Vineyards of Vaucluse Cycling

Vineyards of Vaucluse Cycling

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Vineyards of Vaucluse Cycling

9 Days Starting and ending in Pernes-Les-Fontaines

Visiting: Pernes-les-Fontaines, Mazan, Bédoin, Malaucène, Vaison-la-Romaine, Séguret, Vacqueyras, Orange

Tour operator:

Exodus

Tour code:

C08PV

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 6

Physical rating:

Leisurely / Moderate

Age range:

8 to 99

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:
English
Trip Styles:

Active

Activities:

Cycling, Sightseeing, Walking

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

In the heart of Provence, the Vaucluse is steeped in history. Originally Celtic, it was conquered by the Romans and is now rich in well-preserved Roman remains, especially at Orange and Vaison-la-Romaine where the large site is comparable to Pompeii. The skyline is dominated by the majestic silhouette of the Dentelles de Montmirail and dramatic Mont Ventoux.

Highlights

  • Famous Cotes du Rhone vineyards: Gigondas, Beaumes-de-Venise, Vacqueyras

  • Easy interest-packed cycling on Provencal plains and foothills

  • Colourful Provencal markets; numerous wine festivals; some of the prettiest villages in France

  • Friendly, family-run hotels, most with private pools; good local cuisine

  • Extensive Roman remains at Vaison-la- Romaine and UNESCO Orange

Itinerary

Expand All
Day 1 : Arrive In Pernes-Les-Fontaines
Location: Pernes-les-Fontaines
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel l'Hermitage
Meals Included: Dinner

Your 3-Star hotel is just north of the village of Pernes-les-Fontaines.
Plenty of time to relax and explore the hotel grounds before
dinner. 

Day 2 : Pernes Les Fontaines To Bedoin
Location: Mazan, Bédoin
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Les Pins
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Leave Pernes-les- Fontaines this morning and head to the popular village of
Saint-Didier, where you can opt to make the climb up the hill to the
mediaeval settlement of Venasque (one of the prettiest villages in France)
with its three Saracen towers. You'll then follow lanes and tracks up past
Malemort-du-Comtat and then dropping down into the mediaeval village of Mazan
with its church wall that is made up of more than 60 Roman sarcophagi.
Continue on through the vines with a back drop of Mont Ventoux as you climb
steadily towards Bedoin. 

Day 3 : At Bedoin
Location: Bédoin
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Les Pins
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Explore the lively village of Bedoin, named for the C8 Bedouins who settled
there and home to the imposing church of Saint-Antonin, with its unique
Spanish style - so different from any other in Provence. Bedoin is also the
gateway to Mont Ventoux for more hardy cyclists seeking a challenge! Follow
established cycle routes to the Chateau Pesquie, which offers everything from
a stroll in the vines, to a guided cellar tour, to a tasting, to a full
picnic lunch in the gardens.

Day 4 : Bedoin To Vaison-La-Romaine
Location: Malaucène, Vaison-la-Romaine
Meals Included: Breakfast

After the picturesque perched village of Crillon-le-Brave you swing across
the gentle Carpentras plain to Caromb, a partly fortified little town. A
short, steep ascent takes you to the Lac du Paty, hidden amongst the trees.
Continue downhill through forest, vineyards and cherry orchards to the
fortified village of Malaucene (where Pope Clement V once lived). The final
section is a flat bowl along country lanes to the Roman garrison town of
Vaison la Romaine. 

 

Day 5 : At Vaison-La-Romaine
Location: Vaison-la-Romaine
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Burrhus
Meals Included: Breakfast

Vaison has France's most extensive Roman remains including a 6000-seat
theatre, baths, houses and streets. There's a fine C13 cathedral and
cloisters, castle ruins and fortified gateway, and squares with cool central
fountains. The two halves of the town are joined by a 2000-year-old single
arch Roman bridge which, amazingly, is still in use; it's well worth crossing
to explore the narrow mediaeval streets and little squares of the Haute
Ville.

Day 6 : Vaison-La-Romaine To Vacqueyras
Location: Séguret, Vacqueyras
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today it's via Roaix and across the Ouveze River to mediaeval Seguret -
officially ranked among the most beautiful villages in France; its streets
hug the slopes of the Dentelles de Montmirail. There's a C15 fountain, a C14
belfry and a ruined feudal castle offering far-reaching views out across the
Rhone Valley. Then it's on through pretty Sablet and extensive vineyards to
our friendly little hotel near Vacqueyras. 

Day 7 : At Vacqueyras
Location: Orange
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Montmirail
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Orange, a thriving regional centre, is 20km away. It has two marvellous
UNESCO World Heritage Sites, an elaborately decorated triumphal arch and a
beautifully preserved Roman theatre which hosts regular evening performances;
your hotelier will help organise a taxi. Alternatively, why not simply relax
by the hotel pool? 

Day 8 : Vacqueyras To Pernes-Les-Fontaines
Location: Vacqueyras, Pernes-les-Fontaines
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Your final day's cycling takes you through the Cotes du Rhone vineyards,
stops first at charming Vacqueyras where there are lots of caves. From here
there's an optional detour to mediaeval Carpentras - with a cathedral,
atmospheric cobbled streets and weekly (Fri) market - before returning to
fountain-filled Pernes-les-Fontaines.*
*

Day 9 : Leave Pernes-Les-Fontaines
Location: Pernes-les-Fontaines
Meals Included: Breakfast

LEAVE PERNES-LES-FONTAINES

What's Included

  • GPS route directions

  • Luggage transfers between hotels

  • All continental breakfasts and 6 evening meals 

  • /RideWithGPS/ navigation app

  • All accommodation

  • High quality bikes 

What's Not Included

  • Visas and vaccinations

  • Single supplements

  • Optional electric bikes

  • Travel insurance

Accommodation

Our hotels, which are all family-run, pride themselves on their Provencal cuisine and cellars full of fine local wines - one of which is located between the three world-famous vineyards of Beaumes de-Venise, Gigondas and Vacqueyras.

Food

All continental breakfasts and 6 evening meals included. Provencale cuisine is a blend of many influences from the plentiful sea, to neighbour Italy and the early Roman occupation. The soil is rich and the climate is conducive to producing a wide variety of fruit and vegetables. Whilst not the most sophisticated of the French cuisines, most dishes use the excellent tasting local fresh produce. Cooking à la Provencale uses local olive oil, garlic, peppers, tomatoes, courgettes, aubergines and wild herbs, all ripened by the sun to give an intensity of flavour. You can browse among the colours and smells, and make picnic purchases at the lively local markets. The proximity of the sea makes fish and seafood an important element of the local cuisine. Regional dishes include the famous bouillabaisse, a rich fish stew served with aioli and rouille; the bourride – a lighter version of the bouillabaisse; pistou soupe (summer vegetable soup with a blend of garlic, basil and olive oil); authentic ratatouille, large colourful salads and delicious courgette flower fritters. Tapenade and anchoïade are savoury dips made with local olives and anchovies; pissaladière is an onion tart with olives and anchovies and is very likely to have come from the Romans.

Check out our Q&As

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    8+ age people can go on his tour.

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Only Luggage transfers between hotels

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews of this Operator

Gergana Racheva  

Very helpful and prompt service

06-Jan-2023

Very helpful and prompt service. I called to check for an already booked trip and once we sorted this, the agent was ready to help me with another booking as well. He actually waited for me to book my flight tickets, answered all my questions, informed me of all my options. Exodus is a tour company I am using regularly due to the quality of their trips, ease of booking and helpfulness of their customer service team

Trustpilot
Tim Hardy  

Stunning walking. Walking the Amalfi Coast

04-Nov-2021

This trip takes you through the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean walking with a guide and also discovering the wonders of Pompeii and Vesuvius. The hotel had a nice feel as family run, spotless and comfortable rooms, we were well looked after for breakfasts and dinner each day, and the barmen fixed some mean cocktails for us.!

Paul Green  

It's amazing what you can do in a week! Cycling the Dalmatian Coast.

08-Oct-2021

This holiday was extremely enjoyable. The itinerary is well planned and the route takes you to a variety of destinations. Not having been to Croatia before I didn't know there were so many beautiful small islands and I loved the ferry and catarmaran rides. The coastal route we took was dramatic and the World Heritage sites in Split and Dubrovnik very interesting and worth visiting. The Adriatic Sea was warm, blue and inviting, good for swimming even in October. The hotels we stayed in varied in size from medium to large. I particularly liked the one just outside Dubrovnik as I had a sea view. Tourists were plentiful in Split and Dubrovnik but in the other places we stayed there was an end of season feel and it was quiet on the roads and in the resorts. The food was good and our guide was always able to recommend a nice restaurant for our evening meal. The weather in October was good for cycling - not hot, partly cloudy most days and one day it rained!

Mrs Y Morrison  

Fabulous company and trip

06-Jan-2023

We went overland from Cape Town to Zimbabwe through Botswana and Namibia. What a fantastic trip. Our first time with Exodus although we have travelled extensively around the world. We would highly recommend this company for such a brilliant trip - we got everything and more all at a good price. Thanks to everyone involved. We are looking at our next trip!

Trustpilot
John Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I went cycling in Albania...

19-Aug-2023

I went cycling in Albania with exodus as my first holiday with them. Such a well organised and wonderful experience where I met multiple fellow travellers who have been advocates of them for many years. You can't argue with happy repeat customers and I'm planning my next adventure with them soon

Rob Burridge (Google Reviewer)  

I'v just come back from...

17-Jul-2022

I'v just come back from an amazing Wildlife & Wilderness trip in Botswana and I highly recommend Exodus Travels. Our guide Brian, was extremely knowledgeable on both the wildlife and history of Botswana and neighbouring countries. The other three staff, Abbis, Chief & Mr T, who accompanied us through out our 2 week trip, put in the hard work and made sure our camp was always prepared and that we we're well fed and looked after. The tour took us to some beautiful places and we saw some amazing wildlife, and on several occasions this was due to Brian's knowledge of the area and wildlife behaviour. Exodus have been very quick to respond to any queries I had, and the whole experience ran smoothly. I was also pleased to hear that during lockdown they provided staff with food packages 👍. I'd normally go on self organised trips, however, with this trip, the tour and guide Brian took us to places not possible otherwise and showed us things that we would'v missed out on. All of which were the highlights of the tour.

Daphne Partridge (Google Reviewer)  

After 14 roup adventure holidays...

26-Nov-2023

After 14 roup adventure holidays with Exofus we would not hesitate to recommend them as an excitingholiday company. They take you off the beaten track but offer great support and expertise :)

Alison Payton (Google Reviewer)  

I've done 8 trips in...

17-May-2023

I've done 8 trips in the last 14 years with Exodus, and have been rewarded with a 10% discount on all future bookings. I feel very confident that I'll receive pleasant, efficient service, and have the unusual holiday experience that I'm looking for each time. I've trekked to the top of snow-capped peaks, wild-camped in the desert, seen amazing spectacles of nature, visited 4 capital cities in a week, and learned about local culture and experienced local hospitality in a way that I simply wouldn't on a conventional holiday. The quality of the accommodation and guides can vary, but this is mainly down to cultural differences and things that Exodus can't control. I've only ever complained once, my complaint was taken seriously, and I was sent a discount voucher - you can't say fairer than that. I remain a loyal customer.

Jacquelyn Moore (Google Reviewer)  

Food came quickly. Staff very...

07-Mar-2024

Food came quickly. Staff very friendly and polite . However the chef or person preparing the food did not seem to read the menu! If it says a meal should come with vegetables, you should not have to ask for them. They served shepherds pie with garlic bread! The munchies ice cream sundae said it should come in a glass with a flake but came in a little bowl with just a few munchies! When asking the staff were happy to replace and correct but customer should get what they order and what menu says first time round!!

johanna leonor (Google Reviewer)  

If you like to be...

07-Sep-2023

If you like to be mistreated Exodus is perfect for you. If you enjoy terrible choices for hotels and pseudo restaurants Exodus is perfect for you. Careless about their clients and loveless about their propositions. Exodus has been a dissatisfaction and disappointment about every dealing i and my group have had with him. Especially a man called Simone who just cares about the money he can get from you couldn’t care less about service.

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exodus allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus, 43 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exodus requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

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