Day 1 - Arrive Provence

Upon arrival in Provence you are met by your local Guardian Angel and assisted with check-in at your hotel.

Your local Guardian Angel is part of a unique network of over 150 representatives throughout Europe who ensure your vacation operates smoothly and to your absolute satisfaction. Your Representative is there on the ground to ensure that your travel arrangements run perfectly. He/she is on the end of the phone for you should you have any queries and is there to assist you.

Provence is a delightful blend of old and new. Its colourful Greek and Roman history has left footprints in the present day, as is evident in the region’s Hellenic theatres, Roman baths and triumphal arches. It is a vast region of contrasts, with snow-topped mountains and delightful sea resorts, lush lavender fields and extravagant harbours. Visit the Lubéron, one of the most stunning parts of the wider Provence region, with rolling hills and a verdant nature dotted with churches and hill-top villages. The magnificent papal stronghold of Avignon, with its still-intact ramparts, is also a must-see. In the city of Arles, wander the very same streets that Vincent Van Gogh would have known when he lived and worked here during the most productive year of his career. As you explore what is arguably the most charming and gastronomically-rich touring regions in France, it is easy to see why it has become a mecca for artists from across the globe.

Overnight: La Mirande

Day 2 - Provence

The magnificent papal stronghold of Avignon, with its still-intact ramparts, is situated on the left bank of the River Rhone. Walk along the narrow cobbled streets with your guide, visiting the Place de l’Horloge (Clock Square) before entering the huge Palais des Papes, in which resided seven popes between 1309 and 1377 when Avignon was the seat of the papacy rather than Rome. During your visit to this stunning example of medieval Gothic architecture, admire the beautiful frescos in the main rooms.

Enjoy this afternoon at your leisure.

Overnight: La Mirande

Meal Plan: B

Day 3 - Provence

This morning your private driver transfers you to Buoux where you meet your walking guide. Located in the beautiful Aiguebrun valley, Buoux is the heart of Luberon. Follow the river through the base of Buoux into a cove, from where you take a centuries-old cobbled mule track through a forest of white oak, starting along the base of the gorge before working your way quickly to the top, where the smell of aromatic herbs such as thyme and winter savoury await you. The next stop is the village of Sivergues, comprised of just a handful of homes in the Luberon Mountains. It is here where you stop for a picnic of local Provencal food. Work your way back along the limestone-walled Aiguebrun gorge, where you finish your guided walk back in Buoux. After your hike tour your driver is waiting to transfer you back to your hotel.

Overnight: La Mirande

Meal Plan: B

Day 4 - Provence

This morning your private driver transfers you to Isle sur la Sorgue where you meet your bike guide. Your ride begins in the picturesque village of Isle sur la Sorgue with its cafes, antique market place and ancient waterwheels set on the emerald waters of the River Sorgue. Your first stop is the quiet village of Pernes, known for its 40 fountains. From here you ride through forests and cherry orchards to the village of La Roque sur Pernes. Continue your journey up hill to the village of Vénasque, located high above a valley. During your lunch break you can explore the village whilst enjoying the local cafes and scenery (payable locally). Before returning to Isle sur la Sorgue you stop for a wine tasting in a small family-run wine estate. After your bike tour your private driver transfers you to your hotel.

Overnight: La Mirande

Meal Plan: B

Day 5 - Provence

Enjoy today at your leisure.

Overnight: La Mirande

Meal Plan: B

Day 6 - Provence

Today enjoy a full-day sightseeing to the Camargue, Western Europe’s largest river delta, covering an area of over 85,000 hectares: a wild landscape of red salt lagoons, teeming with flamingos and the famous white horses. As well as the wildlife, the Camargue is also famous for its salt and its rice - today there are over 20,000 hectares of rice paddies in the area. Visit a ranch, known as a ‘Manade’ where Europe’s only cowboys rear the fighting black bulls for the bullrings of Spain and the Languedoc. Venture into the reserve by off-road vehicle to gain a better perspective of this protected park. You may wish to take lunch (payable locally) at the nearby hotel before continuing your visit of this beautiful National Park. On the return leg of your journey, if time allows, you may wish to visit the town of Arles before returning to your hotel.

Overnight: La Mirande

Meal Plan: B

Day 7 - Provence

Meet your driver-guide for another full day of sightseeing and head to Carpentras. This beautiful Provençal town lies between the Rhone and Durance rivers and is protected by the impressive Mont Ventoux on one side and the Vaucluse Mounts on the other. Enjoy a walk around this beautiful town and enjoy the wonderful scenery.

After lunch at leisure your driver-guide may take you to a local patisserie. Its specialty is a very tasty vanilla-flavoured meringue whose shape was inspired by the small rocks on Mont Ventoux! Next, drive up Ventoux itself, which towers over the landscape and the surrounding villages. Amazingly the bare summit looks snow-capped even in the summer months. From the top (6273 feet) you enjoy magical views of the Rhône Valley and see why this mountain was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1990. Return to Avignon at the end of the day.

Overnight: La Mirande

Meal Plan: B

Day 8 - Depart Provence

Today your private driver collects you from your hotel and transfers you to the airport for your departure flight.

Meal Plan: B