“Hi, it's us, Georgina, Britta, and Lee Ling”
Collioure Château Royal, photo by Robert licensed under CC BY 2.0 
Collioure by Jorge Franganillo licensed by BY CC 2.0
We will stroll along the seaside walkways in the storybook village of Collioure, whose pastel-coloured homes and vibrant Mediterranean waters have inspired countless artists and poets. It is here that we will find the 13th century Collioure Château Royal (pictured in the intro above).
Sunset illuminating the east wall by the Castle by Carcassonne licensed by CC BY-SA 2.0
We will have some time to wander along the ancient streets as we explore one of Europe's most iconic fortresses. Carcassone is a medieval fortified city constructed between the 13th and 14th centuries with the original structures dating as far back as the Roman period. Although the 53 towers and barbicans are picturesque - they have a utilitarian past - they were built for defending against siege engines during the often violent medieval era.
Waterfront houses along Nice by Robbie Shade licensed by BY CC 2.0
Delight in the classic French Rivera lifestyle of sunshine and Mediterranean views. We will visit the world-famous cities of Nice, Cannes and Monte Carlo (Monaco). Home to billionaires and celebrities, these cities have the classic scenery of the French Rivera; turquoise water, pastel-coloured buildings, sea-side boardwalks, palm trees and expensive yachts.
Visit the residence of Vincent Van Gogh - the post-impressionist painter who is among the most famous and influential figures in Western art. Although originally from Holland, he lived in Saint-Remy-de-Provence while painting some of his most famous paintings, including the iconic 'The Starry Night' (shown above).
Food sold in Avignon by Casal Partiu licensed by CC BY-SA 2.0
We will explore French cuisine with a tour of the food markets in Avignon followed by a hands-on cooking class in a private kitchen. We will then have lunch in a 13th-century cellar kitchen, We will also taste wine just a few kilometers from where it was made - alongside a personal sommelier who can help us explore the flavors.
The Mediterranean coast in France We will explore the coastline on the Cote D'Azure with scenic drives and a hike along the picturesque walking trails of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. This stretch of coastline is home to towering vineyards, olive groves, and lavender fields and its quiet beauty has attracted people for millennia.
We will enjoy a wine tasting tour of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, one of the premier wine growing regions in France. The specially cultivated varieties of grapes combined with altitude, plentiful sun, and unique soil make this one of the most productive wine-growing regions in France. Although this wine is exported worldwide - it is an extra special experience to taste is mere kilometers from where it was grown and fermented.
Like Van Gogh, Cézanne was a prominent post-impressionist painter from the late 19th century, His work was revolutionary at the time and he went on to inspire other notable french painters such as Matisse and Picasso. We will explore the city that was his home, Aix-en-Provence.
Avignon, Palais des Papes by Jean-Marc Rosier licensed by CC BY-SA 3.0
Most people know that the pope lives in the Vatican in Rome, but few people know that for 100 years the pope resided in Avignon, France. The grandiose 13th-century fortress was the site of several important historical events - and we will have the privilege to wander its halls and courtyards. The building is still mostly intact and offers a glimpse into medieval daily lives.
Perfume Stills in the Perfume Museum in Grasse, France by Dennis Jarvis licensed by CC BY-SA 2.0
It is not just the sights of the region that are memorable - but also the smells. The unique micro-climate around the city of Grasse means that a number of aromatic plants grow here. Learn how over centuries perfume masters have learned to create alluring scents in the UNESCO World Perfume Capital of Grasse.
I had a amazing trip with a group of friendly and warm tour mates. Carly was such an assuring tour leader. Excellent and safe Vietnamese driver, Jerry. well spoken English Vietnamese guide Tommy. I enjoyed myself very much and look forward for another trip!
Excellent short trip with beautiful verdant countryside and charming local tribal people not corrupted by tourism yet . Be prepared for long drive on narrow winding mountain roads.
Best trip ever ! Everyone laughed and enjoyed the hols as if we have known each other all our lives instead of meeting for the first time ! Everyone kept their cool when faced with an unforseen delay . The scenery at Ha Giang is simply superb . There are so many small towns within the mountains with... Read more
Georgina was great in: 1) giving reminders so that people can un-RSVP for others on wait list to get a spot. 2) giving clear instructions, photos, links on how to get to the meeting point, 3)explaining why everyone had to be on time and what the program is expected to be and when it might end. ... Read more
My wife, son and I never regret of signing up this trip. My 8 year old son enjoyed the walk on the rocky beach. Best moment of the walk was that we came closed to the corals, crabs ???? and ???? shrimps. Thank you threeplaygrounds!
