Your journey begins this afternoon in Avignon. This walled city can be easily and efficiently reached by rail. Should you be flying internationally before your trip commences Paris and Nice are both convenient gateways. From Paris' Gare de Lyon or from Nice you can board a fast train (TGV) and disembark just under three hours later in Avignon. From Nice it is less than a two and a half hour journey. There is also an ever increasing number of 'budget,' airlines operating from within Europe into cities nearby Avignon that may be convenient and cost effective. At time of writing RyanAir had many departures into the city of Nimes (c. 40km from Avignon) from the United Kingdom and Brussels or an extensive network of arrivals into Marseille (c. 75kms to the South East) from multiple points across Europe and Great Britain. A rail journey from these two gateway cities will be approximately 30 minutes from Nimes or 40 minutes from Marseille with many departures daily. Whilst at your discretion, Peregrine recommends arriving/ departing by train where possible within Europe due to this method of transports minimal carbon emissions. This cultural city was the seat of the Papacy (seven popes resided here) for almost 70 years in the 14th Century. A place of history and of theatre, this fortified city will not leave you unmoved. We recommend you take the time to visit the 'Palais des Papes,' with walls 18-feet thick rendering it all but impregnable to attack! Make sure to include an evening visit too - it is even more impressive when floodlit. Extra nights accommodation can be booked in Avignon for those wishing to fully explore this great city. Please make your own way to the joining hotel which is centrally located within the walls of the city (further details are in your travel documents). In the evening we meet our tour leader and our fellow travelling companions at a Welcome Meeting (this is usually at 6pm, but you will be advised as to the exact time and place on a notice, placed near the reception of our hotel), where our leader will give us a briefing on what lies ahead on our tour.

After breakfast, we transfer from Avignon to Bonnieux by private taxi (45 min). Nestled in the heart of the Luberon mountains, the village of Bonnieux is crowned by its 12th century church, with far-reaching views of the plains, of the Rhône valley, and of the medieval villages that dot the landscapes. From Bonnieux we set off by foot, along quiet lanes that pass old stone homes. Our first Provençal picnic will be held hidden away in a borie – a centuries-old dry stone hut that protects from the summer sun and winter chill. We continue on trails through the lavender fields and truffle oak plantations, and soon our hotel comes into view from high above a cliff: the Auberge des Seguins, a 16th century renovated goat farm hidden along the Aiguebrun river, our base for the next three nights. No need to rappel down to the hotel: we find an ancient cobbled mule track that winds down to the base of the cliff. (45 min transfer; 4 hours walking).

This morning we journey from the auberge to Gordes by private taxi (30 minutes). Gordes is a picture-perfect village clinging to the southern face of the high Vaucluse Plateau. Here old stone buildings stand in orderly terraces atop fawn-coloured cliffs; cobblestone lanes lead to shady squares and relaxing cafés and all the while a massive 16th century castle keeps watch over all beneath her. Keep plenty of film aside and have your camera batteries fully charged as impressive Gordes and its multitude of scenic, architectural and cultural allures will not disappoint. It’s market day in Gordes, and before setting off for our walk we can stroll through the markets stalls and pick up our picnic fare. Our circular walk takes us to the incredible Abbaye de Sénanque, a 12th-century abbey situated in the Sénancole Valley amid oak groves and lavender fields, a fine example of primitive Cistercian architecture and even today inhabited by a community of Cistercian monks. Returning to Gordes, we have a short transfer back to the Auberge des Seguins, where you can take an inviting swim in the pool. (4 hours walking)

A day of history and beautiful landscapes awaits us today as we walk the Buoux Gorge to Sivergues - a tiny village of 39 inhabitants snuggled up on a cliff overhanging the Aiguebrun valley. Lost in the Luberon hills, the village is not on the way to anywhere; put quite simply you go to Sivergues for Sivergues. After exploring, we walk back along the Aiguebrun river bed, the only permanent river of the Luberon Mountains, where you’ll find a large stone basin with very clear water which served as a reservoir for the region's drinking water. Along our walk the river valley's walls are bespeckled with caves. Some of these caves were so called 'cave-dweller's,' settlements. We enjoy your picnic along the trail. Before the day’s end we will visit the splendid hilltop ruins of Buoux Fort, at the top of the rocky spur, which served as a refuge for the local population during the Wars of Religion. In 1660, King Louis the 14th ordered the fort's destruction and from this date, the nearby village abandoned its defensive vocation. In the grounds of the Fort you can discover pieces of the rampart and walls of the chapel, which are all that survive of the fortress today. (5 hours walking)

This morning we journey from the Auberge des Seguins to the tiny village of Le Crestet by private taxi (one hour). After 3 days of climbing up and down the trails of the Luberon mountains, today will seem like a stroll in the park, and a good rest before a possible ascension of Mont Ventoux tomorrow! After visiting the narrow cobbled streets of the village, we find a winding, earthen track that makes its way slowly to the lively town of Vaison la Romaine, your home for the next three nights. Vaison-la-Romaine is nestled along the banks of the Ouvèze River. Resting on the former site of the ancient Roman city of Vasio Vocontiorum, Vaison-la-Romaine is perhaps best known for its wealth of ruins dating back to the 2nd century. The centre of town, the Haute-Ville, is crowned by the ruins of a medieval castle and lined with old stone houses, chic boutiques and artists’ studios. Discover (with your guide’s suggestions) Vaison’s Gallo-Roman remains, spread over several sites. Take time to explore the remains of Roman villas, thermal baths, mosaics and a restored amphitheatre, where you can imagine yourself sitting in an amphitheatre among 6000 spectators during the first century and you will relive the comedies, mimes and pantomimes of the era. (2.5 hours walking)

Though today is a rest day, and there’s plenty to see and do in Vaison, you have an option to climb the 1912m summit of Provence: Mont Ventoux. Though the mountain is more famous for its Tour de France appearances, Mont Ventoux is laced with some of the most breathtaking walking paths in the region, leading right to the summit. Here Alpine flowers and mountain goats replace the Mediterranean ambiance at the foot of the mountain, while the views from the top extend to the entire chain of the Alps, including Mont Blanc. Your trusty guide is included for the option, but the 30 minute taxi transfer to and from the start of the walk is not included (many walking options, from 2 hours +)

It’s our last day of walking, and we’ve chosen a picturesque walk through wine country, linking the villages of Séguret and Gigondas. A short transfer by private taxi (15 minutes) leads to Séguret, listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Its quiet cobbled streets are lined with ancient homes, wash basins and fountains, while you look out to the sea of vines that carpets the Rhône valley. You follow farming tracks and back roads through the countryside, and among reputed vineyards. Nearing the town of Gigondas the vines become old and gnarled, diplaying the bunches of Grenache and Syrah that will be used to make a wine second only to Chateauneuf du Pape. The stone homes of Gigondas rise to its impressive church, from where you overlook the entire Rhône valley, while the local cellars are an invitation for wine tasting at the end of the walk. A short transfer (20 minutes) by private taxi leads back to Vaison la Romaine (4 hours walking)

Our journey ends today after breakfast. You will be transferred back Avignon or alternatively, to Avignon TGV for departure. Please do not book onward travel for before 11am. Au revoir