Provence and its Wonders -

Provence and its Wonders

7 Days | Honeymoons & Romance

Spend 7 days discovering the very best that Provence has to offer.

Luxury | From $8,099 pp

This tour will give you a wonderful overview of the Provence region. You'll discover the charming Avignon, impressive Les Baux de Provence, and stunning Luberon villages. Stop in Aix-en-Provence for a gourmet experience before moving on to Marseille along the coast. You'll be able to cover a lot of ground at your own pace!

Day by day

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Day 1: Marseille - Aix-en-Provence

Private transfer: Marseille airport to Aix-en-Provence in a luxury vehicle

A chauffeur will meet you for a private transfer between the Marseille airport and Aix-en-Provence.

A chauffeur will meet you for a private transfer from Marseille airport to Aix-en-Provence.

Suggestion: Explore Cours Mirabeau in Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence, the capital of Provence in the 15th century is surrounded by authentic Provencal houses, traditional French-style gardens, city squares bursting with flowers, ancient fountains, and shaded narrow streets.

The Cours Mirabeau is one of the most busiest and frequently visited places in the Provence region. Named after the Revolutionary hero the Comte de Mirabeau, this fountain-studded street is surrounded by Renaissance hotels, beautiful verdant trees, and elegant private mansions.

Stroll around the 17th and 18th-century houses, where there is plenty of authentic cafes, and labyrinthine boulevards. You can relax and smell the rich aroma of the coffee, listen to some upbeat techno music, while away your time in a comfortable ambiance, and relish some of the typical Provencal delicacies.

Day 2: Aix-en-Provence

Half-Day Private Market Tour and Cooking Class in Aix-en-Provence

During this half-day tour, you’ll first visit the market, shop for the products required for the cooking class, and learn how to choose the best products. You will head back to the cooking class to start your cooking workshop to transform the selected ingredients into delicious three-course meals under the guidance of an experienced chef.

You will learn the actual technique of how French cuisine is prepared.

You will be given a glass of champagne and small snacks prepared in advance by the chef to enjoy during the last part of the cooking class before the meal is served.

For lunch, you will have a proposal of 3 different wines (1 glass for the starter, 1 glass for the main course, 1 glass for the dessert) paired with your self-prepared dishes.

Day 3: Avignon

Private Historic and cultural luxury tour to the Avignon country with a driver-guide

During this day, you will immerse yourself in medieval and spiritual Provence with the Rhône river as a cornerstone. Your driver-guide will pick you up at your hotel in a luxury vehicle.

The first stop will be at the famous village of Fontaine de Vaucluse which is a picturesque, hidden gem, surrounded by 230-meter high cliffs and caves. It is home to one of the largest natural springs in the world. Its success and popularity are largely due to the mysterious spring and its emerald green water – peaceful and tranquil in summer and winter and spectacular in spring and autumn. You will discover the importance of the river Sorgue to the many villages and towns it goes through. In the Middle Ages, the Sorgue was diverted to form several canals. One of them, the Canal de Vaucluse, today runs along the Rue des Teinturiers before joining the Rhône river by Avignon’s walled city.

Driving back from Fontaine de Vaucluse to Avignon, you will stop in Isle sur la Sorgue. Antique lovers and art collectors will be gratified by the nearly 300 permanent antique dealers and second hand shops here. Walking along the canals you will notice how the Sorgue river runs between the narrow ancient streets. There are little bridges to cross and great wheels to look at with mossy blades turning in the river.

Finally, you will reach Avignon through the town of Villeneuve lès Avignon. You will get a better view on Avignon from the Philippe-le-Bel tower, terminus of the famous and strategic Saint-Bénézet Bridge, joining Avignon. Situated on the rock of Doms, overhanging the Rhône river, the Popes’ Palace is one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe. You will have time to enjoy, at your own pace, a historical visit of this Papacy heritage, which ended in 1376 when Pope Grégoire XI decided to move to Rome, announcing the Great Occidental Schis (no guided visit in the Palace). A walking tour in the center of Avignon will complete this day. The 4 kilometer ramparts of the city are gathering lovely squares, cafés, handicrafts shops, churches and other surprises…

At the end of this well rounded day, your driver-guide will drive you back to your hotel.

10 most charming towns and villages in provence

Day 4: Avignon

Private luxury wine tour to the Châteauneuf du Pape appellation with a driver-guide

The region of Avignon, former home to nine successive popes during the 14th century, kept traces of this distant and glorious past. Among others, are the prestigious vineyards of Chateauneuf du Pape, well known throughout the world for its fleshy and powerful red wines.

Your driver-guide will pick you up at your hotel for Chateauneuf du Pape, the land of many great wines with the oldest protected wine designation in France. The best day to fully appreciate a tasting is indeed just before lunch, when you’re getting hungry and all your senses are fully opened. In this quaint village, enjoy a first wine tasting in one of the finest wine producers of the Châteauneuf du Pape appellation. You will taste their red but also, less known, the white wine they produce in the region.

For lunchtime, you will have the opportunity to experience typical provincial gastronomy in one of the charming restaurants of Châteauneuf du Pape (not included). After a digestive walk in the narrow streets, you will reach another vineyard or cellar for the second private tasting. Tell your travel designer if you are looking for a specific vineyard or if you would be interested in discovering the neighboring vineyards of Gigondas, where they produce less-known but beautiful wines. Here you will embark for a drive through the vienyard before enjoying a tasting workshop.

At the end of this well-rounded day, your driver-guide will drive you back to your hotel.

Day 5: Maussane les Alpilles - Les Baux de Provence

Private gourmet luxury tour to the Arles and the Alpilles with a driver-guide

The region of Arles and the Alpilles has seen many great civilizations, beginning with the Romans. Every civilization has participated in the construction of the Provence we know today, bringing archaeological, social, and gastronomic influences. This is what you are going to discover today during this tour to discover the soils of the Alpilles, around the city of Arles. Your driver-guide will pick you up at your hotel in the morning for a full day of sightseeing and experiences. According to the day you’re taking your tour, you will have the chance to discover the market of one of the villages of the Alpilles region. Saint Rémy de Provence, Maussane Les Alpilles, and Eygalières, to name a few, are all hosting colorful and local Provençal markets. No matter what day you join though, you are assured an authentic Provençal market experience.

After a tour in the market, where you can take this opportunity to grab some products for your picnic, you will head to the Vallée des Baux, where you will discover the world of olive oil, the most important product grown in the region. The visit begins in an olive grove where the olive growing world, the history of the olive tree, and its intriguing resources are explained. The work of the “millmaker” is also explained, from ancestral to more modern methods. Following is the part where the olive oil is bottled. And last but not least, it’s time for the tasting in a cozy and family atmosphere.

Later in the day, you will reach Arles. History and art lovers will enjoy the historic city of Arles with its Roman and medieval ruins. Your driver-guide will first introduce you to the history and secrets of this city. The ancient history mixes up with the more contemporary one as the city is closely connected to the Post-Impressionist artist Vincent Van Gogh whose stay there was one of the most productive periods in his career, with over 300 paintings and drawings completed in 15 months.

At the end of this well-rounded day, your driver-guide will drive you back to your hotel.

Day 6: Avignon - Marseille

Half-day custom private tour in a luxury vehicle

Enjoy a custom-built tour from your hotel in Provence with an English-speaking driver-guide.

Private guided tour of Maison Ferroni distilleries with tasting and Pastis workshop

In the heart of Provence, Maison Ferroni, an Eco-sustainable estate, has been developing a diverse range of spirits with strong territorial roots since 2011. Ferroni Rum, Juillet Gin de Provence and Pastis Millesime Chateau des Creissauds are some of the well-known products along with many liqueurs. Mr. Ferroni the founder, creates his products inspired by the historic approach of spirits and a persistent desire for avant-garde innovation.

Discover an amazing workshop to learn all about the production of the vintage Pastis Millesime Chateau des Creissauds. You will get a presentation of Maison Ferroni and explore their aromatic garden followed by a visit to the maceration chamber. You even get to develop your own Pastis recipe, from macerates of fresh plants, seeds, and spices.

It’s a great way to spend an eventful evening!

Suggestion: Marseille and the Seaside

The beautiful city of Marseille, one of the oldest in France and in Europe has been a large trading port since ancient times and was founded by the Greeks around circa 600 BC. This historic city is a haven for tourists where one can explore diverse places, from beaches to monuments, from architecture to the large port.

The pristine and breathtaking beaches of Calanque Port Pin and the beaches of Calanque d’En Vau with their vivid turquoise waters are some of the important places to visit without fail. Climb the steep and jagged cliffs or go hiking to the beach from Cassis or take a swim in the beautiful waters. The serene surroundings are perfect for adventure.

The charming little fisherman’s village of Les Goudes is a perfect place to unwind. Littered with huts, restaurants and fortifications, the village is perfectly located near the dream spots of Callelongue or Cap Croisette. On Sundays, people come from the city center and visit the Cabanons (basic houses built by workers), as Massilia Sound System says in its song “Dimanche aux Goudes”.

The Kennedy Cornice (ledge) was named as a tribute to the then recently assassinated US President John. F. Kennedy. Along the ledge is the longest bench in the world which is 3 km in length where you can pick a spot and admire the stunning view of the Frioul islands.

Also visit the imperial Palace of Pharo, built by Napoleon III for his empress Eugenie in 1858. This remarkable monument served as only military institute in Europe specializing in the field of tropical medicine. Until 2013, for more than 100 years, the palace has been home to doctors, civil and military medical technicians to practice medicine.

 

Day 7: Les Baux de Provence

Private transfer in a luxury vehicle: Marseille to the Marseille airport

A chauffeur will meet you for a private transfer between Marseille and the airport in a luxury vehicle.

Pick Up Rental Car

Map

About This Trip:

    • Enjoy 24/7 English-spoken telephone assistance while traveling
    • This itinerary includes transport, activities, guides, accommodations with breakfasts, and other listed services
    • Price is in USD per person, assuming double occupancy. Note that prices and availability are subject to change.

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Our Favorite Hotels in the Provence

Hotel La Mirande
Baumanière
Villa Gallici
La Bastide de Gordes

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Excellence

VIP Unique Experiences | Concierge Services | Private Tours (driver + licensed guide) | Chauffeur Services (luxury vehicles) | Top Licensed Guides | VIP Meet & Greet | Jet, Helicopter & Yachting | Fine Dining | Luxury 5* Accommodation (palace hotels, exclusive villa rentals) | 24/7 On-Site Assistance.

Luxury

Unique Experiences | Private Transportation (luxury vehicles) | Private Tours | Top Licensed Guides | Meet & Greet | Fine Dining | Luxury 5* Accommodation (hotels, villa rentals) | 24/7 On-Site Assistance.

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Unique Experiences | Private Transportation | Private Tours | Self-drive | Top Licensed Guides | Authentic & Boutique 4* Accommodation (hotels, apartment rentals) | 24/7 On-Site Assistance.

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