Sample Travel Itinerary

Day 1:  
- Arrival in Paris, and TGV (high speed train) to travel from Paris to Avignon.
- Share a specially prepared gourmet picnic and a bottle of wine on the train as you relax your way into Provence!
-Transfer to your luxury Hotel/Inn (individually decorated private rooms, wonderful dining, pool and private gardens, along with spectacular views.) On our way, we stop for a local wine or olive oil tasting, to begin to enjoy the flavors of Provence.
-Privately guided walking tour through a medieval village, and a tour through a church built by the Knights Templar (not usually open to the public).
- Finish the night with a welcome dinner. Have a gourmet dining experience under the stars.

Day 2:
- Gourmet breakfast, with fresh baked breads and croissants, jams, local fruits, yogurt, cheeses, cereal and coffee/tea and juices
- Have you ever had a gourmet meal prepared just for your group—in a 500 year old bakery, that opened solely for your lunch? That’s what we do! We visit a tiny perched village built into the side of a mountain. See the ruins of an old chateau, visit a church being restored, and have a private wine tasting just before our specially designed menu!  
-After lunch, we will visit one of France’s “most beautiful” villages (a special designation). Wonderful boutiques and art galleries await you!
-Dinner is your choice…simple and casual or elaborate and formal.

Day 3:
- Gourmet breakfast, with fresh baked breads and croissants, jams, local fruits, yogurt, cheeses, cereal and coffee/tea and juices.
- Private transport to the largest Provencal market in the area. Market tour, tastings, and lunch at the market provided.
-After lunch, relax by the pool or go on a wine tasting adventure with us. Tour Provencal vineyards and wine cooperatives and taste as you go!
-Evening—Perhaps you’d like to visit a local farm for a cooking lesson or visit the kitchen of a renowned area chef.  Make mouthwatering Provencal specialties followed by dinner.


Day 4:
 - Gourmet breakfast, with fresh baked breads and croissants, jams, local fruit, yogurt, cheeses, cereal, coffee/tea and juices.
- Private transport with your guide(s) to a secluded family run Auberge, built into the base of the cliffs that surround you.  At the Auberge, you will sit under the rose trellis, marveling at the cliffs while you indulge in an authentic, traditional 4 course Provencal lunch and sip the local wines. Afterwards, let your private guide lead you up to the ruins of a fort more than 1000 years old. Panoramic views, lavender fields and historic Provence, all rolled into one!
- Enjoy a casual Sunday evening dinner at a local café on your own.


Day 5:
- Gourmet breakfast, with fresh baked breads and croissants, jams, local fruits, yogurt, cheeses, cereal and coffee/tea and juices
- Your private guide takes you on a special day trip to Chateauneuf du Pape where you will be treated to a tour and tasting at one of Chaeauneuf du Pape’s vineyards and wineries. Or spend the day at a local festival (perhaps the Lavender Festival or the running of the bulls). Tour the village and visit and participate in the activities.
- Return to the hotel in the evening and relax with a bottle of whatever you couldn’t resist buying that day! Dinner on your own.


Day 6:
- Gourmet breakfast, with fresh baked breads and croissants, jams, local fruit, yogurt, cheeses, coffee/tea and juices.
- Our private car will take you to our high speed train back to Paris, where we will check into one of our Boutique Left Bank hotels, or perhaps you’d prefer to “head South” and experience the Mediterranean! Adding on either option for a few days is possible!
-Visit a Parisian Wine bar or choose a Champagne tasting.
- Special evening “farewell” or add on a few days in Paris!
…Perhaps, have us arrange for a private gastronomic menu at one of the fabulous Michelin starred restaurants we frequent. Or indulge in a dinner with an up-and coming young chef in one of the lesser known bistros.

Day 7:

- Continental  Breakfast in your Boutique Hotel.
- A day of choices.  Explore the art of Paris. Visit some of the lesser known, but very special museums. Or Tour the Paris pastry shops with a pastry chef. Taste all the treats along the way. Have a walking tour of the Left Bank. A shopping tour…..Lot’s to choose from.  You can even add a Wine tasting class at an esteemed Parisian wine venue.
- Evening –dinner on your own or arranged through us. Perhaps you should experience a few Michelin stars, Parisian style…nothing comes close!

Day 8: J
-  Continental Breakfast and check out or add one more day in Paris to sightsee and shop. We’ll design the day to suit YOUR interests!


Day 9:  return to US

 

Prices upon request and determined by group size and trip inclusions. Price ranges from $3,500-$5,500 per person for all inclusive ground. Prices depend upon length of trip, lodging choices and special inclusions.
Wendy@blisstravels.com 609 462 6213

 

Tuesday, September 18
Leave US, overnight flight to Paris. Flight not included.

Wednesday, September 19
Arrive Paris
Paris walking tour followed by special gourmet Wine Pairing lunch (3 courses, 3 wines)
Afternoon Private Left Bank walking tour and Wine Bar Crawl. Explore the sights and try the wines.

Thursday, September 20

• Continental Breakfast
• Transport to Burgundy.
• Gourmet picnic for lunch.
• Check into your Inn.
• Private tour of 14th Century cellar, led by the winemaker. Barrel tastings followed by a dinner prepared by a private chef, along with Burgundy wine pairings. Welcome to Burgundy!

Friday, September 21

• Gourmet, Home made Breakfast served in your Inn.
• Morning—1hour walking tour of the village.
• Lunch in a Chateau.
• Afternoon tour of the famed whites of Burgundy along with Pommard.
• Evening group dinner at a local restaurant (3 courses, with wines).

Saturday, September 22

• Gourmet, Home made Breakfast served in your Inn.
• Morning on your own
• Gourmet Lunch, followed by an afternoon private tour of the Cote de Nuits –viewing the famed vineyards of Clos de Vougeot and Romanee Conti.
• Tastings of Pinot Noirs from the Cote de Nuits included.
• Evening on your own

Sunday, September 23

• Gourmet, Home made Breakfast served in your Inn.
• Check out of your Inn and store luggage.
• Private premiere and grand cru wine tasting and class in a chapel decorated with 1000 year old art.
• Afternoon transport back to Paris. Check into your  Left Bank Boutique hotel (choices of 3 or 4 star)
• Gastronomic Farewell Dinner, at Michelin starred restaurant.

Monday, September 24 (choice to return to US 24th or 25th)

• Morning on your own. Explore the local bakeries for Breakfast or tour one of the Paris market streets.
• Afternoon Champagne toast
• Evening on your own (choice to take Seine River Cruise).

Tuesday, September 25
Return to US
Flight home. Not included.

Included:

• On site private guide and events coordinator. Small private group. No more than 12 people.
  
• 6 nights deluxe hotel in Paris and luxury Inn in Burgundy, double occupancy
• 3 Gourmet home made breakfasts each day in Burgundy.
• 3 Continental Breakfast, Paris.
• 4 Picnics and gourmet lunches as described above
• 3 Dinners as described above (including night with private chef)
• Transportation to/from Burgundy
• All private tours in Burgundy –two ½ day private tours, with private car/van transportation –one guide/wine expert pr 7 clients. Tasting of minimum 6-8 wines each tour.
• All tastings described above including private cellar tour and barrel tastings
• 1 Wine tasting class of top wines
• 1 Wine bar crawl  with 3 wines.
• Cruise
• Champagne tasting
• Privately guided walking tours, market tours and Left Bank tours as described above.
• Special room upgrades and special Michelin starred meals may be added at an added cost.

EXCLUDED:
Airfare, airport/hotel transfers, anything not specifically listed in the above itinerary as included.

Itinerary and the ideas therein are property of Bliss Travels. All parties reviewing this itinerary  agree not to use or cause it to be used without first making payment to Bliss Travels for preparation of same.

 

Day 1: Thursday

• Meet Avignon train station for transport to beautiful inn.
• Stop for an olive oil tasting at Roman mill
• Visit to the Roman bridge followed by a private walking tour of the Medieval village.
• A welcome aperitif and gourmet 3 course dinner with wines is included

Day 2: Friday

• Gourmet breakfast.
• Market Day. Visit the local Provencal market.
• Lunch at a local café is included.
• We visit an old Bories village (ancient structures) in the woods, for the foliage and take a tour through a church built by the Knights Templar (not usually open to the public).  Views of the Luberon mountains and the fall foliage.
• Choice to take a picnic to a nearby perched village and dine on the top watching the sunset or have an evening on your own.

Day 3: Saturday

• Gourmet breakfast, with fresh baked breads and croissants, jams, local fruits coffee/tea and juice
• pend the morning at the largest regional Provencal Market. Take a guided tour. The markets have foods, wines, artisan products, clothing, jewelry, books, music, gifts, linens, flowers and music….Something for everyone.  Have some tastings and shop in the town’s boutiques.
• Visit the “painted village” of Rousillon after lunch. Take the Ocher walk. This is a great Art village—gifts, boutiques, artist’s supplies
  and galleries, not to mention natural wonders!
• Dinner will be at a local farm and you will taste some cote du Rhone wines
  
  
  

Day 4: Sunday

• Gourmet breakfast, with fresh baked breads and croissants, jams, local fruit, coffee/tea and juice
• rivate transport with your guide to a secluded family run Auberge, built into the base of the cliffs that surround you.  At the Auberge, you will sit under the rose trellis and world famous cliffs, while you indulge in a traditional 4 course Provencal lunch and sip the local wines.
  Walk up to the ruins of a fort more than 1000 years old where you will also have panoramic views of the fall foliage
• Evening on your own.

Day 5: Monday

• Gourmet breakfast, with fresh baked breads and croissants, jams, local fruit, coffee/tea and juice
• We visit a tiny perched village built into the side of a mountain. We will walk to the ruins of an old chateau, visit a church being restored, and have a private wine tasting and gourmet lunch, specially prepared for us by the owners of a restored 500 year old bakery that will be opened just for us. After lunch we will visit the home workshop of an amazing artisan sorbet and jam maker in whose private garden we will have dessert.
• Visit the village of Menerbes, made famous by Peter Mayle in “A Year in Provence”.
• Evening dinner is on your own.

 

Day 6: Tuesday

• Gourmet breakfast, with fresh baked breads and croissants, jams, local fruit, coffee/tea and juice
• Private transportation back to Avignon TGV station where our trip ends.
• option to add a last evening in Paris and a special gourmet dinner at a Michelin starred restaurant. (additional cost).

Monday
Flight to Paris from US (Client’s own arrangements)

Tuesday – Our Trip Begins!
High Speed Train to Provence

• Gourmet picnic on the train and a leisurely ride to Provence.
• Optional photography or art/history discussion
• Visit to a wine cooperative/winery for a tasting and to purchase wines!
• Private transport to our Inn located in a 1000 year old perched village.
• 1 hour orientation walking tour of Village with time for photographs
• 3 course gourmet welcome dinner upon arrival in Provence, includes  3 courses and select local wines.

Wednesday

• Gourmet Breakfast 8-10am (each morning in Provence breakfasts include juices, coffee/tea/hot chocolate, fresh baked croissants, brioche, baguette, specially baked breakfast cakes, farm fresh local fruit, goat cheeses, cereal and yogurt)
• Optional 9:30-10:30 am customized photography session. No additional cost.
• 10:30am Private transport to ancient village with ruins of a chateau, historic church being restored, and panoramic views of the valley, and gardens.
•  Choice to walk the village or gardens or hike to the ruins. Informal and one-on-one photography instruction available.
• Private wine tasting and wine class (optional, no additional cost).
• Private gourmet lunch in 500 year old bakery opened just for us! Three market fresh courses, served with local wines and coffee, Afternoon visit to a village designated as one of France’s most beautiful. Choice to: (1) Shop and visit the art galleries, or (2) tour the village and visit the restored Chateau, or (3) spend time with our photographer to practice “telling the story” (long and wide lenses) photos. Additional wine tasting possible as an add-on.
• 8pm local café dinner –soak up the local color at this casual meal. (preset menu, 2 courses and select wine )

Thursday

• Gourmet Breakfast 8-10am
• 10-11am. Option to sign up for photograpy discussion, or one-o-one lesson and photo review. Held in the salon or garden of our Inn.
• 11am - Private transport to country Auberge at base of Cliffs
• Traditional 4 course country lunch with wines and coffee followed by optional hike/walk through the valley and into the ruins of a 1000 year old Fort.
• Optional Photography Instruction, including group contest with prize for the winner. (views, panoramas, ruins, nature, composition, perspective).
• Return to our village for the evening on your own.
• Dinner on your own.

Friday

• Gourmet Breakfast 8-10am
• Market day in our village
• Learn to shop or photograph the markets. There will be a group “purchasing” activity.
• Lunch on your own and time to browse the galleries and village.
• Option to sign up for private painting class offered by locally renowned artist. (additional cost).
• Dinner on your own. Perhaps a picnic in the garden of your Inn?

 

Saturday

• Gourmet Breakfast 8-10am
• Transport at 10am to the largest Provencal Market in the area. Overview tour of the market followed by tastings, food photography on the go, time on your own, or touring the market with us. Touring and photography until 12:45pm
• We suggest you pick out items for your lunch the next day on the train…
• Choice to picnic at the market or dine in a local restaurant (on your own). Or add on lunch with us (additional cost).
• Pick up at 3pm.
• Visit to a Roman Bridge.
• Option to have an hour photo review and demonstration: designing a photo book of your trip or Option to visit an award wining vineyard.
• Farewell Provence Dinner
  
  

Sunday

• 11am pick up, maybe a stop for one last tasting!
• Afternoon Train to Paris. Lunch on train on your own (from what you picked out at the market)
• 1 hour of optional photo review during the train ride, for those who are interested.
• Arrive Paris and transport to our hotel.
• Farewell get together and Champagne toast
• Dinner on your own.

Monday - Client arranged FLIGHT TO US

All inclusive ground prices start at $3,450 per person, double occupancy (discounts for groups of 4 or more).
CONTACT WENDY JAEGER, OWNER BLISS TRAVELS, NOW TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT.
WENDY@BLISSTRAVELS.COM

 

• Roundtrip Paris/Provence, first class train tickets, high speed line
• Private transport from Provence train station to/from Provence hotel
• 5 nights in deluxe Provencal Inn in Medieval village, double occupancy. Private bath, private gardens, pool and many other amenities
• 1 night deluxe hotel, central Paris, double occupancy
• Gourmet breakfasts each morning (last morning in Paris is continental breakfast.)
• 3 gourmet lunches and 3 gourmet dinners, all with wines.
• Daily private excursions with private ground transport, guide, translation
• Optional historic, art and photographic session.
• Daily photography sessions and private instruction
• Private tour, photo session and tastings at a Provencal market
• Wine tastings
• Hike to ruins of ancient fort, along with photo sessions
• Tour of Medieval villages, ruins and churches with photography session

• Transport to Paris hotel from Gare de Lyon train station
• Evening Champagne tasting in Paris and special farewell.
• Option to add on a Wine Dinner in a Parisian Bistro for last night in Paris. Cost additional.

 

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