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

Discover the Secrets of

Provence Small Group Tour- There’s a certain light in Provence that has captivated artists and dreamers for centuries: a golden glow that dances across lavender fields, glimmers on café terraces, and softens the stone walls of ancient hilltop villages. This journey invites you to experience that light for yourself, not from behind the glass of a tour bus, but through the gentle rhythm of Provençal life.

Wander through the elegant streets of Aix-en-Provence, where fountains murmur and market stalls overflow with fresh herbs, cheeses, and sun-ripened fruit. Step into Cézanne’s studio, still alive with the quiet poetry of his brushes, and feel the same inspiration that once moved Van Gogh and Picasso.

In the countryside, the days unfold at an easy pace, perhaps with the scent of olive groves after rain, or the laughter shared over a glass of local wine at a family estate. You’ll trace history through the arches of the Pont du Gard, the Roman ruins of Arles, and the Gothic majesty of Avignon’s Palais des Papes.

Between each experience, there’s time to linger: to sip rosé beneath the plane trees, to taste warm bread just pulled from the oven, to watch the colors of sunset melt into the Mediterranean horizon. This is Provence as it’s meant to be lived – elegant, romantic, and unparalleled.

Upcoming Tour Dates 8 Days/ 7 Nights

May 31 - June 07, 2026
Last Minute
June 22 - June 29, 2027
Last Minute

Pricing: € 4,300

Price is per person based on double room occupancy
Single supplement available at the cost of € 900,00

Experience the beauty

Tour Highlights

  • Guided tour of Marseille’s historical treasures & popular markets
  • Guided tour of stunning Aix-en-Provence, including a visit to the Cathedral of Saint-Sauveur, the Granet Museum, and the Cezanne Studio
  • Tour of Château Neuf Du Pope
  • Marvel at the 2,000-year-old Pont Du Gard stretching across the Gardon River
  • Admire the Cote Azure’s gardens, ranging from rustic groves of ancient olive trees to manicured modern scenes
  • Experience a local wine and olive oil tasting, two products that make the region famous
  • Entry to popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Palais Des Papes, Roman Arles, and Pont Du Garde
  • Hands-on-cooking class in Aix-en-Provence
  • Visits to quintessential Provencal villages of Gordes, Roussillon, Les Beaux & Saint Remy

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Bucolic France

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

Day 2:Avignon’s Legacy and the Wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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

Day 3: The Ochre Cliffs of Roussillon, Medieval Gordes, and a Lavender Farm Visit

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

Day 4:The Magic of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and the Pont du Gard

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

Day 5:Roman Arles, Les Baux-de-Provence, and the Carrières de Lumières

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

Day 6: Walking Tour of Aix-en-Provence and a Hands-On Cooking Class

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

Day 7: The Sparkling Shores of Cassis and the Calanques

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

Day 8: Provence, Merci et Au Revoir

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.

Book your tour to Provence today

Additional Information

Inclusions
  • Small group tour of 12/15 participants
  • Knowledgeable English-speaking tour director
  • Entrance fees for all sites
  • Tour transportation in a private air-conditioned motor coach
  • Local guides in the outlined cities and towns
  • Hotel city and service taxes at all accommodations and restaurants are included
  • Transfers to Marseille Airport at scheduled times
  • Baggage transfers and porters are included
  • All breakfasts, two lunches, and three dinners are covered. Main meals include wine, mineral water, espresso coffee with a set amount included
  • Activity level: Light/Moderate
  • Terms & Conditions/single supplement and FAQ
Exclusions
  • Travel insurance and visa fees/Trip Interruption & Cancellation Insurance
  • Any charges for extras not listed in the itinerary
  • Room services, telephone charges, laundry fees
  • Gratuities for the tour director and local driver
  • Single room supplement
  • Airfare

Tour Reviews

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Incredible Provence

13/11/2022

Chris and I absolutely loved our visit to Provence. The itinerary offered a great blend of cultural, educational, and scenic opportunities to keep us constantly entertained and anticipating the next adventure. Our tour guide, Veronique, was wonderful. She provided us with all of the historical information along the way blended with her own personal insights as a native of the area.She was always attentive to our needs and eager to ensure that our experience was as fulfilling as possible.Our driver, Christoph, was also a great asset through his knowledge of the best areas to stop to get the optimal view of the sights and his current knowledge of local conditions (especially where the best fields for viewing the lavender and sun flowers were for the days we were there). The three hotels were excellent choices.Each had its own charm and the locations allowed easy access to the city center. We especially enjoyed the garden at Le Pigonnet. Such a beautiful spot to relax after a long day of seeing the sights and our dinners there were great. Chris appreciated the opportunity to use the pool at Le Vallon de Valrugues (she is an avid swimmer) and the breakfast buffet there was among the best we have ever had. All of our rooms were quiet and comfortable. As usual, all of the technical aspects of the Secret Italia tour worked like a Swiss watch. From our arrival at the Marseille airport, through checking in at the three hotels, and our eventual departure, everything went perfectly.Kudos to you and your staff for designing such a wonderful tour of Provence and kudos to Veronique and Christoph for treating us so well throughout the week.

Richard and Chris Thomas (USA)

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