyards and olive trees, we reach the medieval hilltop village of Les Baux-de-Provence. Built on a rocky spur it offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding Provence Countryside. Enjoy some free time to stroll around Les Baux-de-Provence, exploring its narrow streets, art galleries and the remains of a 10th-century fortress, before returning to Aix en Provence. (B)

Day 4: Cassis Village, Calanques Boat Ride & Provence Wines

Today’s small group excursion will take you to Cassis and the Côtes de Provence Wine region. After meeting your English-speaking guide, board a premium A/C vehicle and begin your tour from Aix en Provence towards the seaside village of Cassis. Arriving in Cassis, discover this lovely portside village as well as the Calanques, narrow inlets framed by steep, limestone cliffs and listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage National Park. Follow your guide on a walking tour of the village so as to get your bearings. As you stroll through the narrow streets of Cassis, you can browse small shops and stores that sell local Provencal goods and, if visiting on a Wednesday or Friday morning, your guide will certainly take you to the local market where it is possible to taste local delicacies. Your tour also includes a 45-minute panoramic boat ride of the Calanques located near Cassis. Departing from the small port, reach the Calanques National Park that stretches from Marseille to Cassis to admire some of the most beautiful coves, a breathtaking landscape that mixes turquoise waters with impressive limestone cliffs and inlets. This easy-paced tour has been designed to allow you ample time to thoroughly enjoy Cassis, and after your boat ride you will have sufficient time to take in some of that "Provence atmosphere" and lose yourself in the town’s small quiet backstreets. It will also give you the opportunity to taste some of the local delicacies in one of the many restaurants or bistros of the village. As you can imagine, fish & seafood are among the most popular No tour to Cassis would be complete without a drive along the Route des Crêtes. As you leave Cassis, your drive will begin to head up towards Cape Canaille, the highest sea cliff in all of Europe. Of course, your driver/guide will stop at one of the many dedicated viewpoints so you can take in the stunning scenic views over the village and the surrounding Mediterranean Sea, a great opportunity for astounding photos. It will then be time to experience a wine tasting session. After a short drive from Cape Canaille, we reach a carefully selected winery of the Côtes de Provence Sainte Victoire wine producing area, a 'terroir' ideal for the production of elegant rosé wines and robust and generous red wines. Here the view is stunning with the Montagne Sainte Victoire in the back and limestone plateaus that are often planted with Olive trees. Upon arrival, you will taste local Rosé and find out about the winery and the wine making process of this very popular wine. After your wine tasting session, it will be time to make our way back to Aix en Provence. (B)

Day 5: Aix en Provence

After breakfast at your hotel, there will be a private transfer to take you to Aix en Provence to TGV train station or Marseille airport in time to begin your onward journey. (B)

Daily Departures