Rhône to Provence
8-Day Wine & Food Experience with "Thru The Vines"
This small group tour through Southern France is for lovers of fine wine, exceptional cuisine, and an appreciation of French culture, and people. From stunning hilltops to the breathtaking Mediterranean coastline, explore and visit small artisan wineries, whose wines are available for purchase here in the USA. Prepare and dine on sumptuous meals with some of the region’s top chefs. Return each day to charming and unique accommodations chosen especially for you the discerning traveler.
Rhône to Provence
Saturday 28th October 2023 – Saturday 4th November 2023
The South of France may just be one of the most beautiful and varied regions on earth. From the French Alps in the Swiss border to the lavender fields of Provence to the best beaches on the Mediterranean, this part of France has something for everyone. Blessed by mild Mediterranean temperatures, the southern French region of Provence is one of the most glamorous holiday destinations. Historic sites and unique traditions are around every corner, and the landscapes of
dramatic cliffs, wiggly waterways and wild mountains are overwhelming. Authentic Provençal life and traditions are best experienced in the region’s quirky little villages scattered all throughout its territory. Perched hamlets, ruins of beautiful castles and deserted country lanes form the mysterious soul of this area, and many colorful local markets adds to its liveliness.
ITINERARY
DAY 1 - Saturday 28-OCT- 2023
PROVENCE WELCOME
This morning Meet & Greet at Marseille Airport and enjoy a group transfer to one of the region’s beautiful hotels.
We begin our event at 5:30pm. Meet your host Billie Joyce DWS, wine educator and avid student of oenology, www.thruthevines.com, and your local guide. Join your traveling companions for welcome dinner with wine as they discuss the details of the week’s unique and exciting itinerary.
DAY 2 - Sunday 29-OCT-2023
CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE, GIGONDAS & ORANGE
Breakfast at hotel
Today our wine tasting tour takes us to two outstanding wineries, in Châteauneuf du Pape, and Gigondas. Chateauneuf du Pape lies in the heart of the Vaucluse region. The village comprises of pretty medieval lanes and ruined castle.
Afterwards, enjoy a scenic drive and a guided tour of Orange and its World Heritage sites, the Roman Theater and the Art & History Museum, with a local lecturer.
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DAY 3 – Monday 30-OCT-2023
COOKING CLASS WITH MARKET VISIT
Breakfast at hotel
Start your day with a visit to the farmers market in Uzès. Meet your Chef and select the best ingredients for your Cooking Class. Prepare and enjoy an unforgettable feast under the watchful eye of one of the region’s top Chefs, paired with exceptional wines from the region.
DAY 4 - Tuesday 31-OCT- 2023
OLIVE OIL TASTING EXPERIENCE, TOUR OF AVIGNON WITH TIME AT LEISURE FOR SHOPPING, TRANSFER TO AIX-EN-PROVENCE
Breakfast at hotel
Check-out of hotel
This morning, we head to Avignon, a magnificent medieval city dominated by the impressive Popes’ Palace. You will start your visit of the city with Les Halles, Avignon’s covered Provençal market. You will then visit the Pope’s Palace. In the 14th century, Avignon was the most important city in Europe. It was the seat of the Catholic church, represented in spectacular style by the Palais des Papes.
Located in a small Provençal village in the heart of the Alpilles dear to Alphonse Daudet, the Sourdon family produces its fine olive oil in a typical "Mas" from the 12th century for four generations.
Today the family story goes on with Anne and Magali who share like their ancestors real passion for the "Vallée des Baux" and its olive cultivation tradition.
Transfer to Aix-en-Provence to your hotel at the end of the day.
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DAY 5 - Wednesday 1-NOV-2023
AIX-EN-PROVENCE COOKING CLASS
Breakfast at your hotel
Today we travel to Aix-en-Provence village center
Meet one of the top Chefs in Aix-en-Provence for a visit to the market to buy the best ingredients for a cooking-class with wine pairing.
Afterwards enjoy some time at leisure for shopping in the city
Transfer to your hotel at the end of the day
DAY 6 - Thursday 2-NOV-2023
WINE TASTING AND CASSIS PRIVATE CRUISE
Breakfast at your hotel
Today we depart our hotel and travel to Cassis for our wine tour and tasting. After the wine tour, enjoy time at leisure to explore the natural beauty of Cassis, browse the lovely
shops and cafes.
Enjoy time at leisure for lunch .
Afternoon private cruise in the Calanques National Park. Calanques National Park is world renowned for its wonderful landscapes and its wide biodiversity from land and sea.
Transfer to your hotel at the end of the day
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DAY 7 - Friday 3-NOV-2023
MORNING AT LEISURE & WINE TASTING LUNCH EVENT
Breakfast at hotel
Enjoy the morning at leisure for personal shopping, sightseeing, packing, or simply enjoying your hotel.
At 1pm, we depart our hotel for touring and wine tasting followed by a magnificent mid-afternoon luncheon event at the winery. Return transfer to hotel after event.
Enjoy a Farewell dinner at your hotel that evening.
DAY 8 - Saturday 4-NOV-2023
GROUP AIRPORT TRANSFER
Breakfast at Hotel
Hotel check-out
Group transfers to the airport
Depart for home today or linger longer and explore this beautiful region at leisure.
~The end of a beautiful tour~
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A unique Wine & Food Tour crafted exclusively for 16 discerning guests
COST PER PERSON
Prices are based on double occupancy.
Single occupancy will incur an additional supplement of 1070€
Based on 16 paying participants 3800€ per person
Based on 14 paying participants 3900€ per person
Based on 12 paying participants 4000€ per person
Based on 10 paying participants 4300€ per person
Based on 8 paying participants 4600€ per person
Based on the current rate of exchange EUR €1 = USD $1.06
Payments:
A non-refundable deposit of $850 per person is required to confirm your booking.
Until payment is received your space is not guaranteed or confirmed.
A minimum of 8 guests is required to operate this program.
Kindly click the following link to complete the Booking Form Eloise Travel
The final payment is due 10th September 2023
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Comprehensive Trip Insurance must be purchased within 14 days of paying the first deposit on any portion of this trip i.e., airline ticket, tour package, pre or post hotel, and activities, to include the pre-existing coverage.
Please contact Eloise Travel for assistance with booking Trip Insurance
Included in the Above Cost:
-Intimate small group minimum 8 guests to a maximum of 16 guests.
-Round trip group transfer from Marseille Airport
-7 nights in the most luxurious hotels
-7 breakfasts, 2 dinners, 2 cooking Classes with Lunch, 1special afternoon food & wine event.
-Private cruise with wine and canapes
-Wine tasting and touring at the most exclusive wineries in the region.
-7 days of guided group tours with local bilingual experts.
-Dedicated driver for the duration of trip
-Your dedicated host Billie, and the very best local guides.
Enquire about these optional items not included in Above Cost:
-International Airfare
-Comprehensive Trip Protection – must purchase coverage to participate
-Additional hotel nights pre and or post.
-Optional sightseeing and activities