Program
Day 1 Thurs. May 24th
Transfer from Marseille airport to villa in the Luberon. Be seen to your rooms, unpack and freshen up. Welcome drinks and snacks by the pool. For those who aren't feeling too tired we can visit the very pretty abandoned town of Opedde and go for a short hike. Dinner back at villa.
Day 2 Fri. May 25th
After breakfast take part in a fun, hands-on cooking class and learn how to make Bouillabaisse, France's celebrated fish soup. Enjoy a dip in the pool or nap under the shade of a tree before taking off to see the spectacular Ancient Roman Theatre of Orange followed by a wine pairing dinner with a master sommelier at a Chateauneuf du Pape wine cellar. Learn about and enjoy some of the best wines in the world.
Day 3 Sat. May 26th
After breakfast visit Avignon. Marco and Claudio will lead a walk through the old city of Avignon, past the pretty St Pierre Church and to the magnificent Palais du Pape, the largest gothic building in existence. We'll proceed our walk up to the Rocher des Doms where you can get a great view of the Rhone River and the famous bridge. Free time to to continue your visit of Avignon or do some shopping. We recommend a stroll down Rue des Teinturiers and a visit to one of Avignon's museums: Musee Calvet or the Musee du Petiti Palais. In the afternoon cross the Rhône to visit compact Villeneuve-lès-Avignon which has monuments to rival Avignon’s. Meander the cloisters of a medieval monastery, take in hilltop views from Fort St-André and lose yourself in spectacular gardens at Abbaye St-André. Return to villa for dinner
Day 4 Sun. May 27th
After breakfast visit the vintage and antique market of L'Isle Sur La Sorgue, a pretty little town encircled by a moat of flowing water and full of water wheels. After lunch head to see France’s most powerful spring. Crystal clear waters surge from beneath the pretty village of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, which lies in a valley beneath limestone cliffs. Dinner at the villa.
Day 5 Mon. May 28th
After breakfast take part in another cooking class where you'll learn how to make Ratatouille among other Provencal dishes we'll have for lunch. In the afternoon visit nearby Menerbes and wander through the cobble-stoned streets of this lovely hilltop town. Dinner in a renowned restaurant of the area.
Day 6 Tues. May 29th
After breakfast visit the market of Gordes, considered the prettiest of all the small, hilltop towns of France. A short drive away lies what is perhaps the most photographed of all sites in Provence, the Senanque Abbey. Afterwards head off to Roussillon where those who wish can hike the spectacular ochre trail. Those who would rather not get so physical can just stay in Roussillon itself as it's a charming and colourful town worth visiting. Dinner back at villa.
Day 7 Wed. May 30th
After breakfast go for a country drive to visit some of the prettiest towns in the area. The Medieval hilltop town of Bonnieux featured in the Russell Crowe movie 'A Good Year', chic Lourmarin with its Renaissance castle and the part-fortified village of Ansouis which has justifiably earned its place amongst France’s plus beaux villages (most beautiful villages). Back to villa for dinner.
Day 8 Thurs. May 31st
After breakfast visit Aix en Provence. Marco and Claudio will lead a walk down Cours Mirabeau to the town hall square and the cathedral square. Thursdays is market day in Aix where everything from fruit and vegetables, to flowers, old books and textiles is being sold. Free time to further explore this sophisticated town or do some shopping. Stroll through Quartier Mazarin and visit the Musee Granet with works by Monet, Van Gogh and Cezanne to name a few. Dinner at villa.
Day 9 Fri. June 1st
After breakfast visit Arles. Marco and Claudio will lead a walk to the Amphitheater, the Place de la Republique where you can see the St Trophime Church, the Place du Forum, the Rhone River and the courtyard of the Espace Van Gogh. In the afternoon visit posh, little St Remy a very pretty town with a great vibe and some great shopping. Farewell dinner.
Day 10 Sat. June 2nd
After breakfast transfer to Marseille airport to catch flights back to the US.
Gallery
WHEN THE GOOD LORD BEGINS TO DOUBT THE WORLD, HE REMEMBERS THAT HE CREATED PROVENCE.
Frederic Mistral
FUN. REAL. ENLIGHTENING.
PRICE INCLUDES:
- ACCOMMODATION
- ALL BREAKFASTS AND DAILY LUNCH OR DINNER
- ALL TRANSPORTATION MENTIONED IN ITINERARY
- ENTRANCE FEES TO ALL GARDENS MENTIONED IN THE ITINERARY;
- WALKING TOURS THROUGH ALL THE TOWNS;
- HANDS-ON COOKING LESSONS.
All rooms are double bedrooms with en suite bathrooms and wifi.
*All activities are subject to change on the basis of which options are deemed to be the most suitable in terms of current culinary standards, the weather conditions on a given day, and other relevant criteria.
Amenities
DOUBLE ROOMS ALL WITH PRIVATE BATHROOM
BIG, HEATED,
OUTDOOR POOL
PRIVATE GARDEN WITH WOODS
FREE WIFI
Price does not include airfare
All payments must be made by bank transfer. Please contact us to receive a booking form with our bank details, along with our terms & cancellation policy.
