Itinerary

Day One: Arrival in Marseilles (by air) or Avignon (by TGV high-speed rail). Airport/rail station meet-and-greet and
private transfer to your accommodations with optional stop-offs and visits en route at key Roman antiquities in the
region. Accommodations: Le Prieuré, an absolutely charming 26-room property that tastefully blends traditional and
contemporary styles in a structure that dates to the 14th century. Le Prieuré is affiliated with the Relais et Chateaux
organization.

Day Two: Our wine guide (we use several and will pick the right one based on your knowledge and interests) will
escort you on a memorable private wine tasting and village tour to include Chateauneuf-du-Pape and a leisurely lunch,
Provençal style. You’ll also see Roman winery ruins and impossibly charming wine villages, such as Gigondas, where
some of the finest Grenache-based Rhone blends are produced. Enjoy tastings at leading cellars, such as Beaucastel
and Chateau La Nerthe. Late afternoon at leisure at your hotel. Accommodations: Le Prieuré

Day Three: Morning private transfer to Saint Remy-de-Provence, one of our favorite small towns in the region, where
you will visit the wonderful market with your highly-trained culinary instructor and then return to a 200-year-old country inn
for a memorable herb garden tour and cooking lesson utilizing the inn’s wood burning oven, followed by lunch. Optional
afternoon private walking tour of Avignon and/or Les Baux de Provence or return to your hotel for time at leisure.
Accommodations: Le Prieuré

Day Four: Get an early start in the morning with your culinary guide for a private guided visit to one of the charming
area markets (Tarascon on Tuesday, Saint Remy on Wednesday, Villeneuve on Thursday, etc.). We’ll tailor the rest of the
program based on your interests. Options include visiting the laboratory of a renowned chocolatier for a tour and tastings,
experiencing a cheese farm that produces sensational chevre or visiting a baker and learning how to make fougasses, a
local specialty of garlic bread made from strong white flour enriched with butter, mustard, garlic and chopped fresh
rosemary. Being Provence, of course there also is the option to visit an artisan olive oil producer. Lunch is included. Late
afternoon at leisure. Accommodations: Le Prieuré

Day Five: Morning at leisure at your hotel. Midday transfer 1 hour 45 minutes to the very authentic seaside fishing
village of Cassis where you are much more likely to see fishermen delivering the catch-of-the-day from their boats directly
to waterfront restaurants than a line-up of yachts. Lunch en route perhaps at Le Prévôt , a very fine gastronomic restaurant
in Cavaillon, or at Aix’s gastronomic temple, La Clos de la Violette. Accommodations: Chateau de Cassis, a luxury bed
and breakfast situated high above the town. The castle’s 13th-century stone turrets can be seen up and down the
coastline.

Day Six: Practically nothing! Enjoy Cassis and the fabulous pool at your chateau hotel, which enjoys a commanding
view of the stunning Mediterranean coastline. Perhaps you wish to take a stroll through the village of Cassis. At sunset,
we have arranged for a private boating excursion from town that will allow you to revel in a spectacular up-close view of the
Massif des Calanques, the highest seaside cliffs in Europe. Accommodations: Chateau de Cassis

Day Seven: Another morning at leisure at the chateau. Depart late morning with your private wine guide for insider
guided visits and tastings in the Cotes de Provence. Your knowledgeable guide will explain why the coastal terroir is
perfect for Mourvèdre, the varietal that dominates the composition of the celebrated reds of Bandol. You’ll visit Domaine
Tempier, the most noteworthy Bandol producer for the past six decades. You will also visit a lovely Cassis producer whose
vineyard almost touches the Mediterranean. Lunch with your guide is included. Accommodations: Chateau de Cassis

Day Eight: Private transfer 40 minutes to Aix for a half-day private cooking lesson with lunch at an old farmhouse in the
countryside. The focus of this lesson will be traditional recipes that have been passed down for generations. In the
afternoon, enjoy a scenic two-hour private transfer to Eze Village, a veritable eagle’s nest perched high above the
Mediterranean, just 12 km from Nice. Optional afternoon visit to Bellet, the smallest appellation in France, and the
acclaimed Chateau de Bellet. Accommodations: Chateau de Chevre d’Or, an outstanding boutique charmer that literally is
integrated into the medieval stone village of Eze. The views are inspiring; on one of the frequent clear days, the view
extends all the way to St. Tropez.

Day Nine: Private transfer 20 minutes to Nice for a tour with a chef/guide to the Cours Saleya market in Vieux Nice.
After shopping with the chef, walk to the harbor where you will take part in a most fascinating culinary lesson at one of
Nice’s top seafood restaurants followed by lunch of your creations. You’ll learn some amazing techniques. Afternoon at
leisure. Perhaps you will enjoy dinner tonight in the hotel’s two-star Michelin restaurant. Accommodations: Chateau de
Chevre d’Or

Day Ten: Epicurean walking tour among the gourmet shops of Nice with a passionate food journalist and restaurant
critic. During this tour, you will learn about the history of Nice and its food as well as taste such unexpected delicacies at
pissaldiere (caramelized onion tart), socca (chick pea pancake) and tourte de blette (a sweet pie with a surprise
ingredient). Olive oils, flavored vinegars and cheeses also may be included based on your preferences. Accommodations:
Chateau de Chevre d’Or

Day Eleven: A final day of relaxation prior to departure. Perhaps you wish to explore the artsy boutiques, charming
cafés and narrow streets of Eze Village. Take lunch in town, nearby in Cap d’Ail or on the waterfront at La Mère Germaine
in Villefranche-sur-Mer, a CORK & FORK favorite. Accommodations: Chateau de Chevre d’Or

Day Twelve: Private transfer to Nice’s international airport for departure

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