Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Orange, France
Highlights: Orange, Roman theater, wine tasting, special introductory dinner
Meet today at our hotel in Orange, in the valley of the Rhône River. Orange was a Roman city built in the first century B.C. and is home to some of the best preserved examples of architecture from the Empire period, including an ancient Roman theater and a lovely triumphal arch. After fitting bicycles this afternoon, you can enjoy a walk around town before we gather for introductions and a wine tasting from the nearby Côtes du Rhône villages of Gigondas and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Dinner together this evening.    

Day 2: Loop ride through the Côtes du Rhône
Highlights: Wine villages of Rasteau, Seguret, Sablet and Gigondas, informative wine tasting
Today's ride takes us through vineyards to the wine villages of Rasteau, Seguret, Sablet and Gigondas. The legendary Mont Ventoux and the jagged limestone peaks of the Dentelles of Montmirail at its base provide a stunning backdrop. We'll gather just before a picnic lunch together for a fascinating winery visit where we'll learn about the art of wine tasting. Dinner on your own this evening. Distance: 63 km (39 miles) or more for those who wish.    

Day 3: Bicycle to Uzès
Highlights: Visit to Châteauneuf du Pape, ceramics of St. Quentin, medieval Uzès
Pedaling south this morning, you'll pass through the famous wine village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the former summer palace of the Avignon Popes. From there, we'll cross the Rhône and suggest a stop in the ceramics village of St. Quentin-la-Poterie. The craftsmen of St. Quentin contributed their pottery making skills to decorate the Palais des Papes in Avignon in the 14th Century. You can visit some of the local studios before continuing on to our destination in Uzès, an almost perfectly preserved medieval town. Dinner together. Distance: 65 km (40 miles).    

Day 4: Rest day in Uzès
Highlights: Optional bike ride to local vineyards
We'll be in Uzès again tonight, so you can decide whether you want to ride today, relax by the pool, or enjoy the lovely square. For those of you who want to get out on your bike, we'll take a loop ride south through rolling vineyard country. Enjoy a picnic along the way and extend your ride if you have extra energy to burn. For dinner on your own this evening, we'll suggest some of our favorite restaurants. Distance: 0-50 km (0-31 miles), your choice.    

Day 5: Bicycle to St. Rémy
Highlights: Pont du Gard, castle visit, charming St. Rémy, chocolate visit
The Pont-du-Gard is the most extraordinary Roman ruin in all of Europe. It dates to 20 B.C. when it was built to support the aqueduct that carried water from Uzès to the Roman town of Nîmes. We pedal across this bridge on our way to St. Rémy-de-Provence. On our ride we cross the Rhône again at Tarascon where you can to visit the perfectly preserved 15th-century castle. Later this afternoon, a local St. Rémy chocolatier will offer us some of his delicious creations. We'll be in St. Rémy for dinner together this evening. Distance: 65 km (40 miles).    

Day 6: Rest day in St. Rémy
Highlights: Optional bike ride to Les Baux, Roman ruins, olive mill visit
St. Rémy is where Van Gogh painted several of his most famous works during a year's residence in the local sanitarium. You'll appreciate the views that inspired him as we support an optional ride to Les-Baux-de-Provence. Or, if you prefer a day off the bike, relax and explore great shopping in town. Whichever you choose, you'll want to visit the Roman ruins of Glanum, which are just a short walk or ride from our hotel. We'll top off the day with an informative - and delicious - visit to a local olive mill. Dinner on your own this evening. Distance: your choice, 0-55 km (0-34 miles).    

Day 7: Bicycle to Arles
Highlights: Roman ruins of Arles
Our last day on the bikes features a leisurely and scenic ride to Arles, one of Provence's premier market towns. After lunch on your own we'll check into our hotel and prepare for a walking tour of Roman Arles together. The Romans bridged the Rhône here during the 1st Century B.C., and today the city has a well-preserved Roman theater and arena. The latter is still used for Provençal bullfights. This evening, we'll celebrate the end of our journey with a farewell dinner together. Distance: 27 km (17 miles).    

Day 8: End in Arles, France
Highlights: Tour ends in Arles
Our ride through historic Provence ends after breakfast. Whatever you do, thanks for joining us.

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