Provence, the mere mention of the word, brings to mind warmth and brilliance, where the sun drenched landscape inspired writers & artists for centuries and particularly, Van Gogh during the most prolific period of his life. Greeks settled here, Romans "came, saw, & conquered", and now YOU can venture through this rich and colorful land. Once you've cycled in these colors you can easily see what is meant by the "special light" of Provence. Saddled almost equidistant from Italy & Spain, Provence has influences from both sides; culturally, linguistically and climate all which imbue our itinerary with essence of Mediterranean life. Even the diet : lamb, fish & seafood, herbs of Provence, goat cheese, almonds, olives & olive oil, garlic, and fresh fruits & vegetables all lend their savour to create this unique cuisine, world renown for it's flavor and it's health benefits!

Day 1-2: Vaucluse Plateau

Home to Celtic-Ligurian tribes as early as the Neolithic era, centuries later the calm of the area attracted the Cistercian monks to settle here and study for the past 700 years! The villages here (Fontaine de Vaucluse, Gordes, Roussillon) lead an unfettered existence, situated at the entrance of the Luberon Valley, we'll venture into the past visiting the famous XIIc abbey, local markets and experience the passage of time at a pace seemingly not of our era.

Day 3-4: Luberon Mountains

Though this area has endured centuries of warring, it now enjoys one of the calmest and remote areas in Provence. The 300,000 acres of protected national park lands is the back drop for passage through the Luberon and visiting the hilltop villages, Oppede le Vieux, Menerbes, Lacoste (home to Marquis de Sade), Bonnieux, Buoux.

Day 5-6: Les Alpilles

Considered by many of the locals to be the heart of Provence, it here that we will explore ancient Greek, Roman civilizations and "walk in the footsteps" of Van Gogh, retracing his time here in Provence. Here, where the local AOC wine and olive oil begin their international prestige, we'll bask in the warmth of the local people, flavors & colors, visiting St. Remy de Provence, Les Baux.

Day 7: Avignon

IMPORTANT : With AVIGNON as the scheduled pick up & drop-off town, it's important to note that we do NOT visit AVIGNON (pop. 253,580) as part of your itinerary. It is therefore suggested that you allow sufficient time prior to or immediately following the tour to visit this town.

Transportation Logistics

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