Gabriella Maria's Charming Provencal Culinary and Culture Retreat

8 Day Tour of Aix en Provence

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Trip Map
Itinerary
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8 Days 7 Nights

Best Time: Jan-Dec

Local Cuisine & Wine

Exploring Scenic Countryside

Embark on a Provençal adventure designed by France expert Gabriella Maria. You’ll enjoy private guided tours revealing the secrets of local wine and cuisine, and engage in hands-on cooking and pastry classes. You’ll also take a private guided culinary excursion to the enchanting Luberon Valley, and visit Marseille, a fascinating city of history and seaside beauty. You can travel independently on a departure date or your choice, or join Gabriella from May 4th to 11th. Those that travel will stay in a stunning and historic Provencal villa, complete with a pool and a breathtaking garden setting on the outskirts of Aix.

Taste the essence of the region on a Gourmet Tour of Aix and South Luberon.
Explore the town that inspired the rich palette of Cézanne on a private walking tour in Aix.
Savor the flavors of Provence with a wine tasting in a scenic countryside setting.
Unleash your inner chef in hands-on Provencal cooking and pastry classes.
Take a day trip to Marseille to see historic forts, vibrant Vieux Port, and scenic seaside views.

Taste the essence of the region on a Gourmet Tour of Aix and South Luberon.
Explore the town that inspired the rich palette of Cézanne on a private walking tour in Aix.
Savor the flavors of Provence with a wine tasting in a scenic countryside setting.
Unleash your inner chef in hands-on Provencal cooking and pastry classes.
Take a day trip to Marseille to see historic forts, vibrant Vieux Port, and scenic seaside views.

Cours Mirabeau

Markets & Shopping

Lavender Fields

Natural Beauty

Cezanne's Studio

Museums & Galleries

Luberon Villages

Small Towns

Aix-en-Provence Markets

Markets & Shopping

Paroisse Cathédrale Saint Sauveur

Churches & Monasteries

Must see sights

Cours Mirabeau

Markets & Shopping

Lavender Fields

Natural Beauty

Cezanne's Studio

Museums & Galleries

Luberon Villages

Small Towns

Aix-en-Provence Markets

Markets & Shopping

Paroisse Cathédrale Saint Sauveur

Churches & Monasteries

Starting from

$3325

per person

4.8 (365 reviews)

Not included

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Trip Map & Itinerary

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Day-By-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive Aix en Provence

Day 1

Arrive Aix en Provence

To Be Determined

Private Transfer from the Marseille Airport

We will schedule a pick up for 20 minutes after your flight's arrival time. You will be met in the terminal by an English-speaking driver holding a sign with your name on it. The ride is for your party only - you will not be sharing a vehicle. The cost of the ride will be included in your itinerary package. IMPORTANT NOTE: Please be aware the car service can fit up to 1 checked item of luggage and 1 personal item per person, such as a purse or small backpack. If you think you will have more baggage, please inform your travel consultant as this may result in an additional fee.

Day 1

Arrive Aix en Provence

To Be Determined:

Marseille Airport Pickup

Late Afternoon/Early Evening:

Self Guided, Old Town

Day 1

Arrive Aix en Provence

Day 1

Arrive Aix en Provence

To Be Determined

Private Transfer from the Marseille Airport

Late Afternoon/Early Evening

Walks in Old Aix-en-Provence

The Old Town of Aix-en-Provence, or Vieil Aix, is a charming historical center famous for its narrow lanes, elegant buildings, and the bustling Cours Mirabeau, lined with cafes and fountains like the Fontaine de la Rotonde. It's a hub of Provençal culture, hosting lively markets and architecturally diverse quarters including buildings like Saint-Sauveur Cathedral, and Albertas Square. This area embodies the spirit of Provence, offering visitors a rich blend of history, art, and the vibrant daily life of its cafes and markets.

Day 2

Aix en Provence

Day 2

Aix en Provence

Day 2

Aix en Provence

Day 2

Aix en Provence

Afternoon/Late Afternoon

A Self-Guided Walk With Cézzane

Follow the path of the French artist, Paul Cézanne on this self-guided walk through the city. Sometimes considered the father of modern art because of his paintings structured from geometric shapes and his emphasis on light and color, his symapthetic story and character make this walk an exceptional way to spend one's time. See the places where the artist studied, lived, and worked as you explore museums housing his artwork and visit the studio in which this master painted.

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Small Group Wine Tasting of Provencal Wines

Enjoy an exclusive wine tasting experience that introduces you to the rich flavors of Provencal and other French wines. This small group setting ensures personalized attention as you savor a variety of carefully selected wines in a charming setting. Learn about the winemaking process, the region's wine history, and enjoy pairing wines with cheese and local delicacies. Perfect for connoisseurs and casual wine lovers alike, this experience is not just about tasting but understanding and appreciating the subtleties of each wine. It's a relaxing and delightful way to spend an evening, as you learn how to experience and appreciate wine as the locals do.

4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

3.5-Hour Provencal Cooking Class

Delve into the heart of Provencal cuisine with this 3.5-hour cooking class in Aix-en-Provence. Under the guidance of a professional chef, learn to prepare traditional dishes using fresh, local ingredients. The intimate setting ensures personalized attention, making this experience ideal for both beginners and seasoned cooks looking to deepen their knowledge of French culinary arts. From selecting the right herbs to mastering essential techniques, this class is a perfect blend of learning and enjoyment, completed with a meal to taste your creations.

Day 3

Aix en Provence

Day 3

Aix en Provence

Day 3

Aix en Provence

Day 3

Aix en Provence

Early Morning to Early Evening

Self-Guided Excursion to Marseille

Greeks settled here in 600BC, and the port hasn't stopped since. Walk through at least 2600 years of history, try fresh fish, and get a feel for a French city that revels in its distance (geographically, culturally, gastronomically) from Paris. Grittier, louder, but no less charming, Marseille will pleasantly shock you with its energy and breathtaking panoramas of itself and the Mediterranean sea. And should you long for the crash of waves upon cliffs, the inestimably beautiful National Park of the Calanques.

Day 4

Aix en Provence

Day 4

Aix en Provence

Day 4

Aix en Provence

Day 4

Aix en Provence

9:30 AM - 6:30 PM

Private Gourmet Tour of Aix en Provence and South Luberon

Experience the best of Provence with this Gourmet Tour, including both food and wine tastings. Sample crusty bread, tapenades, rosé wines, goat cheese, and more in the evocative setting of the Luberon Valley. A special local delight is the famous candy of Aix-en-Provence: the Calisson. Made with almonds and candied fruits, its sweet tradition dates back to the 15th century. Your knowledgeable guide will explain to you the time-honored traditions and culinary processes of Provence on this full-day tour, designed to appeal to all ages.

Day 5

Aix en Provence

Day 5

Aix en Provence

Day 5

Aix en Provence

Day 5

Aix en Provence

Morning to Late Afternoon

A Self- Guided Jaunt through Avignon

Avignon boasts a particular medieval history as the seat of the Roman Catholic church in the 14th century. Its grandeur, though illustrious, is tempered by the Provençal sun and wind, and the sometimes irreverent Festival d' Avignon, a summer theather event that draws crowds from all of France. Highlights of a visit include the Palais des Papes, a massive, Gothic structure fit for a pope, the Pont d' Avignon which will make you want to dan-ce, dan-ce, and les Halles, an exceptional food market with a verdant exterior.

Day 6

Aix en Provence

Day 6

Aix en Provence

Day 6

Aix en Provence

Day 6

Aix en Provence

10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Private wine tour in Cassis & Bandol

Good wine has been a tradition here for thousands of years; taste that history on this day-long excursion to Bandol and Cassis. These towns and their epoymous regions will prove that both red and white grapes can adapt to hot weather and still make elegant wines. Bandol reds, made primarily from the rugged grape Mouvedre, will suprise you with their depth, while Cassis whites will echo the tastes and light of the Mediterranean near which their vines grow. Your guide will be happy to go as deeply into the wines' stories as possible, or simply let you taste soemthing new!

Day 7

Aix en Provence

Day 7

Aix en Provence

Day 7

Aix en Provence

Day 7

Aix en Provence

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

3-Hour Provencal Pastry Baking Experience

Immerse yourself in the delightful world of French pastry making with this 3-hour course in Aix-en-Provence. Learn the art of crafting perfect French pastries from an expert chef in a cozy, well-equipped kitchen. This experience offers a hands-on approach, allowing you to create and taste a variety of traditional pastries from Provence and other parts of France. Ideal for culinary enthusiasts and those looking to add a unique twist to their visit to Aix-en-Provence, this baking course provides not only new skills but also delicious memories.

Day 8

Depart Aix en Provence

Day 8

Depart Aix en Provence

Day 8

Depart Aix en Provence

Day 8

Depart Aix en Provence

To Be Determined

Marseilles Airport Dropoff by Taxi

Aix en Provence taxis are generally reliable and honest, so taking a taxi is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. Your hotel will be happy to arrange a pick up for you. If you are picked up about 2 hours and 45 min before your departure time, you should arrive at the airport with just under two and a half hours to spare. If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra twenty minutes or so. The Full Itinerary also contains alternative instructions on taking the train or metro to the airport.

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Gabriella Maria's Charming Provencal Culinary and Culture Retreat

8 Day Tour of Aix en Provence

$3325

Secure Your Customizable Trip Enter your details to embark on a journey that can be tailored just for you.

Craft Your Own Itinerary Select your interests and destinations for a trip plan inspired by you.

Trip Map & Itinerary

Day-By-Day Itinerary

Private Transfer from the Marseille Airport

Secure Your Customizable Trip
Enter your details to embark on a journey that can be tailored just for you.

Craft Your Own Itinerary
Select your interests and destinations for a trip plan inspired by you.