Welcome to France! Arrive at Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) and meet your driver. From here you will be driven to your private villa in the picturesque countryside of Provence. Drive time is approximately one hour. Get settled in your private room and freshen up before a lovely welcome dinner prepared by a private chef. 

Our home for the next seven nights exclusively at Les Baux de Provence Villa, based in the beautiful area of Alpilles-Provence. The village of Les Baux de Provence is situated in the heart of the Alpilles on a rocky plateau 245m high. A brilliant view of Arles, la Camargue and the Alpilles can be seen from the look-out points. This immense and superb stone fortress is without doubt one of the must-sees on the Provencal tourist trail!
 

The village is officially classified and labelled as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Its cultural heritage is exceptionally rich, with 22 architectural treasures classified as historic monuments including the church, chateau, town hall, hospital, chapels, houses and more, all of which contain artifacts and art inspired by the beautiful Provencal landscape.

Throughout our stay at the Chateau, we will be pampered for dinners by our own locally renowned private chef. For our welcome dinner, indulge in a culinary masterpiece. This specially designed menu showcases the finest flavors of Southern France and Provence, using fresh, seasonal ingredients. 

Tonight, you will enjoy your first meal together and toast to the start of an incredible trip with old and new friends! 

Meals: Welcome dinner 

Overnight: Le Mas du Rocher des Baux, Alpilles-Provence

This morning after enjoying a relaxing breakfast at the villa, you will enjoy a beautiful walking tour of Aix-en-Provence before heading to your first wine tasting of the trip! 

Aix-en-Provence was once the capital of Provence. Wealthy merchants and local dignitaries helped turn this city into the charming beauty that it is today complete with 17th and 18th-century architecture, gorgeous mansions, city squares bursting with flowers, and fountains. Walking through Aix is like visiting a great museum. There’s a masterpiece at every turn.

After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, it’s time to enjoy an afternoon of wine tasting at Chateau de Beaupre. 

You will be welcomed in the courtyard of the estate and be briefed with the history of the vineyard since 1855. Your oenological expert will highlight the viticulture techniques and the wine-making methods. From the vineyards to the vat room and the barrel cellar, Chateau de Beaupre will have no more secrets for you. At the end of your visit, you will enjoy a curated wine tasting. 

Once our day trip to Aix-en-Provence has concluded, you will make your way back to the countryside where you can enjoy some pool time or relax in the villa’s picturesque gardens. Cocktails, anyone?

This evening, Chef will prepare an alfresco dinner with fresh local produce to be enjoyed with your supply of wine. After dinner, enjoy a late night swim and nightcap in the chateau’s private pool.

Meals: Breakfast, wine tastings, and dinner 

Overnight: Le Mas du Rocher des Baux, Alpilles-Provence 

After enjoying breakfast, we will start the day off with an introduction to Avignon's history and food traditions. The French chef Pascal Barnouin will show you how to cook fresh, seasonal ingredients into a delicious three-course meal. 

Discover the Maison de la Tour, which offers gourmet and seasonal cuisine in a warm atmosphere and cozy and industrial decoration, and spend good moments in the heart of Avignon. 

Explore traditional Provençal recipes infused with a modish flair. Simplicity, flavor, and fresh ingredients are the keys to family-style cooking in France.

After sitting down to enjoy the fruits of your labor you will make your way back to the villa for an afternoon and evening at leisure. Dinner will be served by Chef later in the evening. 

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, wine pairing, and dinner 

Overnight:  Le Mas du Rocher des Baux, Alpilles-Provence 

Enjoy breakfast at the villa before we depart for a beautiful day of sightseeing in Avignon and a visit to the famed Châteauneuf-du-Pape. 

The city was the capital of the Catholic Church in the 14th century. The Pope’s Palace is one of the largest Gothic buildings in Europe. The medieval walls and the Pont d’Avignon are other can’t-miss attractions. You will walk through the charming streets while discovering the historical monuments, but also the artisans and delicious specialties of Provence. You will end your walking tour at a covered market where you can pick up some fresh, local products.

After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, you will enjoy an afternoon vineyard tour and wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, a charming area renowned for its full-bodied Rhône wines. 

Enjoy wine tasting of the best great growths of Châteauneuf-du-Pape at Cave Saint-Charles. Your hosts, Guy and David, are excited to welcome you into the world of wine, allowing you to be guided by a master sommelier. Experience a truly unforgettable moment in a quiet and vaulted cellar. Every wine tasting is a very personal and privileged moment, where time is taken to taste, to learn, to share, to exchange. Guy and David will not hesitate to share with you all their fabulous knowledge in order to have you better understand all the subtleties of the tasting.

When your tour has concluded, you will return to the villa for a relaxing afternoon poolside while you enjoy the picturesque countryside! Dinner will be prepared by Chef this evening. 

Meals: Breakfast, wine tastings, and dinner 

Overnight: Le Mas du Rocher des Baux, Alpilles-Provence 

After breakfast at the villa, we will depart for an incredible day at sea, as there is no better way to experience what the South of France has to offer. 

Discover the spectacular Calanques National Park. Sail through the narrow passage Cap Croisette, your gateway to the heart of the park. The Calanques are white limestone cliffs interspersed with secluded coves and beaches. The park stretches between Marseille and Cassis’s coastline and offers a playground for hiking, snorkeling, sunbathing, and, of course, sailing.

While on board, enjoy a light lunch between swimming and relaxing.

After a picturesque day sailing off the coast of Marseille, you will return back to the villa to unwind with your evening at leisure. Another delightful dinner will be prepared by Chef this evening. 

Meals: Breakfast, light lunch, and dinner 

Overnight: Le Mas du Rocher des Baux, Alpilles-Provence 

Enjoy breakfast at the villa before departing for an immersive day in Marseille, approximately a one hour, fifteen minute drive. 

Discover the vibrant city of Marseille during this full-day excursion. As the second largest city in France and recognized as one of the earliest settlements, Marseille has a rich history dating back to its founding by the Greeks 6 centuries BC. Also known as the "Phoenecean city," it remains a city of contrasts. The city is surrounded by limestone hills while the vast Mediterranean Sea stretches out on the horizon.

Since being awarded the title of European Capital of culture in 2013, modern structures have started to blend into the historical scenery. The new Mucem museum is a great example as  it sits in contrast next to the Saint-Jean Fortress, dating back to the 17th century. 

Once you arrive at the highest point of the city, where stands the iconic basilica of Notre-Dame de La Garde , you will take in the stunning view of the city, from the Calanques National Park to the massive commercial port. Just in front, you will see the renowned Chateau d’If that is on a small island in the Frioul archipelago. This former prison rose to fame as the inspiration behind Alexandre Dumas' masterpiece novel, "The Count of Monte-Cristo."

After your tour you will stop at a lovely local restaurant to enjoy lunch and an afternoon cocktail! 

Continue your driving tour on the scenic seaside road also called Corniche. This road serves as a reminder of Marseille’s connection with the sea. From here you will head back into the countryside with a stop at the incredible Domaine Mas de la Dame! 

Situated at the foot of the mythical village of Les Baux de Provence on the southern slopes of the Alpilles, Domaine Mas de la Dame is a pioneering wine estate producing wine and olive oil for four generations. This property covers three hundred hectares, including 58 hectares of vines and 28 hectares of olive trees. The vines grow harmoniously with the surrounding garrigue on a highly draining soil composed of stony scree of clay-limestone origin.

In this tasting session, you will stroll around the vineyard with the house's sommelier, who will interact and narrate the manufacturing process of wine and show you the several types of green olives and olive oil. At the end of the tour, you will be offered wine, olive oil, and tapenade tastings for an appealing culinary experience. 

Upon our return to the Chateau, you will enjoy an evening at leisure, with another wonderful dinner prepared by Chef.

Meals: Breakfast, wine tasting, and  dinner 

Overnight: Le Mas du Rocher des Baux, Alpilles-Provence 

This morning after a leisurely breakfast you will depart Les Baux de Provence for the famed, Château La Coste! 

Discover the wines of Château La Coste and learn about organic and biodynamic viticulture and winemaking methods and learn about the entire production process from the reception of the harvest to the bottling. The visit will be followed by a tasting of the different ranges of wines of the Domaine selected by an oenologist. 

The Château La Coste is also a center of art and architecture. You can enjoy a visit to the art center created by the Japanese architect Tadao Ando, or walk through the vineyard to discover the works of art created by artists in residence at Château La Coste.

After a lovely afternoon of wine tasting and experiencing the world class art at Château La Coste, you will return to Saint-Rémy. Enjoy an afternoon by the pool or exploring on your own. 

This evening, Chef will prepare us one last fabulous meal. Enjoy one last night in paradise and cheers to an incredible trip with old and new friends! 

Meals: Breakfast, light lunch, and farewell dinner with wine 

Overnight: Le Mas du Rocher des Baux, Alpilles-Provence 

This morning you will ‘bid adieu’ to Provence! Your group departure transfer will take you from your villa to the Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) where you will board your return flight with service to the United States. 

Meals: Breakfast