Itinerary Details
Day 1 Paris.
Travel to Paris where you will be met and transferred to Westin Paris Vendme, Pullman Paris Montparnasse or Hotel du Collectionneur Arc de Triomphe (or similar) for two nights.
Day 2 Paris.
Included today: Guided sightseeing or ‘Heart of Paris’ walk.
Known as one of the worlds most passionate and lively cities, Paris is a delight for all your senses. Your included CITY SIGHTSEEING shows you magnificent must-see sights, such as Notre Dame Cathedral, the unique Louvre Museum with its glass pyramid as a contrast to its ancient architecture, the commemorative Arc de Triomphe, and the Eiffel Tower. In your free time, stroll down the Champs-Elyses with its lavish cafs, or perhaps visit the world-famous Louvre museum or Montmartre with its gleaming white Sacr Coeur Basilica and bevy of artists on Place du Tertre. Paris is also well known for its colourful night-life that includes some of the worlds most famous cabaret shows. All of this awaits your discovery! (B)
Day 3 Paris-Dijon-Beaune-St. Jean de Losne (Embarkation)- Seurre
TGV train from Paris to Dijon; coach transfer to Beaune, visit the Htel-Dieu. On board welcome reception
This morning, board the TGV train to Dijon and from there, drive to Beaune, the unofficial capital of the Cte d’Or area. Beaune owes its wealth to the production, ageing, and selling of fine wines. Although life here centres around wine, Beaune offers much more. Visit the HTEL-DIEU charity hospital, built in 1443 and paid for by the chancellor of Burgundy after the Hundred Years’ War left many of the town’s population destitute. Today it houses Van der Weyden’s painting of The Last Judgement and is one of France’s architectural highlights. Then continue to St. Jean de Losne where you’ll board your river cruise vessel. Before dinner, meet your crew at a welcome reception as your ship departs for Seurre. (B, D)
Day 4 Seurre – Macon
Included today: leisurely cruising; free time in Macon; cheese tasting.
Enjoy some leisurely cruising this morning, before arriving in Macon, a city that plays an important role in the wine trade. Free time allows you to explore at your own pace. Alternatively, you may choose to participate in one of the optional excursions on offer, such as a visit to a wine cellar. Before dinner, enjoy an on-board CHEESE TASTING. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Lyon.
Included today: Guided sightseeing.
Lyon is France’s third-largest city and its gastronomic capital. Founded by the Romans in 43BC, the city’s prosperity dates back to the 16th century and is due to commercial, industrial and banking activities. Today Lyon offers up a wealth of Roman ruins, excellent museums and Renaissance architecture. With a local guide, survey the city from Fourvire Hill and explore the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its maze of medieval alleyways and Place des Terreaux, a popular area with lively cafs, monuments and the famous fountain. (B, L, D)
Day 6 Lyon.
Enjoy a free day in this fascinating city to explore at leisure. Early risers might like to visit the local produce market. Perhaps wander through one of Lyon’s parks, discover some of the murals or choose from a range of optional excursions. Be sure to taste the gastronomic delights and sample the wine of the region: Beaujolais, wine connoisseurs know that the grapes must be hand picked. Your Cruise Director will have plenty of suggestions for things to do. (B, L, D)
Day 7 Tournon & Tain l’Hermitage – Viviers.
Included today: Guided walks in Tournon and Viviers.
The twin cities of Tournon and Tain l’Hermitage lie nestled among vineyards between the Rhne River and the granite slopes of the Hermitage. A local guide will show you Tournon, one of France’s oldest medieval cities, with its imposing 16th century castle and Roman ruins. Cruise to Viviers, arriving in the afternoon, where the included guided walk introduces you to this charming town, developed around its Romanesque Cathedral. The Old Town has an appealing mix of Christian, Roman, and medieval influences. (B, L, D)
Day 8 Avignon.
Included today: Guided sightseeing, visit Palace of the Popes.
The fortified city of Avignon is the capital of the Vaucluse region and one of the most picturesque regions of Provence. Dominated by the grandiose Palace of the Popes, the city is often referred to as the ‘City of Popes’ and was the centre of the Catholic Church in the 14th century. During the guided tour, you can choose to join an included visit to the Palace of the Popes or you may opt for further city sightseeing and either time at leisure or one of the optional excursions to Pont du Gard or to the wine cellars of Chteauneuf-du-Pape. (B, L, D)
Day 9 Arles: sail into the Camargue region (daylight permitting)
Included today: Guided sightseeing in Arles, visit the Roman Amphitheatre.
This morning wake up early to the tranquil vistas of Camargue National Park (daylight permitting), before arriving in Arles after breakfast. Located on the northern tip of the Camargue, Arles is the capital of the Provence region. Your LOCAL GUIDE will show you highlights of the city and you’ll visit the ROMAN AMPHITHEATRE. Still used today, it dates to the 1st century and was constructed to hold over 20,000 spectators. (B, L, D)
Day 10 Arles ( Disembarkation ) – Cte d’Azur.
After breakfast, disembark your cruise ship and drive along the Cte d’Azur to the Fairmont Monte Carlo, Monte Carlo (or similar). Also known as the French Riviera, the Cte d’Azur stretches along France’s Mediterranean coast from Toulon to the Italian border and is synonymous with prestige and beauty. (B)
Day 11 Cte d’Azur.
Transfer to the airport or station for your journey to the UK. (B)
