Essence of Provence Small Group Tour - 8 days/7 nights

Welcome to Provence, a land of sunlit coastlines, rolling hills, and timeless charm. After arriving in Marseille, meet your tour director and fellow travelers outside the hotel La Residence du Vieux Port for a panoramic city tour with your local guide, including a visit to the magnificent Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde overlooking the Old Port. After some time on your own for lunch along the lively waterfront, continue to Avignon, the historic City of Popes, where you will stay for the next three nights in a central boutique hotel. This evening, enjoy a warm welcome dinner in an authentic Provençal restaurant, the perfect beginning to your French adventure.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch on your own, dinner included

Accommodation: Overnight in Avignon

Avignon is a city steeped in history, its medieval walls encircling grand architecture and centuries of art and faith. Once home to the papacy in the 14th century, it remains one of France’s most enchanting cities. Today begins with a visit to the Palais des Papes, the largest Gothic palace in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dominates the skyline with its majestic presence. The journey continues through the picturesque countryside to the celebrated wine region of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, where you will visit a charming family-run estate to sample fine wines paired with a light lunch. Afterward, return to Avignon to enjoy an evening at leisure, perhaps attending a local performance or simply strolling through the softly lit streets of this historic city.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch included, and dinner on your own

Accommodation: Overnight in Avignon

Today’s journey leads through the heart of the Luberon, a landscape of rolling hills, golden light, and timeless villages. We’ll begin in Roussillon, where ochre-tinted earth colors the cliffs and quarries in shades of red and rose, creating one of Provence’s most striking scenes. Continuing through the countryside, visit the 12th-century Abbey of Sénanque, a serene Cistercian monastery embraced by lavender fields, before arriving in the medieval hilltop village of Gordes. With its winding cobblestone lanes, stone houses, and commanding views of the Vaucluse plateau, it is easy to see why artists have long been drawn to its beauty. The day concludes with a guided visit to the Lavender Museum in Coustellet, where you’ll learn how this fragrant flower is cultivated and distilled into the essential oils that define the scent of Provence. Enjoy your evening at leisure to relax and dine as you wish.

Meals: Breakfast included, lunch and dinner on your own

Accommodation: Overnight in Avignon

Begin the day in the romantic town of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, a place of quiet charm and artistic inspiration. Stroll along its cobblestone streets, where Renaissance façades, shaded squares, and the gentle sound of fountains create a timeless atmosphere. Follow in the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh as you visit the tranquil cloister and garden where he painted some of his most celebrated works, surrounded by the scents of cypress and lavender. Later, continue to Pont du Gard, a breathtaking three-tiered Roman aqueduct spanning the Gardon River and a true marvel of ancient engineering. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers to savor local French cuisine at a welcoming Provençal bistro.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included, lunch on your own

Accommodation: Overnight in Les Baux de Provence

Explore the ancient town of Arles, founded by Julius Caesar more than two thousand years ago and home to some of the best-preserved Roman monuments in France. Explore its remarkable UNESCO-listed sites, including the grand Amphitheatre that once hosted gladiatorial games and continues to stand as a powerful symbol of the town’s heritage. Later, travel through the scenic Provençal countryside to the fortified village of Les Baux-de-Provence, a dramatic hilltop gem often named among the most beautiful in France. Here, you will experience the spectacular Carriers de Lumières, a dazzling light and sound show projected within a former stone quarry, where art, music, and history blend in a breathtaking display.

Meals: Breakfast included, lunch and dinner on your own

Accommodation: Overnight in Aix-En-Provence

Your expert local guide introduces you to Aix-en-Provence, a city of fountains, leafy boulevards, and timeless charm. Visit the magnificent Cathedral of Saint-Sauveur, where centuries of history are reflected in its blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architecture. Stroll through lively streets filled with markets, cafés, and galleries, and step inside the Atelier Cézanne, the intimate studio where the artist created many of his masterpieces. Nearby, you may wish to browse the colorful artist market or visit the Granet Museum to admire its fine collection of Provençal art. In the evening, enjoy a truly local experience as you are welcomed into the home of a chef for a hands-on cooking class, where you will prepare traditional Provençal dishes and share them together over a relaxed and convivial dinner.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included, lunch on your own

Accommodation: Overnight in Aix-En-Provence

The journey continues toward the glittering coastline of Cassis, where the beauty of Provence meets the sea. Along the way, gentle hills give way to sunlit vineyards and the scent of the Mediterranean breeze. From the colorful harbor, set out on a private cruise through the Calanques, a stretch of limestone cliffs and hidden coves where turquoise waters shimmer beneath the southern sun. The scene feels timeless, a perfect blend of nature and tranquility. As evening falls, gather with your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner in a fine local restaurant, a final celebration of the flavors, friendships, and memories that have made Provence feel like a dream come true.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included, lunch on your own

Accommodation: Overnight in Aix-En-Provence

As morning light spills across the Provençal landscape, it is time to bid farewell to this enchanting region that has touched the heart in so many quiet ways. The scent of lavender, the taste of local wine, the warmth of sunlit villages, and the laughter shared along the way will linger long after the journey ends. Transfers are provided to Marseille Airport, carrying you onward with memories of golden hills, painted horizons, and the gentle rhythm of life in Provence, a place that forever invites you to return.