La Provence: May 20 - 29, 2027
Discover Provence, the region in southeast France known for its hilltop villages, lavender fields, and Mediterranean coastline!
This guided tour will lead you through the historic highlights, scenic landscapes, and coastal charm of Southern France.
Your journey begins in Avignon, which we’ll use as a base to explore medieval architecture like the Papal Palace, the Roman aqueduct at Pont du Gard, and the ancient amphitheaters of Arles; you’ll enjoy a local wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and visits to Luberon villages. For the second half of the voyage, you’ll transition to the coastal town of Cassis, take a boat cruise through the Calanques, visit the markets and experience a cooking class in Aix-en-Provence, all with plenty of time for relaxing seaside explorations along the Mediterranean Sea.
“When the Good Lord begins to doubt the world, he remembers that he created Provence.”
Vincent Van Gogh, A lane near Arles
Day 1 | Thursday, may 20 : Bienvenue en Provence!
Our group will meet up at our hotel in Avignon, intra muros, in the afternoon and set off on a guided walking tour of the historic city center. We’ll spend dinner together getting to know each other before the start of our time in Provence!
Meals: Dinner; Overnight: Avignon
Day 2 | Friday, May 21 : Le Palais des Papes & Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Begin the day with a leisurely breakfast at our hotel, followed by a morning tour of the Papal Palace, where 7 successive Popes resided in the 14th century. Then, we will enjoy lunch together in town before setting off to a nearby vineyard and our first taste of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Afterward, you’ll have a free evening to discover Avignon on your own.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch; Overnight: Avignon
Day 3 | saturday, may 22 : Gordes & l’abbaye de Sénanque
After breakfast at our hotel, we will set off to the picturesque village of Gordes, once home of Marc Chagall, where you can explore its cobblestone streets and Renaissance chateau or enjoy lunch with a stunning view of the Luberon. We will reconvene to continue our day at the nearby Lavender Museum where we will learn about this herb and its qualities that are so emblematic of Provence. Finally, we will visit the Abbaye de Sénanque and surrounding lavender fields. To end the day in Avignon, feel free to explore the nightlife and enjoy dinner at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast; Overnight: Avignon
Day 4 | Sunday, may 23 : pont du gard & arles
Depart Avignon after coffee and croissants for the Pont du Gard, one of the best preserved Roman aqueducts and a UNESCO World Heritage site. From there, we will continue on to Arles, with lunch together followed by a tour of the ancient Arènes and Théâtre Antique. After the tour, enjoy free time to retrace the footsteps of Van Gogh and explore the city. We’ll return to Avignon together on the regional commuter train and meet for dinner to toast to our time in Avignon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; Overnight: Avignon
Day 5 | monday, may 24 : Château La Coste
After a final breakfast in Avignon, we will check out of our hotel and set off to visit Château La Coste, a stunning domaine where wine has been made since Roman times and contemporary art by Louise Bourgeois, Sophie Calle, Alexander Calder, Yoko Ono, and Bob Dylan intermingles with the vines. (It’s one of Christina’s favorite places on earth!) A private tour of the collection will be followed by a gourmet lunch and wine tasting. After what promises to be a magical day, we will set off to Cassis, on the Mediterranean coast, which will be our home base for the rest of the trip and celebrate our arrival with dinner together near our hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; Overnight: Cassis
Day 6 | tuesday, may 25 : les Calanques
After breakfast, we will set off on a 2-hour boat cruise to admire the stunning Calanques, the inlets (or fjords) that span the coast from Cassis to Marseille. After our time at sea, we will have lunch in the port, followed by a free afternoon and evening where you can take time to swim, shop, and play petanque.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch; Overnight: Cassis
Day 7 | wednesday, may 26 : le castellet & Bandol
Enjoy a leisurely morning in Cassis, perhaps visiting the local market, before we board our coach to discover the medieval hilltop village of Le Castellet. Amble along the cobblestone streets, browse the artisan shops, and take in sweeping panoramas of vineyards, olive groves, and the distant Sainte-Baume mountains. After taking time for lunch on your own in Le Castellet, we will join back up to discover the wines of Bandol and visit an acclaimed local vineyard before heading back to Cassis for an evening on your own.
Meals: Breakfast; Overnight: Cassis
Day 8 | thursday, may 27 : Aix-en-Provence
After breakfast at the hotel in Cassis, we’ll travel to Aix-en-Provence, where we will meet our guide who will take us to the market to shop for ingredients before preparing a delicious provençal meal that we will enjoy together. Once we finish lunch, you will have free time to explore Cézanne’s work at Musée Granet, see how many fountains you can find, or shop your own. Upon our return to Cassis you’ll have time to relax and enjoy your final free evening of the trip.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch; Overnight: Cassis
Day 9 | Friday, may 28 : La ciotat
We will head east along the Côte d’Azur, and explore the seaside park and gardens in the Calanque du Mugel in La Ciotat, the next town down the coast from Cassis. Be sure to wear good walking shoes as there can be steep inclines - but it will all be worth it as we enjoy a well-deserved lunch overlooking the Mediterranean. We will spend the afternoon visiting La Ciotat and its vieux port. In the evening, we will enjoy a gourmet dinner together reminiscing as our time together draws to a close.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; Overnight: Cassis
Day 10 | saturday, may 29 : Le Départ
After breakfast, it will be time to set off on your next adventure. Bon voyage!
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Double accomodations, shared with a second traveler: $4,900
Single accomodations: $6,000
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Hotel: Nine nights, double occupancy; all rooms are non-smoking and have private baths.
Single accommodations are available upon request, please see rates listed above.
Meals: All breakfasts, six lunches, and four group dinners; up to two glasses of wine with group dinners.
Land transportation: Inter-city transportation by air-conditioned coach as indicated on itinerary.
Tours with licensed English-speaking guides.
All entrance fees for visits mentioned in the itinerary.
All applicable taxes and service charges.
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Flights and transportation from your point of origin and your return.
Trip insurance.
Meals and beverages not included in the itinerary.
Tips for guides, servers, and chauffeurs (optional).
