Charming Provence

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Day 1: Overnight Flight


Day 2: Aix-en-Provence - Tour Begins
Bienvenue! Your tour begins in historic Aix-en-Provence. This evening, meet your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner at a popular country restaurant.

Day 3: Aix-en-Provence
Embark on a morning walking tour through “the footsteps of Cézanne” – featuring the markets and monuments of Aix-en-Provence’s old city. In the afternoon, embrace the local culture when you visit the famed vineyards of Provence, where you’ll be treated to a tour and tasting at a local winery.

Day 4: Aix-en-Provence - Avignon
This morning, journey to the “Papal City” of Avignon, where the Popes moved in 1309. For 70 years, Avignon was the center of European religion and art. Today it’s the perfect location to explore from during a lovely 4-night stay in a “Provençal Mas” - a cozy, restored farmhouse and country residence. A walking tour through this walled city reveals its fascinating history and culture. Visit the Palais des Papes, home to the popes from the early 14th to the early 15th century. The palace is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and considered the most important medieval Gothic building in Europe. Stroll the local markets of the city, stopping at a specialty cheese shop to sample some of their artisanal cheeses. Partake in a truly French tradition as you choose between hundreds of varieties of fine cheeses. Your afternoon is at leisure to explore the quaint streets, cafés and specialty boutiques that comprise Avignon’s charm. This evening, meet the Chef at one of Avignon’s most popular restaurants for a cooking demonstration that teaches you about authentic Provençal cooking. Relax and enjoy the sumptuous dinner you have created, expertly paired with regional wines.

Day 5: Avignon - Arles - Camargue -Avignon
Travel to the charming town of Arles – known for its Roman amphitheater, Van Gogh’s influence and its deeply rooted traditions. Upon arrival, enjoy a discussion on Van Gogh, the impressionist era, his inspirations and the impact he had on the art world. During a locally-guided walking tour, discover Arles’ enchanting past from the Roman era through its thriving artistic period. Visit the famous Roman Amphitheater which is still used today for local bull fights. Continue through the Provence countryside to a rustic farmhouse in Camargue. Indulge in a traditional Arlésien lunch including local wine. In the vast and unique Camargue nature reserve, wild horses and bulls roam freely. Wetlands, rice paddies, salt flats and a large variety of birds and wild buffalos paint its canvas. Visit a local salt flat and experience the natural beauty of the area as you learn about the flora, fauna and the important role of the local agriculture to Provence.

Day 6: Avignon - L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue - Gordes - Avignon
Start your day with a visit to a colorful open air market in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, filled with traditional crafts, hand-made ceramics, linens, and local foods like sausages, breads and a vibrant bounty of freshly grown produce. Then, visit the Lavender Museum and learn about this precious plant, its unique distillation process and its various uses throughout history. Make your way through the Lubéron National Park before arriving in the picturesque hilltop village of Gordes. Gaze upon the 16th century château and cobblestone streets that paint Gordes’ canvas.

Day 7: Avignon - Les Baux-de-Provence - St. Rémy-de-Provence - Avignon
Embark on an excursion this morning, traveling scenic country roads that take you to the hilltop town of Les Baux-de-Provence. Its winding medieval streets reveal stunning views of the Alpilles mountain chain. Next, visit a local olive oil estate for a comprehensive explanation of the process of making olive oil, followed by a tasting. Your day concludes with a visit to the historic Roman monuments of St. Rémy-de-Provence, the inspiringly beautiful town where Van Gogh painted “Starry Night.” From the gates to the mausoleum, these monuments depict stories of Roman warriors, fallen heroes and legendary empires.

Day 8: Avignon - Antibes - Grasse - Nice
Leave Avignon behind and drive towards the exquisite French Riviera, stopping in Antibes – a medieval town that was once home to Picasso. Explore Antibes during some time at leisure. This afternoon, visit Grasse, where perfumes have been prepared since 1747. Here you will learn the secrets of perfume making when you tour the Galimard Perfumerie and meet the “Nose,” or Master Perfume Maker, for an in-depth workshop. She will assist you in finding the essences you like best and then you will create your very own perfume! This memorable hands-on experience will provide you with a truly unique and personal souvenir. Your evening is at leisure to enjoy a meal in one of the wonderful restaurants of this coastal city.

Day 9: Nice
The scent of fragrant flowers fills the air during a morning stroll through the local Flower Market. Admire the narrow streets and cheerful colors of Nice’s old town. Embark on a scenic boat ride* that whisks you along the breathtaking coast; sail past the Promenade des Anglais, posh villas, lush gardens and rocky cliffs set against the azure waters of the famous Cote d’Azur. Enjoy a tour of the Henri Matisse Museum to view some of his most important works and learn about his influence. During a free afternoon, wander Nice’s bustling streets and sample outdoor cafés, boutiques and museums and soak in the atmosphere. This evening, join your fellow travelers at a local restaurant to bid farewell to Provence and the French Riviera.

Day 10: Nice - Tour Ends

Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
3/10/2012 - 3/19/2012	$2,599
3/17/2012 - 3/26/2012	$2,799
4/10/2012 - 4/19/2012	$2,699
5/12/2012 - 5/21/2012	$2,699
6/2/2012 - 6/11/2012	$2,799
9/15/2012 - 9/24/2012	$2,799
9/22/2012 - 10/1/2012	$2,799
10/6/2012 - 10/15/2012	$2,699
10/13/2012 - 10/22/2012	$2,599
11/3/2012 - 11/12/2012	$2,699
2/23/2013 - 3/4/2013	$2,599
3/16/2013 - 3/25/2013	$2,699
4/6/2013 - 4/15/2013	$2,699
4/20/2013 - 4/29/2013	$2,699
Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator.
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

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