Walk in the footsteps of Van Goch to explore the wide variety of colorful villages, farmer markets and local gastronomy
KOSHER
THE MAGIC FLAVOR OF PROVENCE AND JEWISH HERITAGE
8 days: October 23rd - October 30th 2023
DAY 1
Monday, October 23rd
Meeting point Marseille airport at 18:35
We will drive directly to our Hotel and check in , first dinner immediately upon arriving at the hotel.
Overnight Avignon 4 ★
Meals: Dinner
DAY 2
Tuesday, October 24th
AIX EN PROVENCE
This morning we will start our day with a guided tour of the picturesque town of Aix en Provence: the town of water and art. Aix is a small, affluent, and classically Provencal town; famous for being home to Paul Cezanne, the 19th century Post-Impressionist painter who inspired a new and radically different world of art in the 20th century. Although very petite, Aix is charming with narrow streets lined with 17th century buildings, paved plazas, and tempting stores. The first reference to the presence of Jews in Aix-en-Provence dates from around 1283. We will have a tour of the town with focus on the Jewish heritage. We will have time to enjoy the colourful weekly market of this town as well as a Provincial group lunch and of course some free shopping.
In the late afternoon we will drive back to Avignon.
Overnight Avignon 4 ★
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 3
Wednesday, October 25th
SAINT REMY AND LA BAUX DE PROVENCE
After a wonderful French breakfast, today we will spend our morning in Saint Rémy de Provence. This is Vincent Van Gogh’s territory; he produced over 150 paintings of the surrounding countryside. As it is Wednesday in Saint Remy we cannot miss the local farmers market, renowned for the quality and freshness of the produce and a real culinary experience. We will visit an olive oil mill and discover the art of oil extraction before reaching the magical village of Les Baux de Provence, this village is situated in the Alpilles Mountains offering wonderful views across the plains of Provence. Then a real treat as we uncover the secluded Kosher winery of David where we will meet the owner Frederique. He will give us a unique insight into Kosher and Non Kosher wines, and of course we will taste his wines accompanied by local cheeses. With our bellies full and a little light headed a memorable day draws to a close
Overnight Avignon 4 ★
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 4
Thursday, October 26th
OUR JEWISH HERITAGE DAY: CAVAILLON, CARPENTRA AND AVIGNON
Today we will feed our spiritual sides by visiting the most remarkable synagogues in Provence. The first, the Cavaillon Synagogue, was built in 1774 and is home to a Judeo-Comtadin Museum. The second Synagogue we will visit is in Carpentras, built in 1367 and the oldest active synagogue in France being a very visited Jewish Heritage site. In the 12th century Carpentras was known for the Jewish scholars and doctors who lived in this locality. We will also visit the Synagogue in Avignon the town we are staying in, Avignon is famous for its bridges on the river Rhone, the Pope’s Palace, and the petite Jewish community with its beautiful synagogue. In the 14th Century France expelled all the Jews from France, but the Pope offered refuge in Provence. Consequently the Jews of Provence became known as the “Pope’s Jews” and there they lived in relative freedom, enjoying the Pope’s protection. We will have some free time this afternoon before meeting for a group dinner in one of the local restaurants.
Overnight Avignon 4 ★
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5
Friday, October 27th
ARLS AND PONT DU GARD
We start our day with a visit to the Provencal town of Arles which is France’s largest municipality. Famous for its amazing Roman amphitheatre, it was a capital in Roman times and became a major religious centre in the Middle Ages. Above all Arles is a town overflowing with art, and our tour will take us to the famous location where Van Gogh painted some of his most well – known creations including Starry Night Over the Rhone. From Arles we will drive to Pont du Gard (Roman Aqueduct). Built shortly before the Christian era, the Pont du Gard is part of the 50 km long aqueduct of Nîmes which crosses the Gard river. Roman architects and hydraulic engineers designed this bridge which stands almost 50m high with three levels – the longest measuring 275 m – creating a technical and artistic masterpiece.
Overnight Avignon 4 ★
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 6
Shabbat, October 28th
ROUSSILLON AND GORDES
Today we will visit Roussillon, with one of the world’s biggest ochre deposits, and the village of Gordes which has a worldwide reputation due to Peter Mayle’s book, A Year in Provence. Two of the most romantic villages, not far from each other with a very different feeling, colours and views. Here we will find beautiful old doorways, arcades and walls of flat stone perfectly restored, and on the other side, there is the panoramic view of the valley and mountains of Luberon and an amazing Patisserie !!.
Overnight Avignon 4 ★
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 7
Sunday, October 29th
L’ISLE SUR LA SOURGUE AND FONTAINE DE VAUCLUSE
Today starts with a trip to L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and its amazing Sunday market spread across the village and famous for its antiques. This region, known as The Luberon, is home to many exceptional mountain villages set amongst rolling fields of lavender famous for its therapeutic virtues. After lunch we will visit the romantic village of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse named after its gigantic spring water falls from which 630 million cubic metres of water flow every year. We will have a short hike to the Spring as well as enjoying strolling in the beautiful alleys of this small village.
Afternoon back to Avignon for our Gala dinner and Live show..
Overnight Avignon 4 ★
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8
Monday, October 30th
TIME TO SAY OUR GOODBYES
After breakfast we will have a bus transfer to Marseille airport
Price Per Person: in Euro €
By 20-30 €2600
Single supplement €400
Board:
Daily breakfast in hotel, Lunches, and Dinner as per list:
October 23 – Dinner
October 24 – Lunch local restaurant
October 25 – Lunch local restaurant
October 26 – Dinner in a local restaurant
October 27 – Dinner in a local restaurant
October 28 – Dinner local restaurant
October 29 – Dinner local Restaurant
Transportation:
- Air Conditioned Tourist Bus minimum 48 seats
- Group transfers upon Arrival and departure
- Water on the bus for guests
Guide:
Leader from Yaya Tours and local guides English speaker
Includes:
- All entrances fees and attractions according to the itinerary
- Beverage in meals water and Sparkling water, Coffee tea, First and last
- Dinner, Wine includes
- Porterage at hotels
- Whisper System
NOT INCLUDES:
- PCR/Antigen test upon arrival or departure – IF NEEDED.
- Any other meals not mentioned
- Personal expenses, beverages, and insurances
- Border tax/visas/flights
- Additional costs arising from a direct relating to dealing with covid-19