Modern Adventure founder Luis Vargas is recognized as one of the top travel specialists for 2025 by Condé Nast Traveler. This list includes travel experts for every trip and traveler imaginable.

Provence with Michael & Tara Gallina
Sold Out | Join Waitlist Below
Heart & Soul of Provence
Sip and savor the best of Provence's wine, art and cuisine with Michael & Tara Gallina
June 7 - 13, 2023
Sold Out - Join the waitlist
7 Days, 6 Nights
Marseilles, Calanques National Park, Arles, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
SOLD OUT | JOIN THE WAITLIST
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.”
Marseilles, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence



“Walking the vineyards in Bandol and tasting their rosés will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
I've been telling so many people about the trip ever since I got back. Looking forward to another one!
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.
Unique experiences, well-organized, outstanding leadership and service.
Where We Sleep

Our elegant accommodations strike the perfect balance between luxury and intimacy, all delivered with incomparable Provençal hospitality.
InterContinental Hôtel Dieu
MarseillesHoused 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-ProvenceThis 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
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.
Start HereQuestions?
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.