This 3 night holiday enables you to get to know the fantastic quality and diversity of the wines of the southern Rhone with accompanied visits to the vineyards and cellars of private wine domaines. You will have the opportunity to taste and appreciate wines from Chateauneuf du Pape, Gigondas, Tavel, Gigondas & Rasteau plus a fascinating explanation of the vigneron's craft.
The all day tour visiting Cotes du Rhone cru villages and Chateauneuf domaines includes a tasting lunch at one of the Domaines in a beautiful countryside setting. An ideal way to enjoy a true taste of Provence. On your half day tour visiting 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 personal wine guide is an expert in the wines of the southern Rhone and will give you great insight into the culture of French wine production on his relaxed and highly informative tours. We also include a self guided visit to the Bouteillerie du Palais des Papes (wine cellar) in the Papal Palace in Avignon where you can enjoy a tasting of Cotes du Rhone wines at leisure on the first afternoon of your holiday.
The holiday is based in the beautiful and historic city of Avignon, the capital of the Vaucluse. Massive ramparts punctuated by seven gates surround the immaculately preserved medieval centre with the magnificent buildings of the Papal Palace at its heart. If you choose, you will have time to visit the stunning Papal Palace and also the famous bridge across the River Rhone, the Pont St. Benezet Both world renowned historical sites. Or if you prefer, simply stroll the lively Place de L’Horloge and charming old medieval streets soaking up the atmosphere. Avignon has a great choice of restaurants for dinner and recommendations will be included in your personal Route book.
Your day by day itinerary click >>Itinerary
Your Accommodation click >>Accommodation |
Holiday Price 2011
£1300 ~ US $1760
per person
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 transfers to and from you’re your hotel. For an additional cost we can if you prefer, arrange your travel to Avignon by train from your arrival point in France and arrange transfers to and from your hotel on arrival and departure.
To book this holiday click >>How to Book
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The guided wine tours and wine walk are led by local wine expert Olivier Hickman.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape is without doubt the most well-known of wine villages in the Southern Rhône but many wine-drinkers and enthusiasts are not familiar with wines from the other leading Rhône wine villages. This Wine Experience will give you the opportunity the fantastic quality and value of wines across the Southern Rhône appellation, not to mention the beautiful and diverse vineyard scenery that gives rise to these wines. |
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 do 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. |
