Upon arrival, transfer and check in to the Grand Hôtel Roi René Aix-en-Provence. Then, take a brief walking tour with your Travel Director to get acquainted with the area and your home for the week. Meet and mingle with your fellow travelers at this evening’s Welcome Reception and Dinner at the hotel.

Set out to explore this captivating city on a guided stroll along the iconic, picturesque Cours Mirabeau, seeing notable sites. Then, take a panoramic drive to the quaint, sun-drenched Provençal fishing village of Cassis to savor a fresh seafood lunch. Continue to embark on a boat cruise through the legendary inlets of the Calanques of Marseille, marveling at the tall needle rocks rising from brilliant blue-green waters.

Take a guided tour of the Gothic Pope’s Palace, a medieval masterpiece that served as the papal seat during the 14th century. See centuries-old frescoes and the Pope’s private apartments. Then, take a panoramic drive to the famed wine-making village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a tour, lunch and tasting of Rhône wine. Continue to visit the awe-inspiring, UNESCO-inscribed Pont du Gard, built by the Romans in 19 B.C. Contemplate this architectural wonder of Roman engineering and construction mastery.

Begin today with a walking tour of coastal Arles, brimming with Roman ruins. Stroll its medieval cobblestone streets, visit the colossal amphitheater of Les Arènes and see the Romanesque-style Cathedral of St. Trôphime. Take a break for lunch and time at leisure in Arles. Then, take a panoramic drive to the lovely Provençal villages of Les Baux and St. Remy to admire breathtaking views and the lush, perfumed valleys that inspired Vincent van Gogh. Join a festive group dinner in town tonight.

Visit the vibrant port city of Marseille on the Mediterranean coast. On a coach and walking tour, appreciate the tapestry of diverse cultures, eclectic neighborhoods and architectural wonders. Drive along the harbor up to Notre Dame de la Garde to take in the panoramic views. Then, walk through bohemian Le Panier, the oldest district of Marseille, including some free time. Later, back at the hotel, learn about the splendors of the South of France.

Set out for an immersive experience at Les Pastras, an organic farm and black truffle plantation. Tour the olive tree grove and truffle farm, then join professional hunters to search for the "black gold," followed by a tasting of fresh truffle hors d’oeuvres with Champagne. Relax over a Provençal lunch in this idyllic setting before taking a panoramic tour of the two lovely mountain villages, Cucuron and Lourmarin. Return to Les Pastras and learn the popular game of pétanque, accompanied by pastis and rosé!

This morning, step out for a Footsteps of Paul Cézanne guided tour around Aix-en-Provence, where he was born and returned late in life to paint the surrounding Provençal landscape. As you stroll, see the places where the artist lived, went to school and had coffee with his pal, French novelist Émile Zola, at Les Deux Garçons café. Emile Zola. Then, make the most of your afternoon at leisure by charting your own itinerary in Aix! This evening, bid au revoir to your fellow travelers at the Farewell Reception and Dinner.

After breakfast, transfer to the Marseille airport for the return flight to your gateway city.

Note: Itinerary subject to change due to local conditions.