Savoring the South of France with CC Fridlin

Tour Type:

Easy Exploring

Comfort Rating:

Casual/Premier

Activity Level:

Really Easy

Duration:

7 Days

Join CC Fridlin on a remarkable journey across the southeast of France!

Join us on this special private tour with CC Fridlin as we discover the best that Southern France has to offer, at one of the most exciting times of the year!

C.C. Fridlin is a culinary instructor and cookbook author residing in Huntsville, AL. Since 2001, C.C. Fridlin has been inviting home cooks into his kitchen and showing them how to elevate their cuisine. His relatable, easy-to-follow approach keeps demand for his classes high, which ultimately led him to create his first cookbook, Step by Step Italian: Recipes from CC’s Cooking Classes. His love for Italian food, culture and history started with his first trip to Italy after college graduation and has continued through multiple trips back through the years. Though he has always enjoyed a good meal, C.C. jump-started his professional culinary experience as an assistant at an Austin TX cooking school where he learned from a variety of leading chefs and cookbook authors. In addition to his own cooking classes, he also instructs at cooking schools in Alabama and Georgia. He is a member of the International Association of Culinary Professionals and has served as its Chair of the Cooking Schools and Teachers Interest Section.

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Day 1 - Bienvenue à Lyon

Plan to arrive in Lyon by midday today, and make your way to your gorgeous 4 Star hotel in the city center. Your Go Get Lost adventure starts in the late afternoon with an orientation meeting at the hotel, where you'll meet your Tour Leader and traveling companions. Afterwards you'll enjoy a walk to your Welcome dinner. Lyon is considered by many to be the food and wine capital of the world...or at least of France. There are hundreds of excellent restaurants here, and tonight we'll sit down to one of them for an extraordinary dinner! The French have elevated cuisine to an elite level...relax and enjoy.

Day 2 - Bienvenue à Lyon

After breakfast today you'll meet your Tour Leader and start your day with a walk through the old town of Lyon. Paris may be the most beautiful city in France, but Lyon is surely the city that characterizes French cuisine. As you stroll through the town you'll be introduced to many of the classic and typical foods of the region, along with some interesting specialties from the local Bouchon eateries such as cheeses, sausages and chocolates. At midday you're free for some time to stroll on your own, then we meet again in the afternoon for a private cooking class at one of Lyon's famed cooking schools. Afterwards you'll sit down to enjoy the fruits of your labor.

After dinner you're free to explore the city on your own. Wander the streets, discover some of the amazing nightlife Lyon has to offer, and try to get lost!

Day 3 - The Northern Rhone Valley

After our delicious French breakfast we'll check out of our hotel, board our private coach and relax for a scenic drive into the countryside south of Lyon. Here near Vienne we find one of France's smallest but most highly regarded wine regions, the Northern Rhone Valley. Possibly the oldest vineyard area of France, the grape terraces were painstakingly carved into the narrow, steep hillsides. Syrah is king here, especially in the Cote-Rotie region, but classic whites from the Viognier grape also figure prominently in the adjoining Condrieu region. We'll visit a smaller but highly regarded wine estate of the region, Domaine de Corps de Loup. We'll enjoy a tour of their production facilities, cellars, and of course a private tasting of their wines. Lunch will follow at a great location in the Tain-Hermitage area.

After lunch we'll have a scenic drive through the French countryside to one of the most famous chocolatiers in all the world...Valrhona. Their expertise is renown...chefs regularly make the pilgrimage here to hone the fine art of le chocolat. We're no different, and we'll have the maestros of chocolate lead us through a private wine and chocolate pairing class. After Valrhona we'll continue our way south through the famed Hermitage, Cornas and Saint-Joseph wine districts, as we continue on into the Drome Provencale region south of Montelimar, known for its beautiful landscape and picturesque villages. Here we'll find a wonderful family farm that produces amazing cheeses. We'll have a tour and visit, then have a chance to sample their products. Finally we'll board our coach and continue on to our home for the evening, a 4-star hotel in the countryside, complete with swimming pool.

This evening you are free for dinner, the hotel has an excellent restaurant so you don't have far to go. After dinner will be the perfect time to gather and relive the days events, perhaps over a bottle of amazing wine you picked up at the wine estate today!

Day 4 - Drome Provencal

We'll have a later morning start today as we head south down the Rhone Valley to explore the countryside of the Drome Provencal, considered to be the northern gateway to Provence. Like its famous neighbor, this region is full of ancient villages, lavender fields, orchards, olive groves, and of course vineyards! The temperate Mediterranean climate is perfect for the growing of grapes. Best of all, many tourists pass by this idyllic region on their way to more well-known destinations, so Drome Provencal still retains a peaceful and relaxed vibe. Along our route we'll stop at the lovely medieval village of Grignan to visit their stunning Renaissance castle.

After Grignan we'll enter the territory of the famed Chateuneuf du Pape, likely the most renown of all Rhone valley wine regions. The area has an unusual balance of terroire, mainly pebbled soil on the hills, but also with some sandy and safres soil, giving a very elegant finesse to the wine. With a good filtering during violent rain, with a lot of sun and cleaned by the wind, this is one of the best terroir in all of Europe. We'll stop at one of the smaller, family-run estates in the village for a wine tasting and a relaxed lunch. Later in the afternoon we'll drive to Avignon to one of their historic cooking schools that specializes in the gastronomical heritage of the Provencal region. Its resident chef and some of the region’s greatest chefs of Provence lead cooking & pastry classes for all culinary enthusiasts, from those looking for an introduction to the art of Provencal cooking to those wishing to enhance their knowledge of gastronomy. Of course the cooking experience will lead into dinner, with local wines matched to the dishes.

Later we'll check into our 4-star hotel in the city center.

Day 5 - Avignon

Capital of the Vaucluse and onetime seat of the Roman Popes, Avignon is known as a city of art, culture, theatre, and museums. Wandering in the compact center of Avignon is a treat, you'll walk along winding medieval streets fronted by tiny houses, and admire the large private mansions from the Renaissance. This morning we'll have a local guide to introduce us to Avignon and all its historic and interesting sites, including the Pope's Palace. Later we'll have time free for lunch and to explore a bit on our own. Later this afternoon we'll drive to the incredible Pont du Gard, the most famous Roman aqueduct in Southern France and an impressive first-century feat of engineering. We then kick back at one of the area's local wine producers for a tour and tasting. Later we'll return to Avignon in the afternoon, where you can relax and prepare for your free evening. Tonight is free to wander Avignon...you'll want to keep an eye out for the perfect dinner spot. Luckily there are plenty to choose from in this town, they range from family-run bistros to Michelin-starred restaurants.

Day 6 - Saint Remy de Provence

This morning we'll have a scenic drive to beautiful Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, a quintessential Provençal village that offers a perfect blend of history, culture, natural beauty, and local charm. Private mansions from the Renaissance and the 18th century, beautifully restored homes, chapels and convents line the winding streets of the historic center. You're free to wander the typical small-town Provencal streets here and check out the many shops. The afternoon will bring your last cooking class, this time in the home of a local chef. Authentic Provencal "home-cooking" dishes will provide yet another glimpse into the French way of life.

Later in the afternoon you'll arrive at your home for the next two nights, a stunning 5-star hotel and spa. Relax and enjoy!

Day 7 - Arles

After an exquisite French breakfast we'll board our private coach and move farther south down the valley to the beautiful town of Arles. Arles is most famous for its Roman amphitheater, still intact, and its connection with Van Gogh, who spent one of his final years here painting over 200 canvases. Its real appeal, however, is found in the lovely pedestrian promenades, the historic landmarks, museums and tranquil plazas, all of which make Arles one of the most charming places in Europe. We'll also have a chance to visit their famous Saturday market. Then we'll duck into one of Arles local cafes for a delicious lunch. The afternoon will find us at the amazing village of Les Baus-de-Provence. Perched in splendid isolation on top of a natural plateau, Les Baux-de-Provence has always offered its inhabitants the dual advantage of being able to observe the land all around and to protect themselves. This no doubt explains why the site has been continuously inhabited from prehistoric times to the present day.

Back at your resort in Saint Remy, you'll have time to relax around the pool before dinner. You'll gather later in the superb hotel restaurant for an excellent farewell dinner. No doubt there will be plenty of toasts. lots of laughing, eating, and of course, wine. Pictures are exchanged, adventures are re-lived, and memories are made of your wonderful time in southern France!

Day 8 - Au Revoir

After breakfast today your Go Get Lost tour will end. From Saint Remy you can arrange a private transfer to the airport in Marseille, about an hour away. Or nearby Avignon has a high-speed train connection to Paris...about 3 hours.

HOTELS

Due to availability at the time of booking, hotels listed may change to similar hotels

Lyon - 4 Star Hotel Carlton: Located in La Presqu'île, you'll fall in love with Hotel Carlton Lyon Mgallery, which combines authenticity and character with modern comfort and elegance. Unwind in one of its 80 stylish rooms, the Codage Spa or the plush settings of the hotel bar. The property is 5 minutes' walk from the Bellecour Metro station, and an ideal base for exploring Lyon, its opera house, museums and Saint-Jean Cathedral. Lyons' Presqu'île, located between the Rhone and Saone rivers, offers plenty of attractions for a stay in the city center. With museums, the Opera, theaters, shops, restaurants and authentic Lyons "bouchons," there is so much to do right by the hotel You can also enjoy a Lyonnaise breakfast, a Haute Couture massage or a cocktail in their cozy bar; lots of unforgettable experiences at the Hotel Carlton Lyon MGallery!

Grignan - 4 Star Hotel La Ferme Chapouton: It’s a storybook escape, a 1760-vintage farm that’s evolved into a splendid little hotel with 13 exquisite rooms, a plentiful supply of bucolic outdoor space, an award-winning bistro, and a clear view of the picturesque Château de Grignan and Mont Ventoux. The rooms are unique, and combine historical architecture with understated contemporary décor. In addition to the farm’s gardens, there’s a swimming pool for a break from the summer warmth. A stroll into the village takes just a minute or two, and restaurants are plentiful. Back at the farm, however, is a fine option: a bistro serving Michelin-rated traditional fare either in a dining room by the fireside or out on a terrace with a view.

Avignon - 4 Star Hotel De Cambis : Nestled in the shelter of the remarkably well-preserved medieval fortifications of the city of Avignon, the Hotel De Cambis offers the ideal accommodation from which to explore the City of Popes. During your stay, this ancient city in the south of France and its superb cultural and historical heritage will be yours to discover. Just take a few steps from the hotel to be immersed in the more than two-thousand-year history of Avignon and experience its artistic world, the official and unofficial facets of its famous festival of theatre and a wealth of other attractions before returning to the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the hotel. The Hotel De Cambis pays tribute to the unique identity of this region in various ways. As soon as you walk through the doors, you will be drawn into an artistic concept that revolves around the colours of wine, its sensations and emotions. When you accept the charming hospitality of the Hotel De Cambis, you will give yourself over to a whole French art de vivre and will have only one desire: to drink deep of the experience.

Saint Remy - 5 Star Le Vallon de Valrugues : This property is a luxury 5-star hotel with spa and gourmet restaurant in the natural park of the Alpilles massif in the heart of Provence. Featuring indoor and outdoor heated swimming pools, this legendary 5-star hotel has 65 rooms, a gourmet restaurant, and a luxury spa offering massages and natural treatments.

• 6 Nights, Double Occupancy at listed hotels (or similar)
• 7 Breakfasts
• 5 Lunches
• 5 Dinners (all group meals include water and local wine)
• 3 Cooking Classes
• 3 Wine tours and tastings
• Food tour (walking) in Lyon

'

• Entrance fees for Popes Palace, Pont d'Avignon, Amphitheater of Arles, Le Baux Castle
• Class at Valrhona Chocolate Factory
• Visit to cheese maker
• All transportation once the tour starts
• All listed activities, tours, visits, as per itinerary
• Porterage in hotels
• All tips for local guides, drivers and restaurant staff...EXCEPT for your primary local Tour Leader
• Go Get Lost local Tour Leader for the entire tour

• Meals not specified in itinerary
• Beverages at meals unless specified in itinerary (all group meals include water and local wine)
• Trip Cancellation/Interruption and Medical Insurance (strongly recommended), call for details
• Single supplement charge
• Items of a personal nature; phone calls, laundry, etc.
• Arrival and departure transfers
• International airfare, tour begins in the morning in Lyon, France on Day 1, and ends after breakfast at the hotel in Avignon, France on the morning of Day 8
• Tip for your primary local Tour Leader
• Any costs associated with options or free time