Journeys: Stories of Provence

Journeys: Stories of Provence

• Trip code: 421X021
• Dauer: 8
• Stil: National Geographic Journeys

Wander through sun-drenched squares, ancient Roman arches, and village markets bursting with colour, where the rhythm of Provence unfolds. From Avignon's papal halls to the pink salt flats of the Camargue, join local guides and artisans who know every stall and story. Learn to play pétanque, sample sweet calissons, and savor regional flavours under the Provençal sun.

Übersicht

Accommodation

Hotels – 7 nts

Checklist

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Footwear (required) (Closed toe suggested)
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Hat
• Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Hand sanitizer
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Smart Dress:
• Smart outfit (For evenings out)

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Group Leader

National Geographic Expedition Leader throughout

Group Size Notes

Max 16, avg 12

Highlights

Tour alongside a local guide to learn Avignon's history, learn about modern art at the LUMA tower, Roman history and Van Gogh’s cafe, ride an open-air train through the salt basins and pink waters of Aigues-MortesAigues-Mortes, morning market in Aix-en-Provence

Introduction

Wander through sun-drenched squares, ancient Roman arches, and village markets bursting with colour, where the rhythm of Provence unfolds. From Avignon's papal halls to the pink salt flats of the Camargue, join local guides and artisans who know every stall and story. Learn to play pétanque, sample sweet calissons, and savor regional flavours under the Provençal sun

Meal Budget

Plane USD365-475 für nicht inbegriffene Mahlzeiten ein

Optional Activities

Keine optionale Aktivitäten

Start / Finish

Avignon nach Aix-en-Provence

Transport

Private vehicle, train, walking

What's Included

Dein Journeys-Highlight-Moment: Play Pétanque Like a Local, Arles
Dein Welcome-Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group
Dein Foodie-Moment: Morning Market in Aix-en-Provence, Aix-en-Provence. Walking tour alongside a local guide to learn Avignon's history. Catch a morning train from Avignon to Arles. LUMA museum, Arles Amphitheatre. Stop at the Van Gogh Café. Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and its famed weekly market. Hilltop village of Les Baux-de-Provence. Aix-en-Provence, a town known for its moss-covered fountains and leafy boulevards. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Meals Included

7 Frühstück, 2 Mittagessen

Minimum Age

Um ohne Begleitperson mit G Adventures zu reisen, musst du mindestens 18 Jahre alt sein. Das Mindestalter für Kinder in Begleitung eines Erziehungsberechtigten (über 21) beträgt 12 Jahre

Itinerary

Day 1 Avignon

Arrive at any time

Day 2 Avignon

Set out on a morning walking tour alongside a local guide to learn Avignon's history, visiting the majestic cathedral and the iconic, stone-arched Pont d'Avignon, its broken span still reaching partway across the Rhône. Share a lunch at a local restaurant on the bustling Place de l'Horloge, watching town life pass by beneath shade trees. In the afternoon, explore the massive Gothic halls and quiet courtyards of the Palais des Papes. Stroll back to your hotel for a relaxing evening free to wander quiet lanes or stop at a cozy neighbourhood cafe

Day 3 Avignon/Arles

Catch a morning train from Avignon to Arles, stepping out into a city shaped by its Roman roots and artistic spirit. Walk to the Frank Gehry-designed tower at the LUMA museum, moving through its contemporary arts campus. Continue to the Arles Amphitheatre, imagining gladiatorial games inside its ancient stone arches. Next, join a local guide through Arles Old Town, stopping for coffee at the Van Gogh Café, its yellow facade still recognizable from the painter's own canvas. Tonight, head to a local court to try your hand at pétanque–a classic French lawn game while sipping pastis, an anise-flavoured apéritif

Day 4 Saint Rémy & Les Baux en Provence

Drive through rolling hills to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence for its famed weekly market. Thread through stalls filled with fragrant soaps, woven baskets, cured meats, and sun-ripened olives, chatting with local vendors as you browse. Afterward, transfer to the hilltop village of Les Baux-de-Provence. Join a local guide to wander through narrow medieval stone alleyways, pausing for pictures and browsing artisan boutiques perched high above limestone cliffs, before returning to Arles for the evening

Day 5 Full Day in Camargue

Head south into the wild wetlands of the Camargue. Board an open-air train through the Salines d'Aigues-Mortes, where the salt basins glow rose-pink from the minerals that colour the marsh, and learn how sea salt has been harvested here for generations. Continue to the coastal village of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer for an orientation walk with your Expedition Leader, feeling the Mediterranean sea breeze along the promenade. Head back to Arles, where the remainder of your afternoon and evening are free to spend as you wish

Day 6 Arles/Aix-en-Provence

Transfer to Aix-en-Provence, a town known for its moss-covered fountains and leafy boulevards. Dive straight into a Provençal market, weaving past stalls laden with antiques, textiles, fresh flowers, and seasonal produce. Take some free time for lunch before joining a guided walking tour through the historic centre. Spend the rest of the day at your own pace, perhaps finding hidden courtyards, relaxing at an outdoor terrace, or visiting Paul Cézanne's studio (Atelier de Cézanne) on your own

Day 7 Aix-en-Provence

Begin the morning with a guided visit to a traditional Fabrique de Calissons, learning how Aix's signature sweet is crafted from ground almonds and candied melon. Break for lunch on your own, then enjoy a free afternoon to follow your interests, perhaps visiting local art galleries, shopping for regional ceramics, or lingering over coffee in a quiet square. Tonight, gather with your group for an optional final dinner

Day 8 Aix-en-Provence

Depart at any time

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Avignon

Please make your own way to the joining hotel.

We recommend arriving a day or two early to fully explore this world-renowned city. Check-in time at hotel is approximately 3:00pm

Day 2 Avignon

Day 3 Avignon/Arles

Day 4 Saint Rémy & Les Baux en Provence

Day 5 Full Day in Camargue

Day 6 Arles/Aix-en-Provence

Day 7 Aix-en-Provence

Day 8 Aix-en-Provence

We recommend staying a few extra days to experience all this city has to offer.