Day 1: (Sat.)
Board your overnight transatlantic flight.
Day 2: Paris, France. (Sun.)
Welcome to Paris, France's capital on the River Seine and the
"City of Light," where romance fills the air!
Day 3: Paris. (Mon.)
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, Opera, Madeleine, Champs Elysees, 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 4: Paris-Beaune-Chalon-sur-Saone (Embarkation). (Tue.)
After breakfast, drive south past the forest of Fontainebleau, favorite hunting grounds of a long line of French kings, and into Burgundy. Beaune, the unofficial capital of the Cote d'Or area-which produces the region's finest vintages-owes its wealth to the production, aging, and selling of fine wines. Its most famous historical site, the HOTEL-DIEU charity hospital, houses Van der Weyden's painting of the Last Judgement and is one of France's architectural highlights. Enjoy a TASTING of Burgundy wines before continuing south to Chalon-sur-Saone, where you'll board your river cruise vessel. Before dinner, meet your crew at a WELCOME RECEPTION. (B,D)
Day 5: Chalon-Tournus-Macon. (Wed.)
A GUIDED WALK after breakfast today shows you the highlights of this quaint French town situated on the Saone River. Explore the NICEPHORE NIEPCE photography museum at your own pace before returning to your ship in time for its departure for Tournus. After lunch, enjoy free time in this lovely town. The cloister of St. Philibert or the Burgundy Museum's folklore collection, located in an old family mansion, are worth a visit. Later, cruise to Macon, a city with a rich history that plays an important role in the wine trade. A choice of optional excursions, including a visit to a wine cellar, is available. (B,L,D)
Day 6: Beaujolais Region-Lyon. (Thu.)
Enjoy a leisurely morning cruising on the Rhone. 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 FOURVIERE 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 7: Lyon. (Fri.)
A free day in this fascinating city to explore at leisure. Early risers might like to visit the local produce market. Your Cruise Director will have plenty of suggestions for things to do. (B,L,D)
Day 8: Tournon/Tain l'Hermitage-Viviers. (Sat.)
The twin cities of Tournon and Tain l'Hermitage lie nestled among vineyards between the Rhone 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. Another charming town, 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 9: Avignon. (Sun.)
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 Chateauneuf-du-Pape are available this afternoon. (B,L,D)
Day 10: Arles. (Mon.)
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 church of St. Trophime, "Les Alyscamps," the remains of the Gallo-Roman burial road, and visit the ROMAN AMPHITHEATER. 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 11: Arles (Disembarkation)-Provence Region. (Tue.)
After breakfast, disembark and follow the remaining stretch of the Rhone into its delta-the Camargue-famous for its wild horses and pink flamingos. Visit the city of AIGUES-MORTES with its impressive towers and defensive walls, embedded in a melancholy landscape of pools, marshes, and salt pans. (B)
Day 12: Provence Region. (Wed.)
Your day starts with a guided tour of Nimes, heart of the Provence region and a city of arts and culture. Time at leisure to explore on your own. This evening you might like to join an optional excursion to taste some of the local specialties this region has to offer. (B)
Day 13: Provence Region-Cote d'Azur. (Thu.)
This morning is dedicated to Aix-en-Provence, one of France's most elegant cities. Shaded Cours Mirabeau, colorful squares, and famous cafes and fountains can be discovered on a stroll around the city. After lunch, head east past Cezanne's Mount St. Victoire to the Cote d'Azur. This evening an optional excursion to Monte Carlo in the tiny Principality of Monaco is available. (B)
Day 14: Cote d'Azur. (Fri.)
Your homebound flight from Nice arrives the same day. (B) |
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