Timeless Provence

Timeless Provence

heart_plus
tourhub | Riviera Travel | Timeless Provence | PR
801 Views
8 Days
From

$1776

Timeless Provence

8 Days Starting and ending in Aix-en-Provence, France

Visiting: Aix-en-Provence, Camargue, Luberon, Avignon, Cassis

Tour operator:

Riviera Travel

Tour code:

PR

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 25

Physical rating:

Please contact Riviera Travel if you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility.

Age range:

18-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Please contact Riviera Travel with specific dietary requests.

Tour operated in:
English
Interests:

Cultural

From:
$1776 (USD) including Flights from the UK

Tourhub Members Discount - Sign In

See local operators tour description
- Sign In

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Striking natural beauty, immortalised by Van Gogh and Cezanne, home of the Papacy and capital of Roman Gaul. Provence evokes an ambience of provincial France at its finest. Of all the regions of France, Provence is the most irresistible. The borders are defined by nature: to the west, the River Rhône; the south, the Mediterranean; the east, the Alps; and to the north, where the olive trees end. It is a land of striking natural beauty and great diversity - from sun baked plains with fields of lavender, interspaced with vineyards and olive groves, crowned in the distance by the hills of the Luberon and the azure blue sky. The deep valleys are the home of vast oak and pine forests giving that unmistakable Mediterranean aroma to the air.



The desolate wilderness of the Camargue is fascinating, with its white horses galloping across flat wetlands, herds of black bulls and striking flocks of pink flamingos, which appear to fly and land in perfect formation!



The towns are a delight and so distinctive - perhaps the most famous being Aix en Provence – its old quarter is street upon colourful street of traditional shops with quiet and hidden squares, complete with the soft murmur of ancient fountains giving an atmosphere of cool tranquillity. It has vibrant, colourful markets and crowded café terraces nestling under the shade of countless plane trees. The majestic Mont St. Victoire, so immortalised by Cézanne, towers over all: Paris-like in stature and style, yet village-like in gentility, pace and ambience.



So, for a unique blend of interesting and superb monuments, fine food, culture and most of all, some outstanding scenery, come with us and see it all.

Highlights

  • Happy by day two or we'll bring you home with a full refund

  • Guided walking tour of Aix-en-Provence, Provence’s former stylish capital

  • Tour of colourful Cassis and including a boat trip to see the stunning Calanques or limestone cliffs

  • Visit to Avignon – home of the Pope’s Palace and almost mythical bridge

  • Walking tour of Arles, capital of Roman Gaul, with an iconic amphitheatre and immortalised by Van Gogh

  • Visit the Camargue, the unique wetland region famous for its black bulls, white horses and pink flamingos and enjoy a boat trip through the Camargue delta

  • Visit to the Pont du Gard, one of the ancient Romans’ largest aqueducts

  • Tour of the Luberon Hills and it’s timeless Provencal villages so vividly described in Peter Mayle’s book ‘A Year in Provence’

  • Seven nights at a choice of hotels rated four to five-star, with breakfast, two dinners in hotels plus two dinners in excellent restaurants experiencing the fine and typical Provencale cuisine

Itinerary

Expand All
Day 1 : Arrival In Aix-En-Provence
Location: Aix-en-Provence
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: No Meals

Arrive at the airport for your flight to France, or at the station for your train journey by Eurostar and high-speed TGV. We transfer by coach to a choice of hotels in Aix-en-Provence, where you stay for seven nights with breakfast and two dinners in your chosen hotel, and two dinners in local restaurants. 

Day 2 : Tour Of Aix-En-Provence
Location: Aix-en-Provence
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Morning



This morning we take guided walking tour and see what inspired the city’s favourite son, Paul Cézanne, to produce numerous paintings in and around Aix. Beautiful Aix-en-Provence seamlessly combines Parisian-style chic with village-like gentility. Founded as a spa town by the Romans, it became the capital of Provence during the Middle Ages and evolved into a major educational and artistic hub. Aix is known as the ‘City of a Thousand Fountains’ and the tranquil sound of running water accompanies us down colourful boulevards, through fine squares and labyrinthine alleyways. 



Afternoon



The afternoon is yours to spend as you wish in this wonderful Provençal city, perhaps taking the opportunity to visit Cézanne’s perfectly preserved workshop. 

Day 3 : The Camargue
Location: Camargue
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Morning



After breakfast we head to the Camargue, the delta of the great Rhône River and a beguiling landscape of flat saltwater marshland teeming with around 400 species of birds – including remarkable pink flamingos. This designated national park is also home to the region’s iconic black bulls and an ancient breed of white horse, some of which you may spot being ridden by the Camargue’s famous ‘cowboys’. We arrive at the small port town of Saintes Maries de la Mer and take a guided boat trip to explore the natural splendour of this wetland environment – don’t forget to bring your binoculars!



Afternoon



We then make the short trip to extraordinary Arles, a prosperous Roman regional capital from the 1st century AD. You’ll marvel at the city’s impressive UNESCO-listed monuments on a fascinating walking tour, taking in the incredibly well-preserved Roman amphitheatre, the theatre built by the Emperor Augustus and the Forum, once the city’s heart. There’s free time to spend in Arles, perhaps to seek out locations associated with Vincent Van Gogh, who spent 14 months here from early 1888. It was his most prolific period and, inspired by Arles and the light and beauty of the Provençal countryside, he produced around 300 works, including The Café Terrace at Night, The Sower and, of course, Sunflowers. 

Day 4 : Luberon Mountains
Location: Luberon
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning we travel north to the stunning Luberon Mountains. It was here that Peter Mayle found inspiration for his book, A Year in Provence. The region’s pure natural light has always attracted artists, while the hilltops are crowned by enchanting villages that, at a distance, appear frozen in medieval times, yet are alive with vibrant bistros, rustic restaurants and markets selling fabulous local produce. The landscape in this designated Regional Nature Park changes dramatically from flat plains dotted with olive and peach groves to sloping vineyards and then, higher up, rows of lavender whose fragrance mingles with pine and wild herbs to give the unmistakable aroma of rural Provence.

Day 5 : Avignon
Location: Avignon
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today we visit nearby Avignon, one of Europe’s most historic cities. Its destiny changed early in the 14th century with the exile of the Pope’s court from Rome. Vast wealth poured in to build churches, convents and elegant townhouses, but most of all the incredible Papal Palace. We have time to visit this imposing building which from the outside resembles a citadel rising from living rock flanked by turrets more than 150 feet high.



Alternatively, there is the Petit Palais museum which houses an excellent collection of more than 1,000 paintings. We also visit the Pont du Gard, an amazing Roman aqueduct, wider than the Thames in London and one of the wonders of the ancient world. We then return to your hotel in Aix.

Day 6 : Free Day
Location: Aix-en-Provence
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

A free day to spend as you wish in Aix. Wander along Cours Mirabeau, Aix’s elegant main street, and peel off into the maze of lanes to discover tiny squares and myriad fountains. Alternatively visit the superb Musée Granet and its collection of works by Cézanne, Degas, Picasso, Matisse and Monet, or the fascinating Museum of Natural History where you can view a collection of dinosaur eggs unearthed on the slopes of nearby Mont Sainte-Victoire. 

Day 7 : Cassis
Location: Cassis
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

An invigorating trip by the sea today as we head to the rugged coast and the lovely fishing port of Cassis whose painted cottages, charming little harbour and sandy beach are all overlooked by a mighty medieval fortress. Situated in a spectacular bay, the town has attracted numerous famous visitors over the years – including Virginia Woolf and Sir Winston Churchill, who took painting lessons here in the 1920s. Choose one of the many waterside restaurants for a lunch of freshly caught fish before taking an afternoon boat trip to see the Massif des Calanques, a rugged coastline of dazzling white cliffs, rock pinnacles and rare seabirds.

Day 8 : Return Flight Or Eurostar
Location: Aix-en-Provence
Meals Included: Breakfast

Transfer to the airport or station for your flight or train home.

What's Included

  • The price of this holiday is per person based on two people sharing a twin room. Single rooms are subject to availability on request and subject to supplement

  • Accommodation

    Seven nights at a choice of hotels rated four to five-star

  • Airport Transfers at Destination

  • Local Taxes

    Airport departure taxes

  • Meals

    Daily breakfast, plus two dinners in hotels and two dinners in excellent restaurants experiencing the fine and typical Provencale cuisine

  • Fully Guided

  • International Travel

    Flights to Nice or Marseille or return standard class rail travel on Eurostar and TGV to Aix en Provence

What's Not Included

  • Tipping and Gratuities

  • Entrance Fees

    Entrance to Papal Palace and Bridge in Avignon €13.

    50, Petit Palais museum €6, approximate costs, payable locally

Check out our Q&As

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    Yes, to Nice or Marseille. Alternatively, rail travel on Eurostar and TGV to Aix-en-Provence (supplements apply)

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Yes

  • Are all entrance fees included in the price?

    No, entrance to Papal Palace and Bridge in Avignon €13.50, Petit Palais museum €6, approximate costs, payable locally

  • What currencies are required for this tour?

    Euros

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For almost 40 years

  • I have reduced mobility; can I still travel?

    We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to contact us to discuss these concerns

  • Do I require travel insurance?

    It is a condition of booking that you carry suitable travel insurance.

  • What is my luggage allowance?

    You will receive details of your luggage allowance with your final travel documents, which are sent approximately 10 days prior to your date of departure.

Reviews of this Operator

David Clarke (Google Reviewer)  

This review is for the...

08-Aug-2023

This review is for the italian Lake Como trip Aug 1-8 Wow what a trip. Riviera from start to finish were excellent the booking and help line answering questions were very good and clear. The travel booklet you get is laid out that it is simple to read and follow with step by step info from booking in to flights to meeting the guides. Our guide Matt Purse was just the best guide and real credit to Riviera with his knowledge and straight forward approach to running the trips. Matt kept us informed and told us all the sort of info you want to know without going over the top....This chap should teach other reps ..thank you so much. The coaches they use are all clean and well equipped with usb chargers and have aircon. The places chosen to visit were well researched even down to where coaches park or drop you off. The Bernina Express was the highlight for our family and matts photo tip was welcomed. The only down point was the hotel,a little dated and evening meal in main restuarant was a bit of a let down. I think we were lucky with our room on level 7 and with balcony as the walls are very thin and noise travels. We would book again with riviera

Barbara Shillaker (Google Reviewer)  

I have been on three...

11-Jan-2024

I have been on three trips with Riviera Travel so far, with two more booked during 2024. Highly recommended. Excellent tour guides. Great program of visits. Great hotels used.

Valerie Pascoe  

We would go again in a heartbeat

22-Jan-2022

Oh my goodness, what a relief it was to actually get away! Full marks to all at Riviera for keeping us up to date before our trip and for the help so cheerfully and patiently given with the extra admin that Covid brought our way. We felt totally safe with the measures taken on board, thank you very much for this. Without exception, Staff were fantastic and our every need was attended to. The additional Covid testing ran smoothly, organised by our Riviera Reps. The guided tours were most interesting: the guides very knowledgeable and more importantly, interesting to listen to. We loved this trip and would do it again in a heartbeat. Thank you again Riviera, you were FAB!

Chris Wilson (Google Reviewer)  

Second escorted tour with this...

25-Jul-2022

Second escorted tour with this company. Did 5 days in Iceland tour. Everything went smoothly, excellent tour guide, Per. Extremely knowledgeable and interesting guy. Very friendly too. Highly recommend. Just let down by the room given at the hotel, but I guess the travel company doesn't have control over this.

Kathryn Jurin, GB  

Riviera South Africa tour - awesome

21-May-2021

Riviera have amazing holidays and tours to choose from. The one we chose was South Africa and wow! It turned out to be our best trip ever - incredible memories we will never forget. We’ve been all over the world which was because of all our experiences, this one was awesome. The organisation of the holiday, the guide and the travel was e cells that. The choice of hotels, meals, restaurants, trips was absolutely fantastic - very good quality and character - nothing bland or boring! The Riviera guide was permanently with us along with a South Africa guide and they were both extremely friendly, professional, informative and you could ask any questions you want! I would massively recommend this holiday/trip and when you’ve experienced it, you realise how reasonable the price is. We reflect on this trip a lot and thank you Riviera for giving us such a wonderful experience.

Trustpilot
Barry, GB  

Rhine Christmas markets cruise

09-Dec-2019

Just completed a 5 day trip on the Rhine. Our first river cruise and a tester for future cruises. The boat was well appointed and the cabin and public areas were spotlessly clean. The staff were attentive and contributed to the very relaxed atmosphere on the boat. The quality of the food surpassed that which we have experiened on sea cruises in recent years. I have written little because it was a faultless experience. We have booked a further cruise (in France) on the basis of our experience.

Trustpilot
Joan Yarker (Google Reviewer)  

My first cruise and I...

23-Sep-2023

My first cruise and I couldn’t have done better than my recent Seine River cruise. Carmen the tour organiser was excellent and always willing to go the extra mile to sort out any problems. The crew were amazing , friendly and helpful, the captain was great when explaining the controls on the bridge. Everything was very clean, food truly delicious and the pianist a delight and I was able to indulge my passion for dancing. My fellow guests were a delight and I made many new friends. Thank you Riviera

Christine Hardy (Google Reviewer)  

Although most people seem to...

10-Mar-2024

Although most people seem to book and pay for their holidays online, because we live close by we prefer to make a personal visit. In my opinion if they are offering this as an option they should be better equipped to accommodate visits in person. We have not been on our river cruise yet, so can't comment on that yet.

Rob Steele (Google Reviewer)  

My 3rd Riviera trip within...

16-Feb-2024

My 3rd Riviera trip within a year and I wasn't disappointed 😁 This time it was https://www.rivieratravel.co.uk/escorted-tours/southern-india-coastal-route-solo-travellers This trip, although not cheap, it really offers exceptional value for money as you see a lot of Tamil Nadu and Kerela, stay in fantastic hotels, excellent breakfasts every day as well as some lunches and dinners also included. George Bareham, our "Tour Manager" was brilliant, very professional, but also friendly and diligent. Satheeshan, our local guide was helpful and picked me up antibiotics when I got ill, he was a nice chap, if (for my taste) went on a bit and used 20 words when 1 would suffice. Mr Sweeny, our coach driver was fantastic,really professional and an exceptionally good driver. His assistant, Murgon wad a delight, always smiling and attentive. This is a full on trip, early morning starts and quite a packed itinerary, but still leaving time to laze around some brilliant hotel swimming pools. Only a couple of suggestions to improve the holiday. More shopping time in Cochin and change carriers from Etihad who, unfortunately aren't the excellent airline they used to be. But, will I use Riviera Travel again - Yes 😁

Barbara Parkes (Google Reviewer)  

Presently in Croatia staying at...

22-Sep-2023

Presently in Croatia staying at Arauana Hotel, supposedly a 4 star property, but wouldn't give it any star rating. Rooms are small and dirty. Wallpaper blistering. Meals served in a shed like lean-to. Food like warm, greasy and always self service. Second holiday with Riviera this year and neither at standard advertised. Have travelled with them previously and everything was fine, but standards have really dropped. Have booked a holiday with them next year and now dreading it. Certainly don't provide the standard advertised. We have never stayed in such a hovel and have visited youngsters in back packers accommodation which was far better than this supposedly 4 star accommodation. There are no indoor bars or lounges only a shed as a so called restaurant. Absolutely disgusting. Won't be boking with them again

Dates & Availability

Monday - Monday

Apr 29, 2024 - May 06, 2024
$1863 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Tourhub Members
Discount - Sign In

Monday - Monday

Jul 01, 2024 - Jul 08, 2024
$1813 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Tourhub Members
Discount - Sign In

Monday - Monday

Sep 02, 2024 - Sep 09, 2024
$2882 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Tourhub Members
Discount - Sign In

Monday - Monday

Sep 09, 2024 - Sep 16, 2024
$2795 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Tourhub Members
Discount - Sign In

Monday - Monday

Oct 07, 2024 - Oct 14, 2024
$1776 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Tourhub Members
Discount - Sign In

Monday - Monday

Oct 14, 2024 - Oct 21, 2024
$2571 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Tourhub Members
Discount - Sign In

Monday - Monday

May 12, 2025 - May 19, 2025
$2869 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Tourhub Members
Discount - Sign In

Monday - Monday

Jun 02, 2025 - Jun 09, 2025
$2932 (USD)

Tourhub Members
Discount - Sign In

Monday - Monday

Jul 21, 2025 - Jul 28, 2025
$1900 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Tourhub Members
Discount - Sign In

Monday - Monday

Sep 01, 2025 - Sep 08, 2025
$2932 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Tourhub Members
Discount - Sign In

Monday - Monday

Sep 08, 2025 - Sep 15, 2025
$2932 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Tourhub Members
Discount - Sign In

Monday - Monday

Sep 22, 2025 - Sep 29, 2025
$1975 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Tourhub Members
Discount - Sign In

Monday - Monday

Oct 06, 2025 - Oct 13, 2025
$1863 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Tourhub Members
Discount - Sign In

Monday - Monday

Oct 13, 2025 - Oct 20, 2025
$2807 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Tourhub Members
Discount - Sign In

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Riviera Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

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

    Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Why book with tourhub?

Safe & Secure

Your money is protected in an external trust until you travel.

pts logo

100% Guaranteed Refunds if your trip is cancelled.


The safest way to make overseas, multi-currency payments.

Guaranteed Best Value

Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.


No cancellation or amendment fees from tourhub.

(Operator terms may apply)

Expert Knowledge

Reliable & unbiased advice from travel experts.


Direct contact with the tour operator via our messaging service.


Inspiration & advice from a community of 6000+ real travellers, influencers & content creators.

Trusted Service

Official partners & licensed agents of 1000+ tour operators worldwide.


Don't just take our word for it...

"Tourhub: Friendliness, Professionalism & Integrity I would happily give tourhub a 6* review if I could..."

Similar Tours

Travel Guru Features

Our Reviews