River Cruise Itinerary

Spend 3 nights in Paris, travel by high-speed TGV train to Lyon, and embark upon an enchanting 7-night cruise through Provence, ending with 3 nights in Barcelona

1. Day 1
   Thu, Dec 19, 2024

   LYON ''' EMBARKATION. Board the ship for your Colors of Provence cruise. (D)
2. Day 2
   Fri, Dec 20, 2024

   LYON. Discover dynamic Lyon, starting in Fourvi''re Hill, part of the city'''s historic region that is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the 19th-century basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvi''re. Continue on to the old town of Lyon, followed by a guided walk through the St. Jean district, where you will be introduced to the city'''s unique covered walkways, known as '''traboules.''' Your time in Lyon also includes time to browse the Lyon Christmas Markets and watch the city sparkle in festivities and tradition. Alternatively, indulge in rich cheeses, fresh breads and charcuterie in Les Halles Market or join a guided bike tour through the city designed with cyclists in mind.(B,L,D)
3. Day 3
   Sat, Dec 21, 2024

   LYON ''' VIENNE. On your second day in Lyon, set out on a culinary journey that will linger on your palate for years to come. Travel to the Beaujolais wine region'''known as the Pays d'''Or or '''land of the golden stones''' ''' to experience France'''s finest vintages firsthand. Indulge in a wine tasting at a traditional winery and learn about the history and techniques of their vineyard. (B,L,D)
4. Day 4
   Sun, Dec 22, 2024

   VIENNE ''' TOURNON. Situated between the wine regions of Beaujolais and C''tes du Rh''ne lies Vienne with a Roman past that can be seen in its marvelously preserved ruins. Follow the footsteps of the ancient Romans on a walking tour to see the amazingly well-preserved Augustus and Livia Temple, the Saint Maurice Cathedral, a Gothic church that took more than 500 years to build, and St. Pierre Abbey'''one of the oldest surviving churches in France, and now an Archaeological Museum. For those wishing to be more active, you can either take a guided hike from the ship to the Monastery at Mount Pipet or a guided bike tour along a portion of the ViaRh''na bike route. (B,L,D)
5. Day 5
   Mon, Dec 23, 2024

   TOURNON - VIVIERS. Lovers of wine and chocolate will want to visit Le Ch''teau de Tournon for a presentation and tasting on the pairing of red wine and chocolate. For a more active adventure, take a hike through the vineyards of Tain l'''Hermitage, followed by a visit to a local winery where you'''ll sample some of the wines. You'''ll also have many opportunities to taste the Provence'''s regional specialties, including its traditional 13 desserts of Christmas throughout your journey. Later, stroll through the city accompanied by a guide in Renaissance attire as former '''residents''' in period costumes reenact events and legends of centuries gone by. This special historical tour is sure to bring a smile to your lips ''' or perhaps send shivers down your spine! (B,L,D)
6. Day 6
   Tue, Dec 24, 2024

   AVIGNON. Depending on your interests, you have three choices of excursions for the morning. Avignon, aptly named the '''City of Popes,''' was the center of the Catholic Church in the 14th century when its '''Palais des Papes''' was the equivalent of today'''s Vatican. Discover the history of Avignon on a guided walking tour that includes the Papal Palace. You will also have time to enjoy the lively Christmas markets with their cheerful atmosphere and delicious regional specialties. Those looking to indulge in local cuisine can You can visit three venues around Avignon to taste regional specialties including macarons, cheese and wine, and tapenades, along with a visit to the Christmas Markets. More active guest can enjoy a bike tour through the city. In the afternoon, you can go to another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the impressive Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct that is a masterpiece of ancient engineering. Or, you can go to the magnificent hilltop village, Grignan. After visiting this enchanting Proven''al town, go in search of the highly prized '''Black Diamond''' truffles with a farmer and his trustworthy canine companion. (B,L,D)
7. Day 7
   Wed, Dec 25, 2024

   ARLES. Considered one of the most beautiful cities in France, Arles enchants all with its tantalizing history, formerly a Roman center of trade. In the morning, venture to Les Baux de Provence, a hilltop village and ruined castle. Enjoy time in the '''old village,''' its shops, art galleries, and cafes interspersed among the historic ruins. You will also have a unique experience at the Carri''res de Lumi''res, where you will be treated to a spectacular presentation of art, sound, and history projected on the walls of a former limestone quarry set to music. Next, visit an olive farm to learn about this age-old Proven''al tradition and enjoy a tasting. Finally, experience the beauty of Saint R''my de Provence, the location where Van Gogh painted some of his most famous paintings, including Starry Night. Later, join a guided walking tour where you'''ll visit the Roman ruins of Arles such as its Roman Amphitheater and the Church of Saint Trophime, famous for its Romanesque architecture. Alternatively, you can enjoy a bike ride along the Rh''ne, through town to the Langlois Bridge, a famous subject from several Vincent Van Gogh paintings. And for those who wish to delve further into Van Gogh'''s Arles, join a special walking tour along with a visit to the Vincent van Gogh Foundation, showcasing his legacy. (B,L,D)
8. Day 8
   Thu, Dec 26, 2024

   ARLES ''' DISEMBARKATION. Bid farewell to Arles and prepare for your flight home. (B)

Inclusions

• SPACIOUS STATEROOMS
• 7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with French balconies)
• Entertainment-On-Demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed internet access, movies, a music library and English language TV stations
• Desk and sitting area
• Bottled water replenished daily
• AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES
• Wellness Activities with a dedicated Wellness Host leading various exercise classes as well as discussions on healthy eating and relaxation techniques, both on board and on shore.
• Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land packages
• Internet and Wi-Fi access
• Sun Deck whirlpool and walking track
• Fitness room, massage services and hair salon
• Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
• Daily entertainment including cultural performances
• AWARD-WINNING DINING
• All onboard dining in a variety of venues
• Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
• The Chef'''s Table specialty restaurant
• Welcome cocktail, Welcome Dinner, La Cha''ne des R''tisseurs Dinner, Captain's Cocktail and Gala Dinner
• La Cha''ne des R''tisseurs exclusive dining experience
• Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
• Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
• Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge
• A WORLD OF EXPLORATION
• Immersive tours in every destination
• Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
• Bike tours and hikes
• Special interest tours
• Knowledgeable guides
• Personal headset for easy exploration
• Airport transfers with purchase of air from AmaWaterways
• Land Program
• 3 nights hotel in Paris at the RenaissanceArc de Triomphe (or similar), including city tour,Montmartre, illumination tour and daily breakfastd'''Orsay and daily breakfast
• Transfer from the hotel to Lyon via high-speedTGV train
• Transfer from the ship in Arles to N''mes with highlights tour and then high-speed TGV train to Barcelona
• 3 nights hotel in Barcelona at Renaissance Barcelona (or similar), including dailybreakfast

Ship Information

Cabins

Life on Board

Questions & Answers