At the End of the Day ...
Escorted TOUR South of France-II: Avignon to St Max
This scheduled tour is available for a minimum of 2 people, maximum 4.
Let us escort you on this 7 Day/6 Night Tour, from Avignon and the Palace of Popes, where we stand in the middle of the central plaza and, having arrived, realize our great & good fortune. From the Palace itself to the gardens, the back streets too small for cars, we’ll settle in to enjoy the beauty and grace of Avignon.
From here we head to Arles, the Camargue and Mediterranean, then further east into the mystical lands of St-Maximin-la-Ste-Baume, where we spend a day trekking up the Great Massif to the Grotto of Mary Magdalene, where she by all accounts spent the last 30 years of her life.
Your Journey Includes:
• In-country travel structure with tour, entry and guide fees within tour destinations.
• Impromptu gatherings to share the historical significances of each location, if you choose in.
• All lodging in charming hotels.
• All breakfasts & dinners.
• Ultimate village markets.
What You Provide
* Travel (including to and from Toulouse).
* Evacuation and Accident/Travel Insurance. It’s required.
* Spending monies & arrangements for travel and accommodations before & after (to Paris and Toulouse)
* Monies for meals not included in the tour, and for all alcohol and drinks with meals that are included.
* Most lunches.
* Trekking poles, if desired, and good traction walking shoes for dusty steep paths and cobblestones.
* Cell phone that works internationally.
This scheduled tour is available for a minimum of 2 people, maximum 4.
Schedule
DAY ONE SATURDAY Avignon
From the gare, you will transfer for our rendezvous at Hotel Kyriad Avignon, Palais des Papes, after 14.00 for check-in. Once situated, you’ll no doubt want to drop your bags and do an initial walkabout to get your bearings in the heart of this beautiful city, and tap into the pulse of life here; the street artists, brasseries — the fullness of French life at your doorstep.
From the ancient streets full of boutique shops and restaurants, to the Palace itself; there is much to take in.
We will meet for aperos and a first meal together at a favorite local restaurant.
DAY TWO SUNDAY Avignon
After petit dejeuner, the Palais des Papes is so close, we head off for a tour. From there, the morning opens to lunch where you can pick and choose right in the plaza, a perfect place to eat.
After lunch, we head for a walkabout through the medieval timbre houses and boutique shops just off the main plaza — and here you may well linger.
Head back to your room for R&R before we meet for aperos and dinner at yet another favorite local restaurant.
DAY THREE MONDAY Arles
After a leisurely morning in Avignon, with time for you to wrap up any loose ends, we will pack up and head to the magical town of Arles. After a cafe lunch, you will check into your ‘room with a view’ near the ancient Roman amphitheatre. Steps away? Just that: the Roman Amphitheatre … van Gogh’s gardens … back streets with tuckaway boutique shops, surprises and life as usual for the locals.
We will meet in a local restaurant for aperos and dinner.
DAY FOUR TUESDAY Camargue
Today we hop in the van and head straight south to the Camargue. Yes, the marshlands with the famous ponies.
Beyond lies the tiny but poignant town of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, purported landing of Mary Magdalene at the Mediterranean Sea. You can sit on the shore, fill your heart’s mind with imaginings and history, visit the Chapel of the Black Madonna — followed by lunch of your choosing.
We’ll head back to Arles in the early afternoon for a final round, capped with a fine dining experience.
DAY FIVE WEDNESDAY Provence/St-Maximin-la-Ste-Baume
Had enough? But we’re not there yet! We’re headed to destination St-Maximin-la-Ste-Baume, where we will be warmly received by our hosts at a spacious and relaxing BnB, immersed in la culture Provençal.
We will drop our bags then head into the town itself for a brasserie lunch, a visit to the Basilica of Mary Magdalene just around the corner, then head out to visit local wonders, from olive groves to vineyards. Perhaps a late afternoon swim, sauna, or repose before a chateau dining experience.
DAY SIX THURSDAY Provence/St Max
Today is dedicated to the Grotto. After petit dejeuner we head out with a packed picnic lunch, to explore the trail up the Great Massif where, carved in the side of the sheer granite walls, is the cave residence of Mary Magdalene. Aside from the extraordinary nature of this visit, the views from en haut are spectacular.
Mid-afternoon, we’ll return to Le Clos Geraldy, have a little time for R&R before we our last meal together in the private garden setting of a renowned Michelin-recommended restaurant.
DAY SEVEN FRIDAY Avignon
After a relaxing morning, we depart St Max, and transfer to Gare Avignon, to bid adieu.
This scheduled tour is available for a minimum of 2 people, maximum 4.
REGISTRATION:
To inquire, email [email protected].
We will hold your reservation for 72 hours, pending initial non-refundable deposit of $500.
All travelers for our tours must have proof of full vaccination.
INFORMATION:
Let us know your preferred dates.
Tour requires minimum of two guests, max of 4. Rates are based on double occupancy.
All deposits are non-refundable but transferable to future custom-picked dates.
Contact Ani directly for logistics and information. We will send you an application/checklist form to fill out, to sign and return with your initial deposit. You may forward your payments via bank wire, WISE, or check drawn on a U.S. bank.
Full vaccinations required.
To inquire into your best dates for the South of France-II Tour, email [email protected].
PLEASE NOTE:
With a day in between I and II, this tour can be combined with South of France-I: Toulouse to Carcassonne, for a full South of France experience.
This 12 Night Extravaganza Tour gives you a $400 discount, double occupancy, and includes one-night hotel free as you transfer/transit into Avignon.