presents: south of france’s finest - wine tours of the world

Wine Tours of the World

5241 S. Quebec Street, Suite 200 Greenwood Village, CO 80111

Phone: 303 635-8007 / 888 635-8007 Fax: 303 942-3753

Presents: South of France’s Finest

In the dramatic easternmost section of southern France, fields of broom and oak forests stretch to the rocky peaks of the Alpes Maritimes. Quaint villages perched on hillsides luminate in the golden sunshine. This is Provence at its most picturesque, brimming with wineries, flower markets, olive festivals and antique shops. Yet it is close to the beaches of St. Tropez and the excitement of Monte Carlo, and a short drive from Aix-en-Provence, the Luberon, the Gorges du Verdon, and the Isola 2000 ski resort. Whether your interests cover museums or sporting events, scenic drives or vigorous activities, all are easily at hand here in Provence. Day One: Depart the USA. Leave your home airport and head for the South of France! Day Two: Arrive St. Tropez. St. Tropez was founded by the Greeks of Marseille as a small fishing village, then destroyed and later fortified during the Middle Ages. Sticking out into the Mediterranean Ocean, this wide peninsula never warranted real roads and could only be easily reached by boat. In the 19th century, St. Tropez became a popular destination for French artists. Painter and leader of the Neo-Impressionists, Paul Signac stumbled upon St. Tropez while escaping bad weather during a sailing excursion. He immediately set down roots and invited all of his famous friends, including Bonnard, Marquet and Matisse. By the onset of WWI, St. Tropez was a well established hang out for artists and bohemians alike. Painters, playwrights and journalists continued to flock to St. Tropez throughout the 20th century and eventually the international cult of Tropezian sun, sex and celebrities took off – even in the 1960’s, hippies who flocked to the revamped Mediterranean Mecca of liberation managed to look glamorous, and the resort has been big money mainstream ever since! Check-in to your hotel and take in the sights and sounds of the South of France’s finest!



Phone: 303 635-8007 / 888 635-8007 Fax: 303 942-3753

Day Three: Beyond the Beaches Wine Tasting. This morning enjoy breakfast at your hotel and meet your English-speaking guide in the lobby for a full day excursion. You will be escorted in a private car through the forest of Les Maures, where you can admire the beautiful cork oaks in one of 2 regions in the world where these trees grow! Today, you will tour two Côte de Provence vineyards and

taste several varieties while an Oenologist tells you all their secrets about wine! You will discover the quality and the wide variety of the wines in this region and learn how to appreciate a Côte de Provence wine; its color, bouquet and plentiful aromas. Also on this tour of Provence, you will visit an 11th Century Castle, enjoy a stop in the Provence village les Arcs sur Argens where you can have a typical Provençal lunch and learn about the history of vineyards in the solid mass of the Moors and on the peninsula of St. Tropez. With your guide you will discover the wine making techniques of the different the type of vines as classified by the A.O.C.! After a full day of wine touring and tasting your guide will return you to your hotel. This evening dinner recommendations can be made by the hotel staff upon request.

Day Four: The Story of St. Tropez. The mention of Saint Tropez and the Mediterranean coast evokes images of glamour, beaches and celebrities. Today, you will discover why St. Tropez has been a playground for chic Parisians and international jet-setters alike. St. Tropez is not only a famous seaside resort but also a genuine Provençal village with a rich cultural heritage. Your driver and guide will lead you on an unforgettable discovery of the architectural and traditional highlights of St. Tropez. Join the "scene" at the Place des Lices where there are countless cafés and a lively market. Visit the Annonciade Museum, a heaven for Impressionist’s lovers, located in a former Chapel. The collections on display mainly belong to

the pointillist, fauvist and Nabis periods, showing the work of many artists such as Matisse, Derain, Marquet and many others. Next, you will visit Ramatuelle, another charming medieval village. Built in the shape of a snail, the Romanesque parish church of Notre Dame sits against the ancient fortifications of this village. After strolling through the narrow streets of Ramatuelle you’re off to one of the 40 famous beaches of St. Tropez. The harbor boasts a line of yachts, and

beautiful people relax at the St. Tropez cafés. You will have time to take in the sites and enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach before heading to your next destination.



Phone: 303 635-8007 / 888 635-8007 Fax: 303 942-3753

After touring this seaside resort you will continue on to the countryside and arrive at the perched village of Grimaud. Here you will take in the breathtaking views of its remarkable monumental fountain and the ruins of a medieval castle. This is the perfect contrast to your last stop which is at Port Grimaud Harbor, a village with unique charm, designed by the famous French architect François Spoerry. Resembling a Mediterranean fishing village, it is a modern complex of luxury housing with a fully equipped marina. You will board a small boat and cruise the harbor passing colored

houses covered with Roman tiles, linked by canals, alleys, tiny squares, and bridges. After the “Story of St. Tropez” tour your guide will deliver you to your hotel. Enjoy your last night in St. Tropez because tomorrow you will depart for Tourrettes! Day Five: Verdon Gorge Rafting Excursion. Rise early this morning, as your day is full of adventure! Following breakfast and check-out meet your guide, who will take you on an experience through what has been considered by many to be Europe's most beautiful river canyon. As the worlds second largest gorge, about 25 kilometers in length and up to 700 meters in depth, the Verdon Gorge was formed by the Verdon River, which is named after its startling turquoise-green color - one of the canyon's most distinguishing characteristics! Your tour begins with a

visit to Moustier-Sainte-Marie. Standing at 2,060 feet above sea level this is the entrance to the Grand Canyon de Verdon opening with huge limestone cliff and renowned for its earthenware tiles and pottery, especially the variety of Faïence. After a short tour of the village you will have lunch before descending by raft down the river! The rich aromas of lavender fields mingle with the sunshine as you travel through the “Valley of the Sun” to the Verdon River which is simply a ravine through the limestone mass above Moustier-Sainte-Marie. Here you will meet your river guide and board your river raft for a leisurely ride through the Verdon Gorge. Upon completion of your tour your guide will escort you to the Four Seasons hotel in Tourrettes. Check-in and relax this evening. You may order room service or enjoy dinner at one of the hotel many on site restaurants.

Day Six: Grasse, Cannes & the Picasso Museum. Hidden in the hills of Provence, your hotel is close to the glamour of the Côte d'Azur, offering luxurious comfort with vistas of mountains,



Phone: 303 635-8007 / 888 635-8007 Fax: 303 942-3753

medieval villages and fragrant fields of thyme and lavender. This morning, your private guide and driver will meet you in the lobby for a full day tour. First you will visit Grasse, the perfume capital of the world! Raw materials to be treated for perfume are sent to Grasse to be treated from all over the world. You will experience why Grasse has made this industry an art, combining luxury, refinement and quality in the products it creates or transforms. You will visit a perfumery, where you can create your own perfume!

Next you will visit Cannes, known as the “queen of festivals.” Here you will have time to shop and enjoy lunch on a private beach if you wish. Before returning to your hotel you will make your final stop in Antibes and tour the Picasso Museum with your guide. While searching for a studio, Pablo Picasso came across the Chateau Grimaldi and decided to work there in 1946. He completed dozens of works that he later donated to the museum. This period of happiness at the end of the war enlightened his creations, as

shown on the famous masterpiece La Joie de Vivre. Your guide will also bring other pieces to light from Hans Hartung, Germaine Richier, and Nicolas de Staël, whose paintings are exhibited in Picasso’s studio. The stunning views from the building are said to have inspired the artist for his many mythological works. At the conclusion of your day your driver will return you to your hotel. Day Seven: Cooking Class & Wine Tour. Today, you will enjoy a traditional French lunch prepared by a French chef - you! Your guide will pick you up in the early afternoon and escort you to your cooking class. A formula variation around a main course of elaborate and sophisticated flavors will be prepared, with the assistance of a world class chef. The main dish will take about an hour to prepare, but the experience will last a lifetime! Following your class you will visit a winery near St. Paul de Vence in an old village, where a picturesque family-owned and operated vineyard has been perfecting winemaking since Roman times. You will taste about 7 varieties of the hand-made wines while learning the history of the vineyards and their winemaking techniques. Following a wonderful wine and culinary experience, you will return to your hotel for a relaxing evening at the Four Seasons Resort.



Phone: 303 635-8007 / 888 635-8007 Fax: 303 942-3753

Day Eight: St. Paul de Vence, Nice & Monaco. Following breakfast and check-out, meet your guide in the lobby. Today you will tour the Rue Grande, in the medieval village of St. Paul de Vence which is perched on a rocky spur sheltered by its 16th century rampart; this medieval village is among the jewels of the French Riviera. It was discovered in the 1920’s by painters and even now art galleries are nestled in the old stables of St. Paul de Vence. Next, you will visit the Greek and Roman ruins of Nice and have lunch in one of the colorful squares. Your last stop will be Monaco where you can choose to tour any of the many attraction found here including:

• The Oceanographic Museum, noted for its numerous aquariums. • The Exotic Garden with over 4,000 succulent plants. • The Museum of Dolls & Automatons, a private collection of 18th & 19th century items. • The Grand Casino, built by Charles Garnier. • The state apartments of the Palace and the fantastic 16th & 17th century drawing-rooms,

decorated with frescoes painted by many famous Italian artists.

After your excursion, your driver will escort you to your hotel in Eze. Dinner recommendation can be made upon request. Day Nine: Sailing the French Rivera. There is no better way to spend your last day in the South of France than aboard a private sailboat! You will have a full day of sailing on a large, private 45-foot sailboat, with an English speaking captain at your disposal. You will depart from Cannes in the morning and sail around Cannes and Cap d’Antibes (Cape of the Billionaires). If you choose, lunch will be on a beautiful island famous for its ancient monastery from the 11th century, still active with 30 Cistercian monks! Lunch includes the very famous wines made by the monks and fresh Mediterranean fish in a beautiful setting with views of Cannes. This afternoon, you have the choice of swimming as long as you want in a protected bay between two islands facing Cannes. The clear blue waters are just

like a Hawaiian lagoon…truly a day to remember! You will be escorted to your hotel upon returning from sea for your final evening in France. Day Ten: Departure. Savor your last morning with a café au lait at a nearby bakery before you begin your journey home. We trust that your tour of France was truly memorable, and we wish you Bon Voyage prior to embarking on your next adventure!



Phone: 303 635-8007 / 888 635-8007 Fax: 303 942-3753

INCLUDED: Day One: No Inclusions Day Two: Full day excursion with English speaking guide and driver Wine tour of 2 vineyards Wine tasting of 8 different locally produced wines Tour of les Arcs sur Argens 3-course lunch not included Day Three: Full day of private transportation with English speaking guide and driver Tour of St. Tropez, Ramatuelle & Grimaud Entrance fees and guided tour of Annonciade Museum Boat ride through canals of Port Grimaud Day Four: Full day of private transportation with English speaking guide and driver Tour of Moustier-Sainte-Marie River rafting tour of Verdon Gorge Lunch includes drinks Transportation from St. Tropez to Tourrettes Day Five: Full day of private transportation with English speaking guide and driver Tour of Grasse and Cannes Tour of Perfume Factory in Grasse Entrance fees and guided tour of Picasso Museum Day Six: Full day of private transportation with English speaking guide and driver Cooking class Lunch at cooking school Wine tour & tasting of 7 varietals at 1 local winery Day Seven: Full day of private transportation with English speaking guide and driver Tour of St. Paul de Vence and Monaco Tour of Greek & Roman ruins in Nice Transportation from Tourrettes to Eze Day Eight: Private transportation from hotel Full day of sailing the French Rivera with English speaking guide and captain



Phone: 303 635-8007 / 888 635-8007 Fax: 303 942-3753

NOT INCLUDED: Prices do not include costs of obtaining passports, visas, inoculations, excess baggage charges, all items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls and cables, internet access, meals not specified in the itinerary, personal and baggage insurance, local airport taxes and tips to waiters, hotel staff, tour conductors, sightseeing drivers and guides. Gratuities: Tips to tour guides, waiters, hotel staff and baggage handling are not included and are at the tour participant’s discretion. Guidelines for gratuities will be provided with final tour documents.

• Hotel Accommodations • Most meals, unless otherwise noted on itinerary, or room service charges • Intercontinental flights • Tips to drivers and guides • Porterage at arrival • Luggage handling fees at hotels • Travel insurance • Excessive baggage or shipping charges • Storage and/or transportation of excess baggage • Charges for extra meals, transport, sightseeing service or other optional additions to your

itinerary are your responsibility and must be paid locally. • Excess time beyond contracted service carried out at the request of the passenger for

driver, guide service, vehicle charges, etc. • Additional wait time or additional service due to delayed or cancelled airline flight • Any items not specified under inclusions

PLEASE NOTE: Every effort will be made to confirm your requested sightseeing tour as outlined in the itinerary; however, individual wineries, museums, estates, etc. can change their hours of operation at short notice. In the event that a particular tour closes on the day or time of your visit, your guide will offer alternative arrangements.

LAND QUOTE RATE PER PERSON:

Vacation Price Starting at: $4,283.58 USD per person double occupancy .

EXACT VACATION QUOTE: Will be calculated based on dates of travel, hotel category and transportation type.

presents: south of france’s finest - wine tours of the world

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