Gordes

 Package per person includes:

• 3 nights accommodation twin share BB in hotels below.

• One full day and one half day guided tour of the area. Pick up and return at your hotel in Aix en Provence. The actual tours included in the package depend on the day you arrive in Aix en Provence (see below).

• Lunch on the full day tour only.

• Rates per person per package.

• Not included: Entrance fees unless specified. Pick up from hotels outside Aix en Provence.

2008 Rates*

Tours

Tour Descriptions

Marseille Panorama  (E1) 
We'll discover la Canebière, the Cathedral La Major, Panier Hill and the le Vieux Port. Then we'll visit Notre Dame de la Garde, situated at the top of a hill with the most beautiful view of Marseille harbour and its forts, Saint Jean and Saint Nicolas. 30 minute visit. Then go down towards The Corniche, and eventually to the Vallon de Auffes, a tiny fishing port which has lasted well against modern times. 20 minute visit.
Start 2pm - Finish 6pm

Les Baux & Medieval Castle with wine tasting  (E4)  
We'll drive towards the Alpilles to arrive in the valley of the Baux de Provence. Along the way we'll pause to see an AOC olive oil mill. Later, we'll experience the unforgettable spectacle of light on the mountains, olive trees and grapevines. Above us, on its rock, we'll see the Citadel of the Baux. You'll have an hour and a half to visit the village which is rich in 15th and 16th Century mansions. Then onto the Castle (ticket and audio-guide included, but the tour is unaccompanied). On the return journey, we'll pause at a cellar for some local AOC wine tasting.
Start 2pm - Finish 6pm

Avignon & Pont du Gard  (E5)  
In the morning, we'll visit the famous Pont d'Avignon, or Bénezet Bridge, which has defied both the Rhône River and time, and inspired a song of the same name (ticket and audio guide included in the price). We will then walk along the ramparts to reach the Cathedral Notre Dame des Doms and the Popes Palace (ticket and audio guide included but the tour is unaccompanied). After lunch (included), we will travel through the vineyards and pause at the famous Pont du Gard, the largest Roman acquaduct in existence. One hour break. Later, on our way back to Aix, we'll pass Tarascon and its castle on the Rhône.
Start 9am - Finish 6pm

Arles & Roman Heritage  (E7)
First we'll cross the Crau Plain where we'll stop to taste some AOC rosé wine at a site painted by Van Gogh. Then we'll continue to Arles, masterpiece of the Roman period in Provence, a site preserved by UNESCO. There you'll discover the Roman Amphitheatre and the Baths (tickets included but the tour is unaccompanied), and the ancient theatre (visit optional). You'll also see Republic Square, the church of Saint Trophime, the town hall and Forum Square. During your visit, you'll also follow in Van Gogh's footsteps, passing five scenes he painted: The Draw Bridge, The Yellow House, The Stary Night on the Rhône River, The Outside of the Café at Night, and the Garden of the Hospital (where he had treatment after cutting off his ear).
Start 2pm - Finish 7pm

Luberon Panorama   (E8)
Discover the Cistercian Abbey of Silvacane, and three perched villages in the heart of the Luberon mountain range. We'll visit Bonnieux and its panoramic terraces (15 minutes); Lacoste and the family castle of Marques de Sade (20 minutes); and the coloured village of Roussilon with its red cliffs (20 minutes). You'll experience the colours and fragrances of fruit trees, sunflowers, lavender fields, poppy fields, grape vines and more, all day long. On the way back, we'll drive via one of the oldest Roman bridges in France, Bridge Julien.
Start 2pm - Finish 7pm

Fontaine de Vaucluse & Luberon  (E6)    
We will visit the Régional Park and its picturesque villages. As we descend into the valley, La Fontaine de Vaucluse bursts out of nowhere. Our guide will help you discover the freshness and mystery that makes this site unforgettable. One hour visit. We will then take the road that leads us to the Regional Park of the Luberon, before heading towards the Abbey of Senanque, surrounded by its lavender fields (photo break). Later we'll have lunch in one of the most beautiful villages in France, Gordes, where we'll take an hour and a half break. Lunch included. In the afternoon, we'll depart for the colourful village of Roussilon where we'll have a 45 minute visit to discover the village, its red cliffs and the ancient open quarry (visit optional). We'll then have a 5 minute visit in the village of Bonnieux, and 30 minutes in Lourmarin with its 16th Century castle.
Start 9am - Finish 6pm

St Remy & Baux de Provence  (E9)
You will have a day in the heart of the Alpilles mountain range, cultural centre of Provence. We'll start the day in Saint Remy de Provence where Van Gogh was hospitalised and where Nostradamus was born. 30 minute visit. We'll then drive via the Antics Roman ruins, that are still here after 2000 years, to reach the cloister Saint Paul de Mausole (ticket included but the tour is unaccompanied). There you'll see Van Gogh's bedroom and other sites Van Gogh painted during his stay in the psychiatric hospital. 30 minute visit.
After lunch (included), you will visit the medieval village of les Baux de Provence, on its rock. We'll then go to Arles, visiting the historic Gallo-Roman Centre, preserved as a UNESCO site. You'll discover the Roman amphitheatre (ticket included but the tour is unaccompanied), the ancient theatre (visit optional), the Republic Square, Saint Trophime Church, the town hall and the Forum Square. Through the town you'll see five different scenes Van Gogh painted: The Draw Bridge, The Yellow House, The Stary Night on the Rhône River, The Outside of the Café at Night and The Garden of the Hospital where he was treated after cutting his ear off. Hour and a half visit.
Start 9am - Finish 6pm