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8-Day Rhone Valley from Lyon to Marseille

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Overview

Beginning in Lyon, the gastronomic centre of France with a food scene that rivals Paris, you'll continue through the colourful French countryside of Provence, all the way up to the Mediterranean coast, finishing your journey in the historic port city of Marseille.

During this fantastic self-drive eight-day tour from Lyon to Marseille, you'll taste famous wines, relax in olive country and fall in love with the ancient cities and sweeping flower-filled fields that make this region famous!

Driving yourself through the stunning Provencal countryside will give you plenty of time to take in the surroundings, stopping whenever you wish to take photos and diverting off the path if inspired.
Sightseeing
Food & Drink
Outdoors & Nature
Cycling

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Lyon, the Cultural and Culinary Centre of France

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Arrive in Lyon, the Cultural and Culinary Centre of France

Welcome to Lyon! From the wine-braised chicken of coq au vin to the city's most famous sausage, Lyon is, without a doubt, France's most famous centre for gastronomical experiences. Lyon's reputation for culinary excellence is long and well-deserved and you'll discover this during your day tour of the city where you'll visit markets, sample goods, meet the merchants and finish the day with a delicious lunchtime meal. In the evening, the culinary delights continue at Le Musee.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Lyon Renaissance3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
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    Activities

    Lyon City Tour

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Le Musée

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Lyon

Day 2

Famous Wines of The Northern Rhone Valley

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Famous Wines of The Northern Rhone Valley

Today, you'll leave the culinary delights of Lyon behind for the day and head to the Northern Rhone Valley to sample the many beautiful wines produced here. Having first explored the stunning ancient city of Vienne and learnt about its history whilst wondering the narrow streets filled with ancient monuments, you'll head to the vineyards. Here, you'll taste your way through famous wines of Northern Rhone Valley that make up some delicious vintages.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Lyon Renaissance3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
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    Activities

    Northern Rhone Valley Tour

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Glacier Terre AdéliceOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Lyon

    Vienne

Day 3

The Drôme Provençale

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The Drôme Provençale

This morning you'll collect your rental car, leave Lyon and head South to the 'Gates of Provence' known as Drome Provencale. After two hours of driving, you'll reach the Drome Provencale, which is considered the northern gateway to the Provence which is filled with stunning lavender fields, olive orchards and grape vineyards. Here, you can admire the stunning Romanesque Provencal architecture as you explore the region before heading to your 17th-century farmhouse in Grignan, a short drive away.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Maison d'hôtes - Le Clos de la Tuilière3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Drôme Provençale

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self Driving from Lyon to Grignan

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Lyon

    Grignan

Day 4

Relaxing Bike Ride Through the Country of Olives

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Relaxing Bike Ride Through the Country of Olives

Today, you'll wake up in Grignan, have breakfast at your farmhouse overlooking the pool and get ready for an E-bike adventure tour with your local guide to discover the landscapes of the Drôme Provençale. You'll pass through beautiful olive orchards, lavender fields and vineyards and at the end of the day, you'll be able to take your time in one of the terraces of the many shaded cafés, under a lime tree, with a glass of rosé to reflect on the day.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Maison d'hôtes - Le Clos de la Tuilière3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Biking Drôme Provençale

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self Driving from Grignan to Nyons

    Self Driving from Grignan to Grignan

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Grignan

    Vaison-la-Romaine

Day 5

The Famous Wineries of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Avignon

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The Famous Wineries of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Avignon

Today, you'll let yourself be captivated by the famous vineyards of Chateauneuf du Pape and the fascinating medieval city of Avignon to where, for several decades in the 14th century, Pope Clemente V moved his court. You'll visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Le Palais des Papes and the St-Bénézet medieval bridge, the subject of the famous song Sur le Pont d’Avignon!

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Les Jardins de Baracane3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Chateauneuf-du-Pape

    Avignon City Tour

    Avignon’s Papal Palace

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self Driving from Châteauneuf-du-Pape to Avignon

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Grignan

    Châteauneuf-du-Pape

    Avignon

Day 6

The Roman Treasures of Arles

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The Roman Treasures of Arles

Today, after breakfast at the hotel you'll drive yourself to the city of Arles. You'll discover this ancient Roman city, a fortified town listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site home to many stunning Romanesque architectures including the Arles Amphitheatre. In the afternoon, you'll explore the Camargue Natural Park area, which is a large UNESCO designated biosphere reserve sandwiched between the Rhone River mouth and the Mediterranean sea.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Les Jardins de Baracane3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Arles

    Arles Amphitheatre

    Camargue Natural Park

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self Driving from Avignon to Arles

    Self Driving from Arles to Camargue

    Self Driving from Camargue to Avignon

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Avignon

    Arles

Day 7

Exploring Aix-en-Provence & Marseille

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Exploring Aix-en-Provence & Marseille

For the last step of your trip along the Rhone River, you'll drive down to Aix-en-Provence, the capital of the region and a vibrant university city known for being the home and inspiration of post-impressionist painter Paul Cezanne. In the afternoon, you'll head over to Marseille and the Mediterranean coast. Marseille, the oldest city in France, was important during both the Greek and Roman era as a vital trading port; an important role which still remains true today.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hôtel Maison Montgrand Vieux-Port3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Aix-en-Provence

    Marseille

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self Driving from Avignon to Aix-en-Provence

    Self-Driving from Aix-en-Provence to Marseille

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Avignon

    Aix-en-Provence

    Marseille

Day 8

Au Revoir!

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Au Revoir!

This morning, you'll enjoy your last few hours of your trip from Lyon to Marseille with a leisurely breakfast at the hotel and perhaps a short walk in the old port of Marseille to soak up the vibrant atmosphere. Then you'll drive to Marseille airport where you'll return your rental car and continue with your onward journey. A bientôt en Provence!

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self Driving from Marseille to Marseille Provence Airport

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Marseille

Included in Price

  • 7 nights accommodation
  • 11 activities
  • 6 breakfasts and 1 dinner
  • Entrance fees

Not Included in Price

  • Airport transfer
  • Alcohol beverages
  • Domestic flights
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • Ground transportation
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Licensed English speaking guides
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits
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