DAY 1, TUE. DEPART USA
Board your overnight flight to Paris.
DAY 2, WED. ARRIVE IN PARIS, FRANCE
Arrive in Paris and transfer to your hotel. Take the balance of the day to relax or explore the 'City of Lights.'
DAY 3, THU. PARIS
Enjoy Paris' famous sights during this morning's guided tour. Visit Notre Dame Cathedral, pass the Louvre Museum, the commemorative l'Arc de Triomphe, Opera, Madeleine, Les Champs Elysees and much more. The remainder of the day is yours to explore on your own. (B)
DAY 4, FRI. PARIS
Enjoy a free day to explore the most romantic city in the world. Stroll through the Jardin de Tuilleries, gaze at impressionist masterpieces at the Musee D'Orsay, or visit the top of the Eiffel Tower, built for the 1889 World's Fair. Paris at night sparkles with possibilities for every taste. (B)
DAY 5, SAT. PARIS - LYON
Savour your last morning in Paris and then board the TGV train, where you'll be transported at top speed (up to 186 mph) in smooth, quiet comfort to Lyon where the ship awaits you. Gather this evening onboard for cocktails and a Welcome Dinner. (B,D)
DAY 6, SUN. LYON - TREVOUX
Lyon not only marks the meeting of the Soane and Rhone Rivers, but it is also the gastronomic capital of France. Its rich ancient history includes Roman ruins and early Christian sites. This morning's tour includes a stunning panoramic view of the entire city from the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere. You'll also explore the Renaissance charm of Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon) with its cobbled streets. Return to the ship for lunch, and relax as we sail north along the Saone River to the small town of Trevoux. Enjoy free time this evening to explore the town on your own. (B,L,D)
DAY 7, MON. TREVOUX - VIENNE
After breakfast, your morning tour takes you behind the village walls of Trevoux through Beaujolais, the Pay D'Or or 'land of the golden stones' named for the ochre limestone of its homes and castles. Enjoy a visit with a local wine maker along la route de vin and sample the world renowned Beaujolais Nouveau. Return to the ship and continue cruising south from the Saone to the Rhone River towards Vienne. This evening stroll along the sidewalk cafes of this rural walking town. (B,L,D)
DAY 8, TUE. VIENNE - TOURNON
Situated between the wine regions of Burgundy and Beaujolais, Vienne, has a significant Roman history, which is highlighted by its marvelously preserved ruins and remains. During this morning's walking tour you will see the 1st-century Roman Temple of Augustus and the medieval churches of St. Andre-Le-Bas and Abbey St. Pierre, before we cruise on to Tournon and Tain L'Hermitage. These twin towns face each other across the Rhone River and are linked by a 19th-century suspension bridge. The fertile soil and ideal climate of the region has made Tain L'Hermitage the premier producer of the Cote du Rhone wines. Enjoy free time this afternoon to visit the 16th-century castle which is now a town hall, or visit the chocolate shop for a taste of the confections once produced in Tournon's famous factory. After dinner enjoy wine tasting onboard. (B,L,D)
DAY 9, WED. TOURNON - VIVIERS
On this morning's adventure, you will get a personal look at a working farm located in the midst of the Adreche Mountains and then take a scenic tour of the valley's beautiful landscape. Enjoy a visit to Boucieu-le-Roi and its local market of handmade crafts, musical entertainment and wine tasting. Lunch onboard the ship as we cruise to Viviers for an excursion to Grignan. Grignan is a charming hilltop village, dominated by a majestic castle. The ship moors overnight in Viviers. (B,L,D)
DAY 10, THU. CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE - AVIGNON
Origin of its world famous namesake wine, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, or 'new castle of the Pope,' is also home to the remains of the fortress which gives the village its name. Your morning walking tour of the 'City of Popes' will take you through the narrow streets and elegant squares to the Papal Palace, which served as a fortress, a church and a residence to the Popes that once governed the Christian world. Enjoy wine tasting before returning to the ship for some scenic cruising to Avignon during lunch. Moor overnight in Avignon. (B,L,D)
DAY 11, FRI. AVIGNON - ARLES
Arrive this morning in Arles, a Mediterranean city situated at the mouth of the Rhone delta. Bathe in the Provencal morning light as you imagine how Vincent Van Gogh worked to capture the richness of every hue on this morning's walking tour. While Van Gogh's homes are no longer standing, you may glimpse the locales and vistas that inspired 'Starry Night' or 'Terrace de cafe le Soir' as you pass Constantine's Baths, the Romanesque Cathedral and the Roman Amphitheater, which is still in use today. This afternoon take a motorcoach to the villages of St. Remy and Les Baux. Enjoy the rich floral colors and amazing views from this village perched on the hill. (B,L,D)
DAY 12, SAT. ARLES - DISEMBARK - BARCELONA, SPAIN
Transfer to Barcelona, capital of the Spanish region of Catalonia. Along the way, pass through Camargue on the southern coast and trace the ancient trade route linking the Atlantic and Mediterranean seas. As we approach the Pyrenees, you will stop in the medieval city of Carcassone, which is surrounded by a double ring of walls, a world UNESCO heritage site, complete with 52 towers that stretches for more than two miles around this strategic import city. Here, you will have free time for lunch and some exploring on your own. (B)
DAY 13, SUN. BARCELONA
Your full day in Barcelona begins with a driving tour to the top of Montjuic Hill where you'll catch glorious views of the city below, including the Palau Nacional (the National Palace) and the Olympic Complex. Next, tour Placa Catalonia, and Las Ramblas, the promenade and center of Barcelona life. Later, see the Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família, designed by artist and architect Antonio Gaudí which is still incomplete. Take a walking tour of the Barrio Gotico (Gothic Quarter), King's Square, and Tinell, the Royal Palace. (B)
DAY 14, MON. BARCELONA
Enjoy a full day at your leisure in Barcelona or join us in the morning for an optional tour of Parc Guell, some of Gaudí's most captivating sculptures and architectural structures. Return on your own to the markets of Las Ramblas or visit one of the many museums. This evening, take part in an optional dinner show featuring Flamenco dancers, or venture out on your own, perhaps across the port for seafood in Barceloneta. (B)
DAY 15, TUE. DEPART BARCELONA
Your vacation comes to an end as you transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B) |
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