Provence with Michael & Tara Gallina

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Heart & Soul of Provence

Sip and savor the best of Provence's wine, art and cuisine with Michael & Tara Gallina

June 7 - 13, 2023

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7 Days, 6 Nights

Marseilles, Calanques National Park, Arles, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

Price from

$8,900

Per person based on double occupancy

Questions? Text or call us
+1 (855) 219-8018

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Join our waitlist, and we will contact you if and as space becomes available.

Your sailboat has just anchored in perfectly turquoise waters for the most stunning picnic of your life. The narrow fjord-like cliffs feel ethereal; your wine, the charcuterie, the faint aroma of lavender and hints of saffron, even the salty Mediterranean air, all tell you exactly where you are — as if there could be any doubt. This is Provence, timeless muse to centuries of artists, with its signature fields of scarlet poppies and deep purple lavender, its abundant, wheeling vineyards and scenic hilltop villages. Soon you’ll be exploring it all, sampling exquisite local wines and cheeses at local farms, experiencing Van Gogh, Cézanne in ways you never thought were possible, and losing yourself in these out-of-body moments which will nourish your soul for years to come.

You’re in the company of two disciples of Provencal cooking: chef Michael Gallina and partner Tara of acclaimed Vicia. While their culinary resumes speak for themselves — Food and Wine’s Best New Chef for Michael, while Tara leads the Take Root Hospitality group — it’s their enthusiasm for sustainability that makes them a match made in farm-to-table heaven with Provence and its storied culinary tradition.

If your idea of the perfect getaway is a cultural and culinary adventure in the most stunning settings, this trip is for you. We’ll meet vintners and chefs, farmers and cheesemakers, traditional producers and modern creatives. From buzzing cities to bucolic countryside, this is an exclusive, immersive expedition into the heart of Provence, one of France’s most storied regions. Join us for a true feast for the senses.

Explore

Colorful markets, majestic calanques, rolling vineyards, medieval hilltop villages

Luxuriate

In the finest accommodations—artful hotels and noble country villas, all perfectly located

Savor

Exquisite local specialties, Michelin-star meals, exclusive tastings and pairings

Go Deeper

Connect with local winemakers, artists and chefs, alongside Michael & Tara

3 Reasons to Travel with Michael & Tara

Michael and Tara are passionate restaurateurs who have put their stamp on sustainable fine dining in the Midwest at St Louis' widely acclaimed Vicia. The name comes from the word “vetch,” a restorative crop that farmers plant to enliven soil with vital nutrients. It’s a powerful name for a multi-award winning restaurant awarded recognition by the James Beard Foundation, Food and Wine, Esquire and so many adoring others.

True to Their Roots

When you dine with Michael and Tara, expect an ever-changing seasonal menu sourced from local purveyors to be the heart of anything they put on a plate. We can only (happily, hungrily) imagine what’s in store in Provence.

Cooking in French

From a bowl of bouillabaisse to a perfectly roasted chicken with ratatouille, Michael and Tara are ready to embark on a sensory journey with us — lavender and all. “Walking the vineyards in Bandol and tasting their rosés,” Tara smiles, “it’s one of our personal favorite styles of wine. It will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

A Fairy Tale in New York

Raised near St. Louis, Michael knew he had to leave his home behind in order to appreciate it. He headed to New York’s iconic Blue Hill at Stone Barn, where he met Tara. Fate intervened and, today, Michael and Tara are back in St. Louis raising their family in addition to running Vicia and the more casual Winslow’s Table.

Our Provence Experience

“If we could think of only one place that ties to the spirit of what we do at Vicia, it’s Provence.”
Michael Gallina

Marseilles, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

“Walking the vineyards in Bandol and tasting their rosés will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
Tara Gallina

Day by Day

*On rare occasions, this itinerary may change.

Day 1

June 7, Wed

Bienvenue à Marseilles! France’s ‘second’ city is one of the busiest seaports in Europe, with a buzzing energy, an infectious charm, and a sprawling patchwork of cultural influences: Provençal and Corsican, North African and Arab. We’ll dive right in at the Vieux Port, in the heart of Marseilles’ old town and continue our walking tour past Le Panier and through the electric streets toward La Catedral de la Major.

After this orientation for the senses, we’ll relax at our hotel or continue exploring Marseilles’ cobblestoned streets and steep twisting alleyways. We’ll reconvene for cocktails on our terrace before rolling up our sleeves and diving in to a one-of-a-kind cooking workshop at Michelin-starred Alcyone. Here, alongside Tara, Michael and a local chef, we’ll celebrate the traditionnel and moderne sides of Provençal cuisine, and make our way through a stunning five-course meal with regional wine pairings. This is true immersive indulgence and the only proper way to begin your journey through Provence.

Day 1 Highlights

  • Vieux Port walking tour
  • Cooking workshop & dinner at Alcyone
  • Stay at InterContinental Hotel in Marseilles

Day 2

June 8, Thu

After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll walk to the port and board our private yacht for a half-day cruise through stunning Parc National des Calanques. Majestic limestone cliffs tower above narrow fjord-like channels of turquoise waters and golden beaches—the national park’s landscape is unique in the world. We’ll explore by sea, with plenty of time for swimming and soaking up the sun deck-side. Lunch on board is an elevated picnic of Provençal cheese and charcuterie accompanied by a full-bodied white from the fishing village of Cassis, a tiny appellation that produces highly prized white wines in a region famous for its rosés.

We’ll have free time late this afternoon back in Marseilles to flaneur our way around and maybe join a game of pétanque at one of the city’s many tree-lined parks. Tonight is yours to enjoy in Marseilles, with dinner at one of the city’s many atmospheric brasseries.

Another night, another Michelin star. Tonight, we’ll dine at Ludovic Turac’s Une Table au Sud, overlooking the harbor. Chef Turac is one of the youngest chefs ever to earn a Michelin star; tonight we celebrate the catch-of-the-day, every dish a remixed interpretation of standard Mediterranean fare. 

Day 2 Highlights

  • Hand drawn illustration of a catamaran in black and gold Mediterranean boat cruise
  • Charcuterie lunch
  • Michelin-star dinner
  • Stay at InterContinental Hotel in Marseilles

Day 3

June 9, Fri

Today, we gather ingredients for an only-in-Provence elevated picnic. In the morning, we leave the city behind and point our compass to Aix-en-Provence for a walking tour and a visit to their legendary farmer’s market. Here we’ll meet with two local chefs, and together with Michael and Tara, they’ll procure the raw material for a fresh, local lunch.

Armed with aromatic spices and stalks upon stalks of vegetables, we’ll make the short jaunt to Villa des Chefs for a special meal. As he slices and dices our market-fresh ingredients, Michael will share with us the nuances of preparation which bring the true essence out of every single vegetable.

After lunch, it’s off to tour one of the cultural gems of Marseilles, Notre-Dame de la Garde. Originally a medieval church, this basilica was rebuilt in the 1800s and remains a focal point of the region today. After touring the site and relishing in the incredible views from its limestone perch, we’ll return to our hotel for some well-earned rest and relaxation.

You’ll have the evening to embellish as you wish. A tapas style bodega dinner? Michelin star-dining? An art walk? Perhaps, you’ll do all three.

Day 3 Highlights

  • Market visit
  • Collaborative lunch with Michael and Tara
  • Notre Dame de La Garde
  • Stay at InterContinental Hotel in Marseilles

Day 4

June 10, Sat

Today, we celebrate 500 years of Provençal history and hospitality with a visit to an elegant estate, which has been making wine and olive oil since the 15th century. We’ll be greeted on the castle grounds with a flight of their flagship wines. Soon after the tasting, we’ll move onto a more golden nectar…olive oil. Provençal olive oil is some of the best in the world, and here, Michael will wax poetic as we sample a handful of varietals that they’ve perfected over the centuries. A storybook lunch is next featuring heritage wine pairings and ingredients plucked fresh from the sprawling estate.     

After strolling the grounds one last time, we’ll return to our hotel for appetizers, followed by a leisurely tour of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.

Dinner tonight is on your own. We’ll see you bright and early tomorrow.

Day 4 Highlights

  • Wine and Olive estate visit
  • Farm to table lunch
  • Tour of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
  • Stay at Hotel Le Saint-Remy

Day 5

June 11, Sun

Provence’s colors and texture—its ancient ruins and medieval villages, its dappled fields and swirling skies—have inspired artists like Van Gogh, Cézanne and Picasso for generations. Today, we’ll head to the town of Arles and stand in awe of Provençal art and ecology.

Our first stop is the gardens of  La Chassagnette, which has earned a rare Michelin ‘green’ star, recognizing culinary excellence and an unparalleled commitment to sustainability. After a tour of their grounds, we’ll lunch on local dishes sourced straight from the delta, including the Camargue’s legendary red rice.

After the meal, our learning experience continues at Luma Arles, a newly opened, 27-acre arts complex with a spectacular tower designed by Frank Gehry. This is no mere museum; it’s an interdisciplinary creative campus offering a total environment at the intersection of art and ecology, and an homage to the unique ecosystem of the surrounding Camargue wetlands. As late afternoon descends through breaks in the willow groves, we’ll return to the hotel for a classic Provençal experience—a hyperlocal wine and cheese tasting paired with a light and lively dinner.

Day 5 Highlights

  • Lunch at La Chassagnette
  • Luma Arles arts complex
  • Hand drawn Modern Adventure logo icon in black and gold. Wine and cheese tasting
  • Stay at Hotel Le Saint-Remy

Day 6

June 12, Mon

Today it’s off to the countryside to take in Provence’s stunning beauty by bike. We’ll hop on our e-bikes and climb up gentle hills, through the vineyards, by and past picture-perfect villages and up into the medieval hilltop town of Les-Baux-de-Provence, perched on a rocky outcrop crowned with a ruined castle. The town, inaccessible by car, is a storybook of cobbled alleyways, Renaissance facades and several magnificent hôtels particuliers that have been revived as art galleries and museums.

After soaking up the view and the history, we’ll meander down the hill into the heart of the Alpilles mountains to Carrières des Lumières, an immersive art museum unlike any other: from the limestone confines of a former quarry, we’ll take in the larger-than-life multimedia works by Cézanne, Gauguin, Van Gogh, Kandinsky and Dalí among others, stretching floor to ceiling across the giant stones. 

We’ll bike back to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence for an afternoon to relax and explore on our own. In the early evening we’ll reconvene for the ultimate pièce de résistance of our trip, a farewell dinner that doubles as a celebration of our time together and a meal as rich and enchanting as Provence itself.

Day 6 Highlights

  • E-bike to Les-Baux-de-Provence
  • Hand drawn Modern Adventure logo icon in black and gold. Carrières des Lumières multimedia installation
  • Farewell dinner 
  • Stay at Hotel Le Saint-Remy

Day 7

June 13, Tue

It’s our last day, and after breakfast we’ll bid adieu to Michael and Tara, and to our fellow explorers. Then we’ll head to the airport in Marseilles, renewed and invigorated by the food, drink and memories of Provence. Until we meet again! 

Day 7 Highlights

  • Transfer to Marseilles' MRS airport
I've been telling so many people about the trip ever since I got back. Looking forward to another one!
Royce K.
It really was the trip of a lifetime. Perfectly curated and balanced, we did more than I ever would have organized myself... delightful from start to finish.
Julian C.
Unique experiences, well-organized, outstanding leadership and service.
Susan G.

Where We Sleep

Our elegant accommodations strike the perfect balance between luxury and intimacy, all delivered with incomparable Provençal hospitality.

InterContinental Hôtel Dieu

Marseilles

Housed in the majestic 18th-century Hôtel Dieu, a landmark designed by Louis XIV's own architect, this sumptuous property is accented with fragments of Roman mosaics and swirling wrought-iron staircases. Perched on a hill between the Vieux Port and the historic Panier district, it’s also an improbable oasis in the heart of bustling Marseilles, where the only sound you’ll hear is gentle chiming of bells from a nearby church. The hotel has all the comforts you'd expect, plus some you may not—the city's finest views from the outdoor terrace, and a mosaic swimming pool inspired by traditional Provençal fountains.

Hotel Le Saint-Remy

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

This 5-star mansion is quintessential Provence. Elegant, irreverent and located perfectly in the city center, the lobby and courtyard have the feel of a 19th-century square. Relax in the spa or simply eavesdrop on the slow tranquility of this hamlet that inspired Van Gogh.

Book Provence with Michael & Tara Gallina

Number of Travelers

Payment

Reserve your spot today with a $1,500 per-person deposit plus room supplements (if relevant). Please see our terms and conditions for full payment details.

$8,900

Per person based on double occupancy

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+1 (855) 219-8018

Make It Private

We understand that certain dates can work better than others, or sometimes a more private experience is more appealing. We’d be happy to modify this departure so it fits the needs of you and your group.

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Questions?

We have answers! Read our FAQs below. Or text or call us at +1 (855) 219-8018 to speak with a Modern Adventure trip specialist.

  1. What does the price include?

    Six nights at unique 5-star accommodations; private travel between destinations and for all day trips and excursions; departure airport transfer; private tours with local guides and cultural experts; exclusive access and tastings; guided activities and exclusive private tastings, tours and activities; entrance fees; daily breakfasts, most lunches and dinners; local beverages with meals; gratuities for local staff.

  2. What does the price not include?

    International roundtrip airfare; travel insurance; transportation to the trip start; activities not included in the trip itinerary; hotel incidentals including room service, laundry service and hotel bar tabs; food and beverage not included in itinerary; gratuity for tour leader.

  3. Where does this trip start and end?

    Our adventure begins at the InterContinental Hôtel Dieu in Marseilles. We recommend booking flights to/from Marseille Provence Airport (MRS). On the final day of our trip, we will organize a group transfer from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence to Marseille Provence Airport.

  4. What travel documents are needed?

    US citizens are not required to have a visa for stays in France under 90 days. Just bring a valid US passport. For citizens of other countries, please check with the French Embassy or Consulate for information and requirements.

  5. Do I need to pay a solo traveler supplement?

    For solo travelers, there is a $1,800 single-supplement fee—paid at the time of booking to secure a private room. These spots are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

  6. Who is going on this trip?

    Our adventures typically have between 10 and 18 guests, plus our Modern Adventure team. This specific trip is limited to 20 guests. Our experiences are fun and inclusive and you can expect to be joined by a diverse group in terms of age, background and interests—including solo travelers, couples and friends traveling together. This adventure is for travelers age 18 and above.

  7. Who is leading this trip?

    This trip is led by an expert Modern Adventure trip leader. They’re an experienced travel guide, a representative of Modern Adventure and your go-to person for questions or concerns on the trip. We’ll be joined throughout our adventure by local, expert guides who are deeply knowledgeable with respect to local cultures, customs and history and are passionate about sharing that with us.

  8. Do I need travel insurance?

    We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance. Travel insurance allows you to seek reimbursement for your trip costs; if your trip plans change for unforeseeable reasons, or if you need to get medical help, emergency transport, and for theft, loss or damage of items while traveling. For best coverage, always insure the full trip cost within two weeks of your initial trip deposit and note that most ‘Cancel For Any Reason’ policies must be purchased on the date of your initial deposit.

  9. What is the cancellation policy?

    You may cancel 120 days or more before departure and receive a full refund minus a $1500 per person service fee ($500 of which may be retained as a future travel credit, valid for one year after cancellation). If you cancel on or after 119 days in advance, there is a 50% cancellation fee. On or after 59 days in advance, there is a 100% cancellation fee. See our full terms and conditions for details.

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