Day 1, June 24th: Bienvenue! Whether you arrive by train in Avignon or by plane in Marseille, you will be greeted personally upon arrival. Plunge into the countryside of the département of the Bouches-du-Rhône for a 3-night's stay in St. Rémy de Provence. Unwind and settle into your bed & breakfast; enjoy the rest of the day and evening on your own pace. An optional group dinner is offered tonight for authentic Provençal cuisine. Overnight St. Rémy

Day 2, June 25th: Olive oil tasting ~ visit the groves & mill ….. Van Gogh landscapes Visit an award winning olive oil mill to see the olive groves and mill while the proprietor explains the process of producing & pressing olive oil. Delight in an olive oil tasting comprised of oils produced on the site. Browse a local Provençal pottery yard, and then delight in dejeuner in an outdoor courtyard at a restaurant located on the charming square of Maussane les Alpilles. After lunch, visit St. Paul de Mausole, the asylum in where Van Gogh lived after he cut off his ear lobe. You are at liberty to walk the surrounding grounds and outlying property that reflect the beautiful places painted by Vincent van Gogh a century ago. Overnight St. Rémy (B, L)

Day 3, June 26th: Les Baux de Provence & private “Van Gogh in Arles ” guided tour This morning, explore the striking perched village of Les Baux de Provence. Spend the afternoon with a knowledgeable English-speaking guide to introduce Van Gogh's Arles by visiting the places that inspired him, including the famous Café du Terrace and access to the only flower garden in Arles, tucked away in the courtyard of the Espace Van Gogh cultural center. Drive into the marshy Camargue for a rustic, adventurous dining experience that only locals know about. Overnight St. Rémy (B, D)

Day 4, June 27th: Roman Aqueduct & Avignon ~ The Popes Palace & Papal life
After breakfast, depart the Alpilles region to see the astonishing Pont du Gard, the 2nd tallest Roman structure standing today (Rome's Colosseum is just 6 feet taller). Visit Avignon with a private guided tour on the theme “Life of the Popes in Avignon in the 14th century” featuring the Palace of the Popes and the political aspects of the Papal arrival in Avignon , and how daily life was affected. Other must-dos in Avignon include the Fondation Angladon Museum ~ an elegant home of a wealthy art collector that features Post-Impressionists such as Cezanne, Van Gogh, Degas, Picasso, and the legendary 800-yr-old St. Bénezet Bridge. Settle in the medieval-Roman town of Vaison-La-Romaine ~ the largest archaeological site in France with Gallo-Roman vestiges spread over several sites. Stay in the medieval “ haute village ” perched on the hill with its impressive castle of the Counts of Toulouse, overlooking the main town. Madame and Monsieur Verdier will show you to your lovely room at their bed & breakfast “ L'Évêche.” Overnight Vaison-La-Romaine (B, D)

Day 5, June 28th: Roman vestiges & the Côtes du Rhone villages & vineyards, Châteauneuf du Pape This morning, enjoy a visit to the archaeological sight of Puymin in lower Vaison to walk amongst the remnants of Roman houses and public baths, as well as a 7000-seat theatre, abandoned in the 4th century. If time allows, we may walk across the street to the site of La Villasse to witness more house foundations, and the paved main shopping street of Vasio. Following the tour, set out to drive the scenic Côtes du Rhone loop ~ mosey through small stone villages, dejeuner on a picturesque terrace under a plane tree canopy, stroll amid the vineyards and enjoying wine tasting at Domaine La Roquète in Châteauneuf du Pape and Domaine Durban in Beaumes de Venise. Free night tonight. Overnight Vaison-La-Romaine (B, L)

Day 6, June 29th: Provençal outdoor market & lavender immersion
Walk to the center of the lower town this morning to become immersed in the colors & smells of a vibrant, bustling market ~ one of the best in the whole of Provence. Enjoy free time at the market ~ shop for locally-made goods, and/or buy delicacies for a snack or picnic lunch, to be enjoyed on our terrace, if desired. Following lunch, take a striking drive through lavender fields, as we make our way to the Montélimar Office of Tourism to meet our bilingual guide who will lead us on an in-depth tour and discovery of lavender ~ visit a working lavender farm to meet with the grower/producer, tour a distillery to learn the process of distillation, visit the boutique “Au P'tit Potager ” to enjoy a tasting of locally-prepared goodies, and to shop for locally-made products, including organic essential oils, lavender bouquets, perfumes and soaps. Round out the experience by with a lavender-infused cocktail, known as the “Couleur Lavande,” recipe by a nationally-awarded bartender, followed by an exceptional lavender-infused multi-course dinner, “terroir lavandé,” at a restaurant specializing in locally grown and raised food. Overnight Vaison-La-Romaine (B, D)

Day 7, June 30th: The Lubéron hill towns Say “au revoir ” to Vaison, and set out for the region of the Lubéron ~ and the famous picturesque hill towns, including breathtaking Gordes. Witness the ochre trails of Roussillon, “rusted” from iron oxide ~ and the pretty square of this red village. Delight in lunch in quaint Bonnieux; then climb through the arches & stone walkways of Lacoste up to the castle of the Marquis de Sade. This afternoon, head to the Mediterranean for an overnight get-away in seaside jewel village of Cassis. Free evening tonight. Overnight Cassis (B, L)

Day 8, July 1st: Calanques & Cassis After breakfast, we will enjoy a private boat excursion along the coast of Cassis to discover the breathtaking Calanques, or creeks ~ one of Marseille's true wonders. Relish appetizers and wine from Cassis while the boat is anchored in one of the magnificent coves. Spend some time as you wish ~ explore the village, shop, swim in the sea, or relax on your terrace. Drive the scenic costal route to our villa in Marseille. Tonight, marvel in the elegant seaside setting of Vallon des Auffes as we dine atop the sea at Michelin-starred L'Epuisette ~ with chef Guillaume Sorrieu preparing a specially chosen menu “of the day,” epitomizing “fresh & local.” Overnight Marseille (B, L, D)

Day 9, July 2nd: Fish market tour & Bouillabaisse cooking class in Marseille's Old Port … dinner w ith French family Attend a Hands-On Bouillabaisse Cooking Class at the Miramar restaurant on Marseille's old port, touring the fish market beforehand with a commentary on the area's history by a local guide. Prepare the renowned specialty side-by-side with the chef and savor the creation for lunch. After lunch, take pleasure in a privately guided visit of Marseille to see such highlights as Fort Saint Nicolas, Vallon des Auffes, Notre Dame de la Garde, Fort Saint Jean, and the coastal scenic route along La Corniche, offering stunning views of the Frioul Islands and Château d'If. Tonight, enjoy a farewell cocktail and hors-d'oeuvre party prepared by Patrice's sister Christine in the garden of her lovely villa. My father-in-law, Claude and his wife Charlotte, will be pleased to meet you. Overnight Marseille (B, L, D)

Day 10, July 3rd: “Au Revoir ” Alas, it's time to head home. Check-out time is 10AM; your pre-reserved taxi will take you to the airport or train station to catch your flight home. “Bon retour & MERCI!”