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Discovery Tour: Roman Provence - A Culinary and Cultural Journey

March 23 - April 2, 2026

Trip Leader - Deirdre Butler | In-country Expert - Valerie Pellegrin

Welcome to Provence, Provincia Romana, the Roman Province or Le Midi as we call it here.

Provence is a place rich in history, traditions, sun soaked countryside carpeted with vineyards, perfumed with garlic and truffles, noble cities and picturesque villages, colorful markets and fine cuisine. This journey goes beyond visiting beautiful places and monuments. It is also about experiencing the art of living life, with pleasure and enjoyment, through gathering, excellent food and beautiful surroundings, to taste a culture and to understand it.

“I think food, culture, people and landscape are absolutely inseparable.” Anthony Bourdain

This voyage is based in Nîmes and Arles in the heart of Provence. Both cities have never forgotten the days of glory when they were a flourishing Roman metropolis. They now embrace their heritage as flourishing hubs for the arts.  We explore the region in depth with all our senses to grasp the essence of this continuous and contagious source of inspiration. 

Come be inspired!

This trip is designed for the moderately active walker, with walking distances of between 3-4 miles. Agility is needed for train travel and navigating the stairs in hotels without elevators. One day includes an e-bike ride of ~ 10 miles (you have the option to ride the bus instead). Packing light is highly recommended. 

The trip starts and ends in different locations. Getting to our starting point in Nîmes is each participant’s responsibility. The trip ends in Arles. Additional information regarding in-country travel will be provided to registered trip participants.

Click here - Detailed Trip Itinerary

What's Included:

• Accommodations in centrally located hotels with shared twin/double occupancy en suite rooms  (single supplements are limited)

• All on-trip transportation

• All breakfasts, 1 lunch and 8 dinners paired with wine per the itinerary. Vegetarian and gluten-free diets can be accommodated though the choices will be limited. French cuisine includes meat, fish, eggs and dairy and thus is likely unsuitable for vegan diets.

  • Farewell dinner of a five course gastronomic tasting menu with regional wine-pairing

• Entrance fees and visits in Nîmes and Arles including the Musée de la Romanité, Musée du Vieux Nîmes, Jardin de la Fontaine, Magne Tower, L'Expo de Ouf, Parc naturel régional de Camargue, Château des Baux, Les Carrières des Lumières, Musée Departemental de l'Antiquité, La Tour Luma,  Aigues Mortes, Constance Tower

• UNESCO World Heritage sites: Nîmes Amphitheatre, Maison Carrée, Pont du Gard, Arles Amphitheatre, Musée Arlaten, Cryptoportico, St. Trophime's Cloister & Church, Constantine's Thermal Baths,  Les Alyscamps, Tower des Morgues,

• Private class in the Art of Provençal Cuisine

• Oenology class with a trained sommelier

• Olive oil tasting and tour of the olive orchards

• Wine tasting and tour of the vineyards 

• Guided cheese tasting 

• Gratuities for local service providers

• Pre - trip bulletins prior to departure with more detailed and specific information to help you prepare for your tour

What's Not Included:

• International airfare and in-country travel, pre- and post- trip

• 8 lunches, 2 dinners

• Additional beverages with meals

• Personal expenses

• Travel insurance

• Tips for trip  staff at your discretion

Trip Dates:   March 23 - April 2, 2026 | 11 days 

Small group size - 12

Trip Price : $5,499 per person

Single supplement: $750

Deposit: $700  per person**

Balance to be paid by November 28th, 2025. You will be sent a reminder.

** Deposit is nonrefundable. 

1. Price is based on double/ twin occupancy of rooms. Your non-refundable deposit will hold your reservation.  

2. Traveling solo? Sign-up early to allow us to pair you with a same gender roommate. In the event there is no roommate available, 50% of the single supplement fee is applicable. 

3. Please note: Guests coming alone who use a CPAP or know they snore are required to book a Single room.

4. Pay on line (credit/ debit cards accepted) using our secure PayPal payment system. 

5. Payment can also be made via personal check payable to “Big Round World” and mail to: PO Box 1337, Lyons, CO 80540.

How to Sign Up

6. Pay your trip deposit.

7.  Send us your trip paperwork