"Slowly in the morning and not too fast in the afternoon" is a saying in the South of France. When you're never far from a delicious Côtes du Lubéron or Catalan wine, an exquisite meal and intoxicating scenery, they're easy words to live by. So feel free to stop, sample and savor. Wander leisurely in Provence, through the countryside and within the ramparts of medieval villages perchés. Marvel at Costa Brava's white-sand beaches and brilliant Mediterranean waters. Linger in artisanal shops, sip a pastis and sample delectable cuisine. And enjoy the magic of two sun-soaked lands at two blissful speeds. Slowly and not too fast.
Day 1 Walk in the wild and ruggedly beautiful Lubéron Valley,
land of honey, lavender and cherries 
Spectacular scenery surrounds you - the views of Mont Ventoux, a favorite subject of Paul Cézanne, are especially memorable.
Day 2 A private tasting of the best local vintages
Explore the picture-book streets of hilltop Bonnieux with a local guide 
Hike the wooded rolling hills and craggy cliffs of the Grand Lubéron range The ruins of medieval Fort de Buoux, perched on a high plateau, invite exploration.
Day 3 Amble through a landscape of limestone hills, olive orchards and vineyards
Cross a Roman-built bridge to Roussillon Follow Grand Randonnée trails past wheat fields and a truffle farm It's a hearty climb to the perched village of Gordes Partake in a private wine tasting at a family-run domaine.
Day 4 Discover the charming and thriving artists' haven of St-Rémy
Smell the lavender, sample the olives, taste the wine and enjoy this town at its vibrant best on market day Travel to the Costa Brava by private coach.
Days 5-6 Walk Spain's ancient Camí de Ronda, which connect Costa Brava's secluded coves
Find your bliss amid this incredible setting of plunging cliffs and white-sand beaches Ascend to a promontory offering glorious views of the sea.
Trip Highlights
- Walk in the wild and ruggedly beautiful Lubéron Valley
- Private tasting of the best local vintages
- A landscape of limestone hills, olive orchards and vineyards
- Discover the charming and thriving artists' haven of St-Rémy
- Hike from one secluded cove to another on Costa Brava's ancient Camí de Ronda
Casual Inns
Le Roy Soleil (2 nights): You are sure to feel connected to nature at this lovely hotel nestled in the Lubéron Valley. (pool, spa)
Hotel Le Gordos (1 night): A welcoming hotel set within the centuries-old rock walls of a Provençal country home, just outside the center of Gordes. (pool)
Hotel Sant Roc (2 nights): Splendid views are yours to admire at this hotel, perched magnificently above the Mediterranean in the heart of Costa Brava.
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of
interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one
day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat
from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each
day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Daily Route Options | ||||||||||
| Day | EASYGOING | ACTIVE | AVID | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 | ||||||
| miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | |
| 1 | 5.3* | 500 | ||||||||
| 2 | 4.7* | 300 | 7.0* | 400 | 7.5* | 700 | ||||
| 3 | 3.7* | 300 | 7.5* | 500 | 10.2 | 1000 | ||||
| 4 | 2.0 | 400 | ||||||||
| Provençal market day in St-Rémy | ||||||||||
| 5 | 4.0* | 1000 | 6.5* | 1800 | 8.4* | 2500 | ||||
| 6 | 3.7* | 200 | 5.1 | 500 | ||||||
* Includes a shuttle
2013 Dates & Pricing*
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 5/26-31 Price: $3698 pp dbl. occ., (+ $710 for sgl. occ.)
- 6/16-21 Price: $3698 pp dbl. occ., (+ $710 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/14-19 Price: $3598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $710 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/18-23 Price: $3598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $710 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/8-13 Price: $3598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $710 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/15-20 Price: $3598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $710 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/29-10/4 Price: $3698 pp dbl. occ., (+ $710 for sgl. occ.)
- 10/6-11 Price: $3598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $710 for sgl. occ.)
- 10/13-18 Price: $3398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $710 for sgl. occ.)
- 10/20-25 Price: $3398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $710 for sgl. occ.)
*Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Guest Trip Reviews
My whole life is changed because of this experience. I've just been home for an hour or so, and have already emailed everyone I know to tell them to get on the Backroads website to book a trip.- Chicago, IL
This was my first experience with Backroads and it exceeded my expectations by a mile! I loved every aspect of this trip; the attention to detail, the route, food and above all the two leaders who were exceptional! You guys rock! What a wonderful experience. Professional, enriching and challenging all at the same time.- Toronto, Canada
The hiking, dining, accommodations, leaders and the luck of some great fellow travelers made this trip as close to perfect as one could imagine. From the first meeting in Avignon to the drop off in Barcelona I was so glad I booked. I've already started thumbing through the on-line catalogue for my next adventure.- Voorhees, NJ