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Departure flight from Toronto overnight to France (other gateways available).
Midday arrival at Marseilles airport and transfer to our hotel in Gordes for a delightful week spent exploring the picturesque towns, hilltop villages and stunning countryside of Provence. This afternoon we acquaint ourselves with the village, its picturesque streets, unusual churches, mysterious passageways and its many shops including a painter's workshop and galleries. We visit a local wine producer for a wine tasting seminar before dinner together this evening. Spend four nights near Gordes.
Taste Provencal olive oil at the Moulin des Bouillons. Admire the rows of lavender at the 12th century Abbey of Senanque, one of the purest examples of primitive Cistercian architecture, still functioning as a monastic community. Marvel at the vibrant scenery of the village of Roussillon, adored by artists for its striking palette of colours and visit the 'Ochre Conservatory'. Relax in the charming streets of Bonnieux and search for handicrafts in the local shops.
Isle sur la Sorgue is a wonderful small Provençal city in the heart of Vaucluse and the the home of France's second major antiques fair. The town quite rightly deserves its reputation as the Venice of Provence, sitting as it does over dozens of springs, streams and tributaries of the River Sorgue. Wherever you go, water's not far away, in fact most of the old town was built on wooden and stone stilts right above the river. Explore the weekly market and village shops.
Into the kitchens this morning! Today's cooking class takes place in an olive mill in the countryside. Prepare a full Provencal menu in the company of our chef. This afternoon stroll along the canal for a visual feast.
Discover the windswept world of limestone peaks, roads lined with pine and cypress trees, olive orchards and vineyards of the Alpilles. Climb the narrow cobblestone footpaths and investigate the castle ruins at the medieval village of Les Baux perched high on a rocky plateau above the mysterious Val d'Enfer. Refresh yourself in the bustling artist's town of St-Rémy and join a local historian on a visit through van Gogh's Provence. The end of the day brings us to Avignon for a four night stay.
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Overview
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DATES
October 20 - 29, 2006
TRIP LENGTH
10 days
PRICING
$4,259.00 + departure tax
PRICE INCLUDES
Round trip airfare from
Toronto; eight nights
accommodation; all
breakfasts; luncheon or
dinner daily; private
transportation throughout;
full program of visits; all
entrance fees; fully
escorted in France
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Spend the morning exploring Avignon. Visit The 'Palais des Papes ' an architectural 'tour de force' where an opulent palace overlaps a sober fortress. Dance on the Pont St. Benezet! Stroll around the Rocher des Doms for fabulous views. Explore the secret squares and chic shops of the city.
Stand in the middle of one of the best-preserved Roman monuments in France - the amphitheatre "Les Arenes" where bullfights carry on the ancient tradition. Admire the fine sculpture at the Romanesque church and cloisters of St. Trophime. See the Place du Forum where Vincent Van Gogh painted his Starry Nights. Gather for a glass of pastis at the Café de la Nuit, made famous by Van Gogh.
A last wander through the delightful villages of central Provence. Uzes is an architectural marvel, famous for its potteries, lots of beautiful shops and galleries. Visit a favourite wine producer for a tasting along the way. Farewell dinner this evening.
Transfer to Marseilles for flight departure.
Itinerary subject to change to take advantage of local events.
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