Avignon City of Popes and Wine Tasting Private Full Day Tour

If you’re visiting the South of France and craving a deeper dive into one of its most iconic spots, this Avignon private tour offers a mix of history, architecture, and, of course, wine. We haven’t taken this exact tour ourselves, but from what we’ve gathered, it provides a well-rounded experience that balances sightseeing with relaxing vineyard visits.

What really caught our attention are the stunning views of the Gothic and Renaissance architecture—particularly the Papal Palace—and the personalized nature of the tour. The flexibility to tailor the day to your interests, plus the chance to enjoy a local Provençal winery, makes it appealing for those who want more than just a standard sightseeing trip.

On the flip side, a possible consideration is the full day of travel and sightseeing—it’s a long 9-hour tour, so it might be tiring if you prefer shorter excursions or have young children. But if you’re a history buff or a wine lover, this tour could be a perfect fit, especially if you value the comfort of a private guide and customized pacing.

This experience is particularly suitable for travelers who enjoy immersive cultural encounters, want a flexible schedule, and appreciate combining history with tasting local wines. It’s ideal for those who prefer a more intimate, curated experience rather than large group tours.

Key Points

• Exclusive Private Experience: Tailored to your interests with a private driver and guide.
• Historic Highlights: See the impressive Papal Palace, a Gothic masterpiece that once housed the papacy.
• Wine Tasting: Visit a typical Provençal winery and sample local wines, with a stop at Chateau Sainte-Roseline.
• Flexibility: The tour can be customized to suit your schedule and preferences.
• Comfort & Convenience: Includes hotel pick-up and drop-off in Nice, with all tolls and parking fees covered.
• Duration: A full 9-hour day, perfect for a relaxed, in-depth exploration.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discovering Avignon: A City of Iconic Architecture and History

Avignon, often called the City of Popes, holds a special place in European history. During the 14th century, it was the seat of the Catholic church, and that period left behind a monumental legacy in the form of the Papal Palace. That’s the centerpiece of this tour—an absolute must-see for anyone interested in medieval history or architecture.

From the moment you arrive, you’ll appreciate the sheer scale of the Papal Palace. It’s said to be so large that four gothic cathedrals could fit inside. Standing in front of it, you can really grasp why Avignon was such a vital hub in Europe back in the day. The Gothic and Renaissance buildings around the city further add to its charm, making it a visually stunning place to explore.

The Papal Palace: The Heart of the Tour

The highlight for many visitors is guaranteed to be the Papal Palace. It’s a sprawling fortress and residence that exemplifies medieval Gothic architecture. According to reviews, the scale and grandeur are overwhelming in the best way—”You can’t comprehend the scale until you see it in real life,” one traveler shared. You’ll have free time here to wander at your own pace, soak up the history, and marvel at the intricate details of the stonework.

Walking Through a City Steeped in History

Aside from the palace, the city itself offers enough scenic streets and historic charm to satisfy any history lover. Expect plenty of photo opportunities and chances to stroll through charming squares that have been bustling for centuries. You might find it helpful to have some familiarity with the city’s past to fully appreciate the significance of what you’re seeing.

Lunch and Free Time in Avignon

After soaking in the sights, you’ll get some free time to enjoy lunch. While the tour doesn’t specify meals included, this is a chance to try local Provencal cuisine—think fresh ingredients, hearty dishes, or maybe a leisurely café meal. We recommend choosing a place with outdoor seating to continue enjoying the lovely atmosphere of the city.

More Great Tours Nearby

Visiting Chateau Sainte-Roseline and Tasting Local Wines

On your way back, the tour makes a stop at Chateau Sainte-Roseline, a 12th-century Roman chapel and winery. This is where you’ll get to taste some of the best wines Provence has to offer. The reviews highlight this stop as a definite highlight—”Getting to taste the local wines right at the source was a real treat,” one traveler said.

The winery’s history and architecture add to the experience, giving you a sense of local heritage while savoring a glass or two of excellent Provençal wine. If you’re a fan of wine, this is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the region’s viticulture and sample some varietals you might not find elsewhere.

The Flexibility of a Private Tour

One of the biggest perks of this experience is the private, customizable nature of the day. Unlike larger group tours, this allows you to decide what you want to see and do, within the 9-hour window. Whether you want more time at the palace, a longer wine tasting, or a quick walk around the city, your guide can adapt accordingly.

The private driver ensures comfort and convenience, especially since the tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off in Nice. The driving is smooth, with all tolls and parking fees covered, so you can relax and focus on the scenery.

The Price and What It Gets You

At $1,627 for up to 8 people, this tour averages about $200 per person—reasonable considering the exclusivity and the private nature of the experience. The cost covers the private driver, private guide, tolls, parking, and the stops at key sights, but food and drinks are not included. That means you’ll want to budget for lunch and additional wine tasting beyond the stop if desired.

In terms of value, for those who want a curated day without the hassle of planning, this can be quite worthwhile. The private aspect means fewer crowds and a more relaxed pace, which is often a big plus.

What Travelers Say

From reviews, we see that many appreciate the stunning views and the intimacy of the experience. One reviewer loved “the way the tour was tailored to our interests,” and another noted that “the palace was even more impressive than expected.” The fact that the tour can be customized is frequently highlighted as a major advantage.

Some mention that the full day can be a lot of travel, especially if you’re not used to long days on the road, but most agree it’s worth it for the depth of experience.

Final Thoughts

If you’re someone who loves history, architecture, and good wine, this private tour offers a well-balanced day that allows you to savor each aspect without rushing. The opportunity to explore Avignon’s iconic sites and enjoy a Provençal winery in a relaxed, personalized setting is a definite selling point.

The tour’s flexibility is particularly appealing—it’s a great way to make the most of your time in the South of France, especially if you prefer private, curated experiences over large group excursions. Just keep in mind that it’s a full day, so come prepared for a leisurely pace.

This experience is best suited for travelers who value comfort, customization, and a blend of cultural and gastronomic delights. If you’re after a mix of history, stunning scenery, and wine, this tour could become one of your favorite memories from the region.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
While the tour is primarily designed for adults interested in history and wine, it could be enjoyable for older children or teenagers who are curious about these topics. Keep in mind the long day and walking involved.

Does the tour include meals?
No, food and drinks are not included. You’ll have time to purchase lunch in Avignon if you wish, and the wine tasting at Chateau Sainte-Roseline is a separate stop.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, since it’s a private tour, your driver-guide can tailor the stops and pace to your preferences, focusing more on the sights or relaxing at the winery.

What’s the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 9 hours, including travel time, sightseeing, and tasting stops.

What should I bring?
Make sure to bring your passport or ID and comfortable walking shoes for exploring the city and the palace.

Is transportation included?
Yes, hotel pick-up and drop-off in Nice are included, along with tolls and parking fees.

If you’re after an enriching, personalized day exploring Avignon’s iconic sites and tasting local wines, this private tour offers a well-rounded experience that’s worth considering. Just be prepared for a full and leisurely day—perfect for those who want to absorb the charm and history of this historic city.

You can check availability for your dates here: