Mediterranean Marvels & Matches

Travel by motor coach to the town of Collioure to discover Fauvism. Follow your guide in the footsteps of two French expressionist painters, Matisse and Derain, who lived and painted in this small fishing village. Henri Matisse and André Derain drew inspiration from Gauguin and Van Gogh. It was not Gauguin’s subjects, but his color, that pointed to the future. Gauguin believed that color could act like words, and that it held an exact counterpart for every emotion, every nuance of feeling. You will get a feel for these artists’ paintings in the exact places where they got their inspiration. You will be charmed by the bloom of colors, the light and the scenic landscapes of this village. Fauvism was an early 20th-century art movement characterized by its explosion of color and a break with the traditional academic painting that preceded it. After your guided tour, you will have somef ree time to enjoy a leisurely to stroll among the local shops, cafés and numerous art galleries before driving back to Port Vendres.

Once a sleepy fishing village, St Tropez was catapulted onto the world stage in the 1950s by screen legends such Brigitte Bardot and Sacha Distel. Their endorsement turned it into the chic capital of the French Riviera and these days it’s home to many a film star and fashionista. There are now far more luxury yachts than fishing boats moored in the beautiful harbor.

Enjoy a 90-minute panoramic drive from the port to St Tropez by comfortable air-conditioned motorcoach. Upon arrival, disembark the coach and walk with your guide along the waterfront and through the old streets. Check out the pink and yellow houses, many of which have been converted into fashionable cafés and patisseries. You’ll also seePlace des Lices, a favorite summertime pétanque spot for celebs. Make the most of around two hours of free time for a little retail therapy or a laid-back lunch (at your own expense).

Later on, you’ll visit charming Port Grimaud — also known as the Little Venice of France. This unique resort town looks like a traditional Mediterranean fishing village while, in fact, it’s a modern complex of luxury villas and houses linked by a network of canals, neat little bridges and narrow alleyways.

Please note: Lunch is not included. You will have time to purchase lunch at your own expense during the tour. Shopping is limited in villages outside of the main touristic season.

A short panoramic drivefrom St Tropez allows you to experience the beauty and contrast of modern Port Grimaud and medieval Grimaud village.

First, visit a village of unique charm. Port Grimaud was designed by the famous architect François Spoerry. It looks like an old Mediterranean fishing village, but Port Grimaud is a modern complex of luxury houses, fully equipped marinas, and seven miles of meandering quays. Embarking a water taxi, take a pleasant cruise through the wandering canals of this lively village. Passing pastel houses, alleys, bridges, and tiny squares, you’ll come to understand Port Grimaud’s nickname — ‘the little Venice of Provence’.

Proceed through the countryside and up to Grimaud, a ‘perched’ village. After a short uphill walk, admire the quaint and rustic dwellings as you stroll towards the center of the village along a lane that leads to a monumental fountain. The village of Grimaud has a long history, beginning in the Gallo-Roman era. Situated on a high hill and dominating over the Gulf of St Tropez, the village’s steep summit drew the attention of strategists in the 11th century as the site afforded control over access from the north and the south. Enjoy somefree time to browse among the winding alleyways alive with local craftsmen and tiny stores.

Please note: Shopping is limited in villages outside of the main touristic season.

Discover the Côtes de Provence on this delightful excursion into the wine country of southern France.

From St Raphael you will transfer one hour to La Maison des Vins — the House of Wines — in Les Arcs. The latter is the capital of the Côtes de Provence wines. The Maison is located on the ground floor of a new, traditionally styled building with a soft-yellow stucco exterior, a wide stone terrace in the front and a lovely reflecting pool and fountain. The large tasting room features an attractive wall of wines, with each bottle lit from behind to emphasize the different colors.

A wine specialistwelcomes you into a designated room and provides a precise description of the Côtes de Provence appellation. Learn about the history, geography, and production of the wines, as well as how to serve, evaluate, analyze, taste, and enjoy the varieties. Following your introduction, enjoy a sample of some of the delicious wines accompanied by bread or crackers. Time is afforded for you to explore the Maison, or perhaps you may wish to acquire your own private stock from the expansive collection.

Next, you’ll stop en route at Domaine de Saint Martin in Taradeau. This elegant chateau has a distinguished history dating back to the 18th century. The castle still belongs to the original family and is renowned in Provence for its exceptional cultural and architectural heritage.

Please note: Minimum age is 18 years.

The Ligurian coast between Cinque Terre and Portovenere is a cultural landscape of great scenic and cultural value. The layout and disposition of the small towns and the shaping of the surrounding landscape, overcoming the disadvantages of a steep, uneven terrain, encapsulate the continuous history of human settlement in this region over the past millennium. The Ligurian coast between Cinque Terre and Portovenere is a cultural landscape of great scenic and cultural value. The layout and disposition of the small towns and the shaping of the surrounding landscape, overcoming the disadvantages of a steep, uneven terrain, encapsulate the continuous history of human settlement in this region over the past millennium.

Situated on the westernmost point of the Gulf of La Spezia, Portovenere is an ancient 12th-century town of tall, colorful houses lining the harbor and stretching up the hillside.

Discover the many charms of Portovenere with today’swalking tour — few areas in Italy, or even in Europe, can boast such breathtaking scenery and clear water.

Along the way, you’ll pass under an ancient arch to enter Caruggio and view the Church of St Peter, the castle and cemetery. At the end of the quay, the town’s buildings are built in the Genovese-Gothic style of banded black-and-white marble.

Pause to enjoy a taste of local wines before returning to the pier.

Please note: Shade is limited; please dress accordingly. Bring a hat and wear sunscreen. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Some shops close over lunchtime — 1pm to 4pm.