World Class Cuisine, Châteaux, Lavender In Provence, Roman Ruins,
The Pont du Gard, Chateaux & Villa Stays, Van Gogh Gardens, & So Much More!
September 18-26 2023
The Pont du Gard, Chateaux & Villa Stays, Van Gogh Gardens, & So Much More!
September 18-26 2023
Join our AddOn+ Pre-Tour in Paris-
See below for our 3 day Paris Add On+ that takes off before our trip!
See below for our 3 day Paris Add On+ that takes off before our trip!
In addition, our AddOn+ Post Tour-
With Mont St. Michel, Monet's garden and the emotionally moving W.W.II landing beaches in Normandy.
See Below!
With Mont St. Michel, Monet's garden and the emotionally moving W.W.II landing beaches in Normandy.
See Below!
Day One
September 18
We will meet at our converted château-overlooking the River Loire-right in the heart of the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
As soon as you are checked in, we are off to our first visit-the Château de Chenonceau. One of the most dramatic Chateaux (originally built in 1522) in all of France and we will take our time visiting not only the beautiful building but also the elaborate gardens.
Later we will have a short rest before joining together for a welcome drink, followed by our first meal together at a local inn (Auberge) well known for its delicacies.
Includes- Welcome Drink/UNESCO World Heritage Site/ Tour of Château de Chambord/ Dinner together/ Overnight Loire Valley.
September 18
We will meet at our converted château-overlooking the River Loire-right in the heart of the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
As soon as you are checked in, we are off to our first visit-the Château de Chenonceau. One of the most dramatic Chateaux (originally built in 1522) in all of France and we will take our time visiting not only the beautiful building but also the elaborate gardens.
Later we will have a short rest before joining together for a welcome drink, followed by our first meal together at a local inn (Auberge) well known for its delicacies.
Includes- Welcome Drink/UNESCO World Heritage Site/ Tour of Château de Chambord/ Dinner together/ Overnight Loire Valley.
"5 Star Tour Guides - They put together and excellent trip with
just the right cadence of activities and free time.
They use boutique hotels and everything is first class.
We will surely travel with them again!"
Barbara and Doug C.
Iowa U.S.A.
just the right cadence of activities and free time.
They use boutique hotels and everything is first class.
We will surely travel with them again!"
Barbara and Doug C.
Iowa U.S.A.
Day Two
September 19
We are off early to the Château de Chambord. One of the largest in the Loire Valley, this castle was originally built as a hunting lodge by King Francis I and is one of the finest examples of French Renaissance architecture.
We will have a picnic lunch while enjoying local vintages on the dramatic grounds of the castle.
In the afternoon, we will have some free time to explore the village of Blois known for its winding streets and half-timbered medieval buildings, also dominated by its own Château de Blois.
Join us back at our hotel/Château for a sampling of one of the regions more famous wines, the lovely Sancerre. Dinner on your own with plenty of recommendations from us.
Includes-Breakfast/Tour of Château de Chenonceau/Picnic lunch /Free time in Blois/ UNESCO World Heritage site (Loire Valley)/ Wine Tasting/Overnight Loire Valley.
Day Three
September 20
We are off mid-day by fast train to the city of Avignon, located in the heart of the Vaucluse, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur région. Once known as the seat of Catholic power it was here that Benedict XII and his successor, Clement VI built the Pope's Palace in the 1300's.
After checking in we will have an orientation walk of this city before dinner together within the city walls of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Includes- Breakfast/ Private transport to train station/ Fast Train to Avignon/ Private transportation to our hotel/ Orientation walk of Avignon/ Dinner together/ Overnight Avignon UNESCO World Heritage Site
September 20
We are off mid-day by fast train to the city of Avignon, located in the heart of the Vaucluse, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur région. Once known as the seat of Catholic power it was here that Benedict XII and his successor, Clement VI built the Pope's Palace in the 1300's.
After checking in we will have an orientation walk of this city before dinner together within the city walls of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Includes- Breakfast/ Private transport to train station/ Fast Train to Avignon/ Private transportation to our hotel/ Orientation walk of Avignon/ Dinner together/ Overnight Avignon UNESCO World Heritage Site
Day Four
September 21
This morning is yours for the taking. After breakfast you can choose a quiet place in our hotel for reading or sit in a sidewalk cafe and enjoy the locals as they go about their day.
Lunch is on your own at any of the sidewalk cafes that line these cobblestone streets.
Join us in the afternoon for our private tour of Avignon. In the 14th Century Avignon was the center of the Catholic faith when the Papacy was in residence here. We will enjoy the outstanding Gothic architecture of the Petit Palais and the Romanesque Cathedral of Notre-Dame-des-Doms.
We will also enjoy the ramparts and bridge from the 12th century that spans the Rhone river. We will take our time soaking in this auspicious walled city.
Dinner on your own tonight with plenty of recommendations from us.
Includes- Breakfast/ Leisurely morning on your own/ Afternoon private tour with local guide/ Skip the line entry tickets /Dinner recommendations/ Overnight Avignon UNESCO World Heritage Site
September 21
This morning is yours for the taking. After breakfast you can choose a quiet place in our hotel for reading or sit in a sidewalk cafe and enjoy the locals as they go about their day.
Lunch is on your own at any of the sidewalk cafes that line these cobblestone streets.
Join us in the afternoon for our private tour of Avignon. In the 14th Century Avignon was the center of the Catholic faith when the Papacy was in residence here. We will enjoy the outstanding Gothic architecture of the Petit Palais and the Romanesque Cathedral of Notre-Dame-des-Doms.
We will also enjoy the ramparts and bridge from the 12th century that spans the Rhone river. We will take our time soaking in this auspicious walled city.
Dinner on your own tonight with plenty of recommendations from us.
Includes- Breakfast/ Leisurely morning on your own/ Afternoon private tour with local guide/ Skip the line entry tickets /Dinner recommendations/ Overnight Avignon UNESCO World Heritage Site
Day Five
September 22
We are off this morning to the heart of Provence, St. Remy.
Vincent Van Gogh painted some of his most famous works during his stay in St. Remy-including such works as Wheat field with Cypresses and Olive Grove(s).
As you walk around the town you will see reproductions set up by the town to commemorate one of the most famous artists ever. This morning, we will visit the St. Paul's monastery where Van Gogh painted some of his most famous works.
Later we will check into our hotel and afterwards you can take your time to wander around the delightful shops and cafes that this town holds.
Join us for dinner at one of our favorite local restaurants for a joyful multi-course meal.
Includes- Breakfast/ Tour of St. Remy and surrounding area/ St. Paul's Monastery/Dinner together/Overnight St. Remy.
** There is a chance to rent bicycles today in case you wanted to tour with bikes, extra charge for bike rental but we can secure, helmets, pumps, and bicycles for you**
September 22
We are off this morning to the heart of Provence, St. Remy.
Vincent Van Gogh painted some of his most famous works during his stay in St. Remy-including such works as Wheat field with Cypresses and Olive Grove(s).
As you walk around the town you will see reproductions set up by the town to commemorate one of the most famous artists ever. This morning, we will visit the St. Paul's monastery where Van Gogh painted some of his most famous works.
Later we will check into our hotel and afterwards you can take your time to wander around the delightful shops and cafes that this town holds.
Join us for dinner at one of our favorite local restaurants for a joyful multi-course meal.
Includes- Breakfast/ Tour of St. Remy and surrounding area/ St. Paul's Monastery/Dinner together/Overnight St. Remy.
** There is a chance to rent bicycles today in case you wanted to tour with bikes, extra charge for bike rental but we can secure, helmets, pumps, and bicycles for you**
"Best vacation ever!"
Linda & Jim H.
Akron, Ohio, U.S.A.
Linda & Jim H.
Akron, Ohio, U.S.A.
Day Six
September 23
The surrounding area as includes many treasures including the Roman ruins at Glanum which features a series of stunning Greek columns.
In the afternoon we will arrive at the quintessential town of Les Baux, where you might want to grab a bite to eat at a local cafe. Then we will make our way up to the Fortress and the Chateau at the top of the village, where we can enjoy sweeping views of the countryside. If you want you can also take in the Carrieres de Lumieres exhibit at your leisure.
In the afternoon upon return to the hotel, you can indulge in some spa offerings they have, or have a dip in the pool, or both!
Join us later for dinner together as we feast on local produce and sip the wonderful wine that Provence is known for.
Includes- Breakfast/ Tour of St. Remy and surrounding area/ Romans ruins at Glanum/ The town of Les Baux/ Optional Spa/ Dinner together/ Overnight St. Remy.
** There is a chance to rent bicycles today in case you wanted to tour with bikes, extra charge for bike rental but we can secure, helmets, pumps, and bicycles for you*
September 23
The surrounding area as includes many treasures including the Roman ruins at Glanum which features a series of stunning Greek columns.
In the afternoon we will arrive at the quintessential town of Les Baux, where you might want to grab a bite to eat at a local cafe. Then we will make our way up to the Fortress and the Chateau at the top of the village, where we can enjoy sweeping views of the countryside. If you want you can also take in the Carrieres de Lumieres exhibit at your leisure.
In the afternoon upon return to the hotel, you can indulge in some spa offerings they have, or have a dip in the pool, or both!
Join us later for dinner together as we feast on local produce and sip the wonderful wine that Provence is known for.
Includes- Breakfast/ Tour of St. Remy and surrounding area/ Romans ruins at Glanum/ The town of Les Baux/ Optional Spa/ Dinner together/ Overnight St. Remy.
** There is a chance to rent bicycles today in case you wanted to tour with bikes, extra charge for bike rental but we can secure, helmets, pumps, and bicycles for you*
Day Seven
September 24
This morning we move to another part of the Provence area, the Luberon.
On our way we will visit the famous Pont Du Gard an ancient Roman aqueduct and bridge. A feat of engineering dating 2000 years we will take our time visiting this monument and the fascinating museum.
Afterwards join us for a picnic lunch right on the grounds, complete with wine.
In the afternoon we head to the heart of the Vaucluse/ Luberon area of Provence. Our converted villa awaits us near the town of Menerbes, made famous by the author Peter Mayle in his many books.
Join us in the afternoon, as we head to the nearest town for a walk to take in the sights. Alternatively, if you might want to rent bicycles. There are many bike paths nearby where you can while away the afternoon and bike from town to town.
We will accompany you into town and give you several choices for dinner on your own in this lovely small Provençal village.
Includes- Breakfast together/ UNESCO World Heritage Site Pont du Gard/ Picnic lunch/ Transfer to Luberon area of Provence/ Dinner on your own with recommendations from us/ Overnight Provence.
** There is a chance to rent bicycles today in case you wanted to tour with bikes, extra charge for bike rental but we can secure, helmets, pumps, and bicycles for you*
September 24
This morning we move to another part of the Provence area, the Luberon.
On our way we will visit the famous Pont Du Gard an ancient Roman aqueduct and bridge. A feat of engineering dating 2000 years we will take our time visiting this monument and the fascinating museum.
Afterwards join us for a picnic lunch right on the grounds, complete with wine.
In the afternoon we head to the heart of the Vaucluse/ Luberon area of Provence. Our converted villa awaits us near the town of Menerbes, made famous by the author Peter Mayle in his many books.
Join us in the afternoon, as we head to the nearest town for a walk to take in the sights. Alternatively, if you might want to rent bicycles. There are many bike paths nearby where you can while away the afternoon and bike from town to town.
We will accompany you into town and give you several choices for dinner on your own in this lovely small Provençal village.
Includes- Breakfast together/ UNESCO World Heritage Site Pont du Gard/ Picnic lunch/ Transfer to Luberon area of Provence/ Dinner on your own with recommendations from us/ Overnight Provence.
** There is a chance to rent bicycles today in case you wanted to tour with bikes, extra charge for bike rental but we can secure, helmets, pumps, and bicycles for you*
"Our trip with Olive Odysseys was the trip of a lifetime.
All better that we had imagined!"
Brenda G. and Harry L.
U.S.A.
All better that we had imagined!"
Brenda G. and Harry L.
U.S.A.
Day Eight
September 25
We will have a late morning leave off before making our way through the Provence countryside through market towns and undulating roads.
Take your time to enjoy the true heart of Provence as we make our way through the small towns of La Coste, Gordes, and Roussillon.
Join us back at the villa where we will enjoy French a wine and cheese taste testing before going to celebrate our farewell dinner together. We will enjoy multiple courses and wine as we toast to a marvelous tour.
Includes- Breakfast/Countryside tour of Provencal towns/Dinner together/ Overnight Provence.
** There is a chance to rent bicycles today in case you wanted to tour with bikes, extra charge for bike rental but we can secure, helmets, pumps, and bicycles for you*
September 25
We will have a late morning leave off before making our way through the Provence countryside through market towns and undulating roads.
Take your time to enjoy the true heart of Provence as we make our way through the small towns of La Coste, Gordes, and Roussillon.
Join us back at the villa where we will enjoy French a wine and cheese taste testing before going to celebrate our farewell dinner together. We will enjoy multiple courses and wine as we toast to a marvelous tour.
Includes- Breakfast/Countryside tour of Provencal towns/Dinner together/ Overnight Provence.
** There is a chance to rent bicycles today in case you wanted to tour with bikes, extra charge for bike rental but we can secure, helmets, pumps, and bicycles for you*
Day Nine
September 26
Our trip ends in the beautiful country side of France, Provence.
From here you might join us for our AddOn+ that goes north to Monet's garden, Mont St. Michele and the Normandy Landing Beaches? Or maybe your would like to do the Paris pre-trip now? Either way we are here to assist you!
Includes-Breakfast
September 26
Our trip ends in the beautiful country side of France, Provence.
From here you might join us for our AddOn+ that goes north to Monet's garden, Mont St. Michele and the Normandy Landing Beaches? Or maybe your would like to do the Paris pre-trip now? Either way we are here to assist you!
Includes-Breakfast
What This Tour Includes-
4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Welcome Toast
The Loire Valley
The Château de Chambord
Château de Chenonceau
The Village of Blois in the Loire Valley
Chateaux Wine Tastings
Cheese tasting
Provence towns of Menerbes, Gordes, and Roussillon
Roman Ruins at Glanum
The Ancient Roman Aqueduct at Pont du Gard
Olive and Olive Oil taste testing
High Speed train to Avignon
The Pope's Palace at Avignon
The Luberon in Southern Provence
Boutique Hotels Centrally Located
Private Transportation
Champagne Toast
8 Breakfasts
1 Picnic lunch
5 Multi-course Dinners with Wine
Two guides with 23 years experience
Attention to detail and the pace of the trip
Welcome Toast
The Loire Valley
The Château de Chambord
Château de Chenonceau
The Village of Blois in the Loire Valley
Chateaux Wine Tastings
Cheese tasting
Provence towns of Menerbes, Gordes, and Roussillon
Roman Ruins at Glanum
The Ancient Roman Aqueduct at Pont du Gard
Olive and Olive Oil taste testing
High Speed train to Avignon
The Pope's Palace at Avignon
The Luberon in Southern Provence
Boutique Hotels Centrally Located
Private Transportation
Champagne Toast
8 Breakfasts
1 Picnic lunch
5 Multi-course Dinners with Wine
Two guides with 23 years experience
Attention to detail and the pace of the trip
Your Responsibility
Airfare to and from the tour and transportation (train is the best bet and we can help you book it) from the airport to our starting hotel in the Loire Valley and from our ending point (Provence) to the airport at the end of the tour.
Our tour starts in the Loire Valley (closest airport-Paris) and ends in Provence.
Airfare to and from the tour and transportation (train is the best bet and we can help you book it) from the airport to our starting hotel in the Loire Valley and from our ending point (Provence) to the airport at the end of the tour.
Our tour starts in the Loire Valley (closest airport-Paris) and ends in Provence.
Book early!
For bookings before October 31 2022 see the following prices. After October 31 2022 the prices will be a shown in parenthesis.
For bookings before October 31 2022 see the following prices. After October 31 2022 the prices will be a shown in parenthesis.
This trip is limited to 16 participants
Price
14 people $5490 (after October 31 2022 $5890)
12 people $5690 (after October 31 2022 $6090)
10 people $5890 (after October 31 2022 $6290)
8 people $6090 (after October 31 2022 $6490)
Price
14 people $5490 (after October 31 2022 $5890)
12 people $5690 (after October 31 2022 $6090)
10 people $5890 (after October 31 2022 $6290)
8 people $6090 (after October 31 2022 $6490)
The Fine Print
Price is per person double occupancy. If you are traveling solo you will be paired with someone of the same sex to share a room. If you would like a room on your own, please add $1090 to the price of the tour (subject to availability).
Deposits are $1000 per person. This tour will not run with less than 8 people and is limited to 16 people. To secure a place on this tour you are encouraged to place your deposit as soon as possible.
No one has a space on this tour until deposits are in and a Trip Term contract signed and returned. Until final payment date all deposits are fully refundable.
Price is per person double occupancy. If you are traveling solo you will be paired with someone of the same sex to share a room. If you would like a room on your own, please add $1090 to the price of the tour (subject to availability).
Deposits are $1000 per person. This tour will not run with less than 8 people and is limited to 16 people. To secure a place on this tour you are encouraged to place your deposit as soon as possible.
No one has a space on this tour until deposits are in and a Trip Term contract signed and returned. Until final payment date all deposits are fully refundable.
Take a look at our trip to Greece which takes off right before this one. Quite a few of our clients believe that since they are 'over the pond' they might as well as make the best of it. Consider doing both trips back to back. For those of you who book these two trip together we have something special for you!
Email us for any questions
This trip has been opened up to the Lake Erie College Alumni office and offered to their alumni.
However, as in all of our trips, everyone is welcome!
Email us for any questions
This trip has been opened up to the Lake Erie College Alumni office and offered to their alumni.
However, as in all of our trips, everyone is welcome!
Our Paris Add-On+ Pre-Tour
We will set up 2-3 days in this marvelous world capital for you to enjoy on your own.
A perfect hotel in St. Germain, skip-the line tickets to all the best sites-Notre Dame, the Louvre, etc. We can even set up walking, foodie and cooking tours for you. All custom designed for you that you roll out on your own.
We will even book for you, the fast train you will need to meet us in the Loire Valley.
$350 per person -We will arrange the bookings, get you our pricing for everything (non commission bookings), you book direct, all hotels and tickets, transportation and tour charges on you.
Tour leaders are not present during this Add On+, but you are fully supported the entire time and have access to us 24/7.
A perfect hotel in St. Germain, skip-the line tickets to all the best sites-Notre Dame, the Louvre, etc. We can even set up walking, foodie and cooking tours for you. All custom designed for you that you roll out on your own.
We will even book for you, the fast train you will need to meet us in the Loire Valley.
$350 per person -We will arrange the bookings, get you our pricing for everything (non commission bookings), you book direct, all hotels and tickets, transportation and tour charges on you.
Tour leaders are not present during this Add On+, but you are fully supported the entire time and have access to us 24/7.
Our France Add-On+ Post Tour
What more can France offer us? Mont St. Michel, Monet's garden and the emotionally moving W.W.II landing beaches in Normandy. We have put them all together, and more, as we truly make this trip a complete highlight tour of France and all of its beauty.
Won't you join us?
This is a tour lead by us (Patricia & Manolis) and includes all that is mentioned below.
Day One (This is the same day that the regular tour ends)
We leave Avignon early by fast train that takes us to Paris and further north to Claude Monet's Garden at Giverny. It was here that Monet lived from 1883 until his death. We will tour the garden and his home. Later you will have time to visit the Musée des Impressionnismes (Museum of Impressionism) nearby. There are plenty of places to sit and have a light lunch near the gardens.
Later we are off the lovely fishing village of Honfleur, We will check into our hotel and have our first dinner in Haute Normandie with its accompanying specialties.
Includes- Breakfast. Fast train from Avignon/ Private transport to Giverny/ Monet's Garden/ The Museum of Impressionism/ Private transportation to Honfleur/ Dinner together/ Overnight Honfleur
Day Two
The lovely fishing village of Honfleur is yours to walk around today. Hit the markets or take a walk along the river. There is so much to see and enjoy in this town.
Join us for afternoon tea in the beautiful salon of our hotel this afternoon. Here we can relax before dinner on your own with plenty of recommendations from us.
Includes- Breakfast/ Afternoon tea/ Overnight Honfleur
The lovely fishing village of Honfleur is yours to walk around today. Hit the markets or take a walk along the river. There is so much to see and enjoy in this town.
Join us for afternoon tea in the beautiful salon of our hotel this afternoon. Here we can relax before dinner on your own with plenty of recommendations from us.
Includes- Breakfast/ Afternoon tea/ Overnight Honfleur
Day Three
Tuesday, 6 June 1944 is known as D-Day, the largest amphibious invasion in world history. We will visit Omaha and Utah beaches before visiting the American Cemetery and Memorial to pay our respects.
We will stop off for lunch back in town before traveling to Mont St. Michel one of the most recognized landmarks in all of France and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After we check into our hotel we will have an orientation walk of the area and point out some restaurants for dinner on your own. Overnight near Mont St. Michel
Includes- Breakfast. Tour of D-Day beaches and museum. Dinner on your own with plenty of recommendations from us. Overnight near Mont St. Michel area.
Tuesday, 6 June 1944 is known as D-Day, the largest amphibious invasion in world history. We will visit Omaha and Utah beaches before visiting the American Cemetery and Memorial to pay our respects.
We will stop off for lunch back in town before traveling to Mont St. Michel one of the most recognized landmarks in all of France and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After we check into our hotel we will have an orientation walk of the area and point out some restaurants for dinner on your own. Overnight near Mont St. Michel
Includes- Breakfast. Tour of D-Day beaches and museum. Dinner on your own with plenty of recommendations from us. Overnight near Mont St. Michel area.
Day Four
We are up early for our tour of the Abbey and the Mont. Views are impressive back to the shore and we will take our time to explore the beautiful landscape.
We will take a break while you enjoy lunch on your own at one of the many spots in town.
Join us later for a Calvados taste testing and then later for dinner as we spend our last night together. Our fantastic tour end here at the north shore of France.
Includes- Breakfast/ Tour of Mont St. Michel/ Dinner/ Overnight near Mont. St. Michel
We are up early for our tour of the Abbey and the Mont. Views are impressive back to the shore and we will take our time to explore the beautiful landscape.
We will take a break while you enjoy lunch on your own at one of the many spots in town.
Join us later for a Calvados taste testing and then later for dinner as we spend our last night together. Our fantastic tour end here at the north shore of France.
Includes- Breakfast/ Tour of Mont St. Michel/ Dinner/ Overnight near Mont. St. Michel
Add On+ Price
$1990 per person double occupancy.
Includes transportation where noted/ 3 breakfasts/ 2 dinners/ Calvados tasting /Visit & tour of Monet's garden & house/ Normandy Beaches & Memorial/ Mont St. Michel. Tour ends at Mt. St. Michel. We will help book your transportation needs back to Paris, cost is on you.
This is a fully lead tour with tour leaders present the entire time.
$1990 per person double occupancy.
Includes transportation where noted/ 3 breakfasts/ 2 dinners/ Calvados tasting /Visit & tour of Monet's garden & house/ Normandy Beaches & Memorial/ Mont St. Michel. Tour ends at Mt. St. Michel. We will help book your transportation needs back to Paris, cost is on you.
This is a fully lead tour with tour leaders present the entire time.
Who are your leaders?
Manolis & Patricia have had the pleasure of leading trips to Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Croatia, Greece & Turkey for more than 23 years. They split their time (when they are not on tour) between Chagrin Falls, Ohio and the island of Evia, Greece. In Greece, they live in a rock house off the grid. There they play their guitar (Manolis) and like to sew and garden (Patricia). They adore leading tours and hope that they get the pleasure of traveling with you.
Manolis & Patricia have had the pleasure of leading trips to Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Croatia, Greece & Turkey for more than 23 years. They split their time (when they are not on tour) between Chagrin Falls, Ohio and the island of Evia, Greece. In Greece, they live in a rock house off the grid. There they play their guitar (Manolis) and like to sew and garden (Patricia). They adore leading tours and hope that they get the pleasure of traveling with you.
