The South of France ~ Provence

Day 1: Bienvenue! Welcome to Marseille airport, gateway to Provence, where you'll be greeted. Plunge deep into the countryside in the Département (State) of the Haute Vaucluse. Enjoy a 3-night's stay 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. Our hosts Madame and Monsieur Verdier will show you to your lovely room at their bed & breakfast, L'Évêche. Unwind and settle in at your own pace, and then we'll enjoy a casual meal together this evening. (D)
Overnight Vaison-La-Romaine

Day 2: Provençal outdoor market, and Côtes du Rhone villages & vineyards
After a traditional breakfast on the charming terrace, walk to the center of the lower town and become immersed in the colors & smells of a vibrant, bustling market. Buy delicacies for a snack or picnic lunch, if you wish, or shop for locally-made goods ~ enjoy free time until lunch. Dejeuner together in the garden setting of a nearby Auberge, before setting out to drive the scenic loop to visit the Côtes du Rhone villages. Mosey through small stone villages and stroll amid the vineyards, enjoying wine tasting at two different domaines. The breathtaking drive is one of the most picturesque in Provence. Free night tonight. Overnight Vaison-La-Romaine (B, L)

Day 3: Scenic Route de la Lavande ~ visit a working lavender farm
Discover French lavender ~ enjoy the striking drive through lavender fields, as we make our way to Domaine du Serre Rouge, an estate in the heart of the vineyards and lavender fields ~ which, in addition to producing wine, is also a working lavender farm. Savor lunch in a nearby village. Visit Distillerie Bleu Provence to discover traditional distillery and essential oils. The Distillerie has a boutique with products from the area, including organic essential oils , lavender bouquets , perfumes and soaps . Return to our village by late afternoon. Free night tonight.
Overnight Vaison-La-Romaine (B, L)

Day 4: The Popes' Outing ~ Châteauneuf du Pape & Palais des Papes, Roman Aqueduct Pont du Gard
After breakfast, say goodbye to Aude and Jean Loup. Take the scenic route to Châteauneuf du Pape to visit the cellars and taste the wines of Domaine Roger Perrin. Lunch in a quaint café, and continue with the Pope's theme in nearby Avignon. Enjoy independent time to visit either the Popes' Palace or the Fondation Angladon Museum (an elegant home of a wealthy art collector that features some Post-Impressionists ~ Cezanne, Van Gogh, Degas, Picasso), or simply explore Avignon as you wish (not forgetting the legendary 800-yr-old St. Bénezet Bridge). Before heading to our new home in Roman Arles, capital of the Camargue, take a detour to see the astonishing Pont du Gard, the Roman Aqueduct that is the 2nd tallest Roman structure standing today (Rome's Colosseum is just 6 feet taller.) Free night tonight.
Overnight Arles (B)

Day 5: Van Gogh in Arles Guided Tour & Les Baux de Provence
This morning, a knowledgeable English-speaking guide to introduce us to 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. Lunch and time to wander Arles on your own; meet again later in the afternoon to explore the perched village of Les Baux de Provence ~ best seen late in the day to avoid crowds and enjoy the luminous late light. Dine together in Arles tonight.
Overnight Arles (B, D)

Day 6: Olive oil tasting ~ visit the groves & mill ….. Van Gogh landscapes
V isit 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 St. Rémy de Provence 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. Arles (B, L)

Day 7: The Luberon Hill Towns
Saying “au revoir” to Arles , 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. Climb through the arches & stone walkways of Lacoste up to the castle of the Marquis de Sade. Head to the Mediterranean for an overnight get-away in seaside jewel village of Cassis. Free evening tonight.
Overnight Cassis (B, L)

Day 8: Calanques & Cassis
After breakfast, we will enjoy a 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 the afternoon as you wish ~ explore the village, shop, swim in the sea or rest on the terrace. Later this afternoon, take the striking costal route to our villa in Marseille. Tonight, experience the spicy side of Marseille and take pleasure in authentic Moroccan couscous and exotic atmosphere in a North African restaurant. Overnight Marseille (B, D)

Day 9: Grand Tour of Marseille & Michelin-star dining
Discover Marseille, “the Phoenician city by the Sea,” from an open deck bus, complete with individual ear plugs to enhance the English-language audio commentary. We will tour the 1½ hour circuit together, viewing 16 highlights of the city ~ including such treasures 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. You will have a 2-day pass, and can hop on and off as you wish. We can sight-see together or, if you're feeling adventurous, you may wander off on your own for the remainder of the afternoon. Tonight, marvel in the elegant seaside setting of Vallon des Auffes as we dine atop the sea at L'Epuisette ~ with chef Guillaume Sorrieu preparing a specially chosen menu “of the day,” epitomizing “fresh & local.”
Overnight Marseille (B, D)

Day 10: Fish market tour & Bouillabaisse cooking class in Marseille's Old Port … garden cocktails 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, you have the option to visit the Marseille History Museum (located several blocks inland from today's port, built beside the remains of the ancient Greek fishing port), or continue the OpenBus circuit, exploring the city at your leisure. 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 11: “Au Revoir”
After savoring your last Provençal breakfast, your taxi will take you to the airport to catch your flight home.
“Bon retour & MERCI!” (B)