Private Tour

Private tour September 2026

“Emily Durand is an absolute treasure! We arranged a one-week private tour prior to a double Viking River Cruise – Lyon, Provence and the Rhineland – to celebrate our 50th anniversary. Starting from Aix-en-Provence, Emily designed a tour that embraced the best of the region. I traveled extensively in France while living two years in Tours during college years. We had also roamed throughout Provence some 25 years ago before attending an “en plein air” painting workshop based in the Drôme provençal. Emily designed an itinerary reminiscent of cherished memories including many unique and beautiful places we had not visited. The weather was divine, echoing her delightfully sunny personality. From Cassis and the Calanques to Luberon and Mont Ventoux villages and on to Avignon, it was an exquisite trip. While my husband and I both have mobility issues, she smoothly adapted to every potential obstacle. Each day, she took us to lovely restaurants for lunch where we dined on delicious local specialties and enjoyed delightful wine (or pastis!). She sensed what might be too challenging and revised itineraries accordingly. Her recommendations for accommodation were spot on – in Aix, Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, and Avignon. At the end, a marathon in Avignon interrupted our plans to venture to Pont du Gard before embarking on our Viking ship, which had also changed its departure to Arles from Avignon without our knowledge. She weathered that storm too, trekking across the bridge to our hotel, speaking to Viking agents along the way, so we could amend our plans. We never made it to Pont du Gard, but she happily transported us to our waiting ship. Her sense of humor, knowledge, expertise, and easy-going manner made for a perfect beginning to a wonderful trip. Merci mille fois, Emily … tu es une étoile brillante!”

Cheryl & JT Aldridge