Via Domitia
The Via Domitia (118 BC) was Rome's first road in Gaul, connecting Italy to Spain through some of the finest wine country on Earth. This adventure follows the ancient highway past the world's best-preserved Roman arena, the perfect temple, the towering aqueduct, and the legendary vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
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Stops
- 1🗺️
Nîmes Amphitheater & Wine
The best-preserved Roman amphitheater in the world. Built around 70 AD, it still hosts events today. Watch gladiator reenactments, then explore the wine bars in the medieval center serving excellent Costières de Nîmes.
tour $$ - 2🗺️
Maison Carrée & Ancient Nîmes
The most perfectly preserved Roman temple in existence. Built around 2 AD, it inspired Thomas Jefferson's design for the Virginia State Capitol. Across the square is Norman Foster's modern Carré d'Art museum.
tour $ - 3⛰️
Pont du Gard Vineyard Picnic
UNESCO World Heritage aqueduct towering 49 meters high. Built around 50 AD without mortar, it carried water to Nîmes. Pack a picnic with local rosé and find a spot along the riverbank with the aqueduct as your backdrop.
adventure $$ - 4🍷
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
The "New Castle of the Pope" sits on land Romans first planted. The famous galets roulés (rounded stones) reflect heat onto vines at night. Grenache-dominant blends are rich, powerful, and age magnificently.
tasting $$$ - 5🗺️
Orange Roman Theatre
The best-preserved Roman theatre in Europe, with its massive stage wall still intact at 37 meters high. Louis XIV called it "the finest wall in my kingdom." Now hosts the famous Chorégies d'Orange opera festival.
tour $$ - 6🍷
Gigondas & Vacqueyras
Mountain villages in the Dentelles de Montmirail producing wines that rival Châteauneuf at half the price. Gigondas is powerful and spicy; Vacqueyras is earthier and more approachable. Both are Grenache-dominant.
tasting $$ - 7🗺️
Arles Arena & Van Gogh Trail
Roman arena slightly smaller than Nîmes but equally well-preserved. Van Gogh painted here obsessively. Explore the Roman and artistic heritage, then sample wines at bistros that inspired his Café Terrace at Night.
tour $$ - 8⛰️
Les Baux-de-Provence
Dramatic fortress village carved into limestone cliffs. Romans quarried the stone here. The Carrières de Lumières — an immersive art show in the quarries — is breathtaking. Les Baux AOC produces excellent wines from Roman terroir.
adventure $$$ - 9🗺️
Narbonne - Capital of Gallia Narbonensis
Capital of Rome's first province in Gaul (118 BC). The underground Via Domitia remains visible. The unfinished Gothic cathedral looms over Roman foundations. Now a gateway to Corbières and La Clape wines.
tour $$ - 10🍷
Languedoc Coastal Wineries - La Clape
La Clape massif rises dramatically from the Mediterranean. Once an island, now connected to the mainland, its unique terroir produces white wines of startling quality. Many estates sit on Roman ruins.
tasting $$