Day 1
(Sun.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.
Day 2 Nice, France
(Mon.) Welcome to France! Time at leisure to get acquainted with the "Queen of
the Riviera." This evening an optional excursion to Monte Carlo in the
Principality of Monaco is available.
Day 3 Nice - Arles (Embarkation)
(Tue.) This morning, enjoy a guided stroll through the narrow, winding streets
of the OLD TOWN. After lunch, transfer by motorcoach along the Côte d'Azur into
the Provence region to Arles, where the crew of your river cruise vessel awaits
to welcome you on board! (B,D)
Day 4 Arles
(Wed.) On the northern tip of the Camargue, Arles is the capital of the Provence
and was once known as the "Little Rome of Gaul." See the ROMAN AMPHITHEATER, the
church of St. Trophime, and "Les Alyscamps," the remains of the Gallo-Roman
burial road. Vincent Van Gogh was inspired by the special light of the Provence
and spent a very productive year in Arles. The "Foundation Vincent Van Gogh" is
a tribute to the artist. (B,L,D)
Day 5 Avignon
(Thu.) The fortified city of Avignon is the capital of the Vaucluse region, the
most picturesque part of Provence. Also referred to as the "City of Popes," it
was the center of the Catholic Church in the 14th century and the city landscape
is dominated by the grandiose PALACE OF THE POPES. A photo of the BRIDGE of the
popular song is a must, and optional outings to Pont du Gard or to the famed
wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape are available this afternoon. (B,L,D)
Day 6 Cruising - Viviers
(Fri.) A leisurely morning on board to relax and enjoy the passing scenery as
you glide gently by. The charming town of Viviers was developed around its
ROMANESQUE CATHEDRAL, and the OLD TOWN has an appealing mix of Christian, Roman,
and medieval influences. (B,L,D)
Day 7 Tournon/Tain L'Hermitage - Vienne
(Sat.) The twin cities of Tournon and Tain L'Hermitage lie nestled among
vineyards between the Rhône River and the granite slopes of the Hermitage.
Tournon, with its imposing 16th-century castle and Roman ruins, is one of
France's oldest medieval cities. This afternoon, enjoy Vienne, another charming
little town surrounded by steep hills. (B,L,D)
Day 8 Lyon
(Sun.) Lyon is France's second-largest city and its gastronomic capital. Founded
by the Romans in 43 BC, the city's prosperity dates back to the 16th century and
is due to commercial, industrial, and banking activities. Roman remains, many
excellent museums, and much renaissance architecture delight the visitor. Survey
the city from FOURVIÈRE HILL and explore the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage
Site, with its maze of medieval alleyways, Place Terraux, and the beautiful
Place Bellecour. Beaujolais is the wine of the region and wine connoisseurs will
know that the grapes must be hand picked. Tradition dictates that the
"Beaujolais Nouveau" is tasted for the first time on the third Thursday of
November each year. An optional dinner gives gourmets insight into the local
haute cuisine. (B,L,D)
Day 9 Mâcon - Tournus
(Mon.) Playing an important role in the wine trade, Mâcon, situated on the River
Saône, has a rich history. See the OLD SAINT VINCENT, the cathedral founded in
the 6th century and now a symbol of the city; La Charité the Town Hall; and the
Half-Timbered House, dating from the 15th to 16th centuries. A number of
optional excursions, including a visit to a wine cellar, are available. This
evening, free time to explore the lovely town of Tournus. (B,L,D)
Day 10 Chalon-sur-Saône (Disembarkation) - Beaune - Paris
(Tue.) After breakfast, head for Beaune, the unofficial capital of the Côte d'Or
area which produces the Burgundy region's finest vintages. Its most famous
historical site, the hôtel-dieu charity hospital, houses Van der Weyden's
painting of the Last Judgement and is one of France's architectural highlights.
After lunch, continue north past the forest of Fontainebleau to Paris, the "City
of Light." (B)
Day 11 Paris
(Wed.) Paris' famous sights are living history: your included city sightseeing
shows you magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral, the unique Louvre Museum with its
glass pyramid as a contrast to its ancient architecture, the commemorative Arc
de Triomphe, Opéra, Madeleine, Champs Elysées, and the Eiffel Tower, a
structural miracle of its age. The city is well known for its colorful nightlife
that includes some of the world's most famous cabaret shows. (B)
Day 12 Paris
(Thu.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B) |
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