8-24
Guests
8 / 7
Days / Nights
14
Meals
Experience the diverse landscapes, medieval villages, and gastronomic delights of the South of France during this 8-day journey through the legendary Rhône Valley. Highlights of the trip include the historic cities of Lyon, Vienne, and Avignon where Roman ruins, Renaissance architecture, and awe-inspiring castles and cathedrals are surrounded by rolling vineyards and pastoral countryside.
Visit
family-run estates and artisan producers on an epicurean journey through the Valley of Gastronomy
Explore
the historic and picturesque towns of Lyon, Vienne, and Avignon on the banks of the Rhône River
Discover
the range of local wines and taste vintages from the Côtes-du-Rhône and Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Day 1
Arrival & Welcome Dinner
Land in the Lyon Airport where a private driver will be waiting in the Arrivals area to greet you and transport you to our accommodations ideally located in Lyon city center. Take time to get settled, relax, and explore the surrounding area. We’ll kick things off this evening, gathering for an aperitif and introductions followed by a Welcome Dinner showcasing the flavors of the region.
Day 2
Lyon
After breakfast, join an expert local guide for a walking tour to discover the highlights of Lyon— France’s second-largest city and the country’s gastronomical capital. Following the tour, sit down for a delicious lunch at a restaurant featuring local ingredients. The afternoon is open for exploring this UNESCO World Heritage city at your own pace, strolling through the cobblestone lanes and networks of medieval passageways, and taking in the classical architecture and colorful shops.
Day 3
Côte Rôtie & Condrieu
This morning, we’ll check out after breakfast and journey south along the Rhône River to the Côte Rôtie. Meaning roasted slopes, the Côte Rôtie vineyards are planted on steep south-facing slopes making the most of the sun to produce bold but elegant Syrah. We’ll visit a local winery for a tour and tasting before sitting down for lunch. This afternoon, visit a second wine estate for a tour and tasting. Afterward, we’ll continue south to our accommodations in the town of Valence and have an open evening to explore our new surroundings.
Day 4
Tain l’Hermitage
After breakfast, we’ll head to a charming local shop and wine bar in Tain l’Hermitage for tastes of exceptional local wines. Afterward, savor a delicious lunch at a favorite local restaurant followed by a winery tour and tasting of the iconic northern Rhône Valley wines at a nearby cellar. We’ll learn about their soil and cultivation and production methods before returning to Valence for an open evening.
Day 5
Grignan
Check out mid-morning and travel south to the medieval village of Grignan. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to an olive oil estate where we’ll discover the secrets of cultivating olive trees and producing olive oil that have been passed down through five generations. The last leg of today’s journey will be to our accommodations located just outside of Avignon. After check-in, the evening will be open to relax and enjoy as you wish. Our Travel Director is happy to provide recommendations for dinner.
Day 6
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Today we explore the southern part of the Rhône Valley, visiting the renowned appellation of Châteauneuf-du-Pape (the “pope’s new castle”) and the village of the same name. We’ll visit two highly regarded local wineries for tours and tastings. Experience the vineyards and cellars and learn about the terroirs, varietals, and winemaking techniques of the area. In between our winery visits, we’ll stop for lunch in the village and have some free time to explore the town. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon for an open evening.
Day 7
Avignon
On our last day in Provence, we’ll explore the city of Avignon, which served as the seat of the Catholic popes in the 14th century. Join a knowledgeable local guide for a morning walking tour that includes the massive Pope’s Palace and the 12th-century Pont d’Avignon bridge. Afterward, enjoy free time to check out the local cafes, shops, and leafy squares. This evening, we’ll gather for a festive farewell dinner featuring the unforgettable foods and wines of the region.
Day 8
Departure
After an early breakfast, take a private transfer to Marseille Airport. Still hungry for more adventure? Continue your journey with an optional four-day extension to Provence. Bon Voyage!
DAY 1
Arrival to Provence
Today we’ll make our way southeast through the countryside to the fabled region of Provence, traveling by private transfer from Avignon to Aix-en-Provence, known as “the city of a thousand fountains” for its iconic fountains spread throughout the historic city center. On arrival, join a walking tour of the town with a knowledgeable local guide. Stroll along the historic streets lined with elegant mansions and vibrant squares and delve into the city's rich history, soak in the stories of renowned figures like painter Paul Cézanne, who once called the city home. Enjoy an open evening to unwind and further explore the city at your own pace.
DAY 2
Cassis
This morning, we’ll head south to the picturesque coastal village of Cassis. Our first stop will be a winery in the renowned Cassis appellation for a tour of the cellars and tasting of the local wines. Known predominantly for its white wines, the Cassis appellation was one of the first AOCs to be created in France in 1936, along with Sauternes and Châteauneuf du Pape. After the visit, we'll continue into town to explore the charming streets and enjoy a lunch of regional Provençal flavors.
This afternoon, embark on a boat cruise and experience the towering limestone cliffs and clear azure waters of Calanques National Park. The evening is open to relax and check out one of the many local restaurant choices.
DAY 3
Aix en Provence
Today, we’ll immerse ourselves in the cultural treasures of Aix-en-Provence. Start the day with a market visit, where we'll select fresh local ingredients that we’ll use in a cooking class inspired by Provençal culinary tradition, followed by a delicious lunch of our own creation. The rest of the day will be free for you to pack and do any last minute shopping.
DAY 4
Departure
After breakfast, check out and take a private transfer to Marseille Provence Airport to catch return flights home. Au revoir!
Accommodations

InterContinental Lyon - Hotel Dieu
InterContinental Lyon – Hotel Dieu is nestled in one the city's most emblematic landmark buildings which dates back to the 18th century. Ideally located by the Rhône River, in Lyon city center, the hotel is a great base to explore the capital of gastronomy. The property offers a restaurant and bar, a spa, and a fitness center. Rooms feature air conditioning, a coffee maker, a mini bar, and complimentary WiFi, while bathrooms have toiletries, slippers, and a hairdryer.

Maison Pic
Located in the heart of Valence in southeastern France, Maison Pic occupies an elegant 19th-century building that has been in the Pic family for generations. With its proximity to the Rhône Valley vineyards, the hotel serves as a perfect jumping-off point for exploring the region's viticultural heritage. The property boasts a 3-Michelin-starred restaurant, garden, and spa. Rooms are equipped with air conditioning, minibars, and complimentary WiFi. Bathrooms offer toiletries, bathrobes, slippers, and hairdryer.

Auberge de Cassagne & Spa
Auberge de Cassagne & Spa occupies a charming country house that dates back to the 19th century, situated just outside the historic city of Avignon. Set amidst lush gardens, the property features a Michelin-starred restaurant showcasing local cuisine, a spa with an indoor pool, fitness center, and outdoor swimming pool (seasonal). Elegantly appointed rooms offer a blend of traditional Provençal style and modern comforts, including air conditioning, satellite TV, minibar, and free WiFi. Bathrooms are equipped with toiletries, bathrobes, slippers, and hairdryer.

Hôtel Le Pigonnet (Provence Extension)
Nestled in the heart of Aix-en-Provence, Le Pigonnet is a quintessential Provençal retreat. This elegant 18th-century manor house, surrounded by chestnut trees and beautiful gardens, offers a perfect blend of historic grandeur and modern comfort. The hotel features a restaurant, bar, spa facilities, and well-appointed rooms equipped with air conditioning, flat-screen TV, complimentary Wifi, minibar, and tea/coffee maker. Bathrooms include bathrobes, slippers, toiletries, and a hairdryer.
The Fine Print
Questions? Get in touch.
This trip has been designed to include daily exploratory walks that range from one to three hours. Each day, whether touring a city or winery, guests should be prepared to be on their feet for multiple continuous hours. Guests should feel comfortable strolling along cobbled surfaces, walking up and down stairs, and sauntering down uneven nature paths. Europe tends to have Old World infrastructure (narrow cobblestone streets, lack of elevators, etc.), which can leave some areas inaccessible. Typically, our more invigorating walks are included as optional activities. If your mobility is limited in any way, or if you have questions, please contact our Guest Services team at guestservices@experi.com.
Note: The itinerary is subject to change or substitution at any time. You can learn more at experi.com/terms.
Included
- Seven nights accommodations, including all taxes and fees
- Meals as listed on the itinerary: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 2 dinners, plus wine pairings with most major meals
- All private excursions described in the itinerary along with services of local speakers, guides, entrance fees, and transportation
- Gratuities for travel director, local guides, drivers, porters, and included meals
- Full guiding services of a dedicated Travel Director
- Private airport transfers with porterage on the first and last scheduled days of the program
Not Included
- Pre-and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses
- Air and land transportation to/from host cities
- All types of personal insurance
- Personal expenses
- Additional alcoholic beverages beyond what has been arranged by Experi to pair with the included major meals
Rates*
Double Occupancy:
Classic: $8,495
Deluxe: $8,895
Junior Suite: $9,695
Single Occupancy
Classic: $10,895
Deluxe: $11,595
Junior Suite: $12,995
Extension Rates*
Double Occupancy:
Classic: $3,295
Deluxe: $3,695
Junior Suite: $4,095
Single Occupancy
Classic: $5,095
Deluxe: $5,895
Junior Suite: $6,695
*Rates are per person in US Dollars.
Deposits
Travel Insurance
Learn more about travel insurance and how it can help you prepare for the unexpected at https://experi.com/travelinsurance/