Tour schedules
2011
Provence Arts & Scents: May 15 - 23; September 18 - 26
Two Jewels in Provence*: May 23 - 25; September 26 - 28
* Two Jewels in Provence is an optional extension of Provence Arts & Scents and is not sold separately.
Provence Arts & Scents
Day 1 - Sunday
Arrive at Marseille Provence Airport - or TGV train station - and group welcome by GBT tour director; transfer in private minivan to a deluxe hotel in Aix-en-Provence, a 20-minutes drive from the airport.
Check in at the hotel. This stylish bastide in the centre of town has spetacular views of Mount Sainte-Victoire, the same that inspired Cézanne. The scent of lavender add to the charm of its luxurious gardens.
Free time to freshen up
A late afternoon champagne reception at the pool garden
Group dinner in the hotel restaurant
Day 2 - Monday
Today you will become acquainted with your new surroundings, by exploring Aix-en-Provence following in the steps of Paul Cézanne, its most celebrated native, considered the father of modern art.
You will visit his studio, where the objects he took for models lay untouched since his death; you will explore his palatial childhood home - the garden where he started to paint - a house which retains an aura of mystique and was beloved by the artist.
Lunch on Cours Mirabeau, in Cézanne's favorite bistro (yes, it is still open!). Cours Mirabeau is a shady and elegant promenade with tinkling fountains, imposing XVIII century buildings, restaurants and bars always bustling with people - the heartbeat of Aix.
After lunch, walking tour of Aix with a professional local guide. A medieval town of strong character and rich architecture, Aix is known as 'the city of 100 fountains’, and its center is best explored by foot.
Free time after tour
Dinner at your leisure
Day 3 - Tuesday
Morning painting class in the studio of an acclaimed Provençal painter or choice of guided tour of the Cloisters of Saint Sauveur Cathedral, one of Provence's best-known landmarks and architectural jewels.
Free time after painting class or guided visit
Lunch at your leisure
Group dinner in a restaurant selected by our painting teacher, a true Axoise.
Day 4 - Wednesday
Morning departure to Saint-Rémy de Provence, a scenic town which has managed to preserve its architectural patrimony and relaxed Provençal lifestyle. Wednesday is market day in Saint-Rémy, and we dedicate the morning to its many stalls of high quality arts & crafts. The town's art galleries also deserve to be seen, as Saint-Rémy is home to an important art community.
Lunch at your leisure the heart of town, filled with fine boutiques, art galleries, specialty stores and excellent restaurants
Saint-Rémy played an important role in the life of another great master - Vincent van Gogh, who moved there at the end of his short and tragic life. Seduced by the light of Saint-Rémy's countryside, he painted more than 150 canvases while a patient in an asylum where - in spite of his deteriorating mental health - he produced his masterpiece 'Starry Night', one of the best-known images in modern culture.
Late afternoon return to Aix
Dinner at your leisure
Day 5 - Thursday
Morning free time to explore Aix's Thursday market, one of the largest in the region, a colorful display of all things Provençal - arts & crafts, regional specialties, clothes and collectibles. The square around the market is surrounded by high-quality restaurants and bistros.
Lunch at your leisure
Afternoon painting class sur le motif with our Provençal painter, who will introduce you to the impressive mountain that fascinated Cézanne (he painted it more than 80 times) for its changes of colors during the day. Or join the locals for a game of boules (petanque), a centuries-old tradition of Provence.
Late afternoon return to the hotel to freshen up for a special dinner
Group dinner in the home of our painting teacher to savor an authentic Pistou, a typical Provençal dish, and to mingle with her friends.
Day 6 - Friday
Morning departure to Cassis, a charming Mediterranean seaport and popular destination famous for its falaises (cliffs) and sheltered inlets, the calanques.
Cassis is also known for superb wines. To be introduced to its unique fruity blend, you will be invited to a private wine tasting in a winery with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, probably one of the most striking views in Provence.
Seaside lunch in Cassis village to taste the excellent fruits de mer (seafood) the town is known for; afternoon visit to to the Calanques
Late afternoon return to Aix
Dinner at your leisure
Day 7 - Saturday
Morning departure to a 17th-century château - home of a well-known local chef - for a culinary lesson and al fresco lunch in his garden. In these magnificent surroundings, you will be treated to a day of Provençal culinary secrets and local dishes easy to recreate at home.
Lunch in the château
Mid-afternoon return to Aix
Dinner at your leisure
Day 8 - Sunday
Morning departure to Marseille, on the Mediterranean coast. France's second largest city, Marseille is the most diversified and culturally rich city in the country, and no visit to Provence is complete without it.
Tour of the Old Port, the historic and picturesque part of town.
Lunch in Marseille, to savor an authentic Bouillabaisse, a typical dish of the city and one of the staples of French cuisine. You will sample it in an restaurant favored by locals.
Late afternoon return to Aix
Dinner at your leisure
Day 9 - Monday
Check-out after breakfast
Transfer to Marseille Provence Airport or TGV station for departures
Farewell and end of tour
Or join us for our optional extension tour...
Two Jewels in Provence
Day 1 - Monday
Morning transfer to hotel in Les Baux de Provence. Part of the exclusive Relais & Château group, this elegant bastide is located in the middle of luxurious gardens, a short walk from the village, and it has hosted world leaders (Queen Elizabeth II of England) and legends (Sir Paul Mc Cartney). Its restaurant has 2 stars in the Michelin guide and is part of the Relais Gourmand list, with a menu dedicated to the flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. The hotel's location is one of the most breathtaking sites in Provence - it sits on a terrace overlooking Les Alpilles mountains with a full view of Les Baux on the other side.
Free time to explore Les Baux village; lunch at your leisure
Late afternoon audiovisual show in a former stone quarry, with images projected onto stone walls 1300 feet high.
Champagne reception by the hotel pool
Dinner at your leisure in the hotel restaurant or Les Baux village
Day 2 - Tuesday
Early morning departure for Arles
Visit to a Roman Amphitheatre built in the 1st-century AD with 25,000 seatings, where bullfights are still conducted
Lunch at your leisure in downtown Arles
Free time to explore the town center, an historic area punctuated with upscale boutiques and art galleries
Late afternoon return to Les Baux
Farewell group dinner in a renowned bistro, one of the highest-rated in Provence
Day 3 - Wednesday
Last day of tour, check out after breakfast
Transfer to Marseille Provence Airport for departures
Farewell, end of tour.
