PDF Itinerary

PROVENCE & THE CÔTE D'AZUR
See the attractions of the South of France and follow in the
steps of some of its most famous artists.
Private Journeys
Europe, France
9 days, from AU$14,505
14,505pts
Private
PROVENCE & THE CôTE D'AZUR
Journey Highlights
See the attractions of the South of France and follow in the steps of some of its most famous artists. Visit Avignon’s
stunning Gothic Papal palace, the vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and some of the most charming Provençal
towns.
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PROVENCE & THE CôTE D'AZUR
Itinerary
Day 1: Marseille - Avignon
Arrive Marseille where you are privately transferred with your Guardian Angel to your charming hotel in Avignon.
Situated in the heart of the city Hotel La Mirande is in a peaceful cobbled square next to the Pope’s Palace.
La Mirande (Grand Deluxe Room)
Day 2: Avignon - Châteauneuf-du-Pape - Avignon
Dominated by its Papal Palace, Avignon is a vibrant Provençal town with much character, and today you discover its
attractions with a walking tour that includes a visit to the great Palace where the Popes reigned supreme during their
'schism' with Rome, and whose grand proportions convey the power and glory of the period. Stop at the local antique
street market to pick up a memento before enjoying a sweeping panorama of the town with the mighty Rhône River
flowing beside it.
This afternoon is a visit to Châteauneuf-du-Pape with private vehicle and English-speaking driver-guide. It was here, in
the rolling hills of the southern Rhône Valley that the Popes of Avignon planted vineyards in the 14th century. There are
some 3,200 hectares of vines in the area including five villages cultivating 13 different varieties such as Grenache,
Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault. The characteristics of Châteauneuf wines are very varied and, like all Rhône Valley
wines, full flavoured. Your visit will of course include some tastings (B).
La Mirande (Grand Deluxe Room)
Day 3: Avignon - Les Apilles - Avignon
Today meet your local English-speaking driver-guide for a full day sightseeing tour to St Rèmy and Les Baux. Start with
a visit to delightful Saint-Rèmy-de-Provence, a charming town with ancient, narrow streets lined with lovingly restored
old houses, shady squares and wonderful fountains. The beauty of the area and its light has inspired many artists, the
most famous being Vincent van Gogh. The town was also the birthplace of Nostradamus; the well-known 16th century
physician and astrologer was born in a house on the avenue Hoche, in the old quarter.
Visit the former monastery of Saint-Paul-de-Mausole. As well as being one of the most beautiful religious monuments
in Provence, it is also famous for having accommodated Vincent van Gogh from May 1889 to May 1890. Also tour
Glanum, set in a remarkably attractive landscape surrounded by the Alpilles. This Roman site counts among the major
classical sites of the South of France (B).
La Mirande (Grand Deluxe Room)
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PROVENCE & THE CôTE D'AZUR
Day 4: Avignon - Carpentras - Mount Ventoux - Avignon
Meet your English-speaking driver-guide for another full day of sightseeing and head to Carpentras. This beautiful
Provençal town lies between the Rhône River and the Durance and is protected by the impressive Mont Ventoux on
one side and the Vaucluse Mounts on the other. In the Middle Ages the town was home to a large Jewish community
and the 1367 synagogue is the oldest in France.
Try and visit Carpentras on a Friday as an exceptional Provençal market takes over the city streets every Friday
morning.
After lunch at leisure your driver-guide may take you to a local patisserie where the speciality is a very tasty vanilla
meringue whose shape was inspired by the small rocks on Mont Ventoux! Drive on to Mont Ventoux, which towers over
the landscape and surrounding villages. Amazingly the bare summit looks snowcapped even in the summer months.
From the top (1,915m) you will enjoy magical views of the Rhône Valley and see why the mythical Mount Ventoux was
declared a Biosphere Reverse by UNESCO in 1990. Return to Avignon at the end of the day (B).
La Mirande (Grand Deluxe Room)
Day 5: Avignon - Aix-en-Provence - Vence
This morning your English-speaking driver will transfer you from Avignon to Vence.
En route you will stop in Aix-en-Provence where you meet a local English-speaking guide for a half-day walking tour.
The former capital of the region, Aix-en-Provence is a city of art and light, with several art schools and universities. At
the heart of the city is Cours Mirabeau, a lovely avenue of plane trees, lined on one side with wonderful terrace cafes
and bookshops. This is the perfect place to sit in the sunshine or in the dappled shade of the trees, sipping a cup of
coffee and watching the world go by. The centre of the city of Aix is built around the old town, ringed by boulevards and
squares. Discover the town following in the footsteps of Cézanne. Visit the Musèe-Atelier de Paul Cézanne where the
great Post-Impressionist painted some of his most well-known works - there is also a striking collection of simple
objects which once featured in his still life paintings.
After lunch at leisure, continue your journey to St. Paul de Vence and your hotel in the heart of the French Riviera (B).
Château Saint Martin & Spa (Traditional Junior Suite)
Day 6: St. Paul de Vence
Meet your local English-speaking guide and private vehicle for a half-day sightseeing tour of the medieval village of St.
Paul de Vence, still a magnet for contemporary artists. Visit the Fondation Maeght, a privately-owned modern art
museum set on a wooded cliff top. This foundation contains one of the most important collections in Europe, with
paintings, sculptures, drawings and other works by Braque, Calder, Chagall, Giacometti, Lèger and Mirò. The afternoon
is at leisure (B).
Château Saint Martin & Spa (Traditional Junior Suite)
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PROVENCE & THE CôTE D'AZUR
Day 7: Vence - Saint Tropez - Grimaud - Vence
A full day excursion today to St. Tropez and Grimaud. Before becoming one of the most luxurious spots on the French
Riviera, the resort of St. Tropez was a small fishing village, but its popularity with writers and artists from Collette to
Picasso has made it the fashionable place to be seen with celebrities thronging to its sun-kissed streets and beaches.
St. Tropez combines rustic Provence and chic Côte d'Azur, with its winding medieval streets, pastel painted fisherman's
cottages and port with fishing boats alongside super yachts and glamorous boutiques. The nearby village of Grimaud is
also worth a visit. Dating from Roman times, it is one of the most "flowered" villages in France. Though fully restored it
successfully maintains its typical Provençal character. Points of interest include an old windmill, fully restored in 1990,
several chapels including the Chapel of the Penitents and the ruins of its medieval castle (B).
Château Saint Martin & Spa (Traditional Junior Suite)
Day 8: Vence - Nice - Vence
This morning you will be met by your private vehicle and English-speaking driver to be transferred into Nice. Upon
arrival, spend the morning tasting delicacies in the Old Town, learn all about Provençal olive oils and have a light
Mediterranean meal prepared with only the freshest ingredients from the market. Your guide is a food critic and
cookbook author who is fascinated with Nice and its unique culinary tradition, a result of its history and climate. You will
be free to spend time at leisure in the city for sightseeing or shopping before being transferred back to your hotel (B).
Château Saint Martin & Spa (Traditional Junior Suite)
Day 9: Depart Nice
Transfer to Nice Airport by private vehicle for onward flight arrangements (B).
Price:
Twin Share Per Person: From $14,505
Solo Traveller: From $27,195
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