Guide

Tour Leaders are quite simply the glue that holds our tours together. They are chosen for their travel experience and people skills and are thoroughly trained by Explore, widely acknowledged as some of the best training in the industry. A Tour Leader’s ultimate aim is to ensure everyone is well looked after and have a fantastic trip. They are there to ensure that the tour logistics run smoothly, that health and safety is adhered to and provide comprehensive briefings at the beginning and throughout the tour.

Accommodation

7 nights standard hotel Our comfortable, mid- range accommodation offers a good level of service, often with amenities such as, restaurant, bar, garden or swimming pool. Rooms generally have en-suite facilities.

Transport

Bicycle, Taxi Your luggage will be transported between hotels for you so you only need to carry a day pack whilst cycling.

Others

All accommodation, activities and meals that are shown in the itinerary are included in the total cost of your trip You will also receive a complimentary transfer to and from the airport if you arrive on day 1 of the trip and depart on the last day and have provided your international flight information.

Meals

A key facet of our responsible approach to tourism is that we encourage our groups to eat in local restaurants that prepare locally grown food. We give customers choice as to their meals and do not use rather bland and impersonal hotel restaurants or all- inclusive options 7 Breakfasts 1 Lunches

Not included:

Optional

The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for direct with the supplier and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract. Avignon - around Euros 15 per person return (depending on train type). Day 5 Optional lunch, wine tasting after guided tour of the vineyard €25 St Rémy-de-Provence - Ancient Glanum 6th century B.C to 3rd Century A.D ruins €8.00 St Rémy-de-Provence - Monastry of St-Paul-de-Mausole, Van Gogh Visit €5.00

Flights

International flights not included in the tour cost

Insurance

Travel Insurance is not included

Others

Any visa costs, spending money and tips are not included in the trip price. You can also book extra nights’ accommodation at the beginning and end of the trip and the cost of this accommodation along with any transfers would be quoted separately.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Join Trip Marseille Airport, Drive To Avignon
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Join Trip Marseille Airport, Drive To Avignon

Our trip begins at Marseille Airport (MRS) at 16pm. If you would like to join the airport transfer today, the latest your flight can arrive is 15.30pm. We will travel together as a group by taxi to the historic city of Avignon. In the evening we will enjoy an introductory walk around this wonderful medieval city that still boasts the full circle of remparts, the impressive Papal Palaces and of course the famous Pont d’Avignon. If your flight arrives earlier in the day, you may have time to wait ahead of our group transfer to Avignon. If you wish to drive to the start of the trip, please ask us for parking details.
Day 2 Day 2: Circular Cycle Along The Bank Of The Rhone, Visit Chateauneuf Du Pape
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Circular Cycle Along The Bank Of The Rhone, Visit Chateauneuf Du Pape

Today’s cycling route takes us across the majestic Rhone River, allowing us to fully experience the freedom of riding our bicycles. We’ll pause for a coffee break before crossing the river once more, treating ourselves to breathtaking panoramic vistas of the internationally acclaimed Chateauneuf du Pape vineyards. As we descend into the village itself, we’ll immerse ourselves in its charm and allure. Finally, we’ll make our way back to Avignon, following the scenic Via Rhona cycling trail. Our total cycling distance today is approximately 54 kilometres/33.6 miles (Total ascent 221 metres/725 feet)
Day 3 Day 3: Heading South On A Circular Ride, We Arrive In St Rémy-De-Provence
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Heading South On A Circular Ride, We Arrive In St Rémy-De-Provence

As we depart from Avignon heading south, our cycling adventure takes us through the picturesque locations of Barbentane and the enchanting Abbey of St Martin de Frigolet. Continuing our journey, we reach St Rémy-de-Provence, a town filled with captivating sites and a rich history. By the time we arrive, it will be lunchtime, providing us with an opportunity to immerse ourselves in the charm of this beautiful town. St Rémy-de-Provence proudly showcases a pre-Roman Celtic shrine, remarkable Roman antiques, and holds significance as the birthplace of Nostradamus and the former residence of Vincent Van Gogh. Art and history enthusiasts will be pleased to find numerous optional visits, which will be explained by our Tour Leader. Following a few hours of free time to explore, we begin our return journey, taking advantage of cycle route that later leads us through scenic fruit orchards, ultimately guiding us back to Avignon. Our total cycling distance today is approximately 55 kilometres/34.2 miles (Total ascent 260 metres/853 feet)
Day 4 Day 4: Free Day To Roam Around Avignon Or An Optional Cycle To Pont Du Gard
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Free Day To Roam Around Avignon Or An Optional Cycle To Pont Du Gard

Today presents a splendid opportunity to indulge in the myriad of wonders of Avignon at your leisure. You can delve into the rich history by visiting the Papal Palaces, perusing the fascinating museums, or exploring the vibrant covered market halls. The city offers several well-marked walking routes that allow you to uncover its hidden treasures at your own pace. Alternatively, for those seeking a more challenging adventure, there is an option to embark on a longer and more demanding cycling route. Cycle 68 kilometres/42.3 miles with an ascent of 498 meters/1634 feet, leading you to one of the remaining marvels of Roman architecture: the awe-inspiring aqueduct known as the Pont du Gard.
Day 5 Day 5: Cycle To Carpentras Via L’Isle-Sur-La-Sorgue, Along The Via Venaissia
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Cycle To Carpentras Via L’Isle-Sur-La-Sorgue, Along The Via Venaissia

Having spent four nights in Avignon, it’s time to venture into a new setting as we make our way to Carpentras. Carpentras holds a unique place in history, as it served as a safe haven for Jewish communities during the 14th and 15th centuries. The presence of the Popes in Avignon granted them the freedom to worship and live in peace after being banished from the Kingdom of France. Among the notable landmarks is the Synagogue, constructed in 1367 and considered one of the oldest in France. Additionally, we have the opportunity to explore the 18th-century Hospital, known as the Hotel Dieu, which houses a well-preserved collection of apothecary jars, decorated walls, and ornate ceilings. Our planned stop for lunch is the city of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, renowned for its abundance of antique stores and charming eateries. After a break for lunch, we will continue our journey towards Pernes-les-Fontaines, following the recently opened cycle route known as the Via Venaissia. Finally, we will arrive in the historic town of Carpentras. Our total cycling distance today is from 60 kilometres/37.3 miles.
Day 6 Day 6: Free Day To Explore Carpentras On Foot, Or Cycle To Gordes Or Even Mont Ventoux
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Free Day To Explore Carpentras On Foot, Or Cycle To Gordes Or Even Mont Ventoux

Today offers a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Carpentras, particularly its renowned market that boasts an array of delights, including the famous truffles during their season (mid-November to mid-March). For those seeking more cycling, there are 2 options to choose from. The most popular route leads to Gordes, a beautiful village on the banks of the Vaucluse plateau, just beyond the majestic Luberon barrier. Ascending through a picturesque canyon, you’ll be rewarded with wonderful views upon reaching this quintessential Provençal gem. A maze of intricate lanes leads up to St Firmin’s church and to the massive hulk of a Renaissance château perched on the top of the village. For the more adventurous and willing to push their limits, an exhilarating alternative awaits: the challenging ascent of Mont Ventoux. This climb offers a thrilling test of endurance. Lightweight road bikes or other suitable bicycles can be rented for the day, and you can discuss the logistics with your Tour Leader during the tour. Our total cycling distance today is from 61 kilometres/37.9 miles to Gordes (600 meters/1969 feet of ascent), or 80 kilometres49.7 miles for the Ventoux option depending total ascent 1900 metres/6234 feet)
Day 7 Day 7: Half Day’S Ride To Some Of The Best Wine Producing Villages On The Cotes Du Rhone
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Half Day’S Ride To Some Of The Best Wine Producing Villages On The Cotes Du Rhone

The cycling route today gives us a taste of Provencal life, taking us through the lovely villages and vines at the southern foot of Mont Ventoux, before reaching one of the vineyards. Here we have a guided visit round the production process and taste some of the wines of the domain. After wine tasting we will have a picnic lunch on the terraces of the chateau in the shade of the plane trees, then take a walk through the vines around the chateau. In the early afternoon we cycle back to our accommodation in Carpentras where we have the opportunity to enjoy the sites that we have missed out on so far Our total cycling distance today is approximately 41 kilometres/25.5 miles.
Day 8 Day 8: Trip Ends Marseilles Airport
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Trip Ends Marseilles Airport

Departing Carpentras after breakfast, we drive 1 hour 15 minutes to Marseille Airport (MRS), where we will arrive at about 9am and this is where our trip ends. The earliest your flight can depart is 11am.

8 days tour

Cycle Provence

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Cycle Provence

Day 1: Join Trip Marseille Airport, Drive To Avignon

Day 2: Circular Cycle Along The Bank Of The Rhone, Visit Chateauneuf Du Pape

Day 3: Heading South On A Circular Ride, We Arrive In St Rémy-De-Provence

Day 4: Free Day To Roam Around Avignon Or An Optional Cycle To Pont Du Gard

Day 5: Cycle To Carpentras Via L’Isle-Sur-La-Sorgue, Along The Via Venaissia

Day 6: Free Day To Explore Carpentras On Foot, Or Cycle To Gordes Or Even Mont Ventoux

Day 7: Half Day’S Ride To Some Of The Best Wine Producing Villages On The Cotes Du Rhone

Day 8: Trip Ends Marseilles Airport

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