PROVENCE
& the French Riviera
9 days Walk & Tour
Tour Date: October 5 - October 13, 2011
Tour Price: $3,110 per person/twin occupancy
$1,090 single supplement
EARLY BIRD BOOKING:
$2,710 pp (book by Feb. 21, 2011)
$1,090 single supplement
Air is not included (rates available)
Maximum 15 persons
One of the most beautiful areas of all France, Provence offers glimpses of the old and the new. Steeped in history yet bustling with modern cities and towns. Roman aqueducts and high speed TGV trains cross the same valleys while thousand year old villages share the hillsides with neat vineyards and state of the art wineries. The Riviera has for over a hundred years welcomed travelers to enjoy the beauty and the comfort of the Mediterranean coastline. With its cooling breezes, beautiful scenery, magnificent gardens and museums, it is indeed a tourist’s paradise. Day 1 Oct. 5 Arrival at Nice International Airport and transfer to our hotel in St. Remy. This evening welcome drinks before dinner at a local Provencal restaurant.
Day 2 Oct. 6 Our walk today takes us out of St. Remy across fields and a flat mesa before ascending into the amazing medieval fortressed town of Les Beaux. St. Remy will always be linked to Vincent Van Gogh and on our return this afternoon we visit the Roman site of Glanum and the adjacent hospital where Vincent lived. Dinner is at your leisure this evening.
Day 3 Oct. 7 This morning we drive into the Luberon region, a protected area of mountains, picturesque countryside and forest. First a visit to the hill top town of Gordes and then a walk across the valley to Rousillon. On our return to St. Remy we visit a famous abbey where lavender fields are cultivated by the monks. Dinner this evening in St. Remy.
Day 4 Oct. 8 This morning a short but delightful walk to the Pont du Gard, the Roman aqueduct built over 2,000 years ago. A very special picnic at the river with all local produce including the wonderful wines and cheeses of Provence. This afternoon we visit nearby Avignon, once home to the Popes and now a busy University city and art centre.
Day 5 Oct. 9 We return to the southern section of the Luberon and walk between a number of small villages including Menerbes and Lacoste, once home to the Marquis de Sade. Later in the afternoon we visit an award winning ‘Cave’ or winery. Dinner is at a country restaurant outside of St.Remy.
Day 6 Oct. 10 Today we leave Provence for the Riviera and our sea-front Menton hotel. En route we visit the popular hillside town of St. Paul-de-Vence, one of the great art and gallery centers of France. Dinner this evening in the old town of Menton.
 Day 7 Oct. 11 Our seafront walk this morning takes us from Menton around Cap Martin and on into Monaco. Lunch will be in the heart of the ‘Condamine’ or harbor overlooking the yachts and busy streets. This afternoon is at leisure to explore Monaco.
Day 8 Oct. 12 A classic Alps-Maritimes walk. From the high village of St. Agnes we gradually descend down through a number of villages to the ancient village of Roquebrunne. The sea views and tiny villages make this a photographer’s dream. This evening we dine at an award winning restaurant on the hills overlooking Monaco and the Riviera.
Day 9 Oct. 13 Following breakfast we transfer you back to Nice International Airport for your return to the US or ongoing travel.
WHAT TO EXPECT: Autumnal warm days. This is France and the food is terrific – we usually eat al fresco and at great restaurants, wine is included. Hotels are typical of each area – a converted country house in St. Remy and modern seafront hotel on the Riviera, both are family run. Transportation is by small nine seat, air conditioned vans.
WALKING LEVEL: Short walks of approximately 4 miles and medium walks of 6 miles. Generally we follow a medium walking day with a short walking day. There is the odd uphill sections but of no great distance and a normal reasonably fit person should be able to easily handle all the walks.
BOOKING: Refundable deposit of $750 required to confirm booking (please see Booking and Tour information)
YOUR TOUR INCLUDES: All first class accommodations based on twin occupancy (single supplements available); breakfasts and daily dinners or lunches including wine; air conditioned van transportation with driver/guide; entries as per itinerary; airport transfers; taxes and tips. |
