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Colours of Provence

Resort:France
Operator: AMA Waterways
Destination: Europe, France
Price From: Contact for latest offers

Overview

From romantic cities to foodie havens and artistic epicenters, this itinerary enlivens all your senses. Embark in Lyon, Frances culinary capital, and enjoy an evening illumination cruise. Savor the beauty of legendary vineyards and imbibe in local vintages like Beaujolais and Ctes du Rhne. You can even become an expert in all things culinary: go in search of the highly prized Black Diamond truffles; learn how to pair chocolate with wine; and discover how olives turn into the Mediterraneans nectar, olive oil. Trace the steps of famous artists in Arles and Carrires de Lumires before your return flight home.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Lyon

Board the ship for your Colors of Provence cruise. (D)

Day 2 – Lyon

Discover dynamic Lyon, starting in Fourvire Hill, part of the citys historic region that is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the 19th-century basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvire. 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 citys unique covered walkways, known as traboules. During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time or join a guided bike tour through the city designed with cyclists in mind. (B,L,D)

Day 3 – Vienne

Travel to the Beaujolais wine regionknown as the Pays dOr or land of the golden stones. Indulge in a wine tasting at a traditional winery and learn about the history and techniques of their vineyard. After rejoining the ship, enjoy the afternoon at your leisure before sailing to Vienne. (B,L,D)

Day 4 – Vienne

Situated between the wine regions of Beaujolais and Ctes du Rhne 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 Abbeyone 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 bike tour along a portion of the ViaRhna bike route or a guided hike from the ship to the Monastery at Mount Pipet. (B,L,D)

Day 5 – Tournon

You have a choice of three excursions. Take a train ride past magnificent landscape carved along the Gorge du Doux, stopping at the charming little station of Colombier le Vieux-Saint Barthlemy le Plain, where the train maneuvers in preparation for its return journey. Alternatively, lovers of wine and chocolate will want to visit Le Chteau de Tournon for a presentation and tasting on the pairing of red wine and chocolate. For a more active adventure, cycle through the French countryside or take a hike through the vineyards of Tain lHermitage, followed by a visit to a local winery where youll sample some of the wines. (B,L,D)

Day 6 – Tarascon

Provenal town Tarascon is known for its medieval architecture and charming tales especially the legend of the Tarasque monster. Join a guided walking tour where youll 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 Rhne, 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 Goghs Arles, join a special walking tour along with a visit to the Vincent van Gogh Foundation, showcasing his legacy. During the afternoon, youll visit the enchanting medieval fortress, the Castle of Tarascon a fortress designed to protect but surprises all with its elegant interior, fit for royalty. Delve deeply into the Carrires de Lumires, where youll be treated to a spectacular presentation of art, sound and history projected on the walls of caves. Afterwards, venture to the medieval hilltop village, Les Baux de Provence. In the evening, enjoy an illuminations cruise around Avignon. (B,L,D)

Day 7 – Avignon

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 todays Vatican. Discover the history of Avignon on a guided walking tour that includes the Papal Palace and the well-preserved medieval walls surrounding the historic center of town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Depending on your interests, you have two choices of excursions for the morning. You can enjoy a bike tour along the Rhne where you will see the Avignon ramparts, or you can visit three venues around Avignon to taste regional specialties including macarons, cheese and wine, and tapenades. During the afternoon, you can go to the magnificent hilltop village, Grignan. After visiting this enchanting Provenal town, go in search of the highly prized Black Diamond truffles with a farmer and his trustworthy canine companion. Alternatively, you can go to another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the impressive Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct that is a masterpiece of ancient engineering. (B,L,D)

Day 8 – Avignon

Bid farewell to Avignon and prepare for your flight home. (B)