Sensations of Lyon and Provence

Romantic settings, quaint country villages, stunning scenery and rolling vineyards are yours to discover on your river cruise through Lyon, to Chalon-Sur-Saône, Avignon and Arles. The region’s wines and gastronomic delights are waiting to be tasted, and France’s impressive architecture including castles and palaces – there to be explored. Romanesque influences rise from cities’ ruins while castles built by French nobility tell tales of the past lives of the country’s wealthy, providing you with an all-encompassing experience of France’s past and present.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1:

Lyon

Welcome to Lyon. You will be met at the airport and transferred to the ship where you will be welcomed by your Captain and crew. Tonight enjoy a welcome reception and dinner on board.

Day 2:

Chalon-Sur-Saône – Beaune

Chalon–Sur–Saône is best known as the birthplace of photography and the center of Burgundy’s wine region. Travel by road to the quaint village of Beaune, where we visit the Hospices de Beaune, one of the finest examples of French fifteenth–century architecture. Marvel at the multi–colored roofs of this former hospital, now a museum, which has become one of the symbols of Burgundy.

Day 3:

Lyon

Lyon is France’s third largest city, a former Roman capital positioned at the conference of the Rhone and Saone rivers, which is steeped in history. Today be part of the guided tour of Lyon, which starts with a drive to the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière, Lyon’s hilltop church, with stunning views over the town. Then, pass by the recently re–discovered Roman amphitheater and walk through the cobbled streets of the gastronomic old town including the secret laneways. Alternatively, join a guided bike tour of Lyon.

Day 4:

Tournon

Join your local guide for a walking tour of Tournon, which is dominated by the 16th century castle and roman ruins, and is nestled in the valley near the steep slopes of le Massif Central, France’s 3rd largest mountain range. The area has a long tradition in wine making, including the renowned wine growing centre of Tain l’Hermitage across the river.

Day 5:

Viviers

Arrive in Viviers, a town which still has a lot of flare. Viviers is also the home of one of France’s oldest cathedrals, join an included city tour exploring all the architectural heritage of this quaint town.

Day 6:

Avignon

Avignon has a rich history from Celtic beginnings to being the residence of the Popes and later central to the French Revolution. Although a fortified town, it is the Papal Palace which stands more secure on a hill in the centre of town; its walls are 17–18 feet thick. Your guided walk with a local guide takes you through this historic centre with its cobbled laneways and shops, overlooking the famous ‘Pont d’Avignon’. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 7:

Arles

Sail into Arles where you will join your local guide for a walking tour showcasing the highlights of the city in particular the 2000-year-old Roman Amphitheater still in use today, which was originally built to hold 20,000 spectators in the style of the Colosseum in Rome. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax on board and explore Arles further.