Discovery Tour: Roman Provence - A Culinary and Cultural Journey
March 24 - April 2, 2025
Trip Leader - Deirdre Butler | In-country Expert - Valerie Pellegrin
Welcome to Provence, Provincia Romana, the Roman Province or Le Midi as we call it here.
Provence is a place rich in history, traditions, sun soaked countryside carpeted with vineyards, perfumed with garlic and truffles, noble cities and picturesque villages, colorful markets and fine cuisine. This journey goes beyond visiting beautiful places and monuments. It is also about experiencing the art of living life, with pleasure and enjoyment, through gathering, excellent food and beautiful surroundings, to taste a culture and to understand it.
“I think food, culture, people and landscape are absolutely inseparable.” Anthony Bourdain
This voyage is based in Nîmes and Arles in the heart of Provence. Both cities have never forgotten the days of glory when they were a flourishing Roman metropolis. They now embrace their heritage as flourishing hubs for the arts. We explore the region in depth with all our senses to grasp the essence of this continuous and contagious source of inspiration.
Come be inspired!
This trip is designed for the moderately active walker, with walking distances of between 3-4 miles, and E-biker. It includes two half days on Day 3 and 9 where we ride e-bikes for about 6 - 12 miles to visit sites outside town and enjoyably accessed by bike. If you prefer not to cycle, you are welcome to book a taxi for yourself. Agility is needed for train travel and navigating the stairs in hotels without elevators. Packing light is highly recommended.
The trip starts and ends in different locations. Getting to our starting point in Nîmes is each participant’s responsibility. The trip ends in Arles. Additional information regarding in-country travel will be provided to registered trip participants.
What's Included:
Accommodations in centrally located hotels with shared twin/double occupancy en suite rooms (single supplements are limited)
All on-trip transportation
All continental breakfasts, 1 lunch and 8 dinners paired with wine per the itinerary. Vegetarian and gluten-free diets can be accommodated though the choices will be limited. French cuisine includes meat, fish, eggs and dairy and thus is likely unsuitable for vegan diets.
Farewell dinner of a five course gastronomic tasting menu with regional wine-pairing
Entrance fees and visits including a small train ride in Nîmes, Musée de la Romanité, Musée du Vieux Nîmes, Jardin de la Fontaine, Magne Tower, Parc naturel régional de Camargue, Château des Baux, Les Carrières des Lumières, Langois Bridge, Musée Departemental de l'Antiquité
UNESCO World Heritage sites: Nîmes Amphitheatre, Maison Carrée, Pont du Gard, Arles Amphitheatre, Cryptoportico, St. Trophime's Cloister & Church, Constantine's Thermal Baths, Les Alyscamps, Tower des Mourgues
Private class in the Art of Provençal Cuisine
Wine & olive oil tasting at an 18th century chateau and tour of the vineyards and olive orchards
Two E-bike tours (optional)
Safari in the Camargue in 4 x 4 vehicles
Happy Hours - tastings of local produce and drinks per the itinerary
Gratuities for local service providers
Pre - trip bulletins prior to departure with more detailed and specific information to help you prepare for your tour
What's Not Included:
International airfare and in-country travel, pre- and post- trip
7 lunches, 1 dinner
Additional beverages with meals
Personal expenses
Tips for trip staff at your discretion
Trip Dates: March 24 - April 2, 2025 | 11 days
Group size: 12
Trip Price: $4,185 per person | Deposit: $600
Single supplement: $650
Balance to be paid by December 23, 2024. You will be sent a reminder.
Price is based on double occupancy of rooms. Same gender roommate will be assigned to participants traveling solo. Single supplements are limited. Your non-refundable deposit will hold your reservation. Either pay on line (credit/ debit cards accepted) using our secure PayPal payment system or write a check, payable to “Big Round World”, and mail it to: PO Box 1337, Lyons, CO 80540.
How to Sign Up
Pay your trip deposit - click on the yellow Buy Now button below.