This leisurely self driving holiday is a great introduction to the best of Provence. You will have the chance to really get to know the wines of the area and with the freedom of your own car, you will have time to explore some of the best-know sights of southern Provence. We also include an optional cooking class and a fascinating tasting of wines with chocolate with an artisan Chocolatier. An ideal combination of wine and culture.
You will stay in three interestingly different locations – the pretty countryside of the Dentelles area, the historic city of Avignon and on a wine estate near Chateauneuf du Pape. With 4* accommodation throughout you are guaranteed a comfortable and relaxing base from which to explore. All the hotels have good restaurants and recommendations will be provided for those evenings when you may choose to enjoy the best of provencal cooking in a local restaurant.
Your holiday includes an exploration of the fascinating Roman excavations and the atmospheric medieval Haute Ville in Vaison la Romaine, the stunning Papal Palace in Avignon and the UNESCO world heritage site of the Pont du Gard. And of course you will have time to enjoy the pretty countryside and charming villages of the area.
A real highlight of this trip is the three guided wine tours to the vineyards and the cellars of leading family-run wine domaines which will give you the opportunity to appreciate wines from top Côtes du Rhône cru villages such as Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Your personal wine guide is an expert in the wines of the southern Rhône and will provide you with a fascinating explanation of the vigneron's craft on these relaxed and informative tours.
On your half day tour in the Gigondas area you will enjoy the pleasures of an accompanied relaxed wine walk through the vineyards above the wine village of Gigondas and into the heart of the pretty Dentelles mountains. A picnic of local cheeses, cold meats and salads and tastings of the local Cotes du Rhone wines are included in the walk making for a truly unique wine experience.
Your day by day itinerary click >>Itinerary
Your Accommodation click >>Accommodation
To book this holiday click >>How to Book |
Holiday Price 2011
£2220 ~ US $2990
per person
£2255 ~ US $3035
per person including cooking class
The price is per person based on two people sharing a twin or double room. The price does not include travel to the area or the cost of your rental car. |
The three guided wine tours are led by local wine expert Olivier Hickman. As you stroll through the domaines’ remote and stunning vineyards Olivier will explain the notion of "terroir" and how the unique location of each vineyard (its "terroir") drives the flavours of the wines that you will taste. Olivier will also explain key elements of the winemaking process when you visit the cellars. |
During each tasting Olivier will help you appreciate the wine characteristics of the main Rhône grape varieties and the ageing potential of the wines. You will also have the opportunity to taste some of the wines with cheese to better understand how the wines match different foods. |
| With the wide choice of options for travelling to France both from the UK and Ireland and from outside Europe, we have found that our clients prefer to make their own arrangements for travel to Provence. So to enable you to take advantage of the best value and most convenient travel options from your area, we have not included travel to Provence in the cost of your holiday. |
We will of course be delighted to give you all the advice you need in helping you with your travel arrangements. For details on the wide choice of options for travel to Provence click >>Travel from the UK or >>Travel from Overseas. |
