Provence River Cruise
Itinerary
USA - Geneva
Depart the USA for Switzerland on an overnight flight with in-flight meals.
Geneva, Switzerland
Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a representative and transferred to your centrally located hotel. Geneva is surrounded by the Alps and lies at the Southern tip of Lake Geneva (Lac Leman). This Swiss city, known as the “City of Peace,” is the headquarters of the European United Nations and headquarters of the International Red Cross. The city is a global hub for diplomacy and banking with a heavy French Influence from the language to dining to the beautiful gardens. Enjoy your free day exploring the city.
Geneva - Lyon
This morning is the included Geneva City Tour. You will enjoy an up close and personal look at this cheerful city with its backdrop of loft y snowcapped peaks. The lakefront and its famous water fountain, the Flower Clock, St. Peter’s Cathedral, Reformation Wall and the Palace Neuve are all “must see” sights. You will love Geneva! Later this aft ernoon, you will enjoy the beautiful scenery en route to Lyon, France via the Bellegarde-sur-Valserine, an alpine highway, spectacular in both scenery and engineering. In Lyon, we will board the 5-star Amadeus Provence and settle into your outstanding accommodations. Enjoy a Cocktail Reception and Welcome Aboard Dinner later this evening. (B, D)
Mâcon
Our included excursion, Maconnais with Wine Museum, will depart from Macon and we will make our way through the vineyards, past castles and the stately homes gracing the area. A highlight of this tour is the visit to Georges Duboeuf’s Hameau du Vin. In the unique setting of this 19th-century railway station, you will marvel at the wine making process which includes transporting the grapes as well as the wine, the winemaker’s tools and trade, the cellars, the making of the wine and the bottling and corking. Finish the visit with a tasting of Beaujolais wines, in a room housing a barrel organ called a “bouteillophone”. (B, L, D)
Chalon sur Saône - Tournus
This morning on our included Burgundy Excursion to Beaune you will enjoy a scenic drive along France’s Burgundy wine trail through Pommard, Volnay and Meursault. In Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy, you will enjoy a guided tour of the beautiful Hotel- Dieu, founded as a hospice in 1443. The rooms overflow with treasures: statues, furniture, pottery, paintings and tapestries. The kitchen has been restored to its 19th century state. Later, enjoy a wine tasting experience at one of Beaune’s famous cellars. Enjoy a free aft ernoon onboard or join the optional Excursion to Brancion and Cormatin with a visit to the Castle of Cormatin built between 1605 and 1629. Optional tour participants will rejoin the ship at Tournus for dinner. (B, L, D)
Lyon
This morning enjoy the included Lyon City Tour. This UNESCO World Heritage city is the 3rd largest city in France and sits at the confluence of the Rhône and the Saône. Walk the streets of the Old Town and learn the history of the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, the famous Roman theatre and the architecture bearing the influence of the Italian Renissance. Those choosing to remain onboard will enjoy a day of cruising, whether watching the French countryside pass by from the comfort of a balcony cabin or from the Sun Deck on the top of the ship. A day onboard also offers a window of time for a massage in the spa or an afternoon nap. Enjoy your day! (B, L, D)
Avignon
Included walking tour of Avignon the city known as the “City of Popes” Avignon’s lavish Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes) is a fortress, church and palace and was considered the center of the Christian world during the 14th century. Perhaps you’d like to signup for the optional excursion to the Pont du Gard and Uzès this afternoon to learn the history of the Pont du Gard, a 2000 year old Roman aqueduct. This evening is free to spend in Avignon. Ship overnights in Avignon. (B, L, D)
Arles
After breakfast in Arles, we depart for our Included Walking Tour. The city of Arles is a World Heritage Site and boasts a rich history which includes the Gauls, the Romans and the Archbishop of France. This afternoon is free to wander the streets of Arles just as Vincent Van Gogh did in the late 1800’s. In fact, many of the city’s settings may seem somewhat familiar as several of Van Gogh’s paintings originated here. This afternoon you also have the option of joining our excursion to the Camargue Nature Park which covers over 300 square miles and boasts unique flora, fauna, wild bulls and white Camargue horses. (B, L, D)
Châteauneuf-Du-Rhône - Le Pouzin
This morning, after breakfast, we have the optional excursion to the Ardeche Gorge. This natural wonder is the ‘Grand Canyon of Europe’ and its spectacular limestone cliffs towering 1000 feet above the river are a “must see”. We will rejoin the ship in Le Pouzin in time for lunch and spend a lovely afternoon cruising the Rhône. This evening is the Captain’s Gala Dinner. (B, L, D)
Lyon - USA
Bid the Rhône River Au Revoir and fly home from Lyon. (B)Extensions
OPTIONAL POST-CRUISE STAY IN PARIS
Accommodations
7 Nights
Amadeus Provence
Accommodations
7 Nights
Amadeus Provence