Our 2023 Provence Dreams Tour
We have 2 tours set for 2023
June 8 – June 17, 2023
&
June 17 – June 26, 2023
Hello Provence Dreamers! We have had such an overwhelming response to our Provence Tours for 2022 as all 3 tour sold out! They are likely to sell out quickly once again in 2023, so we opened up an early notification sign up form. This way you will be one of the first to know when this tour is up for sale, so get ready to spend some time living the good life!
There is something magical about the combination of fields of lavender and sunflowers, a glass of cool rosé on a warm summer evening, markets full of gorgeous produce, delicious cheeses and local delicacies, and medieval towns with cobblestone streets so perfectly preserved that you expect a knight in shining armor to appear just around the bend. This is our Provence and we want to share it with you. The towns, the wineries, the food, cooking lessons, truffle hunting, the scenery that inspired Cezanne and Van Gogh- they all await you on our exclusive, small group, Provence Dreams tour. Join us this summer for an exclusive, small group private tour showcasing some of what we consider the Best of Provence.
Cheers,
Ruth and Mike
Here are some of the highlights
- VIP Accommodations: 2 nights in a 4 Star Hotel in Avignon &
7 nights in a Château in the Middle of a Vineyard near Châteauneuf du Pape
- Exclusive Wine Tastings & Pairings
- Gourmet Meals
- Truffle Hunting & Tasting Experience
- Sightseeing in Some of France’s Most Beautiful Villages & Medieval Towns
- Cooking Class with a Local Chef
- Eat, Shop and Meander through France’s Colorful Markets
- Amazing Photo Ops in Provence’s Famous Lavender Fields
- Immersive Art and Light Show – Carrières de Lumières
- Private Mini-Coach Transportation & English-Speaking Local Guides
Our VIP accommodations start with 2 nights in a 4-star hotel in Avignon, the lovely “City of the Popes” followed by a week in our chateau in a vineyard near the famous wine region of Chateauneuf-du-Pape!
We’ll dive right into the fabulous food experiences one expects in Provence with a gourmet welcome dinner in Avignon. More delicious dinners will follow during our stay, as well as a cooking class (those who would rather relax than cook can still participate in the meal). Daily breakfasts and some fabulous lunches are also included, amongst these is a serious indulgence of local specialties from appetizer to cheese plate at one of our favorite restaurants!
In Avignon, we will explore the historic city and see the Popes Palace, the Pont d’Avignon and the famous Les Halles food market with an award winning local guide.
We’ve planned outings to some of our favorite perched villages and other charming towns in the surrounding areas. Our drives will bring us through the picturesque countryside and towns made famous by artists like Cezanne and Van Gogh. Whether you enjoy painting, photography, cooking or any art form, including admiring others’ works, you can’t help but be inspired by the beauty that will surround you.
Seeing the lavender fields that Provence is famous for is a must experience. You will be surprised to find the myriad uses for the essential oils distilled from this product that has become one of the symbols of Provence.
You will want to expand your photo storage and bring extra batteries for your phone or camera so you
can keep taking pictures when we visit Roussillon, located in the heart of one of the largest ochre deposits in the world. The buildings in this beautiful town are literally pigmented in red and rust tones derived from the the indigenous ochre mines. Here we’ll have the option for a beautiful, short and easy hike through the mines as well as time to enjoy the picturesque Provencal village.
Any visitor to France must see at least a few of the towns classified as one of “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France” (The Most Beautiful Villages in France). You will find those that are perched up on the top of the hillsides like Gordes and Le Baux de Provence are pretty incredible. Sometimes it is hard to decide which is a more amazing sight the view of the villages like this photo to the left, or the views from the villages over the surrounding countryside!
Imagine what it would be like if you could walk into and through
some of the world’s most famous paintings. In the old, inactive chalk mines in Le Baux, you will be mesmerized by one of the world’s most beautiful multimedia art presentations – the Carrieres des Lumieres. Let’s just say that there is no way to describe this amazing, immersive presentation except to experience it in person, but once you go, you will be hooked.
Of course we could not bring you to Provence without plans for private VIP visits and tastings at some of the best wineries in Châteauneuf du Pape and other regions. And because we want you to be able to experience as much of the wonderful regional products as possible, we have also arranged for a guided wine and chocolate tasting!
Foodies and dog lovers alike will love our unique truffle hunting experience. Truffles are one of the most expensive foods in the world and truffle hunters tend to be very secretive and territorial. We will learn how these “black diamonds” grow, the mystique behind them, meet the truffle dogs(not pigs!) and go on a truffle hunt. Afterwards we will have the opportunity to taste some of the amazing products created with truffles in our beautiful Provencal setting.
No trip to Provence would be complete without spending some time
at one of the weekly markets and the famous weekend market in L’Isle sur la Sorgue is one of the most lively and colorful in Provence. From the Antiques and Bric a Brac (Isle sur la Sorgues boasts the second largest Antiques center in France after Paris) to the delicious local products such as cheese to charcuterie, or locally milled soaps to lavender sachets, you are sure to find the perfect souvenir of Provence as you stroll along the stands lining the streets and waterways.
And of course, we want to make sure you are never thirsty; so besides the wine, while this is not a beer-centric tour, we will make sure to have an opportunity to taste some local beers – you knew we’d search out some of those, right?
This 10 Day/9 night tour will start in Avignon and will finish at our Chateau near Châteauneuf du Pape, with transfers available back to Avignon.
All of this and more awaits you in Provence.
Won’t you join us on vacation in our happy place?
Space is very limited and room assignments will be based on a first come first serve basis. Book Today and get ready for the vacation of a lifetime!
“Likely the best vacation of our lives!”– Janet H & Tom R, Florida
Please Email or Call Us at 1-888-846-2337 with any questions.