Exploring the enchanting region of Provence is a must-do for many travelers. This half-day tour from Avignon promises to whisk you away on an immersive journey through the area’s rich history and renowned wine culture. You’ll marvel at the UNESCO-listed Pont du Gard, an impressive Roman aqueduct, before delving into the well-preserved Roman Theater in Orange. The highlight, however, comes in the form of a guided wine tasting at a celebrated Châteauneuf-du-Pape winery, where you’ll have the opportunity to savor the region’s distinctive flavors. With a compact itinerary that packs a punch, this tour offers an excellent introduction to the captivating essence of Provence.

This experience made our list of the 17 Best Wine Tours In Avignon.

Key Points

  • This half-day tour from Avignon explores two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Pont du Gard aqueduct and the Roman Theater in Orange.
  • The tour includes a wine tasting at a renowned Châteauneuf-du-Pape winery, providing an opportunity to experience the region’s renowned wines.
  • The tour is accessible for families with young children, as infant seats are available, and the sites are stroller-friendly.
  • The tour has a maximum group size of 8 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience with a driver/guide providing insights and commentary.
  • The tour offers a full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for travelers.

Tour Overview

This half-day small-group tour from Avignon, France takes visitors to two UNESCO World Heritage sites – the Pont du Gard and the Roman Theater in Orange – followed by a wine tasting at a Chateaneuf du Pape winery.

The Pont du Gard is an impressive ancient Roman aqueduct, while the Roman Theater in Orange is known for its remarkably well-preserved stage and seating area.

After exploring these historical treasures, the tour heads to a renowned Chateaneuf du Pape winery where participants can sample the region’s renowned wines.

This compact tour packs a lot of highlights into a half-day adventure, making it an excellent way for travelers to experience the best of Provence.

Tour Inclusions

The tour includes wine tasting, a driver/guide, transportation by air-conditioned minivan, bottled water, admission to Pont du Gard, and entrance fees to the Roman Theater.

These inclusions ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for the travelers.

The wine tasting allows them to savor the renowned wines of the region, while the driver/guide provides valuable insights and commentary throughout the journey.

The air-conditioned minivan ensures a comfortable mode of transportation, and the bottled water keeps the travelers hydrated.

The admission and entrance fees cover the costs to visit the two UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Pont du Gard and the Roman Theater in Orange, allowing the travelers to fully enjoy the rich history and cultural heritage of Provence.

Meeting and Drop-off

The tour begins at 41 Cr Jean Jaurès, 84000 Avignon, France, and ends at the same meeting point. This convenient location makes it easy for travelers to access the tour and return to their starting point.

The driver/guide will collect the group at the designated meeting time and transport them by air-conditioned minivan to the various sites on the itinerary.

After exploring the UNESCO-listed Pont du Gard and Roman Theater in Orange, as well as enjoying a wine tasting at a Châteauneuf-du-Pape winery, the tour will conclude back at the original meeting location in Avignon.

This straightforward itinerary ensures a smooth and hassle-free experience for all participants.

Tour Schedule

The tour begins at 2:30 pm and lasts half a day, with a maximum group size of 8 travelers. Infant seats are available, though children must be accompanied by an adult. The minimum drinking age is 18 years, and the tour is not wheelchair accessible, but is stroller accessible and allows service animals. It’s located near public transportation, and infants must sit on laps, while most travelers can participate.

Tour Details
Start Time 2:30 pm
Duration Half-day
Group Size Max 8 travelers
Infant Seats Available
Minimum Age 18 years

Group Size and Accessibility

Moving on to the group size and accessibility details, the tour accommodates a maximum of 8 travelers. While infant seats are available, children must be accompanied by an adult. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s stroller accessible and allows service animals.

Travelers who can comfortably walk and navigate uneven terrain are best suited for this tour.

Families with young children can participate as long as an adult accompanies them.

Guests who require service animals or are bringing a stroller are also welcome.

The tour’s small group size ensures a personalized experience, and the accessibility features cater to a variety of travelers, making it a suitable option for many.

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Any changes less than 24 hours before the start time won’t be accepted.

If the tour is canceled due to the minimum number of travelers not being met, you’ll be offered an alternative date/experience or a full refund.

This cancellation policy provides flexibility for travelers while also ensuring the tour operator can plan accordingly. The 24-hour window gives customers time to make last-minute adjustments, while the strict policy for changes within 24 hours helps the operator manage logistics.

If the tour is canceled due to low enrollment, the operator offers alternatives to minimize inconvenience, demonstrating a commitment to customer satisfaction.

Winery Visit

One of the highlights of this tour is a visit to a renowned Chateauneuf-du-Pape winery, where travelers can savor the region’s world-famous wines.

The winery tour provides an opportunity to learn about the wine-making process and the unique terroir that gives these wines their distinctive character.

During the tasting, guests will sample several of the winery’s premium offerings, gaining insight into the complex flavors and aromas that have made Chateauneuf-du-Pape a benchmark for quality.

The tour includes:

  1. A guided exploration of the winery’s vineyards and production facilities.
  2. A tasting of 3-4 carefully selected Chateauneuf-du-Pape wines.
  3. An opportunity to purchase bottles of the wines tasted, should travelers wish to take a piece of Provence home with them.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Along With the winery visit, this tour provides the opportunity to explore two renowned UNESCO World Heritage sites – the Pont du Gard and the Roman Theater in Orange.

The Pont du Gard is an impressive ancient Roman aqueduct that stands as a testament to engineering prowess. Visitors can marvel at its impressive scale and learn about its historical significance.

The tour also includes a visit to the Roman Theater in Orange, which is renowned for its well-preserved architectural features and stunning acoustics. Travelers will have the chance to wander through this ancient site, imagining the performances and events that once took place there.

These UNESCO-listed landmarks offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Provence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Yes, you can take photos during the tour. Photography is generally allowed at the tour sites, though it’s polite to avoid disrupting the experience of others. Just be mindful of any restrictions or requests made by the guide.

Is There a Dress Code for the Winery Visit?

There is no formal dress code for the winery visit. Visitors can wear casual, comfortable clothing appropriate for the weather. It’s recommended to wear closed-toe shoes when visiting the winery grounds.

Will I Have Free Time to Explore on My Own?

No, this tour does not provide free time for independent exploration. The schedule is fixed, with visits to the designated sites and a wine tasting at a local winery. The tour is designed to be a guided experience throughout.

What Is the Language of the Tour?

The tour is conducted in English. The driver/guide speaks English and provides all commentary and information in English throughout the half-day excursion. Participants can comfortably enjoy the tour and activities without any language barriers.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Participants are not allowed to bring their own food or drinks on the tour. Bottled water is provided, and a wine tasting is included as part of the tour. Bringing outside items is not permitted.

Recap

This half-day tour from Avignon offers an immersive Provençal experience.

Visitors can explore the UNESCO-listed Pont du Gard, discover the Roman Theater in Orange, and enjoy a guided wine tasting at a renowned Châteauneuf-du-Pape winery.

The compact itinerary packs a wealth of cultural and oenological highlights, providing an excellent introduction to the history, architecture, and viticulture of this captivating corner of France.