Highlights of Provence: Chateauneuf Du Pape & Luberon

Provence, the picturesque region in southeastern France, captivates visitors with its renowned Chateauneuf du Pape wine country and the charming Luberon villages. This tour promises an immersive experience, allowing travelers to explore the area’s rich history, vibrant architecture, and world-class winemaking. From visiting local wineries for tastings to discovering historic sites like the Popes’ summer residence, the journey offers a hassle-free way to uncover the best of what this captivating region has to offer. With a knowledgeable guide and comfortable transportation, the tour provides an efficient and enjoyable way to delve deeper into the allure of Provence.

Key Points

• Explore the renowned Chateauneuf du Pape wine region, known for its full-bodied, fruit-forward red wines made from a blend of up to 13 grape varieties.
• Visit picturesque hilltop villages, including Roussillon, Lacoste, and Gordes, showcasing Provence’s timeless beauty and captivating history.
• Discover the historic ruins of the Popes’ summer residence, offering panoramic views and insights into the region’s rich cultural heritage.
• Enjoy two wine tastings at local wineries, allowing visitors to learn about the unique terroir and winemaking practices of the Chateauneuf du Pape appellation.
• Experience the tour’s convenience with comfortable transportation, knowledgeable driver/guide, and a small group size for a more personalized experience.

Tour Overview

This tour of the Provence region from Avignon showcases the highlights of Chateauneuf du Pape and Luberon, providing visitors a comprehensive experience of the area’s renowned vineyards, historic sites, and picturesque hilltop villages.

Boasting 183 reviews and a Badge of Excellence, the tour takes guests on a journey through the Chateauneuf du Pape wine region, with stops at two wineries for tastings.

Visitors will also explore the ruins of the Popes’ summer residence and enjoy panoramic views, as well as discover the charming towns of Roussillon, Lacoste, and Gordes.

Offering round-trip transportation, a knowledgeable driver/guide, and all tasting fees included, this tour is an excellent way to take in the essence of Provence.

Itinerary Highlights

Highlights of Provence: Chateauneuf Du Pape & Luberon

Itinerary Highlights

First, the tour takes guests on a drive through the renowned Chateauneuf du Pape wine region. Next, visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy wine tastings at two local wineries.

Afterwards, the group will explore the historic ruins of the Popes’ summer residence and take in the panoramic views.

Rounding out the day, the tour covers the picturesque hilltop villages of Roussillon, Lacoste, and Gordes. These charming villages offer a glimpse into Provence’s rich history and quaint rural ambiance, providing an immersive experience for travelers seeking to discover the highlights of this captivating region.

Winery Visits

During the tour, visitors enjoy two wine tastings at local wineries in the renowned Chateauneuf du Pape wine region. This famous appellation is known for its full-bodied, fruit-forward red wines made from a blend of up to 13 grape varieties. At the tastings, guests have the opportunity to sample some of the area’s finest offerings and learn about the unique terroir and winemaking practices that contribute to the wines’ distinctive character.

Winery	Wines Sampled
Domaine de Beaurenard	Chateauneuf du Pape Rouge, Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc
Domaine Grand Veneur	Chateauneuf du Pape Rouge, Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc, Côtes du Rhône
Famille Perrin	Chateauneuf du Pape Rouge, Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc, Vinsobres

The tour provides an immersive experience in the renowned Chateauneuf du Pape wine region, allowing visitors to savor the rich flavors and learn about the winemaking heritage of Provence.

Historic Sites

Along With sampling the renowned wines of the Chateauneuf du Pape region, the tour also explores several historic sites showcasing Provence’s rich cultural heritage.

Travelers will visit the ruins of the Popes’ summer residence, where they can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards and countryside.

Another highlight is the ancient Pont Julien, a stone bridge dating back to the Roman era that has stood the test of time.

These iconic structures provide a window into Provence’s storied past, allowing visitors to appreciate the region’s deep-rooted traditions and architectural wonders.

The guided tour ensures travelers don’t miss these important historical landmarks as they enjoy the beauty and history of this enchanting corner of France.

Picturesque Villages

Exploring the picturesque hilltop villages of Luberon is a quintessential part of the Highlights of Provence tour. Travelers will visit the charming villages of Roussillon, Lacoste, and Gordes, each offering a unique glimpse into the region’s alluring countryside and medieval heritage.

Roussillon is known for its vibrant ochre-colored buildings that contrast beautifully with the surrounding greenery.

Lacoste boasts the impressive ruins of a castle once owned by the infamous Marquis de Sade.

Gordes, one of France’s ‘Most Beautiful Villages,’ cascades down a rocky hillside and features stunning stone architecture.

These enchanting hilltop hamlets provide an authentic taste of Provence’s timeless beauty and captivating history.

Transportation and Guide

The tour’s comfortable air-conditioned minivan and knowledgeable driver/guide make navigating the Provence region a breeze. They handle the transportation logistics, allowing travelers to sit back and soak in the stunning countryside views en route to each destination.

The tour features:

• An experienced driver/guide who provides insightful commentary about the region’s history, culture, and attractions
• Convenient pick-up and drop-off at the Avignon Tourist Office, eliminating the hassle of finding your own transportation
• A small group size of up to 8 travelers, ensuring a more personalized and intimate experience

With the transportation and logistics taken care of, travelers can simply relax and enjoy the beauty and charm of Provence.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour’s inclusions cover transportation, guide services, and two wine tastings, while exclusions include lunch and hotel pick-up/drop-off. This helps set clear expectations for what is and isn’t covered in the price of the tour.

Inclusions	Exclusions
Transport by air-conditioned minivan	Lunch
Driver/guide	Hotel pick-up/drop-off
Two wine tastings in Chateauneuf du Pape	–
Gratuities	–

The inclusions ensure a hassle-free experience, with transportation, an expert guide, and opportunities to sample the renowned wines of the region. The exclusions allow flexibility for travelers to make their own dining arrangements and travel plans.

Tour Logistics

The tour begins at 9:00 am outside the Tourist Office of Avignon, providing a convenient starting point for travelers.

Participants can expect the full-day experience to last approximately 8 hours, with a maximum group size of 8 people.

Children as young as 4 years old are welcome to join the tour, ensuring it’s accessible for families.

Should plans change, the tour operator offers a full refund for cancellations made at least 24 hours in advance, ensuring flexibility for travelers.

Key tour logistics:

• Departs from the Tourist Office of Avignon
• Duration is approximately 8 hours
• Maximum group size is 8 travelers
• Minimum age is 4 years old
• Cancellation policy offers full refunds 24 hours in advance

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code. Guests should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and walking shoes. Since the tour involves some winery visits, smart casual attire is generally recommended to respect the venues.

Are Vegetarian/Vegan Options Available for the Wine Tastings?

The tour doesn’t explicitly mention vegetarian or vegan options for the wine tastings. However, the wineries may be able to accommodate such dietary requirements if requested in advance. It’s best to inquire with the tour operator for more details.

Can I Bring My Own Wine Back From the Wineries?

Yes, visitors can usually bring back wine purchased at the wineries visited during the tour. However, it’s important to check with the guide or wineries about any restrictions on the amount or types of wine that can be taken.

Will There Be Opportunities to Purchase Local Products?

The tour includes visits to local villages, where travelers can browse and purchase a variety of regional products like wine, olive oil, and artisanal crafts. There’ll be ample opportunities to explore and shop for souvenirs during the tour.

Is There a Discount for Seniors or Students?

The tour company does not offer any senior or student discounts. The tour price is the same for all adult travelers. However, children under 4 years old can join the tour for free.

Recap

This tour provides an immersive experience showcasing the best of Provence’s renowned Chateauneuf du Pape wine region and picturesque Luberon villages.

Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, explore historic sites, and discover charming hilltop towns.

With comfortable transportation and a knowledgeable guide, this hassle-free tour allows you to experience Provence’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and world-class winemaking.