Paradise in Provence

DAY 1, Sunday - Arrive in Aix-en-Provence
Arrive at Marseille Airport and transfer to the regional capital, Aix-en-­Provence, a delightful jumping-off point for our Provence stay. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure before meeting your group at the hotel for a welcome reception and dinner.
Overnight: Aix-en-Provence
Meals: Reception, Dinner
 
DAY 2, Monday - Aix-en-Provence Sightseeing, Luberon Winery
This morning's orientation tour brings you to the charming Cours Mirabeau, a wide thoroughfare that harmonizes 16th, 17th, and 18th-century houses with plane-trees and decorative fountains. The tour continues to visit a studio dedicated to Paul Cézanne, the famous French Post-Impressionist painter who lived and worked in Aix. See the elegant square of the Palace of Justice as well as views of the Montagne St. Victoire before a delightful excursion to Luberon National Park, with its hilltop villages and rolling green hills, reminiscent of Peter Mayle's A Year in Provence. From here, jaunt to a nearby wine estate for a guided tour of the winery and gardens, followed by a tasting of some of the winery's most prized vintage wines. Enjoy a flavorful lunch with paired wines in the estate's courtyard, before continuing to visit the village of Lourmarin, located at the foot of the Luberon Massif. Enjoy time at leisure to walk the village's old stone streets, which wind round typical Mediterranean architecture and beautifully shaded public squares. From here, travel to the enchanting hilltop village of Gordes, considered the "Parthenon of Provence"
Overnight: Aix-en-Provence
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
 
DAY 3, Tuesday - Avignon, Cote du Rhone Wine Tasting, Pont du Gard, St. Rémy-de-Provence
This morning, enjoy a short drive to the Provençal town of Avignon, home of the historical Avignon Papacy. Upon arrival, enjoy an orientation tour of the town, including the famous broken bridge, the Papal Palace, one of the largest and most historicly significant medieval Gothic buildings in Europe, and the lively Place d'Horloge. From here, drive to the Cote du Rhone vineyards and the lovely town of Chateauneuf du Pape, where we will enjoy a sampling of some of the wines for which Rhone is famous. Following the tasting, proceed to view the Pont du Gard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is the most ancient Roman aqueduct in France. The tour continues to St. Rémy-de-Provence to see the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole, the asylum where Van Gogh spent some of his troubled last days.
Overnight: Aix-en-Provence
Meals: Breakfast
 
DAY 4, Wednesday - Van Gogh's Arles, Les-Baux-de-Provence Cooking Class
Today's journey leads into the heart of the Camargue to Arles, where you will see the Roman Arena and the 12th-century Cathedral of St. Trophime among other sights. From here, drive north along densely forested slopes to Les Baux, a gorgeous hilltop town in the French countryside. Often labeled "the most beautiful village in France," due to its rich cultural heritage and medieval history, Le Baux is a truly fascinating town that in every way blends the Renaissance with the contemporary. Then, enjoy a private cooking class that highlights the delicate flavors of Southern France, followed by a lunch with drinks included.
Overnight: Aix-en-Provence
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
 
DAY 5, Thursday - French Riviera, Cannes & Nice Excursion
After breakfast this morning, depart for the French Riviera, passing the Abbey of Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume en route to St. Maxime, the stylish resort of the Esterel Coast. From here, board a small ship to cruise across the Mediterranean from St. Maximim to St. Tropez. Enjoy time at leisure in the land of the rich and famous, people-watching from one of the terrace cafés, before heading for Cannes, with a drive along the Boulevard de la Croisette to see the Film Festival Center. The tour continues to Nice where the evening is yours to pursue whatever piques your interest.
Overnight: Nice
Meals: Breakfast
 
DAY 6, Friday - Nice Orientation, Monte Carlo Excursion
This morning's tour takes you into the heart of Nice to see such sights as the famous Promenade des Anglais, a "must see" for travelers due to its history and nightlife, the Old Town, and Place Massena. Then take a mini-train up to the "Colline du Château" for panoramic views of the city and Bay of the Angels below, which is a favorite way to view Nice. The tour continues to Eze to visit a perfumery and attend a perfume-making class. Dive nose first into a world of scents and discover the basic processes of fragrance design. Have fun creating your very own fragrance, which you may take home in a personalized perfume bottle with your name or the name you have chosen for your creation. Each of these newly created perfumes will be classified and conserved to facilitate possible re-ordering. Later, drive to Monaco to visit the world-famous Monte Carlo Casino, one of the Riviera's most frequented landmarks. Undoubtedly the true highlight of this 8-day getaway, Monte Carlo is the epitome of wealth and glamour, a prime destination for royalty and some of Hollywood's most famous actors and actresses. At the hotel this evening, celebrate your final night in France together with a farewell dinner.
Overnight: Nice
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
 
DAY 7, Saturday - Depart for USA
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Meals: Breakfast