Cruise Description
7 Night Cruise sailing from Lyon to Arles aboard AmaDagio.
Cruise through France’s legendary wine growing regions, home to such famous vintages as Beaujolais and Côte du Rhône. Enjoy wine tastings at local vintners, marvel at ancient Roman ruins, stroll through medieval villages and shop for Provencal crafts. Your itinerary includes the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Avignon as well as Arles, the city where Vincent Van Gogh spent much of his life.
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1 LYON – EMBARKATION
Board your cruise in Lyon. Gather this evening on board for a Welcome Dinner. (D)
Day 2 LYON
Today your panoramic tour of Lyon will take you to Place Bellecour with its equestrian statue of Louis XIV, Place des Terreaux with Bartholdi’s Fountain, and the Town Hall. Afterwards, visit Fourvičre, part of the historic region designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known as the “Hill of Prayers,” Fourvičre is famous for its iconic white Basilica of Notre-Dame, ruins of an ancient Roman theater, and majestic views of the city below. The ship departs for Belleville this evening. (B,L,D)
Day 3 BELLEVILLE – VIENNE
This morning’s tour will take you through the Beaujolais wine region, also known as the Pays d’Or (“land of the golden stones,” named for the ochre limestone used to build local homes and castles). You will visit the medieval hilltop village of Oingt as well as the home of a local vintner, where you will enjoy a wine tasting, vineyard tour and explanation of the history of the region’s wine production. Return to the ship in the afternoon and continue cruising towards Vienne, where you’ll have a free evening to explore on your own. (B,L,D)
Day 4 VIENNE – TOURNON
Situated between the wine regions of Burgundy and Beaujolais, Vienne’s Roman past can be seen in its marvelously preserved ruins. This morning, you will take a mini train tour and see the 1st-century Roman Temple of Augustus and Livia, the ruins of a Roman theater, and the medieval churches of St. Andre-Le-Bas and Abbey St. Pierre. Your ship will depart at midday for Tournon. This evening, explore the town on your own. (B,L,D)
Day 5 TOURNON – VIVIERS
Today you will enjoy an indulgent chocolate and red wine pairing. Relax on board today as we cruise to Viviers. After arriving this evening, you may take a “Ghost Walk” tour through this medieval town, with colorful stories brought to life by local residents. (B,L,D)
Day 6 VIVIERS – AVIGNON
After breakfast, enjoy an excursion to Grignan, a hilltop village surrounded by lavender fields. The village’s Renaissance castle provides a commanding view of the surrounding countryside. You will also have the opportunity to visit a truffle farm and learn about truffle harvesting. Return to the ship and cruise to Avignon, site of the bridge made famous by the French children’s song “Sur le pont d’Avignon” (“On the Bridge of Avignon”). Seven popes once resided in the magnificent Papal Palace, which you will visit during your walking tour. You will also see the well-preserved medieval walls surrounding the historic center of town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As an alternative, take an excursion to the Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct that is a masterpiece of engineering and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your tour will also visit Uzes, a lovely town known for its castle (still occupied by the Duke of Uzes and his family), medieval streets and picturesque town square. Enjoy free time for shopping before returning to your ship. (B,L,D)
Day 7 AVIGNON – LES BAUX – ARLES
This morning, you will arrive in Arles and board a motor coach for an excursion to the village of Les Baux de Provence. The village’s castle has a fascinating exhibit of medieval weapons. Later, visit an olive farm to learn about this age-old Provençal farming tradition. As an alternative, take the “Impressionist Experience” tour to the Saint Paul de Mausole Asylum, where Van Gogh once lived and painted such well-known works as The Irises and Starry Night. You will also visit the Carrieres de Lumieres, a stone quarry that projects European artwork on its walls, including many of Van Gogh’s famous paintings. Late this afternoon, a city tour of Arles takes you to the Romanesque cathedral and the Roman Amphitheater.The ship moors overnight in Arles. (B,L,D)
Day 8 ARLES – DISEMBARKATION
Disembark your ship in Arles. (B)
Cruise Itinerary
| Date | Activity | Arrive | Depart |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02/04 | Lyon, France | ||
| 03/04 | Lyon, France | ||
| 04/04 | Belleville, France | ||
| 04/04 | Vienne, France | ||
| 05/04 | Tournon, France | ||
| 05/04 | Viviers, France | ||
| 06/04 | Avignon, France | ||
| 07/04 | Arles, France | ||
| 08/04 | Arles, France |
Itinerary may vary by sailing date and itineraries may be changed at the cruise lines discretion. Please check itinerary details at time of booking and before booking other travel services such as airline tickets.