Glamour, picturesque villages and stunning mountain scenery. This tour through the French Riviera and Provence is sure to impress with its diversity and dramatic beauty.
Along the way, you'll experience the luxury of the French Riviera, marvel at the architecture of Avignon and venture into the mighty Gorges du Verdon area.
Day 1 - Nice - Antibes > Alpes Maritimes
On day one the first stop will be Antibes, where you'll take a look around the old port. Then you'll journey through Saint-Paul-de-Vence - one of the older medieval towns of the area. You'll round off the day with a guided tour of the light-filled Chapelle du Rosaire de Vence, a chapel which was built from a plan created by the legendary Henri Matisse.
Day 2 - Alpes Maritimes > Aix-En-Provence
Nestled in the hills north of Cannes, Grasse is where world-class perfumes are created. So, it's only right that you'll make a stop at the Fragonard Museum, where you'll treat your senses to some beautiful fragrances. Then, it's on to Aix-en-Provence.
Day 3 - Aix-en-Provence > Arles
On day three, you’ll get the chance to spend the morning at leisure in Aix-en-Provence. Then, after stopping in some classic Provençal villages and towns, you'll move on to Arles - known for inspiring Van Gogh’s paintings.
Day 4 - Arles
Today will be yours for the taking. Seize the opportunity to uncover thousands of years of history and culture. Highlights in Arles include the Arles Amphitheatre, the Church of St Trophime, the Langlois Bridge and the Vincent van Gogh Foundation.
Day 5 - Arles - Les-Baux-En-Provence > Saint-Remy-de-Provence
First today, you'll make stops at the medieval Les Baux-de-Provence and a local olive farm (olive oil tasting included). Then you'll make tracks to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, where you'll visit the impressive Saint Paul de Mausole Monastery. Vincent van Gogh lived here from May 1889 to May 1890 - and you'll get the chance to visit a reconstruction of the artist's room. In the Van Gogh Field, there's also the opportunity to see 20 large-scale reproductions of the painter's work.
Day 6 - Saint-Remy-de-Provence > Pont du Gard > Avignon > Saint-Remy-de-Provence
Roman engineering. Catholic architecture. It must mean you're en route to Avignon! On our journey, you'll pay a visit to the iconic Pont du Gard. Then, it's onwards to Avignon where you'll visit the Palace of the Popes, which towers over the historic centre. Among all of the exploring, there'll also be time for a wine tasting today.
Day 7 - Saint-Remy-de-Provence > Gorges du Verdon
First today, you'll visit Sénanque Abbey and the l’Occitane-en-Provence factory in Manosque. Then, you'll move on to the sensational Gorges du Verdon – for many, the jewel in this region’s crown. It’s so spectacular that you'll stay for two nights in the area.
Day 8 - Gorges du Verdon
The steep cliff sides, white-water rapids and turquoise-coloured water of the Gorges du Verdon make for an incredible sight. Tonight, you'll settle down to a final dinner together.
Day 9 - Gorges du Verdon > Castellane > Nice
Your tour’s last stop will see us in the cobbles of Castellane. Look out for the dazzlingly high Chapelle Notre Dame du Roc. After, we’ll return to Nice where you'll say goodbye to the group.
Unlike traditional tour companies operating large coaches, on the vast majority of Back-Roads tours, guests travel by Mercedes or Mercedes Vito mini-coaches equipped with comfortable seats, air conditioning and large windows for enjoying the view. With the flexibility to go anywhere a car can, you're able to take the scenic route – winding through beautiful countryside to the heart of tiny villages and coastal towns.