May 3-9, 2009

Experience the wonders of PROVENCE as an insider on our small group (4-12) culinary tour to this most famous region in all of France.

We'll spend our week with our delightful native Provencal host exploring the BEST that this rich region has to offer through its artisan producers of wine, cheese, oil, honey, as well as learning about the rich cultural history of the area. We'll explore the countryside, visit markets, have hands-on cooking classes, dine in charming bistros and private French farmhouses. All while housed in an elegant private estate in Gordes, one of the loveliest of the Provencal hill towns - these are opportunities rarely afforded the average traveler.

Because I am a trained chef, my contacts throughout are with fellow food professionals eager to share their insider knowledge about the area and its artisan food products simply not available to the average vistor. And to further maximize the experience, we are accompanied by our professional guide and local resident, lovely Carla.

After so many years of visiting Provence, my contacts have become freinds, not simply business associates. You will share this warm friendship so that you will truly experience Provence from the perspective of an insider NOT an outsider looking in.Our small group size enable us to move about freely and go to places unable to accommodate the larger groups. All of these factors combine to make a perfect recipe for a memorable experience.

• Transfer from/to Avignon train station to our private estate in Gordes
• 6 nights accommodation
• All breakfasts
• All meals w/house wine
• 3 cooking classes
• Culinary & cultural excursions as listed in itinerary
• Professional guides as listed in itinerary
• Gourmetravel Personal guide for ALL listed activities
• Ground transportation for excursions lists in itinerary

NOT included: 

• Airfare
• Gratuities
• Personal expenses

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Travel Day

• Travel day to France

 
Day 1 (Sunday)

• Note: Most clients fly into Paris, take train to Avignon
• Arrive Avignon TGV Train Station
• Private van transfer to our private Gordes estate (all w/private bath)
• PM - Orientation - meet local host
• Welcome Dinner

 
Day 2 (Monday)

• Breakfast
• Cooking Class w/lunch
• Olive Mill tour & tasting
• Wine/Food Pairing Dinner

 
Day 3 (Tuesday)

• Breakfst
• Open air Market in lovely Gordes
• Lunch at local bistro
• Wine tour & tastingfree time
• Cooking ClassWine/Food pairing dinner on class creations

 
Day 4 (Wednesday)

• Breakfast
• Cooking Class w/lunch
• Visit to Menerbes village
• Special Dinner

 
Day 5 (Thursday)

• Breakfast
• CHOCOLATE maker - tour & tasting
• Lunch at special chateau
• Visit to Les Baux Village
• Artisan Bread baker
• Dinner

 
Day 6 (Friday)

• Breakfast
• Excursion to Roussillon & Bonnieux - two charming Luberon villages
• Lunch in the Luberon mountains
• Free time to pack
• FAREWELL DINNER

 
Day 7 (Saturday)

• Breakfast
• Van transfter to Avignon Train Station

Click her to view slide show of a recent tour:

tour:http://picasaweb.google.com/gourmetravel/Provence506