This is Southern France, also known as le Midi, where a kaleidoscope of colours paint a vivid panorama, and the notes of fine vintages and heady culinary alchemy is a common seduction.
Save up to $400 per person on Southern France
ALL IN PRICE: $5049 CAD
OFFER CODE: "HOTDEAL"
LIST OF FEATURES:
- Vine-gilded vistas and majestic groves dotting the landscapes.
- An idyllic countryside said to have inspired the Masters.
- The axis of universally-renowned cuisine and nave for some of the world’s finest and most exclusive vintages.
- This is Southern France, also known as le Midi, where a kaleidoscope of colours paint a vivid panorama, and the notes of fine vintages and heady culinary alchemy is a common seduction.
- Walk into a living storybook at the UNESCO-designated village of Carcassonne, and venture to the iconic bastides and wine cooperatives of the Dordogne Valley.
- Take in the pastoral splendour of Saint Rémy’s lavender fields.
- Follow your smell for adventure on a chase for truffles during a chef-led, dog sniffing journey.
- Savour a Grand Cru in the region it was born, break bread amongst the vineyards of 16th-century architectural titans, and toast à votre santé inside the grape-festooned region of Bordeaux as you embark on a discovery of Southern France you’ll never forget.
BOOK NOW! OFFER ENDS OCTOBER 31st 2018
Rates are per person, land only, double occupancy. Offer is valid for new retail bookings with deposit made now through departure dates listed. Valid on tour departure dates listed only. Offers can expire earlier due to space or inventory availability. Space is on a first come, first served basis. Offers are not valid on group or existing bookings or combinable with any other offer. Other restrictions may apply, call for details
Itinerary
Day 1: Overnight Flight
Allons-y! Ignite the senses on a journey to Bordeaux and the Dordogne Valley – two of the world’s most decadent wine regions – and continue through the French countryside to chromatic Provence
Day 2: Bordeaux, France - Tour Begins
Welcome to Bordeaux, a region known as much for its vibrancy and dynamism as its world-renowned wine. A local restaurant famous for its sélection de vins and locally-sourced meat invites you for a gastronomic adventure expertly pairing locally sourced foods and wine to mark the beginning of your journey through the south of France.
Day 3: Bordeaux - Medoc - Bordeaux
This morning, explore Bordeaux through a local’s perspective during a guided city tour. Embark on an interactive journey through a world of wine and culture at La Cité du Vin. Referred to as the “Guggenheim of wine,” this sensory adventure takes you on a fascinating discovery of wine culture and history. Next, travel the stunning “Route des Châteaux,” viewing the historic wine estates of the Medoc region. Complete today’s adventure with a walk through a winery to absorb the atmosphere of the vineyards, smell the grapes and taste the wine. Enjoy the evening at leisure to take in the sights and sounds of Bordeaux.
Day 4: Bordeaux - Saint-Émilion - Monestier (Dordogne Valley)
Today it’s your choice! Take a tuk-tuk through the charming medieval village of Saint-Émilion, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Bordeaux’s largest winemaking areas -OR- take a guided walking tour of the Old Town featuring a visit to the underground Monolithic Church. After getting acquainted with the city, enjoy time to explore this perfectly compact French village. Then it’s on to the Château Des Vigiers, known as “Petit Versailles,” your home for the next two evenings. Tonight, enjoy a fine dining experience in this 16th-century estate.
Day 5: Dordogne Valley
Venture to the countryside for a vibrant local market experience. Stop in Eymet, one of Southern France’s iconic “bastides” (fortified towns) before visiting the Château Monbazillac – a wine cooperative and symbol of the Bergerac region since the 16th century – best known for its dessert wine. This afternoon, explore the château grounds at leisure. Take in a round of golf or relax and enjoy the luxurious spa.*
Day 6: Dordogne Valley - Carcassonne
Bid adieu to the Dordogne Valley and make your way to Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage site and virtual storybook replete with drawbridges, towers and cobblestone streets. This afternoon, step back to medieval times on an independent exploration of this breathtaking city.
Day 7: Carcassonne - Provence - Pont du Gard - Avignon - Saint-Rémy
Journey from Carcassonne to Provence. En route, marvel at the Saint-Benezet Bridge and the Pont du Gard, a surviving stretch of aqueduct built in the 1st century A.D. In the incredible village of Avignon, often called the “City of Popes,” gain an inside look at all this village has to offer during a walking tour with your local expert guide. End with a visit to the dramatic Popes’ Palace, a centre of European religion since the Popes moved there in 1309.
Day 8: Saint-Rémy
France’s famed lavender fields wait for you in Gordes. Visit the museum and learn the origin of this beautiful, fragrant flower. Next, let an unforgettable epicurean adventure commence with a truffle hunt led by a local chef and trained, truffle-sniffing dogs. Après hunt, savour the unique experience of farm tastings throughout the countryside, among landscapes said to have inspired Van Gogh, Picasso, and Renoir.
Day 9: Saint-Rémy
Enjoy a day at leisure to explore the charming beauty of Saint Rémy. Or you may choose an optional tour to the hilltop town of Les Baux-de-Provence where you have time to explore before experiencing one of the world’s most impressive multimedia presentations, the Carrières de Lumières; making use of a former quarry, art-based images are projected onto the surrounding rock and are accompanied by stirring music. Tonight’s farewell dinner leaves you to compare notes and experiences with fellow travellers as you say au revoir to the magic of Southern France.
Day 10: Saint-Rémy - Tour Ends
Your tour comes to a close today.
