Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Picpoul, Mourvèdre, Clairette…are varieties of grapes grown in the Rhone Valley. These and other varieties go into the Côtes-du- Rhône and Côtes-du-Ventoux that you will be tasting. You'll soon learn about French wine lingo, a vernacular spoken by the men and women who work patiently, day after day, season after season, on making the "Nectar of the Gods." Terroir, vintage, acidity, growth, aroma, and color will become part of your every day vocabulary. Cycling on quiet secondary roads, you'll discover superb sceneries, sculpted by nature and improved by generations of wine-makers.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Avignon.
Check-in at your hotel. Visit of Avignon at your leisure. Meeting with our local representative to go over itinerary. Briefing and distribution of materials.
Day 2: Avignon - Orange (50 km or 31 miles with some climbs)
Today's itinerary will take you to the Gard department on the right bank of the Rhône River. You'll bike in and around the town of Tavel, quite famous for its beautiful rose wines. Later in the day, you'll cycle through the vineyards of Lirac, which produce red, white and rose wines which are highly appreciated in the region... then it's on to world-renowned Chateauneuf-du-Pape before reaching Orange famous for its Roman monuments. The Roman Theater and the Roman Arch are definitely worth the short walk from your hotel!
Day 3: Orange - Dentelles-de-Montmirail area (47 km or 29 miles)
Leaving Orange behind and traveling north, you will be cycling through the countryside, old villages and their castles, and of course... vineyards! It is a very picturesque ride. Of interest is Suze-la-Rousse where the "Université du Vin" is located. Overnight in the scenic "Dentelles de Montmirail" area.
Day 4: Rest or cycle through Dentelles-de-Montmirail area (36 km or 22 miles)
Rest, bike, or do both... It is your choice! Our loop will take you through the scenic "Dentelles of Montmirail," an area covered with pine trees, oak trees, and vineyards: : Vacqueyras, Gigondas, and Beaumes-de-Venise. You will then return to your hotel.
Day 5: Dentelles-de-Montmirail - Mont-Ventoux area (50 km or 31 miles)
Crossing the "Dentelles-de-Montmirail" on quiet roads, you'll reach Vaison-la-Romaine, France's largest archaelogical's site. Its Roman excavated sites should not be missed. You'll soon be cycling in the foothills of Mont Ventoux, the "Giant of Provence." This area is also home to the "Côtes du Ventoux" wine and where your hotel is located.
Day 6: Rest or cycle through the Côtes-du-Ventoux vineyards (55 km or 35 miles)
Our loop will take you in the heart of the Côtes-du-Ventoux" vineyards. Contrasting landscapes, perched villages-such as Venasque-and the towering Giant of Provence will fill your "visual appetite."
Day 7: Mont-Ventoux area - Avignon (65 km or 40 miles)
The return to Avignon follows a lovely itinerary that provides you with superb views, many small villages, pleasant stops by gurgling fountains, and shady cafes. Overnight in Avignon.
Day 8: Departure day
After breakfast, depart Avignon at the time of your choice
Member discount:
10% discount for InfoHub customer. Request a free gift certificate.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
2 options available:
Option A: 4 nights in 3-star hotels "of character," 3 nights in 2-star hotels. All 3-star properties have swimming pool. One of the hotels is an actual wine-making estate.
Option B: 2 nights in a 4-star hotel, 1 night in a 2-star hotel, 4 nights in 3-star hotels "of character. All but one have a swimming pool. One of the hotels is an actual wine-making estate.
Prices include:
- 7-night accommodations
- Daily breakfast
- 5 dinners (drinks are not included)
- Meeting with our local representative on arrival day
- Luggage transfer
- Detailed road-book
- All tax and service charges
Prices do not include:
- Lunches
- Drinks
- Travel insurance
- Expenses of personal nature
- Rental bikes. Hybrid bikes are available at the rate of 95 euros per bike
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
France
Bicycle Touring
Email it to a friend:
Click here to email this vacation to a friend
|
