Corsica and the Tuscan Archipelago by Sea – with Smithsonian Journeys

This specially designed program is an opportunity to experience the highlights of Provence before embarking on your voyage from the Riviera to Malta. From the rich history of Aix-en-Provence, once the capital of the region and still among its leading cities, to the charming villages of the Luberon massif, you will encounter a wonderful variety of architecture, sample one of the world's great cuisines, and marvel at cityscapes and landscapes that have inspired countless generations of artists.

Day 1 – Marseille | Aix-en-Provence

On arrival at the Marseille-Provence Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for the next three nights. A local representative will be present at a hospitality desk in the afternoon to welcome you and answer any questions you may have.

This evening, join fellow travelers for a welcome cocktail reception. Dinner is independent and at your leisure.

Day 2 – Aix-en-Provence

After breakfast, your introduction to Aix-en-Provence begins when you meet your leader in the lobby of the hotel and set off on foot for a guided tour. As you stroll through the charming streets, your expert guide will share stories and insights into the history of this beautiful city, showing you its remarkable architecture and bustling markets, and pointing out places closely associated with Aix's favorite son, Paul Cézanne. Discover the Cours Mirabeau, wander through the old Mazarin District, and marvel at the beauty of Saint-Sauveur Cathedral, with its multitude of contrasting architectural styles added through centuries of restoration and renovation.

At the end of the tour, the balance of the day is yours to explore on your own—to revisit favorite spots, sample the local cuisine, or simply relax and soak in the ambiance of this charming Provençal town.

Day 3 - Aix-en-Provence | Roussillon | Gordes

After breakfast at the hotel, travel north to Luberon, a plateau located about halfway between Aix-en-Provence and Avignon, a region replete with the magnificent landscapes for which the south of France is known—rolling hills of flowers and lavender dotted with quaint villages on virtually every mountain top. After about an hour and a half of travel through this scenic countryside, you will reach Roussillon, a village in the heart of one of the largest deposits of ochre in the world and whose buildings are painted in an amazing array of colors derived from the reddish pigment. Your guided tour of this charming town includes a walk along the "Ochre Trail" through a now-abandoned quarry, as well as a stroll through the streets of the village proper.

Next continue to Gordes, whose stone houses cascade down the hillside. Pause for a three-course Provençal lunch at a local restaurant, then enjoy free time to explore before returning to Aix in the late afternoon.

Return to your hotel in Aix-en-Provence in late afternoon, where the evening is at leisure to explore local dining options or simply unwind after a day filled with unforgettable experiences.

Day 4 - Aix-en-Provence | Château Saint Martin | Nice | Embarkation

After breakfast and check out, join your guide and driver for the journey south and east to the Riviera and your waiting ship. About an hour and a half into the drive, stop in the village of Taradeau for a guided tour of the cellars of the Château de Saint Martin and a tasting of their wines. Then, enjoy some time on your own to explore the Liquoristerie de Provence, dedicated to preserving the art of producing fine liqueurs from natural ingredients (flowers, fruits, herbs) rather than from artificial infusions, before enjoying a picnic lunch at the Château.

Rejoin your coach and driver for the onward journey through more of the Provençal countryside and along the Riviera, passing Cannes and Antibes to arrive at the pier in Nice, where you embark and set sail on your voyage.

Your hotel:
Located in the heart of the city, Renaissance Aix-en-Provence Hotel is a luxury property with beautifully appointed rooms and suites outfitted with all of the amenities you’d expect from a 5-star hotel. It has two pools, a fitness center and spa, and its two restaurants and lounge bar are known for their chefs' gourmet creations.

Your program includes:
3 nights at the Renaissance Aix-en-Provence Hotel (or similar)
Transfer and luggage handling from the airport to the hotel on the scheduled program arrival day
Transfer and luggage handling to the pier on embarkation day
Welcome cocktail reception on Day 1
Breakfast on days 2, 3, and 4
Lunch on Days 3 and 4
Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary
Local English-speaking guide
Gratuities for the drivers and local guides

Your program does not include:
Transfer from the airport to the hotel on any day other than the scheduled program arrival day
Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program

Please note:
It is imperative that your flight arrival details are communicated at least 60 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the airport to the hotel.
Early check-in and/or late check-out are available depending on availability and at a supplement.
An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please, contact reservations or your travel agent for further details.
The official currency is the Euro. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, shops, and restaurants.
The duration of the visits is given as a guide only, and the order of the visits may change.
This pre-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.
Program is offered on a space available basis and subject to change without notice.

Hotel contact information:
Renaissance Aix-en-Provence
256 Avenue de Pérouse
Aix-en-Provence
France, 13100
Telephone: +33 4-86 915 500