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Food Focus: Provence

Thursday, April 25 – Saturday, May 4 2024

Join food tour host Lori Chisholm for a visit to beautiful Provence, France. With 5 nights in Avignon and 4 nights in Aix-en-Provence, you will have the opportunity to visit wineries, restaurants and markets and to explore these iconic cities as well as some of the smaller towns this region is famous for. Embrace the culture: a food tour, a cooking class and dramatic hilltop villages. Fine wines, fabulous local food and unique shopping opportunities are all part of the package. ** You will have to travel no later than Wednesday, April 24.

Tour Cost – LAND ONLY  $4,373 CAD per person sharing twin accommodation. No singles available.

($4,205 if paying the full tour cost by cheque or e-transfer)    

BOOKING INFORMATION

April 25 - May 04, 2024

Land only: $4,373 based on double occupancy

$4,205 if paying the full tour cost by cheque or e-transfer

Waitlist Only

DOWNLOAD PDF OF ITINERARY

*If the tour is SOLD OUT, please contact us to be added to the waitlist.

ITINERARY

Day 1 - Thursday, April 25: Avignon D

We’ll gather at 7:00 p.m. at our centrally-located, 3 star hotel for an aperitif before we head to dinner as a group at the Chef’s Table at a local Michelin-starred restaurant.  (Overnight Avignon)

Day 2 - Friday, April 26: Avignon area B, L


This is a food tour so let’s start it right. This morning after breakfast (don’t eat too much) we are in for a private walking tour of Avignon neighbourhoods for nibbles and tastings and an overview of the city centre with Julien. After the morning tour which includes lunch, off we go together to the Châteauneuf-du-Pape countryside for some winery visits and tastings with Romain, a local sommelier. We’ll be back in the early evening. (Overnight Avignon)

Day 3 - Saturday, April 27: Avignon B, L

After breakfast this morning, we have a date with Chef Jonathan Chiri at Les Halles. In his kitchen, we’ll prepare some classic Provençal recipes together, then enjoy them seated in his restaurant in the bustle of this authentic Avignon market. Late afternoon and evening on your own. (Overnight Avignon)

Day 4 - Sunday, April 28: Arles B, L

Today after breakfast, we’ll travel by private coach to Arles, one of the loveliest cities in Provence. Here we’ll meet Alice, our guide to the Roman centre which was once home to Vincent VanGogh. After a group lunch, we will visit lovely Saint Rémy de Provence, stopping on the way for an olive oil tasting followed by a cheese tasting in town. Hopefully we’ll have a bit of time for the shops before returning to Avignon for a free evening. (Overnight Avignon)

Day 5 - Monday, April 29: Avignon B

Today, you’ll be provided with passes to visit the Papal Palace, the Gardens and the Pont d’Avignon. Enjoy a leisurely day wandering the streets and the promenade as you bid au revoir to Avignon. (Overnight Avignon)

Day 6 - Tuesday, April 30: Luberon and Aix B, L

After breakfast and check-out, we are moving by private coach to beautiful Aix-en-Provence. On the way, we’ll visit several of the charming hilltop villages of the Luberon and stop for lunch together before a late-afternoon check-in at our 3-star Hotel de France (https://hoteldefrance-aixenprovence.com/en/), situated one block from the Cours Mirabeau and the Fontaine de la Ronde. (Overnight Aix).

Day 7 - Wednesday, May 01: Day at leisure B

I always include a free day in my itinerary. Today is a French bank holiday, btw. 

Day 8 - Thursday, May 02: Bando and Cassis B, L

After breakfast today, we are off to the Mediterranean with a busy itinerary. Bandol is renowned for its lovely rosé wines and we will be visiting 3 wineries over the course of the day. Then, the historic port of Cassis is the home of bouillabaisse, a seafood dish I have longed for ever since my first visit here.  We’ll enjoy our bouillabaisse together between winery visits. Evening free in Aix. (Overnight Aix)

Day 9 - Friday, May 03: Day at leisure in Aix B, D

The day is free to explore Aix a bit further before gathering first for a cocktail then for our farewell dinner at a popular bistrot to share anecdotes and celebrate new friendships.(Overnight Aix)

Day 10 - Saturday, May 04: Tour ends B

The tour is over after breakfast and check-out. Transfer to Marseille airport if you are headed directly home. Otherwise, carry on safely! 

ITINERARY PDF

EXPLORE THE AREA

INCLUDED

-9 nights’ accommodation in centrally-located 3 star tourist-class hotels -Local city taxes -9 breakfasts -Welcome cocktail, farewell cocktail -Welcome dinner (Michelin star) and farewell dinner, both with wine, water and coffee -5 lunches (chef lunch, Michelin lunch) -5 winery visits with tours and tastings -Market and cooking experience, lunch with a chef as mentioned above -1 private food/city tour with local guide in Avignon -Entrance to the Papal Palace, Papal Gardens and Pont d’Avignon -All ground transportation by private coach or minivan from start to end of tour -Private city tour in Arles --Guide and driver gratuities -Dedicated tour leader throughout -(2-hour Toronto airport lounge pass if you book this tour by October 31, 2023)

NOT INCLUDED

-Items of a personal nature -Air transportation and taxes -Ground transportation to and from airports -Beverages unless specifically mentioned above -Insurance – please call the Pauwels office for a quote

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