Provence & Spain

 

Rhone River Wine Cruise
Lyon to Avignon

7 night Lyon to Avignon and 3 night in Paris and 3 nights land tour in Barcelona

 

 

PRE CRUISE ITINERARY

 

DAY 1, ARRIVE IN PARIS, FRANCE

Arrive in Paris and transfer to your hotel. The balance of the day is yours to start exploring this beautiful city.

DAY 2, PARIS, FRANCE

Enjoy a morning tour taking in the signature sites of Paris, including the awe-inspiring Arc de Triomphe and iconic Eiffel Tower. (B)

DAY 3, PARIS

Enjoy a full day at your leisure to discover more of this romantic city, such as the world-renowned Louvre Museum or Musee d’Orsay. Perhaps go shopping in the Faubourg Saint-Honore district or simply relax and spend the day like a local - by scoping out a local cafe for a cafe au lait, toasted baguette or croissant. In the evening, visit Montmartre, long known as the city’s premier artist's enclave. During the mid to late 1800s, artists also began calling Montmartre home. Pissarro and Jongkind were two of the first to live there, followed by other notable artists, including Edgar Degas, Henri Matisse, Toulouse-Lautrec, Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Pablo Picasso. You’ll be taken on an evening illumination tour, discovering why Paris is renowned as the “City of Light.” (B)

DAY 4, PARIS – LYON – EMBARKATION

After checking out of your hotel in Paris, board the TGV train through the French countryside to Lyon, France’s culinary capital. Once in the “food capital of France,” marvel at an indoor market hall where you’ll have a chance to sample of the delicacies offered by butchers, bakers, chocolatiers and cheesemongers while taking in the colorful sights and enticing aromas around you. Later, transfer to your luxurious ship. (B,D)

 

CRUISE ITINERARY

 

DAY 5, LYON

Discover dynamic Lyon, starting in Fourviere Hill, part of the city’s historic region that is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the 19th-century basilica Notre-Dame de Fourviere. Continue on to the old town of Lyon, followed by a guided walk through the St. Jean district, where you will be introduced to the city’s unique covered walkways, known as “traboules.” Alternately, join a guided bike tour through the city designed with cyclists in mind. In the afternoon, enjoy the rest of your day at your own leisure to explore the city. (B,L,D)

DAY 6, COLLONGES – VIENNE

Travel to the Beaujolais wine region known as the Pays d’Or or “land of the golden stones." Indulge in a wine tasting at a traditional winery and learn about the history and techniques of their vineyard. Later set sail for Vienne, where you'll enjoy free time to explore the town. (B,L,D)

DAY 7, VIENNE – TOURNON

Situated between the wine regions of Beaujolais and Cotes du Rhone lies Vienne with a Roman past that can be seen in its marvelously preserved ruins. Take a walking tour to see the amazingly well-preserved Augustus and Livia Temple, the Saint Maurice Cathedral, a Gothic church that took more than 500 years to build, and St. Pierre Abbey - one of the oldest surviving churches in France, and now an Archaeological Museum. For those wishing to be more active, you can either take a guided hike from the ship to the Monastery at Mount Pipet or a guided bike tour along a portion of the ViaRhona bike route. During the evening, be treated to a delicious pairing of red wine and chocolate at the 15th-century Le Chateau de Tournon, located on the banks of the Rhone, in the heart of town. (B,L,D)

DAY 8, TOURNON

Walk through the steep vineyards as you learn about the history and techniques of winemaking in this area. Following the guided tour, join your host for a tasting of the Hermitage wines for which this region is celebrated. Alternatively, take a train ride past magnificent landscape carved along the Gorge du Doux stopping at the charming little station of Colombier le Vieux-Saint Barthalemy le Plain, where the train maneuvers in preparation for its return journey. For a more active adventure, take a hike through the vineyards of Tain l'Hermitage, followed by a visit to a local winery where you'll sample some of the wines or cycle through the French countryside. (B,L,D)

DAY 9, TARASCON - ARLES

Provencal town Tarascon is known for its medieval architecture and charming tales - especially the legend of the Tarasque monster. Join a guided walking tour where you'll visit the Roman ruins of Arles such as its Roman Amphitheater and the Church of Saint Trophime, famous for its Romanesque architecture. Alternatively, you can enjoy a bike ride along the Rhone, through town to the Langlois Bridge, a famous subject from several Vincent Van Gogh paintings. And for those who wish to delve further into Van Gogh's Arles, join a special walking tour along with a visit to the Vincent van Gogh Foundation, showcasing his legacy. During the afternoon, you'll visit the enchanting medieval fortress, the Castle of Tarascon - a fortress designed to protect but surprises all with its elegant interior, fit for royalty. Or, delve deeply into the Carrieres de Lumieres, where you'll be treated to a spectacular presentation of art, sound and history projected on the former limestone quarry walls of caves. Alternately, you can enjoy an excursion to explore the medieval, walled village of Aiges-Mortes. Then, you'll drive to the beautiful Camargue National Park, a protected natural territory that lines the Mediterranean Sea south of Arles. Afterwards, venture to the medieval hilltop village, Les Baux de Provence. Later in the evening, enjoy an illuminations cruise around Avignon. (B,L,D)

DAY 10, AVIGNON

Depending on your interests, you have three choices of excursions for the morning. Avignon, aptly named the “City of Popes,” was the center of the Catholic Church in the 14th century when its “Palais des Papes” was the equivalent of today’s Vatican. Discover the history of Avignon on a guided walking tour that includes the Papal Palace and the well-preserved medieval walls surrounding the historic center of town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can visit three venues around Avignon to taste regional specialties including macarons, cheese and wine, and tapenades or you can enjoy a bike tour. During the afternoon, you can go to another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the impressive Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct that is a masterpiece of ancient engineering. Alternately, you can go to the magnificent hilltop village, Grignan. After visiting this enchanting Provencal town, go in search of the highly prized “Black Diamond” truffles with a farmer and his trustworthy canine companion. Or, visit a winery in the famed Chateauneuf-du-Pape wine region, where viticulture has been promoted since the 14th century. The unique soil composition here has earned the area a reputation for producing distinctive wines that are now popular the world over. Join a specialist from the winery on a private tour of the wine cellars and vineyards, an exclusive opportunity to learn about centuries-old winemaking methods. Following your tour, enjoy a tasting of the vineyard’s specialty wines (B,L,D)

DAY 11, AVIGNON – DISEMBARK – BARCELONA, SPAIN

Disembark your ship in Avignon and board the TGV high-speed train to the city that inspired Antoni Gaudi and is certain to inspire you. (B)

 

POST CRUISE ITINERARY

 

DAY 12, BARCELONA

Barcelona, the bustling capital of Catalonia, is an artist's, architect's, foodies, historian's and culturist's dream. Tour the cobblestoned lanes of the Gothic Quarter in the medieval city center and Las Ramblas. See some of Antoni Gaudis imaginative architectural creations, La Sagrada Familia. (B)

DAY 13, BARCELONA

Join an excursion to the mountain Montserrat, which is home to the Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria de Montserrat, located about 30 miles from Barcelona. Once there, you can experience an indescribable view of the Catalonia landscape from the top of the mountain. The monastery, officially founded in 1025, soon began to receive pilgrims and visitors who contributed to the spread of stories of miracles and wonders performed by the Virgin Mary. The whole of Montserrat is built around facilitating the worship of the Black Madonna in the Basilica. While here, you'll see the famous Black Madonna sculpture, which sits at the back of the church, above the altar area. The stairway leading to the statue, plus the room and altar in which the statue sits are ornate, golden and pay tribute to the wonder that is the Virgin herself. On leaving the Black Madonna, you will exit via the Cami de l'Ave Maria, another moving place where you will be given the opportunity, should you wish, to pay homage to the statue that you have just seen by lighting a candle. (B)

DAY 14, DEPART BARCELONA

Transfer to the airport for your homeward flight. (B)

 

Avignon to Lyon

 

PRE CRUISE ITINERARY

 

Day 1 ARRIVE IN BARCELONA, SPAIN

Arrive in Barcelona and check-in to your hotel. The balance of the day is free to start exploring this beautiful city.

Day 2 BARCELONA

Barcelona, the bustling capital of Catalonia, is an artist's, architect's, foodies, historian's and culturist's dream. . Tour the cobblestoned lanes of the Gothic Quarter in the medieval city center and Las Ramblas. See some of Antoni Gaudis imaginative architectural creations, including La Sagrada Familia. (B)

Day 3 BARCELONA

Join an excursion to the mountain Montserrat, which is home to the Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria de Montserrat, located about 30 miles from Barcelona. Once there, you can experience an indescribable view of the Catalonia landscape from the top of the mountain. The monastery, officially founded in 1025, soon began to receive pilgrims and visitors who contributed to the spread of stories of miracles and wonders performed by the Virgin Mary. The whole of Montserrat is built around facilitating the worship of the Black Madonna in the Basilica. While here, you'll see the famous Black Madonna sculpture, which sits at the back of the church, above the altar area. The stairway leading to the statue, plus the room and altar in which the statue sits are ornate, golden and pay tribute to the wonder that is the Virgin herself. On leaving the Black Madonna, you will exit via the Cami de l'Ave Maria, another moving place where you will be given the opportunity, should you wish, to pay homage to the statue that you have just seen by lighting a candle. (B)

Day 4 BARCELONA - NIMES, FRANCE - EMBARKATION - AVIGNON, FRANCE

Check out of the hotel and board the TGV high-speed train to Nimes. Then you will transfer via bus to Avignon where you'll board your luxury ship. Cap the day off with a Welcome Aboard Wine Toast. (B,D)

 

CRUISE ITINERARY

Day 5 AVIGNON - TARASCON - LES BAUX - AVIGNON

Provencal town Tarascon is known for its medieval architecture and charming tales - especially the legend of the Tarasque monster. Join a guided walking tour where you'll visit the Roman ruins of Arles such as its Roman Amphitheater and the Church of Saint Trophime, famous for its Romanesque architecture. Alternatively, you can enjoy a bike ride along the Rhone, through town to the Langlois Bridge, a famous subject from several Vincent Van Gogh paintings. And for those who wish to delve further into Van Gogh's Arles, join a special walking tour along with a visit to the Vincent van Gogh Foundation, showcasing his legacy. During the afternoon, you'll visit the enchanting medieval fortress, the Castle of Tarascon - a fortress designed to protect but surprises all with its elegant interior, fit for royalty. Or, delve deeply into the Carrieres de Lumieres, where you'll be treated to a spectacular presentation of art, sound and history projected on the walls of caves. Afterwards, venture to the medieval hilltop village, Les Baux de Provence. Alternately, you can enjoy an excursion to explore the medieval, walled village of Aiges-Mortes. In the evening, enjoy an illuminations cruise around Avignon. (B,L,D)

Day 6 AVIGNON

Avignon, aptly named the “City of Popes,” was the center of the Catholic Church in the 14th century when its “Palais des Papes” was the equivalent of today’s Vatican. Depending on your interests, you have three choices of excursions in the morning. Discover the history of Avignon on a guided walking tour that includes the Papal Palace and the well-preserved medieval walls surrounding the historic center of town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can visit three venues around Avignon to taste regional specialties including macarons, cheese and wine, and tapenades, or you can enjoy a bike tour through the city. During the afternoon, you can go to another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the impressive Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct that is a masterpiece of ancient engineering. Or, visit a winery in the famed Chateauneuf-du-Pape wine region, where viticulture has been promoted since the 14th century. The unique soil composition here has earned the area a reputation for producing distinctive wines that are now popular the world over. Join a specialist from the winery on a private tour of the wine cellars and vineyards, an exclusive opportunity to learn about centuries-old winemaking methods. Following your tour, enjoy a tasting of the vineyard’s specialty wines. (B,L,D)

Day 7 VIVIERS - TOURNON

Visit the magnificent hilltop village, Grignan. After visiting this enchanting Provencal town, go in search of the highly prized “Black Diamond,” truffles, with a farmer and his trustworthy canine companion. Later in the day, be treated to a delicious pairing of red wine and chocolate at the 15th-century Le Chateau de Tournon, located on the banks of the Rhone, in the heart of town. (B,L,D)

Day 8 TOURNON

Walk through the steep vineyards as you learn about the history and techniques of winemaking in this area. Following the guided tour, join your host for a tasting of the Hermitage wines for which this region is celebrated. Alternatively, take a train ride past magnificent landscape carved along the Gorge du Doux stopping at the charming little station of Colombier le Vieux-Saint Barthalemy le Plain, where the train maneuvers in preparation for its return journey. For a more active adventure, enjoy a hike through the vineyards of Tain-l'Hermitage, followed by a visit to a local winery where you'll sample some of the wines, or you can enjoy a bike ride.(B,L,D))

Day 9 VIENNE – LYON

Situated between the wine regions of Beaujolais and Cotes du Rhone lies Vienne with a Roman past that can be seen in its marvelously preserved ruins. Take a walking tour to see the amazingly well-preserved Augustus and Livia Temple, the Saint Maurice Cathedral, a Gothic church that took more than 500 years to build, and St. Pierre Abbey - one of the oldest surviving churches in France, and now an Archaeological Museum. For those wishing to be more active, you can either take a guided hike from the ship to the Monastery at Mount Pipet or guided bike tour along a portion of the ViaRhona bike route. Cruise to to the old town of Lyon and enjoy a guided walk through the St. Jean district, where you will be introduced to the city’s unique covered walkways, known as “traboules.” Or for those more interested in discovering why Lyon is France’s culinary capital, visit the city’s famed indoor food market, which has nearly five-dozen stalls selling countless gourmet delights. (B,L,D)

Day 10 LYON

Enjoy free time in Lyon or travel to the Beaujolais wine region - known as the Pays d’Or or “land of the golden stones." While there, indulge in a wine tasting at a traditional winery and learn about the history and techniques of their vineyard. (B,L,D)

Day 11 LYON - DISEMBARKATION - PARIS, FRANCE

Disembark the ship and board the TGV train through the French countryside to Paris, the majestic “City of Light.” (B)

 

POST CRUISE ITINERARY

Day 12 PARIS

Enjoy taking in the signature sites of Paris in your guided city tour, including the awe-inspiring Arc de Triomphe and iconic Eiffel Tower. You'll see Champs Elysees with its cinemas, sidewalk cafes and luxury specialty shops. (B)

Day 13 PARIS

Enjoy a full day at your leisure to discover more of this romantic city, such as the world-renowned Louvre Museum or Musee d’Orsay. Perhaps go shopping in the Faubourg Saint-Honore district or simply relax and spend the day like a local - by scoping out a local cafe for a cafe au lait, toasted baguette or croissant. In the evening, visit Montmartre, long known as the city’s premier artist's enclave. During the mid to late 1800s, artists also began calling Montmartre home. Pissarro and Jongkind were two of the first to live there, followed by other notable artists, including Edgar Degas, Henri Matisse, Toulouse-Lautrec, Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Pablo Picasso. You’ll be taken on an evening illumination tour, discovering why Paris is renowned as the “City of Light.” (B)

Day 14 DEPART PARIS

Your splendid vacation comes to an end as you prepare for your homeward flight. (B)

Itineraries and excursions are subject to change.