DAY 1, DEPART USA
Board your overnight flight to Barcelona, Spain.
DAY 2, ARRIVE IN BARCELONA, SPAIN
Arrive in Barcelona and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
DAY 3, 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. Tour Placa Catalonia, and Las Ramblas, the promenade and center of Barcelona life. See the Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia, designed by artist and architect Antonio Gaudi which is still incomplete. Take a walking tour of the Barrio Gotico (Gothic Quarter), King's Square, and Tinell, the Royal Palace. (B)
DAY 4, 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 Gaudi'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 5, BARCELONA - EMBARKATION - ARLES, FRANCE
After breakfast, transfer to Arles, the gateway to Provence. Along the way, we'll pass through the Pyrenees, and stop in the medieval city of Carcassone. Carcassone is a world UNESCO heritage site, surrounded by a double ring of walls 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. Then trace the ancient trade route linking the Atlantic and Mediterranean seas to Camargue on the southern coast, before entering Arles, a Mediterranean city situated at the mouth of the Rhone delta. Once onboard gather this evening for cocktails and a Welcome Dinner. (B,D)
DAY 6, ARLES - AVIGNON
This morning, travel by 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. This afternoon bathe in the Provencal light as you imagine how Vincent Van Gogh worked to capture the richness of every hue on your walking tour of Arles. 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 evening cruise to nearby Avignon. (B,L,D)
DAY 7, AVIGNON- CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE
Your morning 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. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy some scenic cruising to Chateauneuf-du-pape. The 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. On this afternoon's tour, see the remains of this 14th-century palace which was built as a summer residence for Popes during their exile to Avignon, as well as the many squares and beautiful fountains that this medieval village has to offer. Enjoy wine tasting before returning to the ship for dinner. (B,L,D)
DAY 8, VIVIERS - TOURNON
After breakfast, enjoy an excursion to Grignan, a charming hilltop village, dominated by a majestic castle. Grignan is a provincial gem and a tourist secret .The ship sails for Tournon during lunch and arrives in the early evening. The ship moors overnight in Tournon. (B,L,D)
DAY 9, TOURNON- VIENNE
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. Enjoy lunch back onboard the ship as we cruise to Vienne this afternoon. Situated between the wine regions of Burgundy and Beaujolais, Vienne, like Lyon has a significant Roman history, which is highlighted by its marvelously preserved ruins and remains. (B,L,D)
DAY 10, VIENNE- TREVOUX
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 Trevoux, passing through Lyon to the Saone River. This evening, stroll along the sidewalk cafes of this rural walking town. (B,L,D)
DAY 11, TREVOUX - LYON
After breakfast, your city tour takes you behind the village walls of Trevoux and through Beaujolais, the Pay D'Or, or 'land of the golden stones' so named for the ochre limestone of its homes and castles. Enjoy a visit with a local wine maker along la route du vin and sample the world renowned Beaujolais Nouveau. Return to the ship for lunch as you sail to Lyon. 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. Enjoy free time this evening to explore the town on your own. (B,L,D)
DAY 12, LYON- DISEMBARK - PARIS, FRANCE
After breakfast take a city tour of Lyon. Your tour includes a stunning panoramic view of the city from the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere. You'll also explore the Renaissance charm of Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon) with its cobbled streets. This afternoon, board the TGV train, where you'll be transported at top speed (up to 186 mph) in smooth, quiet comfort to Paris, the 'city of lights.' (B)
DAY 13, 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 14, PARIS
Enjoy a full 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 15, DEPART PARIS
Your splendid vacation comes to an end as you transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B) |
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