Call 1-800-304-9616 or contact your travel agent

Sign up for special offers

Itinerary

Burgundy & Provence2009 Itinerary | 2008 Itinerary

Your journey along France’s scenic Rhône and Saône Rivers takes you past some of the most beautiful vineyards and vistas in the French countryside. During your 8-day cruise, explore the hills of Provence, known for their lavender, and the famed region of Burgundy. You visit a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and view early Roman ruins in both Arles and Vienne. Walk the cobbled streets of Arles and see for yourself why it was such an inspiration to Vincent van Gogh. Learn about the region’s time-honored traditions in wine-making and indulge your taste buds by sampling the famed cuisine of Lyon. And, of course no trip to Southern France is complete without a visit to the historic Papal Palace in Avignon, “City of the Popes.”

Day 1Avignon

Fly into Marseille. We will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your ship,* which is docked in Avignon. After boarding, take free time to explore this quaint town on the scenic Rhône River. (D)

Day 2Arles

Arrive during breakfast and meet your guide for a walking tour of Arles with its diverse architectural highlights. You see many Gallo-Roman ruins, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the Church of St. Trophîme and Les Arènes, an ancient amphitheater that seats 20,000 and is still used for bullfights and plays. The city’s vibrant colors and striking quality of light were an inspiration to Vincent van Gogh, who utilized Arles as a backdrop for many of his works. You also see the café made famous by his painting The Café Terrace. Return to your ship for lunch followed by free time in the afternoon to shop for handcrafted gifts or local pastries. Dinner served aboard as you depart. (B, L, D)

Day 3Avignon & Viviers

This morning, set out on a guided walk of Avignon, nicknamed “City of Popes” because it was home to seven popes from 1309 to 1377. Stroll through the historic center, stop at the Pont d’Avignon for amazing views and walk the Place de l’Horloge. Continue to the renowned Palace of the Popes for a guided tour through this rambling maze of Gothic architecture which served as papal residence, fortress, church and palace. After the tour, enjoy an afternoon at leisure exploring Avignon. You can join the optional tour to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, visiting the vineyards and tasting the famous wine. Dine aboard during an evening departure.

Arrive after dinner in Viviers, a quaint town set amid a mountainous region. Join your Cruise Manager for an evening stroll through the Old Town with buildings dating back to the Middle Ages and some fine examples of Renaissance architecture. Enjoy free time before retiring for the evening. (B, L, D)

Day 4Tournon

After a scenic morning cruise and lunch aboard, board a motorcoach for your tour through Tournon to Châteauneuf-sur-Isère near Tain l’Hermitage. During your guided tour you learn more about viticulture and the region’s long-standing traditions in wine-making. Enjoy a tasting of some famous regional red wines followed by a visit to the Musée de Tain l’Hermitage, located in the oldest house in the region. Have dinner aboard as you cruise through the evening. (B, L, D)

Day 5Vienne & Lyon

This morning, take a walking tour of Vienne, a beautiful town with an ancient Roman past. Visit the Temple of Augustus & Livia and the Roman amphitheater. You also visit the Cathedral of St. Maurice and your tour ends with a mini-train ride to the top of Mount Pipet for panoramic views. Return to your ship for lunch and an afternoon departure.

Later this afternoon, arrive in Lyon. Enjoy free time to explore this remarkable 2,000-year-old city nestled in the heart of France. Dinner is served aboard; your ship remains docked overnight, so you may choose to take an evening stroll. (B, L, D)

Day 6Lyon

After breakfast, take a tour of Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your tour begins with a drive to the top of Fourvière Hill for amazing views of the city. Continue with a guided visit to the Basilica of Notre Dame and a drive through town passing the magnificent St. Jean Cathedral and the Palace of Justice. Then take a walking tour through the cobbled streets of Vieux Lyon (Old Town) with some added free time to explore on your own. You can shop for souvenirs or find a restaurant to sample some of the fine French cuisine Lyon is known for. Return to your ship for an afternoon departure. (B, L, D)

Day 7Burgundy Wine Tour & Beaune

After breakfast, board a motorcoach for a scenic drive along France’s Burgundy wine route through Pommard, Volnay and Meursault. Arrive in Beaune, wine capital of Burgundy, for your guided tour of Hôtel Dieu. Founded in 1443, it is a splendid example of Gothic architecture with a beautiful, intricate tile roof. Here, learn about local wine production and enjoy a tasting at one of Beaune’s famous wine cellars. Return to your ship, which is docked in Chalon-sur-Saône, for lunch. Enjoy free time to explore this quaint town on the scenic Saône River. (B, L, D)