Itinerary

This tour starts at 3:00PM in Paris. Your flight should arrive no later than 1:00PM on August 26, 2012, leaving the US on August 25.

Day 1: Upon arrival at the Paris airport (CDG), you'll be met by a chauffeur for a private transfer to our boutique hotel in the heart of the Eiffel Tower neighborhood. In the early afternoon, we'll enjoy a private, introductory driving tour of Paris highlights: see the Arc de Triumphe, Champs-Elysees, Ile de la Cite, the splendid medieval Sainte-Chapelle church, the Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral, the Latin Quarter, the Pantheon, and the Jardin du Luxembourg. Then, for spectacular views of the sun setting over Paris, we'll ascend to the Eiffel Tower, the city's most famous landmark. During dinner at an elegant restaurant atop the Eiffel Tower, we'll get to know each other, and enjoy an informal discussion about the light side of Paris.
Meals: D

Day 2: On our first full day in Paris, we'll enjoy a gourmet walking tour of the city. In the dreamlike setting of Paris' most beautiful neighborhoods, we'll explore the history of events that made the city the world culinary capital, as we indulge in the most exquisite foods in existence. We'll walk through the medieval Latin Quarter, visit a colorful market, a cheese dairy, bakeries, coffee shops and a regional specialty shop, enjoying rich flavors of foie gras, wine, cheese and bread, which will introduce us to the French gourmandise. In the evening, we'll take the spectacular, yet relaxing Seine River cruise and understand why Paris is called the City of Lights.
Meals: B, L

Day 3: Today, we'll travel to Versailles, the world's most famous royal palace. We will tour the Royal Apartments, the newly restored Hall of Mirrors, the famous gardens with the Orangerie, the dancing fountains and Marie-Antoinette's Estates. After returning to Paris there will be free time to relax or to explore the night time Paris.
Meals: B

Day 4: We'll continue our exploration of Paris as we take a private guided tour of the Musée du Louvre, once a royal palace, and now an art museum containing one of the world's most important collections of art and antiquities. In the evening, we'll experience another Paris classic: dinner and an exclusive performance of Feerie at Moulin Rouge.
Meals: B, D

Day 5: In the morning, we'll take the fast TGV train, and for a total change of mood and scenery, arrive in sun-splashed Avignon, in the heart of Provence at lunch time. After settling at our Provencal villa, there will be time to take a walk around the town of St. Remy or to relax at the villa's beautiful gardens by the swimming pool. Aperitifs and dinner will be served at the hotel's elegant, Provencal style restaurant.
Meals: B, D

Day 6: On our first full day in Provence, we'll see one of the most beautiful villages in France: Les Baux de Provence, then travel 2,000 years back to the Roman city of Arles. Originally founded by Greeks, Arles was favored by Caesar and flourished as one of the most important provincial cities of the Roman Empire. Like many towns built by Romans in the "provinces" or Provence, it resembles a miniature Rome with its own arena, Theatre Antique, thermal baths and the Forum. We'll visit the striking Roman monuments, walk the labyrinth of narrow streets and visit Place du Forum Cafe, immortalized by Vincent Van Gogh in his painting, Cafe la Nuit.
Meals: B, D
 
Day 7: Today, we will experience more delights of Provence, as we travel though the fairytale countryside, stopping in picturesque villages with their unforgettable antique markets. Then, we'll continue to Avignon. Named Altera Roma, Avignon retains the mark of a hundred years of the Popes' stay in the city, when it was the capital of the medieval western world. Today, it is the cradle of Provencal literature and theatre revival. After an optional lunch at a Provencal cafe, we'll visit the Papal Palace, the largest Gothic palace in Europe, stroll through the narrow alleys and expansive plazas, shop or even give in to the musical lyricism of Pont d'Avignon.
Meals: B, D
 
Day 8: In the morning, we'll visit the Roman built architectural marvel of Pont du Gard, the multi story aqueduct over the Gard River, built to supply clean water to the town of Nimes. In the afternoon, we'll experience Chateauneuf-du-Pape - a village dedicated to its world famous wine. We'll tour the vineyards, visit the wine making museum and, of course, sample some excellent Provencal wines. We'll also enjoy a chocolate and wine pairing session, and a vineyard picnic at a private, wine producing estate.
Meals: B, L, D
 
Day 9: We'll spend our last day in Provence with your new friends, learning to appreciate the cuisine of Provence. More than just recipes and techniques, this cooking class will introduce us to the Provencal way of life: life based around friends, wonderful food prepared from the freshest local ingredients, good wines, blue skies and laughter. After the guided morning visit to the market, we'll engage in preparation of a spectacular meal which will celebrate your journey in this most blessed region of France.
Meals: B, L, D

Day 10: Today, we'll say good-bye to Provence, and catch the TGV train back to Paris, which will take us directly to Charles de Gaulle Airport.
Meals: B
 
Itinerary specifics subject to change.
 
The tour ends on September 4 at the CDG Airport in Paris at 10:30AM. Your flight should leave after 1:00PM.

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