Wine and Culture of Provence

Discover some of the oldest vineyards in France, you will be guided by experts through the vineyards of Provence. Taste and learn how these wines are made. Spend 4 nights in the historic town of St. Remy de Provence. Enjoy a cooking class in the delightful village of Eygalieres. Then onto Avignon where you will enjoy more sightseeing including some of the most beautiful villages of France, we also have included market visits to allow you to experience French country life.

DAY 1: Arrival in St. Remy

Private transfer upon your arrival with an English speaking driver from Avignon TGV train station to your hotel. Dinner in a gourmet restaurant .

DAY 2 : Discovering the Provence region and its wines

Your guide will meet you at the hotel this morning, to take you to your first visit and wine-tasting. You will discover the vineyards and wines around the Dentelles de Montmirail, in villages like Gigondas, Rasteau, and Cairanne, with wine aging in French oak barrels, cosseted by their owners. Gigondas wines are considered as Cru of the southern Côtes du Rhône valley. The scenery, with the “lacy" mountains behind is spectacular.Upon your return later, you’ll have a visit of St. Remy itself, where Van Gogh painted many of his most famous works. Your guide will walk you from site to site, showing you where the artist stood. Afterwards, enjoy the end of the afternoon like a true local: drinking a pastis in one of the many Provencal cafes of St. Remy.

DAY 3 : Cuisine and Wine

Enjoy an intimate cooking class in a Provencal kitchen in Eygalieres, to discover Mediterranean cooking, followed by a well-earned lunch. In the afternoon, spend some time in the vineyards and olive groves around St. Remy and Les Baux de Provence, where many organic winemakers are making a big name for themselves.

DAY 4 : Chateauneuf du Pape and Orange

Your final day of tasting heads to the famous vineyards of Chateauneuf du Pape. These are the most famous wines of the Rhone region, and also, some of the oldest. The Popes are the ones who boosted wine production here in the 12th century, but it had already existed in the region for centuries!
That afternoon visit the Roman theatre in Orange, and then continue to tour the and taste in the vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Late afternoon return to the hotel. Dinner on your own, with our list of restaurant suggestions. 

DAY 5 : Avignon

Transfer back to Avignon where you will spend 3 nights at the 4 star Hotel d’Europe. Today is free to discover the city, perhaps visit the Pope’s Palace. Enjoy lunch (own) in one of the many outdoor restaurants dotted throughout the city. 

DAY 6: The Villages of the Luberon

After breakfast meet your guide at 9am for a day of Roman ruins and perched villages. You will discover the highlights of Provence: Pont du Gard, Arena in Arles, perched villages of the Alpilles and Luberon which are classified among the most beautiful villages of France, the most important spring of France in Fontaine de Vaucluse and from June to August let the lavender fields delight you. Truly, an unforgettable experience. You will also have a tasting of olive products at the Castelas Domaine. Return to Avignon at 6.30pm. Evening free. 

DAY 7: Day of Choices

If today is a Sunday then you will have the opportunity to discover the famous markets of Isle sure la Sorgue. If it’s a Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Saturday then you can visit the nature reserve of the Camargue, a wild land of exceptional beauty with a wonderful heritage – pink flamingos, white horses and black bulls. Visit the charming town of Saintes Marie de la Mer. If it’s a Tuesday you will visit the markets at Vaison La Romaine. 

DAY 8: Departure

Wine and Culture of Provence Package includes:

• 4 nights accommodation in St. Remy at hotel of your choice
• 3 night accommodation in Avignon at Hotel d’Europe
• Breakfast Daily
• 3 Lunches
• 1 Dinner
• English speaking guides for day tours as per itinerary
• Cooking Class for half of one day with lunch included
• Tastings and visits
• Tours are taken in a share minibus (maximum of 8 participants)
• Transfers on day 1 and day 5 from/to Avignon

Accomodation:

You’ll check in upon your arrival into the Hotel Atelier des Images, right in the heart of St. Remy. This deluxe hotel, completely redone by an artist-photographer, takes advantage of the natural Provencal beauty, in a contemporary design setting. Prestige room at Hotel d’Europe.

Rates are available upon request. Please advise; number of people travelling, dates of travel