Here's how it works:
If at any time before your initial deposit date you find the same river cruise for less simply send us a copy of the quote and we will match the deal plus we will even send you a $100 VISA gift card as a thank you for your business. You can use your $100 VISA gift card to make purchases anywhere VISA credit cards are accepted.
Sail through the heart of Burgundy and Provence on a magical journey where sumptuous cuisine, fine wine, world-class art, nature, and history are a treat for all the senses.
You'll sail past quaint hilltop cities and fashionable, lively towns, lush vineyards, fields of flowers, and sun-drenched vistas made famous by great painters such as Van Gogh and Cezanne.
You'll visit regions filled with UNESCO World Heritage Sites - Arles, immortalized by Van Gogh's paintings; the well-preserved medieval city of Avignon, with its spectacular Palace of the Popes; and Lyon, center of Gallo-Roman history and the gastronomic capital of France.
Add in the full-bodied wines and incomparable culinary dishes, and you'll soon discover that joie de vivre is not just a phrase, but a wonderful way of life!
Who will enjoy this cruise: Travelers wishing to walk through the countryside and villages that inspired the art of Van Gogh, Cezanne, and Gauguin. History buffs, movie fans, gastronomes, wine connoisseurs, and chocoholics will love it as well.
Day 1: Depart home gateway city to Lyon
Day 2: Transfer to Chalon sur Saône (embark) Arrive at Lyon Airport where you'll be transferred to your ship docked in Chalon sur Saône. (D)
Day 3: Chalon sur Saône (Beaune) Centered in the heart of Burgundy, Chalon is an important center forFrance's wine trade. From here, you will journey to nearby Beaune tovisit the famous Hospices de Beaune, a charitable hospital founded bythe Chancellor of Beaune in 1443. Marvel at the multicolored roofs ofthis architectural jewel that has become one of the symbols of Burgundy.The Hospice monks were given some vineyards in the 15th century so theycould make wine to auction in order to help support charities, and tothis day, the tradition still continues. (BB, L, D) Featured Excursion: Beaune and Hospices de Beaune, open-airand food market visit
Day 4: Lyon Lyon, France's second largest city after Paris, is the country's livelyand creative capital of gastronomy. Your tour starts with a drive tothe Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière, Lyon's hallmark church, for adramatic view of the town built at the confluence of the Rhône andSaône rivers. From the bus, you'll view Terreaux Square, the Musèe desBeaux-Arts, and the Opera House. During the afternoon, you'll haveleisure time to explore this city on your own. (BB, L, Captain'sFarewell Dinner) Featured Excursion: Lyon city tour
Day 5: Tain l'Hermitage, Tournon, Viviers Nestled among famous vineyards, the twin cities of Tournon/Tain l'Hermitage provide the perfect setting for those who are trueconnoisseurs of wine. Celebrate the region by indulging in some Côtesdu Rhône mid-valley wines. Then cross the Marc Seguin suspension bridgeand visit Tournon and its historic castle. (BB, L, D) Featured Excursion: Winetasting and Tournon walking tour
Day 6: Viviers Lovely Viviers, developed around its Romanesque cathedral, has retainedmuch of its historic charm. Your tour in Viviers starts in Old Townwith an introduction to the city. You'll take the Rue Chèvrerie toPorte Riquot, then climb Rue du Ch�teau to reach St. Vincent Cathedralwhere you'll enjoy an organ concert. Finally, you'll walk through theMedieval streets of this delightful town on your way back to the ship.(BB, L, D) Featured Excursion: Viviers walking tour
Day 7: Avignon Avignon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is full of history, culture,art, and life, and you'll capture all of that on your walking tour ofthe “City of the Popes.” Your tour starts at the fortification wallsand continues to Clocktower Square. In truly Provençal style, under theshadows of the sycamores, the colorful cafè terraces face themagnificent architecture of the City Hall, the Opera Theatre, and theclassic mansions. Next, it's on to Pope's Palace Square for an insideview of the maze of galleries, chambers, and chapels that make up thegrand Palace of the Popes. During the afternoon, you'll have leisuretime to enjoy this magical city. (BB, L, D) Featured Excursion: Avignon walking tour and Palace of the Popes
Day 8: Avignon, Arles Vincent van Gogh found inspiration in the charming town of Arles, andyou will too. Inspired by the unique Provençal light, he spent a periodof intense and impassioned work under the bright sunny sky of Provence.In fact, he produced more than 300 paintings and drawings in 15 months,including Starry Night. During your walking tour, discover Van Gogh'sArles as well as a fascinating wealth of Romanesque monuments, such asthe Roman Amphitheater and Constantine's Roman baths. (BB, L, Captain'sWelcome Dinner) Featured Excursion: Arles walking tour
Day 9: Arles (disembark) transfer to Marseille Airport Disembark the ship and transfer to Marseille airport for your flight home.
|
|