Minibus Tour of the
Best of Provence
Historical sites, famous towns and villages, wine tours and truffle, olive and herb producers. Join us on an exclusive series of day and half day tours that provide an extensive view of all that has made Provence so famous. From the grandeur of the Theatre Antique to the simple beauty of hilltop villages we interweave a kaleidoscope of images and experiences . We provide an English speaking guide/driver with 20 years experience of the region . In addition local experts provide their own unique knowledge of specific topics whether it is the history of Avignon or wine, olive or truffle farming. The tours can be taken on a daily basis or as part of a 7 day holiday based either in our gite accommodation in Vinsobres or in hotels of all standards in Vaison la Romaine. Dates 2012. (Saturday PM to Saturday AM - 7 nights accommodation and 6 days of activities) 24-31 Mar; 7-14 April; 5-12 May; 2-9 June; 25 Aug -1 Sept; 22 -29 Sept; 13-20 Oct.. EXTRA dates available...23 to 30 June...all weeks in July and August.
PRICE - 1. In either the Hotel Buurhus or Beffroi for 6 nights on bed and breakfast basis. Plus 1 night in a hotel in central Avignon also on bed and breakfast basis. 3 dinners and 1 lunch, guiding, visit fees, transport and transfers included. Excluded , wine with meals. E950 based on 2 sharing twin or double room. PRICE - 2. Based in our Gite in Vinsobres for 6 nights on bed and breakfast basis. The rest of the package is as above…………………..E750. Itinerary OVERVIEW: Saturday - Transfers arranged from Avignon on request from 2pm. Sunday - Wine day… |  | Drive to Gigondas for a delightful walk below the Dentelles de Montmirail through the famous vineyards. Stroll down into Gigondas for a short visit to the village followed by a superb wine tasting of 6 of the wines accompanied by suitable gourmet mini dishes at the village winery. This usually takes 2hrs so we end the day with a final visit to a fascinating winery where the production is uniquely ecological and based on a totally natural growing cycle. | Monday - The famous villages of the Luberon, Gordes, Roussillon, Menerbes and Oppede le Vieux | These villages are so different and this just adds to their attractiveness. Gordes is sombre, built of stone on rock and the buildings tumble down the hillside in a jumble of styles. Roussillon is soft, ochre coloured, compact and very photogenic with the variety of ochre colouring. Menerbes is like a large ship proudly sitting on top of a line of cliffs whilst Oppede is an old ruin slowly being overwhelmed by trees and vegetation .All are of great interest to painters through the ages and today for the photographer as well. Lunch will be in Roussillon and the afternoon spent visiting the last 2 villages Menerbes and Oppede.. |  | Tuesday - Market day in Vaison la Romaine.  | Vaison has an enormous and colourful market on Tuesday morning and this is a great opportunity to taste the fruit, olives, cheeses, wine and much more. The town itself is of great interest. The medieval part lies on the hill over the Roman bridge and is well worth a visit with its art galleries, quaint streets and view over to the main town . Under the town lies a large Roman settlement which has been partially excavated and there are two sites close to the Tourist Office . In addition there is a superb Cathedral built on Roman foundations with delightful cloisters …Return mid afternoon to relax and enjoy the late afternoon sun by the pool.. | Wednesday - Orange and Pont du Gard. A visit to Orange is again coloured by its Roman history. The magnificent Arc de Triomphe is a prime example of Roman dominance with descriptions of wars and defeat of foes still clearly visible. This is followed by a visit to the Theatre Antique where with an audio system in English you are free to tour the site..it is very interesting and is one of the best preserved theatres of that era..Afterwards there is time to wander the old heart of Orange and enjoy a lunch in one of the many restaurants and cafes. After lunch a drive of about 40 minutes takes us to Pont du Gard. This incredible aqueduct that has survived for over 2000yrs. There is a very informative tourist information centre which explains how it was built and why .. Return to the hotel by about 6pm this evening. Thursday - Nyons.  | Visit Nyons the lavender and olive centre of the region but first Richerenches the Knights Templar village. Also included is a visit to herbalist, Francoise, who is an expert both in terms of herbs for cooking and also for medicinal purposes. Very much a hands on experience. | The morning will be spent visiting Richerenches, exploring the walled village and then meeting Francoise for the herb ‘treatment’. Lots of fun.. Lunch will be either a picnic or at the local brasserie. After lunch a 30 minute drive leads back to Nyons where a guided visit to the Lavender distillery and essence shop will provide all you need to know about lavender and its uses. We will then finish off with a short olive and olive oil tasting. Nyons is famous for its olives and its oil of course. An alternative day spent visiting Arles is also available for which there is an extra charge. Friday - Avignon, the papal palace and gardens , the famous Pont d’Avignon and a boat tour during the afternoon. |  |  | The final day and night will be spent in Avignon thus providing ample opportunity to explore this fascinating city by day and night . Bags are left at the hotel in the centre of the old city . A guided tour of the papal aspects of Avignon leads eventually to the Rhone . There we will take a 1hr30 cruise with superb views of historical Avignon. The tours will finish by mid afternoon leaving plenty of time for clients to explore the centre themselves. A dinner will be provided in the delightful square near the Opera House. Your guide will bid farewell afterwards. | Saturday. There are buses from near the hotel to the TGV Station and also the Airport. The central Rail Station and coach depot are 10 minutes walk from the hotel Bon Voyage and I hope that you have enjoyed your immersion in this varied part of Provence.
For bookings or enquiries phone us on 0033 475 276 829 or mobile 0033 678 554 023 Email: Francetrek@aol.com www.Francetrek.com
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