Tour France - Photo and Wine Tour - Provence - Fall 2013

Provence Photo & Wine Tour

October 2013
15th - 20th 

Be there, photograph it, experience it all for youself. An insider's tour and photographer's dream.

Click here to Contact Us and reserve your spot or for more information (or call 908-240-2322 or send email to anthony@anthonybphotos.com)

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ASMP Members click here for member benefit.

Trip Overview

We have designed and planned a very special photo and wine trip to the south of France. The Luberon Region of Provence is one of the most sought after destintations and one of the most beautiful places to explore. Here you will find roman bridges and roads, perched medieval villages, farms with world-renowned produce and some of the best wines in the world. The landscapes and vistas should not be missed.

Photographers of all levels have raved about the experience. And their companions have been happy to spend a vacation together where both can truly enjoy themselves.

Roman Bridge in Luberon - ProvenceRoman Bridge, Provence

Trip Highlights and Photo Ops

Our trips are interesting. They are a nice balance between having a set itinerary (so you know what to expect) and a spontaneous flare that you might get if you just ventured out on your own. The big difference is that we go to places that most tourists don't know about or need to know a local for access.

So here are some of the amazing places we'll visit and things we'll do. And with each, there is the opportunity for photographs or just soaking it in:

  • Visit to a Roman mill for an olive oil tasting
  • Visit to a Roman bridge - walk down along the river bed & under the bridge and also walk across the bridge
  • Private walking tour of a Medieval village
  • Visit to a local Provencal market in our village - wines, artisan products, clothing, jewelry, books, music, gifts, linens, flowers and music….Something for everyone
  • Visit to an old Bories village (ancient structures) in the woods
  • Tour through a church built by the Knights Templar (not usually open to the public) with beautiful views of the Luberon mountains and the Fall foliage
  • Visit to the “painted village” of Rousillon where you can take the "Ocher walk" - this is a great art village with gifts, boutiques, artist’s supplies and galleries, not to mention natural wonders!
  • Visit to a family run Auberge built into the base of the surrounding cliffs where we'll indulge in a traditional four-course Provencal lunch and enjoy the local wines
  • After lunch at the auberge, walk up to the ruins of a fort more than 1000 years old with panoramic views of the fall foliage
  • Visit to a perched village built into the side of a mountain. We will walk to the ruins of an old chateau and church followed by a private wine tasting and gourmet lunch, specially prepared for us by the owners of a restored 400-year-old bakery that will be opened just for us.
  • Visit to the home workshop of an amazing artisan sorbet and jam maker for dessert in her private garden
  • Visit the village of Menerbes, made famous by Peter Mayle in “A Year in Provence”

Who Should Go?

If you have a desire to visit a beautiful place, are curious about other cultures, appreciate fine food and wines, want to enjoy authentic hard to find experiences when you travel, this trip is for you. And if you have ANY interest in creating great photos of your travels, this trip is a must! Don't think twice!

“Certainly the photography instruction experience and immersion in the culture and lore of Provence cannot be duplicated. It added a dimension to the trip that was absolutely priceless.” 
-C.H., Connecticut, 2012

Beginner Photographers & Those that Simply Love to Take Pictures

Just starting out? Recently purchased a new camera and want to get off of Auto mode? Perfect! We provide instruction every morning. And since we only travel in small groups, instruction is personalized for you. Want to talk about shutter speed and aperture? No problem. Want to explore composition and the elements of an interesting photo? You got it. What about post processing and creative production of your photos? We cover that too.

Enthusiast, Experienced or Professional Photographers

Maybe you have been shooting for 10, 20 or 30 years and are more interested in having someone join you on a photo walk. Each day, we set off for a new location with interesting shooting conditions and subjects. You can challenge your skills in any area you can imagine and add to your photo collection.

You will have people around you that can assist in creating the photos that you have in mind. Holding reflectors, juggling lenses, or just pointing out some out-of-the-way treasures is what we do too.

"Non-Photographers"

Do you have a significant other or traveling companion who isn't so into photography? Or maybe you are more interested in wine or shopping or museums than photography. Don't worry, we're used to that. And we want everyone who comes to have an enjoyable time. So for those not into photography, we provide opportunties to do other things or to move at a different pace than the photographers who might wish to take their time and focus on their photos.


The Photography Track

Photography offers something for everyone. If you have a camera, you can capture the beauty of this wonderful desitnation.

Our trips are designed for photographers of all levels - beginners, intermmediate and even pros. We provide sights and experiences that are off-the-beaten-path and would normally require hours of research to find. In fact, without friends in these places, it would be impossible to replicate the experience that we have prepared for you. 

Daily Photo Sessions

Each day, we discuss a photography-related topic and work with you individually on the areas that most interest you. We will not only cover the mechanics of taking creative photos but also the artistic elements that make a great photo.

We will explore photography software as well. We'll look at post processing tools such as Adobe Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop and work on our own photo book using book design software so you can create the perfect momento of your trip.

Daily Photo Assigments

You will be given a photo assignment after each discussion. Assignments are designed to challenge you and reinforce the daily photo discussion. We'll work together throughout the day on your assignment followed by a low-key review of the photos you created. After your return from this trip, you will have learned new things about photography or strengthened your experience. You'll not only take home great photos, you'll take home new skills that stay with you to use for the rest of your life!

Daily Photo Walks

We hold daily photo walks as part of our excursions where you'll have amazing photo opportutnities. The subject matter is endless and allows you to challenge yourself in areas such as street photography, landscape photography, architectural photography, food photography, flora photography and even abstract photography. We will also hold at least one sunrise/sunset photo walk (weather permitting).

“ I wanted to thank you for an incredible week!! Everything we did was so perfect, I cannot thank you enough….Anthony [Bianciella, our photographer] is the one of the nicest people I have met in a long time. I really enjoyed being on the trip with you….and experiencing all that Bliss Travels provides.” 
-L.H. New Jersey, May 2012


More Information

Fitness

Our trips are active vacations. We explore different sights including places with hills and valleys, cobblestone roads and, in some cases, rocky paths dating back to Roman times. For those who prefer a more leisurely afternoon, there is always that beautiful cafe table, town square or garden from which to enjoy the view. Special gear is not necessary. Just bring good walking shoes. And if you enjoy running, our travel expert leads a morning run almost every day. You can satisfy your daily exercise regime AND enjoy a beautiful view at the same time.

Dining, Cuisine, Local Foods

The food in France is amazing. Its flavor is more vivid and intense. The fruits and vegetables are always served fresh (or not at all). You will notice a difference in the look, flavor, preparation and even smell.

Generally, the food is not spicy. Flavorful? Yes. But not full of pepper or strong spices.

Worried about tiny portions of "fancy food" or huge portions of mass produced tourist fare? Forget that idea! We enjoy amazing meals each day. All are gourmet, unique and authentic. Some are gastronomic --but mostly they are authentic places that only a local would know.

We have had many people on our trips claim that they don't like certain specialty foods they associate with France, only to find these things --when prepared fresh, properly and by a wonderful chef, become their new "favorites." We regularly hear --"This was the best meal I've ever had."

Still concerned, tell us. We are able to tailor meals. So don't be concerned. We take care of you.


Booking Information

"Provence 5-Night / 6-Days"

Provence 5-Night / 6-Days
October 15-20th, 2012

This is a 6 day/5 night trip and includes all lodging, pick up and drop off at the Avignon train station, daily sightseeing with private guide, 2 meals per day and wines, private ground (van) transportation, and our Photography Track (photo sessions with assignments, photo reviews, and post processing/book design sessions). .

Price: $2,850 per person (dbl occupancy)

Option to add on specialty food and wine events such as cooking lesson and dinner with Michelin starred celebrity chef and Chateauneuf du Pape wine tastings: call for pricing.

Maximum 12 guests

Minimum of 5 people required to conduct tour.

ASMP Members click here for member benefit.

Contact Us to reserve your spot or for more information (call 908-240-2322 or send email to anthony@anthonybphotos.com)