Cultural and Gourmet Tour in Provence
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable 8-day journey through the picturesque landscapes and charming cities of Southern France. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of cultural exploration, historical discovery, and culinary delights. From the vibrant city of Marseille, the oldest city in France, to the stunning natural beauty of the Calanques National Park, the enchanting vineyards of Bandol & Cassis, and the medieval city of Avignon, every day brings a new adventure. Enjoy exclusive experiences like a cruise with a professional skipper, wine tastings in renowned wineries, a cooking class in an olive oil mill, and guided tours of UNESCO heritage sites. With comfortable 4* hotel accommodations and delicious meals included, this tour promises an immersive and hassle-free exploration of Southern France's rich heritage and breathtaking beauty.
Included
6 breakfasts
2 welcome dinners on Days 1 and Day 4
Car rental from day 4 to day 8: group D with unlimited kilometers, GPS, manual or automatic drive
Double or twin room - 4* hotels accommodation
English speaking local guides for cultural tours, cooking classes and wine tastings are included.
The following guided activities with our local guides mentioned in the itinerary:
Day2: Cruise in the Calanques with a local skipper (shared tour)
Day3: wine tour in Cassis and Bandol (shared tour)
Day4: walking guided tour of Aix-en-Provence (private tour)
Day6: wine tasting tour in Chateauneuf-du-Pape (shared tour)
Day7: cooking class in the Alpilles (shared tour)
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Marseille
- Marseille - Arrival day
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- Mucem - Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean
- Fort de Ratonneau
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Welcome to France! Upon your arrival at Marseille International Airport, collect your rental car and check into your 4* hotel (or similar). Spend the day exploring Marseille, the oldest city in France, at your own pace. Wander through the vibrant district of Le Panier, visit the historic Fort Saint Jean, and explore the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations (MuCEM), a fascinating blend of old and new. In the evening, enjoy a gastronomic welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Marseille.
Day 2 – Day 2: Cruise to Calanques National Park
- Marseille
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- Calanques National Park
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Wake up in Marseille and prepare for a memorable cruise from Pointe Rouge to the breathtaking Calanques National Park. Led by a professional skipper, you'll explore stunning limestone creeks and crystal-clear waters, and visit hidden coves only accessible by boat. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the beautiful waters. The shared tour lasts approximately 3 hours. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure and overnight at your hotel in Marseille.
Day 3 – Day 3: Wine Tasting in Bandol & Cassis
- Cassis
- Marseille
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- Musée d’histoire de Toulon et de sa région
- Camp des Milles
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Today, journey through the stunning landscapes of the Bandol & Cassis wine regions, nestled along the Mediterranean Sea. Visit traditional wineries, explore vineyards planted on terraces, and taste a variety of wines, from Cassis white wines to Bandol rosé and red wines. Don't miss the breathtaking view from Cap Canaille and enjoy free time for lunch in the charming fishing town of Cassis. The shared tour lasts approximately 5-7 hours. Return to your hotel in Marseille for the night.
Day 4 – Day 4: Discovering Aix-en-Provence
- Marseille
- Aix-en-Provence
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- Gallifet Art Center - Aix en Provence
- Fort de Buoux
- Fort de Ratonneau
- Carrières de Bibémus
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After a short drive from Marseille, arrive in Aix-en-Provence, the former capital of Provence. Spend the morning exploring this city rich in heritage, art, culture, and education. Join a private walking tour with our qualified guide and visit The Cathedral, Hotel de Ville, Cours Mirabeau, and perhaps some secret spots known only to locals. The tour lasts approximately 2 hours. Enjoy dinner at our favorite downtown restaurant in Aix. Overnight at a 4* hotel in Aix-en-Provence (or similar).
Day 5 – Day 5: Exploring Luberon
- arrondissement of Apt
- Aix-en-Provence
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- Fort de Buoux
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Today, venture into the Luberon, a region known for its spectacular countryside, vineyards, orchards, and hill-top villages. Visit the charming village of Gordes, dominated by its fortified castle and church, and enjoy the enchanting views over the valley and hills. Then, explore Roussillon, one of the most beautiful villages of France, located in the heart of the world's largest ochre deposits. Wander its narrow streets and squares and marvel at the vibrant colors. Return to Aix-en-Provence for the night.
Day 6 – Day 6: Avignon and Châteauneuf-du-Pape
- Aix-en-Provence
- Avignon
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- Remparts d'Avignon
- Palais des Papes
- Château de Grignan
- Langlois Bridge
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Today, travel to the medieval city of Avignon, where the Pope Clemente V moved his court in the 14th century. Explore the UNESCO heritage sites of Le Palais des Papes and the St-Bénézet medieval bridge at your own pace. Later, head to the countryside to the north of Avignon, to the renowned wine region of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Here, join a shared wine tasting session at a family-run vineyard and discover the famous Chateauneuf red and white wines. Overnight at your hotel.
Day 7 – Day 7: Cooking Class and Alpilles Natural Park
- Les Baux-de-Provence
- Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
- Aix-en-Provence
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- Camargue Regional Natural Park
- Fontaine Pradier
- Museum of ancient Arles and Provence
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In the morning, head to Fontvieille to visit an olive oil mill and participate in a cooking class focused on the use of olive oil with a chef. The shared activity lasts approximately 2.5 hours. Afterwards, explore the Alpilles Natural Park, a region known for its untamed natural environment and preserved traditions. Visit Les Baux de Provence, a village perched on a rocky plateau, and Saint Remy de Provence, a charming Provençal village that inspired Vincent van Gogh. Return to Aix-en-Provence for the night.
Day 8 – Day 8: Departure
- Aix-en-Provence - Departure day
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Depending on your flight or train schedule, transfer back to Marseille International Airport or Aix-en-Provence TGV Station. Drop off your rental car and prepare for your journey home. This marks the end of your unforgettable trip through Southern France. Au revoir and safe travels!
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