Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1

(Sat.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2Paris, France

(Sun.) Welcome to Paris, France’s capital on the River Seine and the “City of Light,” where romance fills the air!

Day 3Paris

(Mon.) Paris’ famous sights are living history: your included city sightseeing shows you magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral , the unique Louvre Museum with its glass pyramid as a contrast to its ancient architecture, the commemorative Arc de Triomphe, Opéra, Madeleine, Champs Elysées, and the Eiffel Tower, a structural miracle of its age. The city is well known for its colorful nightlife that includes some of the world’s most famous cabaret shows. (Breakfast)

Day 4Paris–Beaune–Chalon-sur-Saône (Embarkation)

(Tue.) After breakfast, drive south past the forest of Fontainebleau, favorite hunting grounds of a long line of French kings, and into Burgundy. Beaune, the unofficial capital of the Côte d’Or area—which produces the region’s finest vintages—owes its wealth to the production, aging, and selling of fine wines. Its most famous historical site, the Hôtel-Dieu charity hospital, houses Van der Weyden’s painting of the Last Judgement and is one of France’s architectural highlights. Enjoy a TASTING of Burgundy wines before continuing south to Chalon-sur-Saône, where the crew of your luxurious river cruise vessel awaits to welcome you on board. Before dinner, set sail for Tournus. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 5Tournus–Mâcon

(Wed.) Free time to explore the lovely town of Tournus. The cloister of St. Philibert or the folklore collection of the Burgundy Museum, located in an old family mansion, are worth a visit. Sail to Mâcon for a guided walking tour of this lovely town on the River Saône. Playing an important role in the wine trade, Mâcon has a rich history. See the OLD SAINT VINCENT, the cathedral founded in the 6th century and now a symbol of the city; La Charité; the Town Hall; and the Half-Timbered House, dating from the 15th to 16th centuries. A number of optional excursions, including a visit to a wine cellar, are available. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6Beaujolais Region–Lyon

(Thu.) Enjoy a leisurely morning cruising on the Rhône. Lyon is France’s second-largest city and its gastronomic capital. Founded by the Romans in 43 BC, the city’s prosperity dates back to the 16th century and is due to commercial, industrial, and banking activities. Roman remains, many excellent museums, and much renaissance architecture delight the visitor. Survey the city from FOURVIÈRE HILL and explore the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site,

The World Heritage List includes over 800 properties with cultural and/or natural heritage of global significance

with its maze of medieval alleyways, Place Terraux, and the beautiful Place Bellecour. Beaujolais is the wine of the region and wine connoisseurs will know that the grapes must be hand picked. Tradition dictates that the “Beaujolais Nouveau” is tasted for the first time on the third Thursday of November each year. An optional dinner gives gourmets insight into the local haute cuisine. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7Lyon

(Fri.) A free day in this fascinating city to explore at leisure. Early risers might like to visit the local produce market. Your Cruise Director will have plenty of suggestions for things to do. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8Tournon/Tain L’Hermitage–Viviers

(Sat.) The twin cities of Tournon and Tain L’Hermitage lie nestled among vineyards between the Rhône River and the granite slopes of the Hermitage. Tournon, with its imposing 16th-century castle and Roman ruins, is one of France’s oldest medieval cities. Another charming town, Viviers, was developed around its ROMANESQUE CATHEDRAL, and the OLD TOWN has an appealing mix of Christian, Roman, and medieval influences. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 9Avignon

(Sun.) The fortified city of Avignon is the capital of the Vaucluse region, the most picturesque part of Provence. Also referred to as the “City of Popes,” it was the center of the Catholic Church in the 14th century, and the city landscape is dominated by the grandiose PALACE OF THE POPES. A photo of the BRIDGE of the popular song is a must, and optional outings to Pont du Gard or to the famed wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape are available this afternoon. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 10Arles

(Mon.) On the northern tip of the Camargue, Arles is the capital of the Provence and was once known as the “Little Rome of Gaul.” See the ROMAN AMPHITHEATER, the church of St. Trophime, and “Les Alyscamps,” the remains of the Gallo-Roman burial road. Vincent Van Gogh was inspired by the special light of the Provence and spent a very productive year in Arles. The “Foundation Vincent Van Gogh” is a tribute to the artist. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 11Arles (Disembarkation)–Nice

(Tue.) After breakfast, transfer by motorcoach along the Côte d’Azur to Nice. An afternoon stroll through narrow, winding streets will acquaint you with the OLD TOWN of this sophisticated city, also known as the “Queen of the Riviera.” This evening an optional excursion to Monte Carlo in the Principality of Monaco is available. (Breakfast)

Day 12Nice

(Wed.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (Breakfast)