DAY 1, Tuesday - Depart for France
Depart for France
DAY 2, Wednesday - Arrive in Marseille, Transfer to Aix-en-Provence
Arrive in Marseille, France's oldest city, founded around 600 BC by Greeks settlers, and transfer to your hotel in Aix-en-Provence, the birthplace of Paul Cézanne. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Your tour begins with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM, followed by a reception. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 3 PM
Overnight: Aix-en-Provence
DAY 3, Thursday - Aix-en-Provence Walking Tour, Vieux Port and Notre-Dame de la Garde
This morning, take a walking tour of Aix-en-Provence. Begin at the tree-lined Cours Mirabeau in this bohemian town with its centuries-old private mansions. Next, view the lively Place de L'Horloge, in the heart of the Old Town, and the 17th century Town Hall. Proceed to St. Sauveur Cathedral, one of the oldest buildings in Aix-en-Provence dating back to the 12th century. Afterward, head to the Vieux Port of Marseille, which has been the city's bustling maritime hub for centuries. Stroll along the quays and admire the colorful fishing boats. Head to Notre-Dame de la Garde, the basilica overlooking Marseille, where you'll be awed by the sweeping views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea, before returning to Aix-en-Provence
Overnight: Aix-en-Provence
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4, Friday - Palais des Papes and Pont du Gard
Drive to Avignon, a medieval city surrounded by battlements and towers. Upon arrival, visit the Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes), a monumental Gothic palace that served as the residence of the popes in the 14th century. Explore the grand halls, chapels, and private chambers that reflect the power and prestige of the medieval papacy. Afterward, travel to the Pont du Gard, an extraordinary Roman aqueduct, and UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built during the first century AD and used to transport water from Uzes to Nimes. Admire this engineering marvel spanning the Gardon River, which has stood for nearly two millennia. Tonight, enjoy dinner
Overnight: Aix-en-Provence
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5, Saturday - Full Day in Aix-en-Provence or Optional Full Day Orange and Chateauneuf du Pape with Lunch
Today is free to explore Aix-en-Provence at your own pace. Perhaps, join the optional Full Day Orange and Chateauneuf du Pape with Lunch. Travel north through Provence's landscapes to the historic town of Orange. Visit the impressive Roman Theater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the best-preserved in the world. Have lunch at the unique troglodyte restaurant built into the site. In the afternoon, travel into the heart of the Rhone Valley's wine country toward Chateauneuf du Pape, where rolling vineyards surround the ruins of the papal summer residence. Have free time to wander the village before visiting a local winery to learn about the region's unique terroir, the strict blending rules, and the centuries-old methods used. Enjoy a tasting of its famed red wines. Before returning to Aix-en-Provence
Optional: Full Day Orange and Chateauneuf du Pape with Lunch
Overnight: Aix-en-Provence
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6, Sunday - Arles, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Saint Paul de Mausole, Lecture about Painters in Provence
Your day of exploration begins in Van Gogh's town of Arles. A walking tour along the narrow streets in the Old Town is highlighted by sites that inspired his most famous paintings, including Café Terrace at Night and Sunflowers. Visit the Roman amphitheater before spending time on your own to explore. Continue to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, a hub of the impressionist movement, and visit Saint-Paul de Mausole, the monastery where Van Gogh spent his final year. Conclude with a lecture on painters in Provence and discover the artistic heritage of the region and the painters it inspired, including Cézanne and Van Gogh
Overnight: Aix-en-Provence
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7, Monday - Full Day in Aix-en-Provence or Optional Full Day Gordes, Senanque Abbey & Sault
Spend the day at leisure, or choose the optional Full Day Gordes, Senanque Abbey & Sault. Set out from Aix-en-Provence on a scenic drive to Gordes, known as one of France's, most beautiful hilltop villages, dramatically perched above the Luberon Valley. Wander through the cobbled streets and honey-colored stone houses. Continue to the serene Senanque Abbey, a 12th century Cistercian monastery nestled in a quiet valley, famous for its lavender field in bloom during summer. Travel onward to the distillery and learn about how lavender is processed. Arrive back at the hotel in the afternoon
Optional: Full Day Gordes, Senanque Abbey & Sault
Overnight: Aix-en-Provence
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8, Tuesday - Full Day in Aix-en-Provence or Optional Full Day Les Baux-de-Provence with Olive Oil Mill
On your last day at leisure in Aix-en-Provence, participate in the optional Full Day Les Baux-de-Provence with Olive Oil Mill. Travel through the limestone landscapes of the Alpilles Mountains to the medieval village of Les Baux-de-Provence, spectacularly set on a rocky outcrop. Stroll along the narrow cobblestone streets lined with stone houses and artisan shops. Proceed to a traditional olive oil mill located at the foot of Les Baux. Visit the mill and learn about the production of Provencal olive oil from harvesting to pressing. Discover the differences in flavor and aromas, followed by a guided tasting session of several varieties. Tonight, at dinner, bid farewell to your Tour Manager
Optional: Full Day Les Baux-de-Provence with Olive Oil Mill
Overnight: Aix-en-Provence
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 9, Wednesday - Depart France
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
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