An exclusive wine & food journey with
Rhône Valley to Provence
Your date here
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 before heading for lunch. This afternoon, visit a second wine estate for a tour and tasting before continuing south to our accommodations in the small town of Tain l’Hermitage, known for its terraced vineyards, local wines, and Valrhona chocolate. The evening will be open to explore our new surroundings.
Day 4
Tain l’Hermitage
We’ll have a leisurely start to the day, meeting late morning for a short walk to a charming local shop and wine bar offering 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 where we’ll learn about their soil and cultivation and production methods. The remainder of the day will be free to wander the area at your own pace, perhaps taking a stroll across the river to the village of Tournon-sur-Rhône known for its medieval castle dating back as early as the 10th century.
Day 5
Valence
Check out mid-morning and travel to the town of Valence— gateway to the south of France. For lunch, we’ll stop at a local bistro run by a renowned chef and continue on 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 the ancient walled city of Avignon where we’ll check into our accommodations and have free time to relax and begin to acquaint ourselves with this charming medieval city.
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 Avignon 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 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 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
Hôtel Carlton Lyon
Located in a historic building with an impressive Haussmann façade, our hotel is ideally located in the heart of Lyon city center. The property boasts a 24h front desk, a lounge bar, a wellness center, and complimentary WiFi. The opulent rooms are soundproofed, have air conditioning and offer tea/coffee making facilities and bathrooms with bathrobes, slippers, toiletries and a hairdryer.
Fac & Spera Hôtel
This hotel is located in the center of Tain l’Hermitage on the banks of the Rhône River. The hotel has a restaurant and bar, outdoor pool (seasonal), spa, fitness center, terrace, and complimentary WiFi. Rooms offer air conditioning, tea/coffee maker, and bathrooms with toiletries, bathrobes, slippers, and hairdryer.
Hôtel De Cambis
Conveniently situated in the heart of the Avignon city center, Hôtel De Cambis offers an ideal base for exploring this ancient walled city and the surrounding wine region. The hotel offers a restaurant, wine bar, and complimentary WiFi. Rooms have air conditioning, tea/coffee maker, and bathrooms with hairdryer and toiletries.
Boutique Hotel Cezanne (Provence Extension)
Nestled in the picturesque region of Provence, Boutique Hotel Cezanne stands as a testament to refined luxury and artistic inspiration. With a rich history dating back to the 19th century, this boutique hotel seamlessly blends classic elegance with contemporary flair.
Each room is a sanctuary of tranquility, featuring plush bedding, carefully selected furnishings, and an array of amenities that cater to the needs of discerning travelers. Guests can expect amenities such as air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, coffee and tea-making facilities, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
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*
Classic: $TBD
Superior: $TBD
Jr. Suite: $TBD
Suite: $TBD
Single: $TBD
Extension Rates*
Classic: $TBD
Single: $TBD
*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/
Travel Terms & Conditions
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