Pleasures of Provence

Upon arrival, transfer and check in to the Grand Hôtel Roi René Aix-en-Provence. Then, take a brief walking tour with your Travel Director to get acquainted with the area. Meet your fellow travelers at this evening’s Welcome Reception.

Set out to explore this captivating city on a guided stroll along the iconic, picturesque Cours Mirabeau, seeing notable sites. Then, find your muse during a visit inside Paul Cézanne’s atelier, studio, to see where the famous artist worked. Drive to the quaint, sun-drenced Provençal fishing village of Cassis to savor a fresh seafood lunch. Continue to embark on a boat cruise through the legendary inlets of the Calanques of Marseille, marveling at the tall needle rocks rising from brilliant blue-green waters.

Enjoy a discussion about the religious and political history of Avignon before setting out to explore this UNESCO-inscribed city. Take a guided tour of the Gothic Pope’s Palace, a medieval masterpiece that served as the papal seat during the 14th century. See centuries-old frescoes and the Pope’s private apartments. After lunch in Avignon, continue to visit the awe-inspiring, UNESCO-inscribed Pont du Gard, built by the Romans in 19 B.C. Contemplate this architectural wonder of Roman engineering and construction mastery. Cap off the day with a visit and tasting of Rhône wine in the famed wine making village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Embark on a walking tour of coastal Arles, brimming with extraordinary monuments, Roman ruins and artistic inspiration. Marvel at the colossal amphitheater of Les Arènes and the UNESCO World Heritage Cathedral of St. Trôphime, a masterpiece of Romanesque style. Wander the labyrinth of cobblestoned streets amid medieval buildings. Explore more of Arles during lunch and time at leisure. Continue to the Provençal villages of Les Baux, perched on a rocky outcrop; and romantic St. Remy. Take in Les Baux’s breathtaking views from the towering limestone cliffs, and admire the lush, perfumed valleys of St. Remy that inspired Van Gogh to produce more than 150 paintings. Then, at Moulin de Calanquet, tour the local olive oil mill and savor a tasting. Join a festive group dinner in town tonight.

This dazzling, vibrant port city on the Mediterranean coast is the oldest city in France, founded around 600 BC. On a coach and walking tour, appreciate the tapestry of diverse cultures, eclectic neighborhoods and architectural wonders as you pass notable sites. Drive along the harbor up to Notre Dame de la Garde to take in the panoramic views. Then, absorb the city’s mystery as you walk through bohemian Le Panier, the oldest district of Marseille. Join an enriching discussion to discover the splendors of the South of France and then set out to savor the city’s culinary offerings at leisure.

Begin today with an immersive experience at Les Pastras, an organic farm and black truffle plantation. After a tour of the farm, join professional hunters in the search for France’s elusive “black gold” followed by a delectable tasting of fresh truffle hors d’oeuvres with Champagne. Sit down to a Provençal buffet lunch amid the idyllic setting and later learn to play the game of pétanque, or boules, accompanied by rosé and pastis! Then, take in the views on a panoramic tour of two of the most lovely villages in the Luberon massif, the mountain villages of Cucuron and Lourmarin. Nobel Prize-winning author Albert Camus and British expatriate Peter Mayle, author of “A Year in Provence,” both lived and are buried in the Lourmarin local cemetery.

Make the most of your final day by exploring more of Aix. Perhaps visit one of many notable art museums or walk in the footsteps of Cézanne by finding the “C”-marked pedestrian route that takes you past the landmarks of his life. Stroll through an open-air market and gather what you need for a picnic in the park. Stop into a confectionary to taste calissons, Aix’s specialty candy, or visit the Vendôme Pavilion, a 17th-century Aix residence and “pleasure house.” Stop by the restored Hôtel de Caumont Art Center or go fountain hunting in this city known as the “City of a Thousand Fountains!” This evening, bid au revoir to your fellow travelers at Farewell Reception and Dinner.