Wine hiking in the heart of Provence

You make your way to Avignon on your own. Avignon is a beautiful medieval city, with cobblestone streets and a long history. The city is part of UNESCO's World Heritage, was a papal city for almost a hundred years and here seven popes lived during the 14th century. Then it was a trading center on the route between Paris and northern Italy. Today the city is full of life and movement, it is elegant yet folksy. Meet your taxi at 4:30 PM at the train station for transfer to Chateauneuf du Pape.

Accommodation in Chateauneuf du Pape

Morning: A lighter hike in the heart of the Chateauneuf appellation, walking in the footsteps of agriculture among the vineyards. The itinerary takes you to 3 widely known vineyards - Vaudieu, Nalys and Solitude - all centuries old, all happy to share their savoir faire with you during a wine tasting. The reds are deep and powerfully spiced, while the surprising whites have notes of almond, spice and honeysuckle.

Afternoon: Free time in the beautiful village of Chateauneuf du Pape, to wander from one wine shop to another all the way to the castle OR enjoy a half-day wine tour (not included). A local wine expert (3h) wine specialist will reveal all the secrets of these vines, take you on a tour and guide you through a wine tasting. You will learn the concepts of terroir and appellation while perfecting your wine tasting technique.

Accommodation in Châteauneuf du Pape

Morning: Today you explore Chateauneuf du Pape and its famous vineyards. The city's name means the pope's new castle and was indeed the summer residence of Avignon's popes. Then there was a castle high up on a hill here – today only ruins remain, but the view makes them worth a visit. You walk through the vineyards, beside tracks filled with the red stones that were deposited here 15,000 years ago, at the end of the last ice age. We recommend the longer alternative to stop for a wine tasting at CHATEAU DE MONT REDON.

Afternoon: Free time in the beautiful village of Chateauneuf du Pape, to wander from one wine shop to another all the way to the castle OR enjoy a half-day wine tour (not included). A local wine expert (3h) wine specialist will reveal all the secrets of these vines, take you on a tour and guide you through a wine tasting. You will learn the concepts of terroir and appellation while perfecting your wine tasting technique. You end the day with a transfer to Gigondas where you spend the night.

Accommodation in Gigondas

Today you hike among the vineyards in Gigondas, which lies high above the Rhône in a sea of vineyards. In the town's narrow alleys lie old stone houses. After exploring the town it's time to hike to Dentelles de Montmirail, limestone cliffs that almost seem to float in the sky. On the steep cliffs, terraces have been carved out and given way to vineyards, and you have a fantastic view over the Rhône valley and Provence's highest mountain Mont Ventoux in the background. Even in Gigondas there are opportunities for wine tasting.

Accommodation in Gigondas

Today you hike to the charming village of Séguret, past high mountain peaks above the Rhône valley, on trails that take you through wine and olive groves. The houses in Séguret lie in a row and almost look as if they've been hung up in the mountains. Along the cobblestone streets there is among other things a small tea house with good pastries and views over the Rhône valley – the perfect reward after a day's hiking. In the afternoon there is a transfer to Vaison la Romaine.

Accommodation in Vaison la Romaine

Departure after breakfast. But if you have time – take the opportunity to discover Vaison la Romaine before you leave. Vaison la Romaine is the largest archaeological site from the Roman Empire found in France and here there are plenty of ruins to explore. When you've strolled around among them, you can walk on a two thousand year old bridge up to the medieval village, which lies up on a cliff above the river Ouvèze.