the detailed itinerary in pdf version

MARSEILLE / AIX-EN-PROVENCE / CASSIS /
ARLES / LES BAUX DE PROVENCE / LUBERON / LE
CASTELLET / VINS DE BANDOL / MOUSTIERS
SAINTE MARIE / GORGES DU VERDON/
AVIGNON / CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE /
7 days / 6 nights
France
Day 1 : Marseille
Pick Up at the train station or the Airport of Marseille – Transfer to your hotel 3*** in Marseille.
Take place on board of our comfortable minibus for a private sightseeing tour of Marseille
From the Old Port where everything began 600 years B.C, Marseille reveals all its beauty. Ride along the
most beautiful bay in the world! Then reach the spectacular site of Notre Dame de la Garde, admire the
golden ceiling mosaics of the basilica and enjoy a 360° sight on the city and its islands!
Then you will discover the historical center of Marseille. The tour will take you to the famous Canebiere
from the Pierre Puget course and the financial district. You will also explore the east part of the city with
the magnificent Palais Longchamp and its monumental fountains.
Discover the Old town of Marseille known as the oldest quarter of France. We will take you to the Cathedral
of the Major to admire its architecture contrasting with the MUCEM National museum dedicated to
Mediterranean cultures. Enter to Euro-Mediterranean area, the result of the largest Urban Renewal
operation in Southern Europe. The tour ends on the Old Port, which became in 2013 the largest pedestrian
zone of Europe. Embark on an original sightseeing tour with complete audio commentaries to discover
the main highlights of Marseille.
Lunch at the restaurant
After the lunch, you will visit a soap factory located in the heart of Marseille followed by a workshop in
which one you will make your own soap.
Drop Off at your hotel.
Night at leisure
Informations et Réservations
+ 33 (0)4.65.280.182
receptif@nap-provence.fr
NAP PROVENCE● 310 Traverse de la Bourgade ● 13400 Aubagne
www.nap-provence.fr ● Opérateur de voyages et de séjours IM 013150016
Day 2 : Aix-en-Provence / Cassis
After you breakfast, pick up at your hotel to discover Aix-en-Provence, the old capital of Provence who
has kept a great deal of the character imparted to it in the XVIIth and XVIIIth and then you will enjoy a
relaxing afternoon at Cassis, boarding a small boat to visit the Calanques.
You will love to stroll through the heart of the town, in the pedestrian old streets to discover the façades
of the baroque ochre colored private mansions. These dwellings were built for the nobility, each with a
concept and style corresponding to the residents' social importance.
The city also boasts a wide variety of fountains. Aix is the "city of water, city of art".
Among other buildings of interest: the cathedral, the town hall, the Corn Exchange
On Tuesday, Saturday and Thursday, in the five main squares take place one of the major markets in all
Provence. A square is dedicated to flowers, transforming the site into a veritable masterpiece of changing
colours. Two others are dedicated to fruits and vegetables, another one is about new and second-hand
clothes and the last one is filled with antique and handicrafts dealers.
Lunch in one restaurant facing the harbor of Cassis.
This little seaside resort is snuggled at the foot of a very tall cliff called Cap Canaille. Cassis is a wonderful
place to stroll about with its picturesque fishing port lined with cafes and restaurants.
You will embark on a small boat for a cruise of 1 hour to discover the famous Calanques.
Between Marseille and Cassis the coast is broken up by these "calanques", enticing fjord-like inlets lying
between vertical white cliffs.
Drop off at your hotel
Night at Leisure
Day 3 : Les Alpilles (Arles, Les Baux de Provence)
Pick up from your after your breakfast to discover the roman city of Arles and one of the most beautiful
village of France Les Baux de Provence.
Informations et Réservations
+ 33 (0)4.65.280.182
receptif@nap-provence.fr
NAP PROVENCE● 310 Traverse de la Bourgade ● 13400 Aubagne
www.nap-provence.fr ● Opérateur de voyages et de séjours IM 013150016
Arles : the Celtic city colonized by the Greeks became Roman after Julius Caesar distributed the land
among his veteran legionnaires in 46 B.C.
At that time, it was a city of considerable importance covering an area of some 99 acres and it possessed
a wide array of monuments, including an amphitheater, triumphal arch, circus, theater and a full circuit
of walls.
Nowadays, among other Roman remains, we still can see the amphitheater (where are conducted some
bullfights), the theater, the Constantine baths and a part of the wall surrounding the city. They are all listed
as UNESCO world heritage monuments.
Also, the medieval heritage is unique, such as the fine cloisters and portal of St. Trophime’s church and
Arles has preserved many lovely buildings dating from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries.
As Van Gogh lived in Arles, some places he painted are recognizable such as the famous cafe, the
courtyard of the hospital and the Langlois bridge...
Lunch in Les Baux de Provence
Les Baux de Provence is a little perched village situated in a wonderful and very picturesque site, in the
heart of the Alpilles.
Entering in the village is a real experience because, despite the great number of visitors, it seems that the
atmosphere is the same than 4 centuries ago. Its cultural heritage is exceptionally rich, with 22
architectural treasures classified as "Historic Monuments" (including the church, chateau, town-hall,
hospital, chapels, houses, doorways... Also from the look-out points you will have a brilliant view of the
Camargue and the Alpilles.
Overlooking the village, stands the ruined fortress than can be visited.
Drop off at your hotel.
Night at leisure
Day 4 : The Luberon’s perched villages
After your breakfast, departure from your hotel to discover the Luberon Hilltop villages.
From geological and geographic point of view, Luberon is a far flung chain of limestone hills, whose
formation is more or less contemporary with that of the Pyrenees around forty million years ago.
The Luberon Mountain stretches from Cavaillon up to the valley of Manosque and it cut into two unequal
parts by the fault of Lourmarin : The Grand Luberon and the Petit Luberon
The landscapes of the Luberon are also highly varied. On the northern slopes, picturesque villages climb
up and cling to the spurs of rock, each one marked by its bell tower, each one with its castle whiuch
dominates above and which bears witness to a past of wars, sieges and raids. The southern slopes, on the
contrary is the softer, more intimate side, better prepared to receive the green spaces which open in the
lazy curves of the Durance.
During the tour, you will visit 3 villages who are classified as some of the most beautiful villages of France.
Ménerbes: The ancient Machovilla mentioned by Gregory of Tours rises up on the peak of a hill. A citadel
of solid Calvinist faith, it was besieged from September 1577 to December 1578 by a Cathoilic army of
almost ten thousand men. It was the catholics who built the present castle in 1581. From the top of the
village you can admire a wonderful panorama of the Vallee du Luberon. You can also visit the House of
the Truffle and Wine to discover the variety of the wine produced in this area.
Informations et Réservations
+ 33 (0)4.65.280.182
receptif@nap-provence.fr
NAP PROVENCE● 310 Traverse de la Bourgade ● 13400 Aubagne
www.nap-provence.fr ● Opérateur de voyages et de séjours IM 013150016
Roussillon : It owes its name to the reddish colour of its houses. Located in the heart of one of the biggest
ocher sites in the world, Roussillon is famous for its magnificent red cliffs and ocher quarries. The reds,
yellows and browns tones of the earth form a contrast with the lush green pine trees. The deep blue sky
and the exceptional light quality make it a magical place.
The village is lovely from the outside, set in a deep green pine forest on bright red-ochre hills but even
more spectacular inside, with the colourful old buildings and narrow medieval streets.
From the terrace the view on the ochre cliffs, composed of 16 or 17 different shades is spectacular.
You can also go for a walk following the "Giants' Causeway, among jagged rust-red cliffs, relieved by a
scattering of pines and evergreen oaks.
From your first steps in the village of Roussillon, you will be seized by its charm and its atmosphere. You will
stroll with pleasure in the picturesque maze of streets and squares.
Gordes :. This very beautiful old village is perched on the southern edge of the high Plateau de Vaucluse.
It seems to be an unbelievable "stone cascade" : the stone houses are built in tight against the base of
the cliffs and others are perched on the rocks above, and all together are topped by a 12th-century
which reminds the passer-by of a past rich with conquests but also marked with the sufferings of its
inhabitants. Today, the castle acts as both a Town Hall and a Museum sheltering the works of art of the
painter Pol Mara.
Drop off at your hotel
Night at leisure
Day 5 : Le Castellet / Wines of Bandol
Pick up at your after your breakfast to discover the perched village of Le Castellet and the Bandol region
famous for its wines.
You will start the day visiting the beautiful village of Le Castellet, one of the Var region's top tourist
attractions. This superb little feudal village perched on the tip of its promontory will enchant you with its
typical Provencal picturesque setting.
Not to mention its small squares lined with beautiful old houses that have been carefully restored with
taste highlighting the old stonework.
You can enter in Le Castellet via 2 fortified gateways then just let yourself wander along the small streets,
past the potter's and the leather craftsman's workshops, the perfumed candles, ceramics, and jewellery
alongside the art galleries and ice-cream sellers.
Lunch in La Cadière d’Azur
The afternoon is dedicated to discover the wines of Bandol.
From the Massif de la Sainte-Baume down to the shore of the Mediterranean, the vine is an integral part
of the landscape and its presence makes itself felt everywhere. Bandol terroir faces due south and
benefits from exceptional conditions of light and heat, with nearly 3,000 hours of sun exposure a year. The
vineyard lies in a natural amphitheatre. The vines are planted on terraces called restanques on
approximately 1,500 hectares. Several generations of vine growers had to shape the hillsides to make
them suitable for vine cultivation and these terraced slopes are the result of their perseverance.
A decree dating from November 11th, 1941, created the controlled designation of origin “Wine of
Bandol” or “Bandol” for some wines harvested on the territories of the towns of Bandol, Sanary, La Cadière
d’Azur, Le Castellet, in the Var department.
Informations et Réservations
+ 33 (0)4.65.280.182
receptif@nap-provence.fr
NAP PROVENCE● 310 Traverse de la Bourgade ● 13400 Aubagne
www.nap-provence.fr ● Opérateur de voyages et de séjours IM 013150016
Excerpt from Gault et Millau June/July 2009 – Thomas Bravo Maza
“Bandol, three colors at the heights of Provence. Between Marseilles and Toulon, the vineyard of Bandol
is not restricted to the success of rosé wines from Provence. The best wine growers have managed to
tame the fieriness of the Mourvèdre grape variety, which gives the red wines all their spirit. This AOC also
produces splendid white wines, still little-known.”
You will visit a famous winery where you will taste the numerous wines produced in this area.
Drop Off at your hotel
Night at leisure
Day 6 : Moustiers Sainte Marie / Gorges du Verdon
Pick up at your after your breakfast. Today you will visit the famous factory of L’Occitane en Provence in
Manosque, have a stroll in one of the most beautiful village of France: Moustiers Sainte Marie and discover
the spectacular Gorges du Verdon.
First stop in the morning at the factory of L’Occitane en Provence in Manosque to see the behind the
scene and to discover how their products are manufactured and their new perfume space. You will be
tell how in less than 30 years, Olivier Boussan has created his empire.
Then departure to Moustiers Sainte Marie where you will enjoy a lunch in a beautiful spot.
Since 1981 Moustiers Sainte-Marie has been listed as one of the prettiest villages in France. The church,
the village walls, chapels, the aqueduct, the fountains - an alliance of water and stone, the pastel colours
of the tiles and the tuff together create a simultaneous homogenous and living architectural whole
Today, Moustiers has approximately 700 residents. The core of its economy is focused on tourism and the
ceramics tradition
The center piece of the village is the 12th-century Notre-Dame church, beautifully restored in 1928
In the village, you will find a lot of tiny litlle shops. A lot of them sell the local earthenware "faïence" which
production was once the main activity of the village.
Another curiosity is the star, suspended high across the Rioul valley by a forged-iron chain. The golden star
hangs above the Notre-Dame de Beauvoir chapel, with the chain fastened into solid rock on each side
of the gorge. The chain and star project was done as a promise by Sir Blacas, a knight who returned from
a long captivity during the crusades.
For the most courageous , A walk up to the Notre-Dame de Beauvoir chapel will give you a fantastic
view, from the red-tiled roofs of the village to the expanse of the Maire valley, the far hills and the Lac de
Ste Croix.
This lake is located at the exit of the famous Verdon Gorges : the deepest gorges in Europe !
The name of the river comes from its turquoise / green color.
As we will follow the North Rim, we will make several stops so that you will be able to admire both the
Gorges and the Sainte Croix lake.
Drop off at your hotel
Night at leisure
Informations et Réservations
+ 33 (0)4.65.280.182
receptif@nap-provence.fr
NAP PROVENCE● 310 Traverse de la Bourgade ● 13400 Aubagne
www.nap-provence.fr ● Opérateur de voyages et de séjours IM 013150016
Day 7 : Avignon / Châteauneuf du Pape
Pick up from your hotel after your breakfast and check out to discover Avignon, the city of the popes and
Châteauneuf du Pape, a small village renowned for its wine.
In the morning visit of Avignon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
With the arrival of the popes in the 14th Century, the city became a second Rome. It was enriched by art
in the 17th and 18th Centuries, and it remained papal property up to the French revolution.
From this period the city kept its medieval walls which are punctuated by 39 towers and seven gates.
The major site of the city is the huge Pope's palace, the biggest gothic palace in the world.
Your guide will tell you the grand life under the seven French popes who built a miniature Vatican during
their rule here. You can visit 25 rooms of it, including the ceremonial rooms, chapels, cloister, private papal
apartments with priceless frescoes, and others.
The second point of interest is the St Bénézet Bridge. This legendary bridge is a significant symbol of the
history of Avignon, famous throughout the world due to the beloved children's song “Sous le Pont
D’Avignon”. At the moment of its construction in the late 1100's, the bridge contained twenty two arches
to make the link between Avignon and Villeneuve Avignon. It was destroyed several times by the raging
flood water of the Rhône.
Lunch in Châteauneuf du Pape
In the afternoon, you will discover the village of Châteauneuf du Pape, famous for its wine but the village
itself is worth to visit.
The vineyards dated back from the 14th, time when the popes established in Avignon.
Châteauneuf du Pape is a famous French wine Appellation. It represents the beginning of the Côte du
Rhône area, known for its full bodied red wines.
After the visit of the village, you will visit the Museum of the wine to learn all the secrets of the Châteauneuf
du Pape wine and of course the tour will end with a wine tasting.
Transfer back to your hotel in Marseille and then drop off at the Train station or Airport of Marseille.
A departure from the train Station of Avignon TGV is also possible.
Price per person from €
Based on 40 pax in double room
Base 20-29 personnes :
Base 30-39 personnes :
Base 40-49 personnes :
Single Room supplement :
€
€
€
€
THE PRICE INCLUDES
Transportation in one comfortable bus for 7 days
English speaking guide for 7 days
Guided visit of Marseille
Visit and Workshop at the Grande Savonnerie to create your own soap of Marseille
Guided tour of Aix en Provence
Informations et Réservations
+ 33 (0)4.65.280.182
receptif@nap-provence.fr
NAP PROVENCE● 310 Traverse de la Bourgade ● 13400 Aubagne
www.nap-provence.fr ● Opérateur de voyages et de séjours IM 013150016
Boat tour to visit the Calanques of Cassis
Guided tour of Arles
Entrances to Amphitheatre and Antique Theatre of Arles
Guided tour of les Baux de Provence
Guided tour of the Luberon’s perched villages
Guided tour of Le Castellet
Bandol wine tasting in a winery
Guided tour of the factory L’Occitane en Provence
Guided tour of Moustiers Sainte Marie and the Gorges du verdon
Guided tour of Avignon
Entrances to the Pope’s palace and the Pont d’Avignon
Visit and wine tasting of the Musée du Vin of Chateauneuf du Pape
Lunches with drinks for the days 1,2,3,4,5,6 and 7
Accomodation in double room, hotel 3***
Breakfast on days 2,3,4,5,6 and 7
THE PRICE DOESN’T INCLUDE
Personal expenses and Tips
Extra activities not mentioned in the program
Informations et Réservations
+ 33 (0)4.65.280.182
receptif@nap-provence.fr
NAP PROVENCE● 310 Traverse de la Bourgade ● 13400 Aubagne
www.nap-provence.fr ● Opérateur de voyages et de séjours IM 013150016