Description of tour
Provence Arts & Scents is a nine-day escorted land tour of Provence highlighting its fine arts, cuisine, wines and lifestyle. Group attendance is limited to eight (8) adults (21 years or older), with a minimum of six (6) for tour viability.
An optional three-day extension tour - Two Jewels in Provence - is available, to explore Les Baux de Provence - a scenic montaintop village near Aix - and Arles. This tour is not sold independently; group attendence is limited to eight (8) adults, with a minimum of four (4) for tour viability. In 2010 this tour will only be available in September.
Provence Arts & Scents starts on a Sunday, with group welcome by GBT tour director at Marseille Airport - or the TGV station in Aix - followed by transfer by private mini van to a deluxe boutique hotel in Aix en Provence. Tour ends nine days later, on a Monday, with transfer to Marseille Airport - or TGV station - for departures.
Two Jewels in Provence starts on a Monday, with transfer from Aix to hotel in Les Baux de Provence. Tour ends three days later, a Wednesday, with transfer from Les Baux to Marseille Airport - or TGV train station - for departures.
Both tours are fully escorted by a tour director, a local artist/painting teacher, occasional local guides and a private chauffeured mini van during scheduled activities.
Travel documents
Passport and visas for international travel
For travel outside the 50 United States, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, all US citizens are required to have a valid US passport to return to the US. Driver licenses and birth certificates are no longer accepted as proof of citizenship for international travel.
Information on passport applications, where to apply, forms, fees, requirements and last minute application services are available in the US State Department travel website www.travel.state.gov or by calling 1.877.487-2778. The website also brings contact information for consulates by country about entry and tourist visa requirements. Please allow a minimum of 10 weeks for processing a passport apliccation, possibly more during busy travel seasons. Check the website www.travel.state.org/passport for current processing times.
Non-US citizens, including permanent residents with 'green-cards', must verify entry and visa requirements with the nearest consulate of a destination's country.
Travelers are responsible for obtaining the correct documents for entry into the country in the itinerary, as well as those required for re-entry into the United States.
Getting to Aix-en-Provence
Provence Arts & Scents takes place in and around Aix-en-Provence, in the south of France, 20 miles from Marseille, the most convenient airport to the region. Most US airlines fly nonstop to Paris' Charles de Gaulle Airport from major American cities; a domestic flight Paris-Marseille takes about 2 hours. An alternative to flying from Paris is the fast train TGV, which departs from Charles de Gaulle Airport and arrives in Aix 3 hours later.
Climate/clothing
Spring and fall are quite pleasant seasons in Provence, with mild temperatures during the day and cool evenings. The summer crowds have not yet arrived, and you can still get a table at the best places. Pack light clothes, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, as it may get warm during the day. For the evenings, a light coat/jacket is all you need.
Luggage restrictions
Airlines now have restrictions on the weight of your luggage, as well as on the number of volumes you are allowed to carry. Check with your airline on their restrictions before you travel, to avoid penalty fees.
Money
The currency in France - and in the European Union - is the Euro, which fluctuates against the dollar. For up to the minute exchange rates, check www.xe.com/ucc. Keep in mind that banks charge a fee every time you use an ATM machine abroad, so check with your bank before you travel. Credit cards Visa and MasterCard are accepted in most establishments, Amex and Diner's Club less often. As most credit cards charge additional fees for 'currency conversion', check with your credit card company in advance about them.
Electricity
The Frech electrical system runs on 220 volts. You may need adaptors to convert the voltage, as well as fit sockets, and they are easily found in the US. Hair dryers are provided at the hotel.
VAT
The VAT, or Valued Added Tax (TVA) is the French equivalent of sales tax. As a non-resident of the European Union you will receive it as a refund when you leave the country - it varies from 12 to 18% on any purchase over 175 Euros, depending on the establishment. We can help you with the forms you will need to fill out to receive the refund.
Cell phones
Not all American cell phones work in France. If your does, check your provider's roaming charges before you leave, to avoid surprises. Rental or pre-paid cell phones are easily available in France.
Gratuities
Gratuities (tips) during scheduled activities are included in the tour price, but extra tipping is allowed if you feel the service was up to your standards.
Language
French is the official language in France, but English and other languages are widely spoken. Bring a pocket-sized phrase book to use on your free time.
Customized Tours
We design customized tours to Provence for individuals or groups of up to eight (8) people, using our extensive knowledge of the area and the support of our associates, to create schedules that will please the most discerning travelers.
