On this insider’s walking tour, walk in the footsteps of Cezanne through  through the Luberon forest and rustic towns and amble through lush fields and gardens. Your journey will immerse you in the papal riches of Avignon, the ochre hues of Verdon, Gordes and Roussillon, and the stunning views from Cap Ferrat on the French Riviera. You may not have a year in Provence, but spend 10 days and you may never want to leave.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Cannes

Your vacation begins with an overnight flight to France.

Day 2 - Cannes

Touch down in Nice. Here you’ll meet your Go Ahead representative, then transfer by motorcoach to the elite resort town of Cannes and check in to your hotel. Become acquainted with your fellow walking enthusiasts at this evening’s included dinner. (B in flight, D)

Day 3 - Les Gorges du Verdon

En route to Gorges, visit the town of Grasse, the heart of France's perfume industry, where you'll visit the famed Fragonard Perfume Factory. Then stop in the medieval village of Moustiers Ste. Marie, known throughout Europe since the 17th century for its fine blue-and-white ceramics. This afternoon, your tour director introduces you to Greoux-les-Bains. Then a two-hour walk in the Verdon leads you to Lake d'Esparron. (B, D)

Day 4 - Les Gorges du Verdon

This morning, visit the hilltop town of Gordes, a haven for modern artists, before reaching the delightfully picturesque village of Roussillon. A one-hour walk takes you through the open-air ochre mines of Roussillon. Then travel in scenic countryside past the dramatic canyons of the Gorges du Verdon area, known as the Grand Canyon of France. (B)

Day 5 - Avignon

Continue on to Avignon this morning, where your tour director leads a walking tour of the medieval city, followed by a tour of the ancient Papal Palace, which was the seat of the Catholic Church in the 14th century. This afternoon, savor our included Provencal lunch a delicious taste of the region's fine cuisine, and visit the Roman bridge Pont du Gard, which was completed in 19 B.C. (B, L)

Day 6 - Avignon

Drive through the rustic Luberon region, the setting for Peter Mayle's A Year in Provence series. Your walk in the Luberon forest (1.5 hours) takes you through groves of oak and cedar, with spectacular views of the surrounding mountain villages. Later, journey to the Luberon towns of Bonnieux, Lacoste and Menerbes, followed by a visit to Fontaine du Vaucluse, a natural waterfall. This evening, consider our optional Avignon dinner and wine tasting. (B)

$85 USD

Chateauneuf du Pape Dinner and Wine Tasting Savor the region's vintage wines during a wine tasting at a local wine cellar then enjoy Provençal cuisine at a nearby restaurant for dinner.

Day 7 - Avignon

Discover the fresh air and flowering vistas of Provence during this morning's invigorating two-hour walk in St. Baume, which follows the medieval pilgrimage path to the shrine of Mary Magdalene. The afternoon is yours to explore Avignon and the region at your leisure. (B)

Day 8 - Nice

En route to Nice, follow in the footsteps of the painter Paul Cezanne during a tour of Aix-en-Provence and a stop at the painter's studio. This evening, experience all the glamour of Monaco on our optional Monaco by Night excursion, featuring dinner and a visit to the Monte-Carlo Casino. (B)

$115 USD

Monaco by Night This evening excursion shows you the jewel of the French Riviera at its best, featuring castles, cafes and cabarets all lit up under the setting sun.

Day 9 - Nice

Today’s 1.5-hour walk introduces you to Cap Ferrat, a peninsula that runs between Nice and the principality of Monaco. The cliffside path takes you around the edge of the peninsula, with memorable views of the Mediterranean. This afternoon, join our optional excursion to the artists’ enclave of St. Paul-de-Vence, with a visit to the Fondation Maeght, a renowned modern art museum. (B, D)

$45 USD

St. Paul-de-Vence and Fondation Maeght Journey to the rustic hill town of St. Paul-de-Vence, a popular enclave for artists, for a guided tour. Then explore the Fondation Maeght, one of the most mesmerizing modern and contemporary art museums in France.

Day 10 - Nice

Transfer to Nice’s airport for your flight home, or join our Paris tour extension. (B)