Compare Lake Garda & the Wines of Italy by Just Go! Holidays vs Provence, Les Plus Beaux Villages Cycling Tour by Tourissimo
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 10 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 882 | $ 4,195 |
| Price Per Day | $ 88 | $ 524 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
7 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches and 6 Dinners |
| Description |
Italy is home of some of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world. We discover glorious Lake Garda, with its deep azure waters fringed by pastel-coloured villas and lakeside resorts, and explore this beautiful part of Italy’s wine country with the opportunity to taste and learn about the famous wines made from the grapes grown in the surrounding hillsides. |
We have partnered with the organization that presents the hallowed title of the ‘most beautiful villages of France’ (‘Les Plus Beaux Villages de France’). Thus far there are 157 villages spread across 21 regions that can lay claim to this prestigious title and with a number of them – for good reason – situated in the enchanting region of Provence. Notwithstanding that Provence is Ride and Seek's own back yard – their operations base is here – we were also drawn to running our inaugural ‘most beautiful tour’ here because no other region so firmly embodies the essence of the organization. This prestigious classification is not just based on aesthetics but also embraces a way of life. We still visit a number of the classic destinations such as St Remy de Provence and the Vaucluse but our itinerary incorporates so much more besides. From Les Baux to Venasque, Les Alpilles to Glanum our tour offers a broader perspective of Provence than the more regular fare. With a rich Roman heritage we also visit some of the best preserved remnants of this great empire on our journey. Interlacing this are cultural and historical highlights from our more recent past as well as insights into more distant eras. Cycling through landscapes painted by Cezanne and Van Gogh it soon becomes clear why so many of the most distinguished poets and painters chose to make Provence home. Along the way we will sample some fantastic vintages from the Côtes du Rhône region which complement a cuisine renown both for its flair and freshness. Blessed with an abundance of natural ingredients the Provencal gastronomy provides the final piece of what can only be described as the ultimate bike tour jigsaw. Our Provence itinerary is one of our Local Plus tours which are designed for the discerning cyclist who wishes to explore a region in depth without too many hotel changes. By their nature these tours provide scope for participants to ride as little or as much as they would like. As such this tour is suitable for non-riders since there are plenty of activities to keep them busy. It also provides scope for more experienced riders to push themselves on our extra loops which include the ‘giant’ of Provence – Mont Ventoux. This is optional of course! |
Day 1:
Ferry to Calais and overnight stay in France.
Day 2:
Continue to our hotel in the Lake Garda area.
Day 3: Scenic Lake Garda
We enjoy a scenic tour around Lake Garda, one of Italy’s most spectacular lakes, admiring the magnificent views and elegant period villas, beautiful towns and villages dotted along its shoreline.
Day 4: Verona & Soave
We head first to Verona, one of Italy’s oldest cities. Forever associated with Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, Verona has much more to offer than the legendary balcony that lovers flock to from all over the world; the ancient Roman amphitheatre and majestic Piazza Brà are just some of the many must-see sights here. Next is Soave, a small town enclosed by its medieval walls and dominated by its castle. It is also famous for the wines that come from the surrounding vineyards and we enjoy a visit of one of the local wine cellars followed by a tasting of these lovely wines.
Day 5:
Day at leisure
Day 6: Optional excursion to Venice (51)
Join us for an optional excursion to explore the unique city of Venice. Lining the canals are grand palazzos, many of them dating back to the 14th century, while other attractions include St Mark’s Square, the Bridge of Sighs and of course the gondolas that ply their trade up and down the waterways.
Day 7: Valdobbiadene & Villa Sandi
We travel to Valdobbiadene, famous as the capital of the sparkling prosecco wine, set in lovely wine-producing countryside. We visit Villa Sandi, a beautiful Palladian-style villa where for generations the ancient tradition of winemaking has been handed down from father to son. After a visit of the villa and underground cellars, we are treated to a chilled glass of prosecco. Afterwards, there’s time at leisure in Valdobbiadene before heading back to our hotel.
Day 8: Bardolino
This afternoon we visit Bardolino, located on Lake Garda’s eastern shore. Once a fishing village, this popular resort is well known for the production of the famous Bardolino wine that comes from the surrounding vineyards and we are treated to a visit of the traditional cellars followed by a tasting of wines and local cheeses.
Day 9:
Travel to our overnight hotel in France, with a light evening meal included.
Day 10:
Continue to Calais for our return ferry home.
Day 1: St Remy de Provence
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Mas de l’Oulivié
Terrain: Rolling
Ride: 9 mi or 15 km
A gentle but rolling start to the tour as we ride a loop from our home at the Mas de l’Oulivie for the first couple of nights through the Parc naturel régional des Alpilles. This ride is primarily to ensure our bikes are fit and ready for travel but it is a beautiful little circuit. In the afternoon we explore the atmospheric town of St Remy de Provence, previously home to Van Gogh and Nostradamus, and renowned for its art and culture.
Day 2: Les Baux-de-Provence
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Mas de l’Oulivié
Terrain: Hilly
Ride: 24/37 mi or 38/59 km
We head deeper into the Parc naturel régional des Alpilles today on a rolling loop ride that meanders through vineyards and olive groves. With an astonishing array of aromas and colours this arid area is characterized by limestone peaks which give the impression of being taller than they really are – who’s to know the difference between conquering the Alpilles and the Alps! Today we visit the iconic fortified town of Les Baux-de-Provence and give you the option to investigate Roman Glanum. For those of you wanting to cycle more and visit another Roman ruin we offer the opportunity to ride to the Pont du Gard’s younger brother the Pont du Barbegal.
Day 3: Les Baux-de-Provence to Gordes
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: Mas des Rosmarins
Terrain: Hilly
Ride: 32/46 mi or 51/73 km
We head east into the Vaucluse region of Provence towards our base for the next couple of days Gordes. After bridging the Durance we head past some of the quieter but best villages of Provence. Oppede le Vieux is one such village whose medieval ghost town is a must wander after lunch. Menerbes is another and offers so much more than just being the setting for the Peter Mayle book. Our destination is Gordes which clings to the side of the Vaucluse plateau. The houses are arranged in tiers around an imposing Renaissance castle and so it is easy to appreciate why the village is considered a jewel of Provence.
Day 4: Gordes loop to Roussillon
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Mas des Rosmarins
Terrain: Rolling Hills
Ride: 30/57 mi or 48/92 km
Gordes great location gives us great access to some spectacular riding. Today we enjoy a short loop to the villages of Saint Saturnin-les-Apt and Roussillon. Roussillon is known as the ocre-red village which contrasts fantastically with the deep green pine forests we cycle through on route. The optional extra loop takes us deep into the Provincial hinterland as we head towards more of our local favorites - Viens and Saint Martin de Castillon.
Day 5: Gordes loop to Bonnieux and Lourmarin
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Mas des Rosmarins
Terrain: Hilly
Ride: 32/48 mi or 52/77 km
Once again we find a series of quiet and picturesque routes as we continue our discovery of Provence’s most beautiful villages. We ride first to the village of Lacoste for a coffee and a great view of the surrounding area. From here we climb up to Bonnieux before descending into Lourmarin for lunch under its Chateau. The cycling is again spectacular and the villages we pass through embody the essence of what this part of Provence is all about.
Day 6: Gordes to Mazan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Chateau de Mazan
Terrain: Rolling Hills
Ride: 26/47 mi or 42/75 km
We leave Gordes and head north, cruising past the Abbaye Notre-Dame de Senaque on our way to Venasque. After enjoying fantastic countryside riders can choose to head directly north to Mazan or take the longer meander over the Col de Murs. Today’s options are a little shorter considering the optional challenge tomorrow of Mont Ventoux! Tonight we stay in the Chateau Mazan, once home to the Marquis de Sade! Don’t worry he no longer has any involvement in the running of the hotel!
Day 7: Mazan loop to Gorges de la Nesque or Mount Ventoux
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Chateau de Mazan
Terrain: Mountains
Ride: 20/39/43 mi or 32/63/70 km
Our final day on the bike takes us towards the monolith known as Mont Ventoux as we head north towards Bedoin. For the foolhardy and the brave this iconic Tour de France climb is an option. For those of you looking for a more relaxing end to the tour we will skirt around the mountain known to the locals as ‘the Giant of Provence’ and up one of the best cycling roads in France - the Gorges de la Nesque. Here we will picnic overlooking the spectacular ravine before re-joining the hill climbers and returning to our Chateau in Mazan for a final delectable dinner.
Day 8: Avignon
Meals: Breakfast
Terrain: Departure
Ride: None
After a leisurely breakfast, we organize a shuttle to the TGV train station on the outskirts of Avignon from where fast trains can be caught to a number of European cities.
