Essence of Burgundy & Provence

Overview

Indulge in French flavors on a palate-pleasing itinerary that highlights the essence of Frances Burgundy and Provence. Uncover the Roman history of Chalon-sur Sane and delight in charming Tournus with its towering Romanesque abbey and historic apothecary shop. Visit French chteaux from Burgundy to Provence, taste your way through the French culinary capital of Lyon and visit the Papal Palace in Avignon. While youll get more than a taste of Burgundy and Provence during this itinerary, the essence of these destinations will linger on your palate and in your heart for a lifetime!

Itinerary

Day 1 Chalon-sur Saone

Board your ship in preparation for your 7-night Essence of Provence & Burgundy cruise. (B,D)

Day 2 Chalon-sur Saone & Tournos

Located in southern Burgundy at the heart of the Cte Chalonnaise wine region, Chalon-Sur-Sane whispers the secrets of its medieval past which you will discover on your historic city tour. Youll also stop at a local market where you can see and taste some of the local fare. Alternatively, choose an excursion in Beaune, a walled town nestled in the heart of Cote dOr vineyards where youll stroll the cobblestone streets and take in such sights as the mosaic-tiled roof of the Htel-Dieu de Beaune, founded in the 15th century as a hospital for the less fortunate. Or, visit the storybook Chteau de Couches, a medieval fortress enveloped in idyllic hills and greenery that once served the Dukes of Burgundy. Later in the day, enjoy a scenic sailing to Tournus, or pedal from Chalon-Sur- Sane to Tournus on an exhilarating guided bike tour. Alternatively, once in Tournus, sample the regions famous white Mconnais wines. (B,L,D)

Day 3 Tournos & Macon

Today you have a choice of a number of excursions as you explore the cities of Tournus and Macon. Let your knowledgeable guide lead you through Tournus and to its magnificent Benedictine Abbey of Saint Philibert. Or choose instead to visit the moated Chteau de Cormatin, which dates back to the early 17th century and features ornate apartments as well as a beautifully manicured garden. As an alternative, venture to the medieval village of Brancion with its preserved gateway, church and market hall. Return to the ship and enjoy a scenic cruise to Mcon, or instead join a guided bike tour from Tournus to Macon and meet the ship in the latter. If you chose to cruise, you can later enjoy a tasting of Mconnais wines. (B,L,D)

Day 4 Macon, Villefranche-sur-Saone & lyon

Join a guided tour through the South Burgundy City of Mcon, learning about its local vineyards, museums, historical sites and perhaps its famous son, the poet and minister Alphonse de Lamartine. Or venture somewhat off the beaten path to Cluny, known for its large abbey, and the nearby castle Berze-le-Chatel, a well-preserved fortress perched on a rocky hill offering stunning views below. Should architecture or religion be one of your main interests, perhaps choose the excursion to the Royal Monastery of Brou, built in the 16th century and boasting a glorious white faade as well as a beautifully tiled roof. Return to the ship and head to the Sun Deck to enjoy a light lunch and the passing landscapes on the way to Villefranche-sur-Sane, or instead cycle from Mcon to this Pays Beaujolais castle. For those traveling by ship, enjoy a tasting of Mconnais wines once you arrive. During the evening, enjoy a special Illuminations cruise a highlight of your river cruise as you enter the city of Lyon. (B,L,D)

Day 5 Lyon & Vienne

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. Or get active a guided bike tour through the city designed with cyclists in mind. If youre a self-described foodie, our Lyon tasting tour is for you, during which youll have a chance to taste some of Lyons local delights. Later in the day, sail to Vienne, which boasts a Roman past that can be seen in its marvelously preserved ruins. There you can ride the charming mini train around the city. 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 6 Vienne & Valence

Take your coffee on your balcony or the Sun Deck as you cruise to Valence, a designated City of Art and History, where you can see such sites as its 11th-century Cathedral of St. Apollinaris or perhaps its House of Heads (named for the carved heads of its faade and courtyard) on your city tour. For a more active adventure, pedal through this bicycle-friendly city. Or indulge your culinary wanderlust by attending a specialized excursion to a local French cooking school. If you prefer a more relaxing excursion, taste the Northern Rhnes red Cornas wines. (B,L,D)

Day 7 Avignon & Arles

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 from Avignon to the provenal town of Tarascon, or you can visit three venues around Avignon to taste regional specialties including macarons, cheese and wine, and tapenades. Later in the day, cruise to Arles, considered one of the most beautiful cities in France. Let your experienced guide lead you to the top sights, including the Romanesque cathedral and Roman amphitheater; or take a guided bike tour to the Roman ruins. If you 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. Or take some time to focus on wellness with a guided bike tour through town. (B,L,D)

Day 8 Arles