Discover Aix-en-Provence (Tour code: 11968)

Upon arrival at Aix-en-Provence Train Station or Marseille Provence Airport you will be escorted by private transfer to your centrally located hotel in Aix-en-Provence and check in.

The remaining of the day is at leisure to explore Aix en Provence.

Overnight stay in Aix-en-Provence at Hotel du Globe.

Aix-en-Provence

After breakfast, meet your English speaking driver-guide at Aix en Provence Tourism Office and start your full day visit of the Châteauneuf du Pape wine region.

Châteauneuf du Pape Wine tour 

The Châteauneuf du Pape Appellation was one of 6 to be labeled as the first AOC wines of France in 1936. The vineyards planted by the Romans were extended and developed by the Pope's residing in Avignon popes during the 14th century. In 1314, Clement V, the first Avignon Pope discovered the special soil of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. His successor, John XXII supports him and it was during his reign that the vineyard really took off and spread fame beyond the borders of “The Comtat”. The former bishop of Avignon, Jacques Duèse was elected as Pope John XII and succeeded Clement V in 1316. He regularly drank the wines from the vineyards ‘in the north’ and did much to improve viticulture practices there. The Pope sought a place sufficiently far from the city to discourage courtiers, sycophants, and scroungers, yet close enough so that a courier could go there and back to Avignon on the same day. The ideal spot was found on a hillock overlooking the Rhône Valley about halfway between Avignon and Orange – Châteauneuf – and this area was placed directly under his authority.

As you reach this famous wine producing region, discover the village and its ancient castle that was the summer residence of the Pope's during their stay in the area. Here, you will enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view on the valley.

Morning Wine tasting session in a local Winery

The Chateauneuf du Pape wines are well known for their full bodied red wines made predominantly with different grape varieties such as Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre that are typical grapes that can be found in the southern vineyards of France. There are also some white Châteauneuf du Pape wines that are intensely perfumed. The grape varieties used for the white wines include Grenache Blanc, Rousannes, Clairette and Bourboulenc many of which are rustic french varietals.

Upon arrival in the village, it will be time to taste some of the local wines in a local winery. Then, you will have some free time to roam around and enjoy a wine tour of Chateauneuf du Pape wines in the old 14th century pope cellars. Depending on your wishes, it will be possible to taste more wines in the local wineries that your guide can point to.

Lunch in a local restaurant (at own expense)

After your morning Chateauneuf du Pape wine tour, it will be time for lunch.Your guide will suggest different options so don't hesitate to ask for suggestions.

Afternoon wine tasting session in a local Winery

After lunch, experience your second Chateauneuf du Pape winery tour. Listen about the history of this unique domain, visit the installations and participate in a commented tasting of the wines of the estate. Take the opportunity to ask about the wine making process, the different bledings that are possible and most of all learn about the large range of grape varieties that can be used to make this exceptional wines. 

Overnight stay in Aix-en-Provence at Hotel L'Escaletto.

Drive towards Olive Oil farm

After breakfast, meet your English speaking driver-guide at Aix en Provence Tourism Office and experience a full day guided tour to the town of Arles and the authentic Provence villages of Saint-Remy and Les Baux de Provence. Then, board your premium A/C vehicle and begin your small group tour led by a local guide.

Arles Town Visit

Discover the Historic city of Arles, a fortified town listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Participate in a walking tour of the historic center to visit the most emblematic monuments of the town including the Amphitheater, the Antique Theater or Saint Trophime church.

The Roman City & Sites

The Roman Amphitheater was built at the end of the 1st Century to the North of the town. It is part of a general extension of Arles and was built at the same period of time as the baths. It is larger than the one located in Nîmes and could welcome up to 25.000 spectators. Antique Games will be held within until the fall of the Roman Empire.The building of the Antique Theatre was requested by Emperor Auguste. It could welcome up to 10.000 spectators at a time. Only part of the Theater remains but it is still one of the most well preserved in France. Used as a Theater until the beginning of the 5th century, it was then used as a quarry for the construction of the paleo-christian church of Saint Stephen. In the 17th century the famous Venus of Arles was discovered during early archeological digs.

The Roman Forum

Located at the intersection of the Cardo (north-south axis) and the Decumanus (east-west axis), the Roman Forum of Arles is made up of a great square of which only two fragments still exist. What is interesting about the Forum in Arles are the foundations as it is built on a cryptoporticus, which is a covered corridor or passageway. The cryptoporticus were known to be used as storage areas in other towns but the one in Arles is, however, too damp for prolonged storage and may have served as a barracks for public slaves.

On the Footsteps of Vincent Van Gogh

During his stay in Arles between February 1888 and May 1889, Vincent Van Gogh executed about 300 paintings and drawings. The places in the city where the artist set up his easel are marked with panels representing his paintings. 

Saint-Rémy de Provence

Arrive in Saint Remy de Provence, one of the prettiest villages of the area. The village is known to be a summer hot spot for chic parisians, yet it is still possible to find some quiet areas within the village, as there are many small squares scattered all over.  After the visit, free time for personal discovery and lunch. For your information, there is a beautiful Provence Market on Wednesdays.

Les Baux de Provence

Drive to the Alpilles mountain region that is famous for its vineyards and olive trees. Reach the medieval hilltop village of les Baux-de-Provence built on a rocky spur and from where you will have a breathtaking view of the surrounding Provence Countryside. Enjoy some free time to stroll and explore the narrow streets, Art galleries and the remains of a 10th century fortress. 

After the visit of Les Baux de Provence village, we will return to Aix en Provence and that will be the end of our services.

Overnight stay in Aix-en-Provence at Hotel L'Escaletto.

Les Baux de Provence

After breakfast, meet your English speaking driver-guide at Aix en Provence Tourism Office and start your full day visit: Cassis Village, Calanques Boat Ride & Provence Wines.

Arrive in the fishing village of Cassis and follow your guide on a walking tour of the village to get your bearings. As you stroll through the narrow streets of Cassis, browse small shops and stores that sell local goods of Provence, far from the chain stores that you would find in the larger cities. If you are in the village on a Wednesday or Friday morning, your guide will take you to the local market where it is possible to taste local delicacies.

This full day tour from Aix en Provence also includes a panoramic boat ride of the Calanques that are located near Cassis. From the small port, reach the Calanques National Park that stretches from Marseille to Cassis to admire some of the most beautiful coves, part of the steep rocky coast that developed in limestone due to erosion. The result is a breathtaking landscape that mixes turquoise waters with impressive limestone cliffs and inlets.

Enjoy some free time for personal discovery & lunch (at own expense).  After your visit and 45 minute boat ride, you will have sufficient time to take in some of that "Provence atmosphere" and loose yourself in the small quiet backstreets compared to the bustling harbor. It will also be time for you to taste some of the local delicacies in one of the many restaurants or bistros of the village. Ask your guide for recommendations as there are a number of restaurants that serve fine meals. As you can imagine, fish & seafood are among the most popular dishes to be found in the village. 

No tour to Cassis will be complete without a drive along the Route des Crêtes. As you leave Cassis, your drive will begin to head up towards the highest sea cliff in all of Europe. Of course, your driver-guide will stop in one of the many areas dedicated to take in the views over the village and the surrounding Mediterranean Sea. The views are stunning and make for a great opportunity for spectacular photos. 

After the continue to Cap Canaille, it will be time for you to experience a wine tasting session in the Côtes de Provence - Sainte Victoire, an appellation that was created in 2005. The soil here is quite poor and is mainly formed of limestone and clay/sandstone. This terroir is ideal for the production of elegant rosé wines and robust and generous red wines. For the Provence Sainte Victoire Rosé and red wines, the main grape varieties used are Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah. Occasionally, other varietals can include Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan or Mourvèdre. After a short drive, arrive at a carefully selected winery of the Côtes de Provence Sainte Victoire wine producing area. Here, the view is stunning with the Montagne Sainte Victoire in the back ground and limestone plateaus that are often planted with Olive trees. Upon arrival, taste local Rosé wine and find out about the winery and the wine making process of this very popular wine. Depending on the winery visited, continue your tasting with reds and/or whites of the Appellation. 

After your wine tasting session, it will be time to make our way back to Aix en Provence.

Overnight stay in Aix-en-Provence at Hotel L'Escaletto.

Calanques National Park