Planning a trip to Provence for late May 2026, AHI travel has an 8d/7 night trip called “Pleasures of Provence” that includes the local UNESCO sites and many of the highlights of the area, numerous unique experiences like wine tasting and truffle hunting, plus is based out of one hotel in Aix en Provence (unpack once! Yay!). I have never traveled with this company, but they do many universities’ alumni tours and I know several people who have used them and recommend them. They are more culturally centered like RS tours, have max of 28 guests. Tentative plan is to fly into Nice , arriving very early morning, spend 2 days there and surrounding towns (like Eze and Cap Ferrat peninsula) to the east via train/public transport or Uber. I have no interest in going to the casinos in Monte Carlo.
Then rent a car and drive up to Verdon Gorge for the sites and some hiking. End up at a golf resort that night for 2 nights, as both hubby and I are big golfers (we will rent golf clubs) and love the experience of European golf courses (played both in Ireland and Sicily before and after RS tours, in Scotland and recently in Belgium). Then drive to Aix en Provence where we will return the car and begin the AHI portion of the trip. Depart from Marseille via transfer with the travel company.
Any suggestions for other activities, comments on AHI, or recommendations for things to do/see/eat? Thanks!
Posted by
Juneau
9 posts
I've taken many AHI trips, including this one. I also just spent three weeks in Aix through Smithsonian Travel, and AHI ran the actual trip. If the one-week still stays at the Roi Rene you are in for a real treat. It's a beautiful hotel, and an easy walk to the older part of town. The travel directors on my trips have been amazing, as have the various guides. I also appreciate the reading recommendations they provide in advance of the trip, and the balance between structured and free time during the week. Be sure to take advantage of the market days and enjoy the beautiful produce and handicrafts.
Posted by
OP
27 posts
Thank you AKSara for the prompt and glowing report about AHI travel company, their directors and local guides. These words really ease my mind about traveling with them. I did not know about the reading recommendations they provide in advance, but am very pleased to hear this as I always like to read about the area before a trip. I actually just finished one of Peter Mayle’s books and ordered another from the library; and of course have the RS books on France and Provence & the French Riviera. And I have been doing a great deal of other research planning our portion in Nice, Verdon George and the golf courses/resorts.
And yes, the trip still stays in the Rio Rene in Aix! It looks very nice.
I have a year to brush up on my French, I have used Duolingo in the past. Merci beaucoup!