Historical Journey of Provence – Small Group

Welcome to France! You will make your own way to Avignon. Once you arrive, you will have the day to explore the charming city of Aix-en-Provence at your leisure. Your overnight stay will be in Avignon.

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at your charming hotel before meeting your guide at the designated location to embark on a fascinating day tour of Avignon’s historical center. Accompanied by your knowledgeable and passionate English-speaking local guide, discover the fascinating past of this fabulous city that served as the seat of the papacy in the early 14th century.

Your first stop is the medieval city walls, where you’ll climb to the top to reach the stunning “Rocher des Doms” garden. From here, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Avignon stretching out along the Rhône river. Your guide will offer insightful explanations about the city’s rich history and the significance of the papacy in Avignon.

Next, enjoy exclusive skip-the-line access to the Pope’s Palace, the largest Gothic-style palace in Europe, and discover its opulent interiors, including luxurious furnishings and sumptuous decorations from the medieval period. Your local guide will share interesting anecdotes and genuine explanations as you explore the palace’s galleries, chambers, and chapels.

Stroll along cobbled streets to the Place de l’Horloge and learn about the secret of the painted windows, before discovering the town hall topped with its clock tower and the magnificent theatre. Finally, enjoy a glass of Côtes du Rhône wine at a local bar near the Pope’s Palace with your small group.

Afterward, depart for Saint Remy de Provence, where you’ll stop to take in the stunning Antiques, including the Triumphal Arch and mausoleum, surrounded by a beautiful landscape of olive trees, famously painted by Van Gogh. Capture incredible photos and show off your photography skills to your fellow travelers.

Continue on to Les Baux de Provence, a picturesque village perched atop a 245-meter-high rock. Your local guide will take you on a tour of the pedestrian center, including the museum of santons, the Hôtel des Porcelets, a beautiful 16th-century building, and the St Vincent Church, a charming romanesque structure. Learn about the fascinating history of the Provence region and its unique culture and traditions.

Finally, explore the exceptional site of the Pont du Gard, a remarkable and well-preserved part of the Roman aqueduct, which supplied water to Nîmes in the first century. This UNESCO-classified site is a testament to the impressive engineering and architectural feats of the ancient Romans.

After the tour, return to your accommodation in Avignon for a relaxing overnight stay.

Begin your day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel before heading to Avignon railway station independently. You’ll board a train to Aix en Provence using your pre-booked ticket. After arriving at your destination, you can make your way to your accommodation on your own. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy, and you can use your city pass to explore the city. Spend the night in Aix en Provence, and take advantage of all the wonderful sights and activities the city has to offer.

Begin your day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel, then meet your guide at the designated meeting point. Get ready to experience the unique atmosphere of the Provence local market and indulge in the special art of living. Your guide has carefully selected the best markets and villages that should not be missed, offering you an unforgettable tour.

You’ll start your day with a visit to the dry-stone built village of Gordes, located in the heart of the Vaucluse mountains. Here, you can explore the market on Tuesdays only and take a leisurely stroll through the charming rocky promontory. Admire the breathtaking view of the Luberon mountain from the village, which dominates the plain.

Your next stop is the village of Roussillon, famous for its colorful houses and market on Thursdays. You’ll get to experience Provençal life firsthand by strolling through one of the most beautiful Provençal markets in the Luberon. Then, you’ll have free time in Lourmarin, famous for its Renaissance castle and market on Fridays.

On Saturdays only, you’ll visit the city of Apt, famous for its candied fruit production (replaces the stop in l’Isle sur la Sorgue). Did you know that Provence’s worldwide reputation for candied fruit comes from Pope Urban V in the 15th century, who tasted candied fruits while on a pilgrimage?

Next, you’ll head to L’Isle sur la Sorgue and walk along the various canals, discovering the antique shops. There are more than 300 antiques in L’Isle sur la Sorgue, so you might find many gems during your holidays in Provence.

Finally, you’ll drive to Fontaine de Vaucluse and walk up to the cave from which the River Sorgue emerges. Admire the beautiful panorama from there before returning to Aix en Provence at the end of the tour. Spend the night in Aix en Provence, feeling satisfied and enriched by this delightful day tour.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel, seize the opportunity to explore the charming city of Aix en Provence with the provided city pass. Take your time to discover the hidden gems and iconic landmarks at your own pace. Remember to keep your camera handy to capture the beautiful sceneries that you come across. Rest comfortably overnight in Aix en Provence.

Fuel up with a tasty breakfast at the hotel before the departure. If you wish to extend your stay, there is an option to book post-accommodation in Aix en Provence.