You will be immersed in the heart and culture of Provence. The region has captivated artists with its golden sun light and enticing fragrances. Your equestrian vacation will be dedicated to riding through the landscapes painted by Cezanne and renowned by Peter Mayle, visits to medieval villages and savoring Mediterranean food and wine.

ITINERARY:

Day 1: Sunday
You will be transferred from the airport or train station to the “Mas de Recaute” your lovely French farm home. Your ride’s agenda will be discussed with your fellow riders over aperitifs in front of the fire place and dinner at the host’s table.

Day 2: Monday
In the morning, you will become acquainted with your equine partner through a ride in the vineyards surrounding the farm. After lunch, you will ride across the rolling Luberon hills dotted with white oaks, olive and almond trees. Your evening will include a sumptuous French dinner and the showing of the movies “Jean de Florette” and “Manon des Sources.” Both were filmed in the very area you had just ridden.

Day 3: Tuesday
You will follow in the footsteps of Cezanne by minibus. A visit to his most famous subjects in the Monagne Sainte-Victoire and his work studio is planned. You will then spend the rest of your morning in the famous Aix-en-Provence street market - the best place to buy local products and local crafts! You will be free to have lunch in one of the numerous cafés in Aix before your return to the farm. An optional ride in the afternoon is yours to enjoy the quintessential Provence herbs - thyme, rosemary, savory sage, and wild lavender.

Day 4: Wednesday
Your horse will carry you to the Durance river bank for a lovely picnic lunch with aperitif, cheeses, salads, savory pies, and regional wines. Riding down the hills, you will view the Durance valley and take a glimpse of the village of Lauris perched on a cliff. The afternoon ride will be easy through the fertile landscape which produces the world’s finest asparagus, olives, truffles, almonds, cherries, apricots, melons…the Provence treasures!

Day 5: Thursday
This morning is dedicated to the discovery of all the local produce. Seated around the fireplace with your fellow riders, you will sample olive oil, honey and grilled chestnuts If you choose, you can participate in the preparations of a traditional Provence lunch which features a delicious truffle omelette. The afternoon provides a riding ascent to the crests of the Luberon with a spectacular view of the stoic limestone cliffs overlooking the valley. A path in a cedar forest will lead you back to the farm.

Day 6: Friday
Today you will visit medieval villages of Lauris and Lourmarin. This is the home of Peter Mayle, author of “A Year in Provence.” In the afternoon, you will ride to the Cotes du Luberon winery. This little family cellar has been promoted by Robert Parker, the famous American wine critic. Your final ride will be through fragrant pine forests to end your day with dinner at the farm.

Day 7: Saturday
After breakfast, you will be transported to the train station or airport.

DETAILS:
Dates: 2010 - Jan. 3 – 9, Jan. 10 – 16, Jan. 17 – 23, Jan. 24-30, Jan.31 – Feb. 6, Feb. 7 – 13, Feb. 14 – 20, Feb. 21-27, Feb. 28-March 6, March 7–13, March 14-20, March 21– 27
Riding Days: 5 ½
Meeting Point: Aix en Provence train station or Marseille airport
Riding Ability: walk, trot, canter
Horses: French bred and Arab crosses
Group Size: 2 – 10
Saddles: Randoval
Accommodations: 2(WH) French guest house
Price: $1,474 per person, double
$219 single supplement                                                                                                                           $1,789 per person double – upgraded accommodations
$ 365 single supplement

*Prices are quoted in U.S. dollars but are billed in Euros. A currency adjustment will be made at your final booking.

Includes: 6 nights guesthouse accommodations, horse, guides, all meals except Tuesday lunch, transfers from train station or airport, taxes.

Not included: Airfare, additional drinks, entry to Cezanne’s work studio, Tuesday lunch