
Luxury South of France: A Culinary & Cultural Journey
Discover the flavors, landscapes, and cultural heritage of southern France on this nine-night luxury journey through the French Riviera, Provence, Bordeaux, and Lyon. Beginning in Nice, travelers enjoy private culinary experiences, Provençal wine tastings, and an exploration of the Riviera’s most celebrated coastal towns and medieval villages. The journey continues to Avignon, where historic landmarks, hands-on French cooking, and renowned Rhône Valley wines offer an authentic taste of Provençal life. In Bordeaux, guests explore the city’s culinary traditions before venturing into three celebrated wine regions for château visits and guided tastings. The final stop in Lyon introduces travelers to the city’s celebrated gastronomic scene before returning to Nice for a leisurely final evening. With carefully selected luxury accommodations and privately guided experiences, this itinerary balances immersive sightseeing with time to enjoy each destination at an unhurried pace.
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Highlights
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Private Gourmet Tour in Nice
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Private Provence Vineyard Wine Tour
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Private Full-Day Cannes, Antibes & Saint-Paul-de-Vence Tour
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Private Avignon Afternoon Half-Day Tour
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Private Avignon Cooking Class & Wine Tour
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Private Gourmet Food Walking Tour of Bordeaux
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Private Wine Connoisseur's Dream: Médoc, Saint-Émilion & Graves
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Private Lyon Secret Food Guided Walking Tour
Itinerary Details
International Arrival
Private transfer from Nice Airport to Nice Hotel
4 Nights
Nice
Included activities
Day 1 – Welcome to the French Riviera
Arrive in Nice, the vibrant coastal capital of the French Riviera. After arrival, transfer to the hotel and settle into the surroundings of this elegant Mediterranean city. The remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy the waterfront, explore the nearby boutiques, or relax at the hotel.
Recommended Hotel: Anantara Plaza Nice (5*)
A beautifully renovated Belle Époque landmark overlooking the Mediterranean, Anantara Plaza Nice combines historic architecture with contemporary luxury. Ideally situated near Place Masséna, the Promenade des Anglais, and the Old Town, the hotel provides an elegant base for exploring the French Riviera. Guests can also enjoy its rooftop restaurant and bar, spa, and refined accommodations.
Day 2 – A Taste of Nice
Discover the culinary traditions and cultural influences of Nice on a private gourmet walking tour. A local expert introduces the flavors of the region through market visits, specialty tastings, and an exploration of the historic Old Town. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to enjoy Nice independently.
Private Gourmet Tour in Nice
Explore the culinary traditions of Nice on a privately guided journey through the city's historic center. Led by a knowledgeable local expert, this experience introduces the flavors, ingredients, and cultural influences that define Provençal cuisine. Begin with a visit to an open-air market, where colorful displays of fresh produce, aromatic herbs, and regional specialties offer insight into the area's connection to both land and sea. Continue through the atmospheric streets and lively squares of Old Nice, discovering the city's distinctive architecture and Italian heritage along the way. A curated tasting of regional savory and sweet specialties provides an opportunity to sample the flavors that have shaped local food traditions. Blending gastronomy, history, and neighborhood exploration, this experience offers an engaging introduction to Nice beyond its celebrated coastline.
Day 3 – The Wines of Provence
Spend the day exploring the vineyards of Provence on a private wine-focused excursion. Discover the region's renowned rosé wines, learn about local winemaking traditions, and enjoy guided tastings paired with a gourmet winery lunch.
Private Provence Vineyard Wine Tour
Discover the celebrated wine country of Provence on a full-day private excursion dedicated to the region's renowned rosé wines. Beyond the beaches and coastal resorts of the French Riviera, Provence is home to distinctive vineyard landscapes and a long-standing winemaking heritage. Visit three wineries to learn about the region's grape varieties, unique terroirs, and traditional production methods. Guided tastings introduce the delicate aromas, freshness, and character that distinguish Provence rosés. The experience also includes a gourmet lunch at a winery restaurant, offering an opportunity to explore the relationship between regional cuisine and local wines. With transportation from Nice, a knowledgeable driver-guide, and multiple vineyard visits, this excursion offers a well-rounded introduction to one of southern France's most recognizable wine regions.
Day 4 – Riviera Highlights & Provençal Villages
Explore the celebrated destinations of the French Riviera on a private full-day excursion. Discover the coastal elegance of Cannes, the historic charm of Antibes, and the artistic heritage of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, with time to appreciate the scenery and character of each destination.
Private Full-Day Cannes, Antibes & Saint-Paul-de-Vence Tour
Discover three distinctive destinations along the French Riviera on a private full-day excursion from Nice. Begin in the Antibes area, where the scenic Cap d'Antibes offers Mediterranean views, quiet coves, and landscapes long associated with the artists and writers who have been drawn to the region. Continue to Cannes, where maritime history meets modern Riviera sophistication. Explore the atmosphere of its celebrated waterfront promenade and historic quarter while taking in views across the bay. The journey then heads inland to Saint-Paul-de-Vence, a beautifully preserved medieval village known for its artistic heritage, stone ramparts, and winding lanes. Time to explore its galleries, shaded squares, and inviting terraces offers a different perspective on the Riviera's cultural character. With private transportation and a local guide, the experience combines coastal scenery, historic villages, and the distinctive atmosphere of southern France.
Private Transfer from Nice to Avignon
2 Nights
Avignon
Included activities
Day 5 – Historic Avignon
Travel from Nice to Avignon, a historic Provençal city known for its medieval architecture and papal heritage. In the afternoon, enjoy a private exploration of Avignon with an English-speaking driver-guide. The experience can be tailored around the city's most notable landmarks and the interests of the travelers.
Recommended Hotel: La Divine Comédie
Set within Avignon's largest private garden, La Divine Comédie is an intimate luxury guesthouse housed in a historic property in the heart of the city. With just five individually designed suites, elegant salons, a swimming pool, and a wellness area, the property offers a peaceful retreat just steps from the Palais des Papes. Its intimate atmosphere makes it a distinctive choice for a stay focused on Provençal culture and gastronomy.
Private Avignon Afternoon Half-Day Tour
Discover the historic character of Avignon on a private afternoon excursion with an English-speaking driver-guide. Known for its medieval heritage and former role as the seat of the papacy, Avignon offers a wealth of history, architecture, and local culture within its historic center. The experience is designed with flexibility in mind. Travelers may plan a personalized sightseeing route in advance or work with the driver-guide to determine which landmarks and neighborhoods best suit their interests. From the city's historic streets to its notable architectural surroundings, the tour provides an introduction to Avignon at a comfortable pace. With private transportation and an English-speaking guide, this experience allows for a more personalized exploration of one of Provence's most historically significant destinations.
Day 6 – Provençal Cooking & Rhône Valley Wines
Spend the day immersed in the culinary traditions of Provence. Begin with a guided visit to Avignon's Les Halles market, where a local chef introduces regional ingredients and helps select fresh produce for a hands-on cooking class. Prepare a multi-course meal before enjoying the dishes together over lunch. In the afternoon, venture into the celebrated Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation for two guided wine tastings, discovering the region's distinctive terroir and winemaking traditions.
Private Avignon Cooking Class & Wine Tour
Experience the culinary traditions of Provence through a hands-on cooking class and private wine excursion. The day begins at Les Halles, Avignon's celebrated covered market, where a local chef introduces seasonal ingredients and helps select fresh produce for the day's menu. After exploring the market, continue to a nearby cooking atelier for a hands-on lesson in classic French culinary techniques. Prepare a multi-course meal before sitting down to enjoy the dishes together over lunch. In the afternoon, the experience moves into the Rhône Valley for a private wine excursion to the renowned Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation. Two guided tastings introduce the region's distinctive wines, offering insight into its terroir, traditions, and winemaking styles. Combining market culture, culinary craftsmanship, and regional wine, this experience offers an engaging look at the gastronomic identity of Provence.
Private Transfer from Avignon to Bordeaux
2 Nights
Bordeaux
Included activities
Day 7 – Bordeaux & Its Culinary Heritage
Travel to Bordeaux, a city celebrated for its elegant architecture, vibrant food culture, and world-renowned wines. After checking into the hotel, enjoy time at leisure before setting out on a private gourmet walking tour in the afternoon. Explore specialty food shops, discover regional delicacies, and sample local wines and sweet treats while learning about Bordeaux's culinary heritage.
Recommended Hotel: Le Burdigala (5*)
Located in central Bordeaux, Le Burdigala is a contemporary lifestyle hotel that blends sophisticated accommodations with a welcoming atmosphere. Its convenient location provides easy access to the city's historic center, shopping streets, and cultural attractions. With an on-site restaurant, bar, and inviting communal spaces, the property offers a stylish base for exploring Bordeaux and its surrounding wine regions.
Private Gourmet Food Walking Tour of Bordeaux
Discover Bordeaux through its celebrated food culture on a private guided walking tour through the city's historic streets and specialty food shops. The experience begins with a visit to a 15th-century convent transformed into an artisanal cheese-aging facility, where guests explore vaulted cellars and learn about the craft of affinage. Continue through the city with stops at carefully selected local shops to sample regional specialties, including Médoc hazelnuts, artisan mustards, chocolate, and traditional cannelé pastries. Along the way, a private guide shares stories of Bordeaux's history, culinary traditions, and cultural evolution. Tastings include regional cheeses, wines, sweet specialties, and other local delicacies. This experience provides an approachable introduction to Bordeaux's gastronomy while highlighting the independent artisans and traditional flavors that make the city a rewarding destination for food lovers.
Day 8 – A Bordeaux Wine Country Experience
Discover three of Bordeaux's most celebrated wine regions on a private wine-focused excursion through Médoc, Saint-Émilion, and Graves. Visit three carefully selected château estates, enjoy guided tastings, and learn how regional terroir and winemaking traditions shape the distinctive character of Bordeaux wines.
Bordeaux: Wine Connoisseur’s Dream – Médoc, Saint-Émilion & Graves
Explore Bordeaux's prestigious wine heritage on a full-day journey through three renowned wine regions: Médoc, Saint-Émilion, and Graves. Accompanied by a knowledgeable wine specialist, travelers discover the landscapes, estates, and winemaking traditions that have established Bordeaux as one of the world's most celebrated wine destinations. The experience includes reservations at three carefully selected château estates, where guests enjoy guided visits, cellar access, and expert-led tastings. Discover the distinctive characteristics of each appellation while learning how soil composition, grape varieties, and winemaking philosophy influence the wines produced throughout the region. Tastings feature both red and white wines, including selections from Grand Cru and Grand Cru Classé estates. This experience offers a comprehensive introduction to Bordeaux's wine country while maintaining a comfortable pace and opportunities for personal interaction with local wine experts.
Private Bordeaux to Lyon
1 Night
Lyon
Included activities
Day 9 – Lyon’s Culinary Secrets
Continue to Lyon, widely recognized as one of France's great gastronomic capitals. After arriving and settling into the hotel, discover the city's culinary traditions on a guided food walking tour. Sample savory and sweet regional specialties while exploring the historic Vieux Lyon neighborhood and Presqu'île district. The experience offers an introduction to Lyon's celebrated food culture, with opportunities to discover local flavors and learn about the traditions that have shaped the city's culinary identity.
Recommended Hotel: Villa Florentine (5*)
Perched above Lyon on Fourvière Hill, Villa Florentine is a five-star Relais & Châteaux property housed in a former 17th-century convent. Its elegant interiors combine Renaissance-inspired architecture, historic furnishings, and contemporary comforts. With panoramic views over the city, a gourmet restaurant, and a tranquil wellness area, the hotel provides a memorable setting for a stay in Lyon's historic district.
Lyon: Private Secret Food Guided Walking Tour
Discover the culinary traditions of Lyon on a guided walking tour through the city's historic neighborhoods. Often regarded as one of France's great gastronomic capitals, Lyon is known for its traditional dishes, regional ingredients, and distinctive food culture. This experience introduces travelers to the flavors that have shaped the city's reputation, with tastings ranging from savory specialties to sweet treats and local wine. Explore the atmospheric streets of Vieux Lyon, take in the beauty of the Saône River, and continue through the Presqu'île district, where historic monuments and lively city streets provide a backdrop to the culinary journey. Along the way, a knowledgeable guide shares insight into Lyon's food traditions and local specialties. The experience also includes a surprise secret dish, adding an unexpected element to the tasting itinerary and offering another reason to appreciate Lyon's celebrated food scene.
Private Transfer from Lyon to Nice
1 Night
Nice
Included activities
Day 10 – A Leisurely Return to Nice
Enjoy breakfast before departing Lyon and returning to Nice for the final evening of the journey. Upon arrival, check back into Anantara Plaza Nice and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Take time to revisit a favorite spot, enjoy the Mediterranean waterfront, or savor one last evening along the French Riviera.
Recommended Hotel: Anantara Plaza Nice (5*)
A beautifully renovated Belle Époque landmark overlooking the Mediterranean, Anantara Plaza Nice combines historic architecture with contemporary luxury. Ideally situated near Place Masséna, the Promenade des Anglais, and the Old Town, the hotel provides an elegant base for exploring the French Riviera. Guests can also enjoy its rooftop restaurant and bar, spa, and refined accommodations.
Day 11 – Departure from Nice
Enjoy breakfast before departing for Nice Côte d'Azur Airport for the journey home.
Inclusions
Includes
- Private airport transfers upon arrival and departure.
- Luxury accommodations in handpicked 4- & 5-star hotels throughout the itinerary.
- All private and small group tours as specified in the daily itinerary.
- Expert English-speaking local guides for all included tours.
- Private luxury vehicle transfers between cities as specified.
- Entrance fees for all included attractions and sites.
- Wine tastings and a gourmet lunch during specified wine tours.
- Applicable local taxes.
Not Included
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Tips and personal expenses
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Visa and tourism charges
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Travel insurance
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Arrival and departure flights