Avignon Wine Tasting Tour

At a glance

Trip Summary

On day two of your Rhone wine tour, you will meet your English-speaking driver/guide at a central meeting point and embark on your oenological discovery of the stunning surrounding vineyards. Today, you will visit three appellations, including Gigondas, Vacqueyras and the most notable, Châteauneuf-du-Pape. You will start by looking at the unusual terroir that is responsible for the ultra-ripe grapes that come from its vines and will then visit the cuverie of a wine maker, to understand their wine making philosophy. The visit will conclude with tastings of their award-winning wines. In the afternoon, you will be welcomed to dine in a quintessentially Rhône bistrot for lunch. In the afternoon, you will visit the village of Vacqueyras, where you will see the famous dentelles. Meaning lace in English, these short, steep mountains are covered in broom and you will have time to admire the beautiful rock formations and the magical terroir. You will then meet a wine producer in the village, who will show you around his estate. A tasting session of some of his wines will then ensue. Before heading back to Avignon, your guide will take you to Gigondas. The countless wine-related archaeological artefacts found in this appellation are testament to the Roman’s appreciation of wine. The day will end with a tour and tastings as the guests of a highly regarded wine maker in this appellation. You will then be chauffeured back to Avignon, in time to relax and enjoy  the evening.

If you are to opt for the four day package, the itinerary will be slightly different. On day two you will have a full day guided and transported tour of three key appellations, Gigondas and Vacqueyras, (as mentioned above) and a third, Rasteau. Rasteau’s history is defined by fortified sweet wines produced from the Grenache grape. You will still enjoy a bistro lunch and be dropped back into the centre of Avignon at the end of the day.

On day three, you will continue your exploration of the Rhône Valley, with an extensive tour of the jewel in the crown, Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The tour will be slightly more in-depth than that in the 3 day package and will include a visit to one winery. In the afternoon of day three, you will be free to explore the cultural and historical side of this wonderful region. You will firstly have entry to into the famed Palais des Papes. The palace is one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe and was once the papal residence and the seat of Western Christianity during the 14^th century. You will also have the opportunity to visit the Pont d’Avignon, an authentic medieval bridge, with picturesque views of the Rhône River. The bridge was the inspiration for the song Sur le Pont d’Avignon and is considered a landmark of the city. In 1995, the surviving arches of the bridge, together with the Palais des Papes were classified as a World Heritage Site.

In the evening, a three course dinner with drinks with be served at a local premium restaurant.

Region Map

Outline Itinerary

Day Three (Optional) of your Rhone Wine Tour

• Your tour day will comprise of:
• A half day guided and transported tour of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, including a tour and tasting at one winery.
• Afternoon in Avignon, including entry to Palais des Papes and Pont d’Avignon.
• In the evening, a three course gourmet dinner with drinks will be served.

Final Day of your Rhone Wine Tour

• After breakfast, check out of the hotel.

(ii) The outline itinerary is indicative and is subject to minor changes depending on supplier availability. Availability cannot be guaranteed until we have received a confirmed booking, together with the deposit payment (or payment in full where the dates of travel are in less than 60 days). If the named accommodation / visits are not available, we will endeavour to find suitable alternatives of a similar grade; this may be subject to a supplement or a rebate depending on the price available.

Package Prices

• These prices are per person and based on two people travelling together and sharing a twin or double room.
• These are realistic guide prices, based on travel in standard season (usually April to the end of October). Considerable discounts often apply for travel out of season (usually November to the end of March) or if there are more than two of you travelling together. Please let us know your preferred travel dates for a definitive price.
• Although we propose specific hotels as part of our standard packages, we enjoy excellent relationships and preferential rates at the majority of the hotels in each of our featured destinations. Therefore if you would prefer to stay in a different hotel, this can be arranged. Please contact us for the relevant supplements/discounts.
• Other room grades are available at most of the hotels that we work with. Just let us know which hotel you prefer and we will send you the relevant supplements for the various room grades.
• Single supplements and extra night prices are available upon request.

Enhance your Experience/Tour Upgrades

Further Information