10 Days Discovering the Rhone Valley

Lyon and Pérouge Exploration

With your guide, enjoy an introduction to Lyon's abundant history and culture, shown through its taste for art and cuisine. Lyon has a fascinating history that dates back to ancient times and is home to several medieval sights that showcase its rich heritage.

Discover the central Place Bellecour, one of the largest open squares in Europe and the city's kilometer 0 to the most famous neighborhood of Lyon: Vieux-Lyon, the old city center, also known as the Saint-Jean area. Strolling down its charming narrow cobble-stoned streets, through its traboules (local covered passageways), we will discover the area's history and its many hidden architectural treasures. The district's centerpiece is the Gothic-style Saint-Jean Cathedral, a symbol of the religious power of the city. We will also visit the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, see the the well-preserved Roman amphitheater and Odeon and end up in the district of Saint Georges, another old neighborhood with cobbled streets and colorful buildings along the Saône River.

Afterwards we will stop at one of the many wonderful culinary delights of the city for lunch (to be paid directly).

Next, we will head out to Pérouges, a small medieval town known for its well-preserved architecture and charming atmosphere and is classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Founded in the 12th century, the city became an important trading center and thrived during the Middle Ages, thanks to its strategic location on the trade routes between Lyon, Geneva, and Italy. Explore its cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and stone buildings. The central square, known as "La Place du Tilleul," is a focal point of the town and is surrounded by picturesque buildings.

At the end of the day, you will be returned to your hotel.

Lyon at Leisure

Today is yours to spend as you wish.

You could explore the local markets, as Lyon is known for its food scene, and there are plenty of markets throughout the city where visitors can sample local specialties like sausages, cheeses, and pastries. The Marché Saint-Antoine and Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse are two of the most famous markets in the city.

Visit the Museum of Fine Arts, which houses a vast collection of European art, including works by Picasso, Monet, and Van Gogh. The building itself is also a work of art, with its ornate Beaux-Arts façade and elegant interior.

You could also consider taking a river cruise. The Rhône and Saône rivers run through Lyon, and a river cruise is a great way to see the city from a different perspective. Visitors can take a leisurely boat tour of the city and admire the many bridges, churches, and historic buildings that line the riverbanks.

Northern Rhone Discovery

Meet your local guide at your hotel this morning and head towards the village of Ampuis, home to the elegant Côte Rôtie AOC, known as some of the world's most prestigious Syrah-based wines. Here take a stroll amongst the vines to learn why this wine is so exceptional. Côte Rôtie is also known for its small-scale, family-owned wineries and traditional winemaking techniques. You will immediately be seduced by the magnificent view over the Rhône valley and the steep hillsides of these vineyards.

You will be welcomed for a tour and tasting at a winery such as Domaine Jamet, Domaine Bernard Levet or Domain Jasmin where you will have the opportunity to taste Saint-Joseph, Condrieu and Côte-Rôtie AOC. You will certainly appreciate the considerable aromatic richness of these great wines.

Enjoy lunch in a local gourmet restaurant suggested by your guide and offering regional flavors (to be paid directly).

This afternoon, you will be heading south to the legendary vines of Hermitage to discover the unique hillside position that this appellation holds overlooking the town of Tain-l'Hermitage. A natural continental micro-climate produces hot summers and cold winters. These conditions, combined with the steep, terraced slopes that rise up to 400 meters above the Rhône, make it a challenging but rewarding place to grow grapes, resulting in wines with a unique character and sense of place. The age worthy wines of Hermitage are known for their power, structure, and complexity, making them some of the most prestigious and sought-after wines in the world.

You will start with a breathtaking view overlooking the vines and the Rhône River at the Hermitage hill Belvedere. Your guide will tell you about the story of this mythical wine. Afterwards, you will push open the door of a local producer where you will have the opportunity to taste some of the best wines of the region including the Hermitage AOC and Crozes Hermitage AOC. Some of the producers we will consider include Paul Jaboulet Aîné, Domaine Chapoutier - a renowned negociant and winery located in Tain Hermitage, Domaine Jean-Louis Chave or Domaine Les Bessards.

As your incredible day in the Rhone Valley comes to an end your guide will return you to your accommodation.

Hermitage and Crozes-Hermitage

Set out with your local guide this morning and take the road to the world renowned Hermitage wine area, North of Valence. Grown on the bank of the Rhône river on a very specific terroir, ideally located on a bend along the river and blessed with an ideal year round climate, you will discover wines which are enduringly amongst France’s most prestigious. The history of Hermitage can be clearly traced back to the 17th Century, when it was an official wine in the French courts of King Louis XIII and his successor Louis XIV.

Start the day in Crozes-Hermitage, the largest wine appellation (AOC) in the Northern Rhône, covering approximately 1,500 hectares. It is known for producing high-quality red and white wines. The wines produced in this region are known for their elegance and finesse, with a balance of fruit, tannins, and acidity. The Crozes-Hermitage vineyards are situated on the slopes facing south or southeast with a climate mix of Mediterranean and continental influences. The combination of terroir and climate results in wines that are generally less powerful and complex than those from Hermitage, yet still of high quality and age-worthy.

Some of the producers we will consider for this mornings tastings include Domaine des Remizières, Domaine Belle, Domaine Laurent Habrard or Domaine Combier.

A lunch reservation will be made for you today at a local restaurant in Tain l'Hermitage (to be paid directly).

After lunch, your guide will bring you to the legendary vines of Hermitage to discover the unique hillside position that this appellation holds overlooking the town of Tain-l'Hermitage. A natural continental micro-climate produces hot summers and cold winters. These conditions, combined with the steep, terraced slopes that rise up to 400 meters above the Rhône, make it a challenging but rewarding place to grow grapes, resulting in wines with a unique character and sense of place. The age worthy wines of Hermitage are known for their power, structure, and complexity, making them some of the most prestigious and sought-after wines in the world.

Afterwards, you will push open the door of a local producer where you will have the opportunity to taste some of the best wines of the region including the Hermitage AOC and Crozes-Hermitage AOC. Some of the producers we will consider include Paul Jaboulet Aîné, Domaine Chapoutier - a renowned negociant and winery located in Tain Hermitage, Domaine Jean-Louis Chave or Domainee Les Bessards.

As your incredible day in Hermitage comes to an end your guide will return you to your accommodation.

After checking out of your accommodation, meet your private driver who will transfer you to the train station to catch your connecting train.

Rail Journey - Valence to Avignon
2x Comfort Class Tickets

Welcome to Avignon! On arrival, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your accommodation to check in. Take some time to relax and explore the grounds of your accommodations or set out to discover the city.

Additional Options for Day 6

La Divine Comedie - The Anatole Suite

Set in the largest private garden in Avignon, in the heart of a Provence overflowing with history, La Divine Comédie offers luxury accommodation all year round. More than just a bed and breakfast, our magnificent town house features five suites which all invite you to take a journey through time and history. 

Just a stone’s throw from the spectacular Popes’ Palace, there’s something magical about La Divine Comédie. Blending elegance with tradition, there’s also a touch of the unexpected about the place, adding a certain extra je ne sais quoi. Take time to watch the koi carp swimming in the shade of the ancient plane trees, or kick off your shoes and wander through the freshly-cut grass on the lawn, looking up to the sky – you’ll forget you’re in the heart of a bustling city!

Hotel D'Europe - Superior Room

At Hotel d’Europe you are invited to savor the tranquility of a magnificent 16th century house, in a refined, chic and elegant environment. Formerly one of the most prestigious residences of the Contadine nobility, the Hotel d’Europe has retained its charm, warm welcome and its dedication to excellence.  Bosting a Michelin starred gastronomic restaurant and located near the Palais des Papes, the place charms and seduces each guest. Each of the rooms and suites are unique with breathtaking views of the central courtyard, the city or on the Palais des Papes.

La Mirande - Grand Deluxe Room

La Mirande is like a grand and gracious private house, but one with a deliciously exotic edge. Originally the palace of a 14th century cardinal, it feels like something out of “Dangerous Liaisons” thanks to its beautiful 17th century façade and the horde of 18th and 19th century treasures within. Every room of this 5-star luxury hotel is individually decorated with historic French cotton prints: La Rivière enchantée, La Roseraie, Le Grand Corail, Le Bambou, La Corne d’abondance, Le Perroquet, Le Singe savant..., the very names of the great cotton prints of the past are an invitation to travel.

Châteauneuf du Pape Wine Touring

Today, you will be met by your private driver-guide as we set out to explore Châteauneuf-du-Pape. You have found yourselves in one of the most revered wine regions in the world.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the vine, has existed on the banks of the Rhone River for over 2000 years and the great variety of soils, grapes and microclimates has made this one of the greatest and most interesting wine areas of France, as well as one of the oldest. In this part of the Rhône region, the vines lie baking in the sun on big, broad terraces or in small valleys with a rich mix of grape varieties.

Meander through the villages beautifully placed at the bottom of the lace-like Dentelles hills, before heading into Châteauneuf. This town was the summer residence of the Popes, during the time that they made their base in Avignon. Avignon itself became too hot, busy and humid in the Middle Ages in the summer, and then of course there was the pull of the already famous wines which the Popes loved.

Some of the wineries we will consider for todays visit and tasting include Domaine du Pegau, Château Fine Roches, Domaine du Vieux Télépgraphe, Domaine de Nalys, Clos St Michel, Domaine de Beaurenard, Domaine du Grand Tinel and Château de la Nerthe.

Lunch will take place within a privileged setting in a restaurant of matchless reputation such as La Mere Germaine. Indeed, the menu abounds in delicious and elaborate dishes freshly prepared by a chef who allies Provençal tradition and simplicity (to be paid directly).

Continue with a third tasting this afternoon before returning to your accommodation at the end of the day.

La Table Haute at La Mirande

Make your way to La Mirande this evening and head downstairs where a treasure of the hotel awaits. In the old Pamard family kitchen, on a venerable wood-burning stove, surrounded by the instruments of great traditional cooking - copper pans, beautiful earthenware, old-fashioned kitchen scales and an enormous wooden table – Chef Séverine Sagnet is cooking in accordance with her credo “from farm to table”. This is the heart of La Mirande.

The chefs work right before your eyes where they prepare a set menu accompanied by a selection of regional wines for an audience of up to 12 guests. Prepare yourself for a fun and friendly atmosphere, a single menu for all featuring fresh, local and most often organic products in keeping with the season and the market's offerings.

Cooking Class Avignon

Begin your group cooking class with an introduction to Provencal cuisine, highlighting the use of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, aromatic herbs, and traditional cooking methods that have been passed down through generations. The expert chef-instructor will give you insights into the history and culture of the region's food. In the kitchen, you'll roll up your sleeves and embark on a hands-on cooking adventure. Under the guidance of the skilled chef, you'll prepare a selection of dishes that showcase the flavors of Provence. Expect to create classics such as Terrine de sanglier, sauté de veau aux olives, polenta de châtaigne and frappes.

Biking Avignon

This afternoon, enjoy a relaxing bike ride around Avignon and the island of La Barthelass, which offer a perfect blend of outdoor exploration, scenic beauty, and tranquility. At the bike rental facility, you will be given a map for the local options. We suggest visiting the iconic Pont Saint-Bénézet, also known as the Pont d'Avignon. Afterward, cross the Rhône River to reach the peaceful island of La Barthelasse and explore its picturesque landscapes. Bike along quiet roads, have a picnic with local Provencal delights, and perhaps visit the historic Château de la Barthelasse.

Return to your hotel at the end of the day.

Southern Rhone Discovery - Gigondas and Vacqueyras

This morning you will be met by your guide who will bring you to discover the Southern Rhone cru villages, Gigondas and Vacqueyras.

This sub-region has a more Mediterranean climate with milder winters and hot summers. The differing terroirs, together with the rugged landscape which partly protects the valleys from the Mistral, produce microclimates which give rise to a wide diversity of wines. A feature of the cultivation of the region is the use of large pebbles around the bases of the vines to absorb the heat of the sun during the day to keep the vines warm at night when, due to the cloudless skies, there is often a significant drop in temperature. The wines of the Cotes de Rhôneare classified in three groups. At the top level are the 13 “crus”, the Grandes Appellations Locales.

Your guide will bring you to several domaines today for a visit and tasting. Some of the estates we will consider today include:
• Domaine des Bosquets -Gigondas
• Domaine de Mourchon -Séguret
• Domaine Brunely –Vacqueyras, family owned for three generations
• Le Clos De Caveau -Vacqueyras.

At lunchtime, you will be brought to a local restaurant such as Domaine la Garrigueor Bistrot de L'Oustalet in Gigondas(to be paid directly).

Time permitting, visit arguably the prettiest of all the Mont Ventoux Côtes-du-Rhône wine villages. Gigondas is little more than a cluster of stone houses stacked gracefully up a hillside and a wander through the village will allow you to appreciate the Provencal way of life.

Historical Orange

Later this afternoon, explore the ancient Roman settlement of Orange, which is steeped in over 2,000 years of history. It has continued to be an important trade route city since Antiquity. The "City of Princes" is home to two UNESCO World Monuments: the Roman Theatre and the Triumphal Arch.

Set out with your guide today to discover the town including The Roman Theatre of Orange which is the world's best preserved ancient theatre and the only theatre in Europe to have preserved its stage wall. Due to the acoustics and the structure, 9,000 spectators could and can still attend performances. The triumphal arch at the north entrance to the town is equally superb. A symbol of Roman imperialism, this monument dedicated to the glory of the city's founders, then to the Emperor Tiberius, is a remarkable example of Provençal Roman art.

Orange is more than just epic monuments, it also boasts lovely streets, many little squares, cafés shaded by sycamore trees and many restaurants that cook traditional Provençal meals. The City of Princes has retained all the charm of a Provençal town.

You will be returned to your accommodation at the end of your visit.

After checking out of your accommodation, meet your private driver who will transfer you to the airport in Avignon for your departing flight.