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Highlights of Provence Small Group Holiday Itinerary

 
 
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Highlights of Provence Small Group Itinerary
 Day by Day Itinerary  
The itinerary below has been planned as a first day of Sunday and final night of Friday. Please note it is possible that for example due to the weather we may occasionally need to change the days on which we make the visits and excursions described in the itinerary but all the visits described will be included in your holiday. To book this holiday click>>How to Book
Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4
You will be staying in one of the lovely old villages of the Luberon for the six nights of your holiday.  Arrive here in time for a welcome aperitif followed by dinner and time to get to know your fellow travellers. A tour today of the delightful perched villages of the Luberon valley each with its own history and each with superb vistas.  We include Gordes perched high above the valley, Roussillon with its unique multi-coloured ochre cliffs and Bonnieux nestling against the Luberon mountainside with superb views at every turn.

A fascinating insight into vine growing and wine production today as we join our guide in the Cotes du Rhone area of the Dentelles.  We visit two private wine domaines with tastings at each followed by lunch in a nearby wine village.  Then in the afternoon a scenic route back to the Luberon via the summit of Mont Ventoux.  The views from the summit are unsurpassed.  From the summit we descend onto the lavender growing area and the town of Sault, perched high above the plateau.   From here the road winds down through more peaceful countryside to return to the Luberon valley.

Dinner this evening is in the Luberon hills in a countryside restaurant famous for its plateau of provencal hors d'oevres.  

 

Enjoy all the hustle and bustle of the market in delightful St. Rémy this morning. The many temptations include olive oil, handmade chocolates and colourful provencal fabrics. Then in the afternoon visit the dramatic medieval fortress village of Les Baux perched high on the mountain edge. A guided visit to the Citadel is included.  Then later in the afternoon we visit the fascinating themed garden the Jardin de L'Alchimiste in nearby Eygalières before returning to the hotel.  
Day 5 Day 6  

A free morning to relax and simply enjoy life à la provencal.  Then in the afternoon a scenic drive through the Luberon mountains to the lovely old village of Lourmarin nestling beneath the hills of the south Luberon.  Stroll the delightful old streets of honey coloured stone and visit the fascinating Chateau, the first Renaissance Chateau to be built in Provence with the oldest part dating from the 15th century.  En route a stroll in the Cedar Forest with its panoramic views across the Luberon and the Durance valleys.  

 

Today we visit the splendours of the papal city of Avignon. This historic city on the banks of the river Rhone just demands exploration with its beautiful medieval buildings and fascinating museums.  A guided tour of the town is planned together with a visit of the sumptuous Papal Palace and the famous bridge. The afternoon is free to explore at leisure, maybe take a boat trip on the River Rhone or simply wander the old streets and indulge in some shopping.
Dinner this evening is in the restaurant of top chef Elizabeth Bourgeois in her restored farmhouse near Gordes - a truly memorable end to your holiday.

 

Depart this morning after breakfast.  
Real Provence
 

 

Updated: 16 February, 2008