Tour Overview
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Tour Dates: You may begin this tour on any day, but please note that bike pick-up and return
cannot occur on a Sunday. We ask that tour participants arrive at the tour's
starting point at least one day prior to Day 1 of their tour to avoid the impact
of possible travel delays. No activities are scheduled for this day. See Schedule for blackout dates and additional tour scheduling considerations.
Location: Located in the far southeast of France, Provence is known for its lovely
Mediterranean climate, fields of sunflowers, vineyards, the Impressionists, its Papal palace and Roman ruins. Though most people are somewhat familiar with this
region of France, few realize just how diverse are the many areas that comprise Provence, or how deeply rooted the region's history is in that of ancient Rome.
The tour begins in Avignon and ends in Arles, 3 - 4 hours from Paris' Charles de Gaulle Airport by
express train. Overnight destinations include 5 nights in Avignon and 3 nights in Arles.
Tour Type: Hub & Spoke Tour
Terrain: Easy
to moderately challenging. The terrain, like everything about this region, is diverse. While there are lots of
ups and downs on this tour (some challenging), you will also enjoy long, relatively flat stretches of effortless cycling.
Length: 7 days / 8 nights. Ride as many days as you like. Day trips include options for
adding distance and challenge. Day trips can also be shortened.
Distance: Choose from 7 day-trips ranging from 27 -
45 miles (44 - 73 km) in length.
Highlights:
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Roman ruins as impressive as those of Italy; particularly the grand aqueduct of the region, the
Pont du Gard, the magnificently preserved theater at Arles, and the Triumphal Arch and amphitheatre at Orange.
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The dramatic rise of the Alpilles Mountains and the perched village of Baux-de-Provence.
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The unique Mediterranean wetlands habitat of the Camargue.
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The sheer beauty of the Mediterranean landscapes and the play of light that so captivated
Impressionists like Van Gogh.
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An incredibly varied geography including mountain ranges, semi-arid garrigue,
rolling vineyards, and cliff-studded river valleys.
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Enjoy free wine tasting opportunities nearly everywhere along your route.
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Perched medieval villages bathed in the warm Provencal sun.
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The colorful city of Avignon with its medieval wall surrounding the city and its former Papal palace.
Pricing Details
Note: All prices are US dollars.
Adult Price - US $575.00 per person
Children age 16 or younger traveling with 2 adults - $250.00 per child
Discounts are available for parties of 5 or more adults.
The tour price includes:
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Tour Documentation: Route instructions, map, Pre-trip Preparation Guide, On-Road Quick Reference Guide, and Sights Guide.
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Bike Rental for 7 Days: Excellent quality
hybrid or mountain bike with handlebar bag, map carrier, cyclometer, water bottle cage, rear rack, lock, repair kit, and helmet. Optional pedal cages.
Road / racing bikes are available for a supplemental charge.
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Pick-up of your Rental Bike in Arles
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Baggage Transfer
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English-Speaking Support Staff
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Reservation of your Accommodations
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Shipping and Handling Charges for US customers
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Basic SAG Support Limited: If you choose not to cycle on one or more days due to weather, illness,
etc., AND you notify your Diverse Directions support representative in advance so that you and your bikes can be transported along with your luggage, no additional charges will apply.
The tour price does NOT include:
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Hotels: Because you are free to select from a wide range of hotels -- from charming and basic 2-star to
4-star luxury (where available) -- the cost of your hotel accommodations is not bundled into the tour package price. See our
Accommodations Options page for the price ranges of each category of hotel. A list of accommodations options for this tour, with website links, is available upon request.
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Meals: You are free to determine your own budget for meals. A wide variety of options are available --
from creating a picnic from provisions obtained at a boulangerie / patisserie, to dining at bistros and restaurants, or taking meals at your hotel (where
available.) Please note that breakfasts are NOT included in France hotel rates. However, hotels with restaurants often offer a demi-pension option, which
includes the cost of your room, breakfast, and dinner at a reasonable price.
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Transportation from your home to Avignon and from Arles to your home.
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Personal expenses
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Insurance
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Shipping and Handling Charges for non-US customers: A shipping & handling charge of US $15.00 will be added to tour orders made from outside the US.
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Expedited Shipping (all nations): If the shipment of tour materials must be expedited, the express mail charges will be added to the tour package price.
For Diverse Directions' payment terms, cancellation policy, and all terms & conditions, please see
Terms & Conditions.