Treasures of Burgundy and Provence
Rhône & Saône
Introduction
A uniquely beautiful cruise that will take you along the French rivers Rhône and Saône. Experience picturesque villages, world famous wine regions such as the Côte d’Or, unforgettable stretches of land in the regions of Provence and Burgundy, and impressive views of historic cities and monuments.
Food, wine, art, architecture, scenery and history – it all comes together in glorious harmony in the South of France.
Travelling in comfort and style the Roman emperors would have envied, you’ll find yourself falling under the timeless spell of southern France on a journey that is nothing less than ‘magnifique’!
7 Nights from £1,499pp
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Highlights
• Wine growing region Maconnais & Beaujolais
• Tasting of the famous Burgundy wines
• Old town Vieux Lyon, part of the UNESCO World Heritage
• Papal Palace & aqueduct of Pont du Gard
• Camargue Nature Park with famous horses
• Visit to the Ardeche Gorge, the ‘Grand Canyon of Europe’
What's included?
• Large, outside river-view staterooms, most with French balconies or walk-out balconies
• Free-flowing red & white wines from Europe’s famous wine regions, beer & soft drinks with every lunch and dinner onboard
• Gourmet dining onboard
• Cocktail Reception, Welcome Dinner and Captain’s Gala Dinner
• Services of an experienced English-speaking onboard Cruise Director
• 24 hour coffee station
• All onboard entertainment including talks, cooking demonstrations, musical performances and nightly piano music
• Bottled water in every stateroom
• In-stateroom infotainment centre
• Complimentary Wi-Fi onboard
• Complimentary use of onboard bicycles
• Complimentary state-of-the-art audio headsets for optional excursions
• All local taxes & port charges include
Itinerary
Embark this afternoon and make yourself comfortable in your cabin, which will be your luxurious home for the coming week. In the evening, join fellow travellers for a Welcome Cocktail and delectable Welcome Dinner.
In the morning, your ship arrives in Mâcon, located in southern Burgundy. This historic wine region produces some of the finest and most expensive wines in the world. Enjoy a morning stroll through this lovely town on a guided tour or join an excursion through peaceful vineyards of the Beaujolais and Mâconnais wine regions. A highlight is the visit to the ”Hameau Duboeuf” wine museum, featuring the history and production of Burgundy wines, and a wine tasting.
After lunch on board, join the afternoon excursion to Cluny Abbey, which was founded in 910 and was home to over 10,000 monks at its height, or visit Chateau de Pierreclos with its romantic wine cellars and vineyard. Enjoy dinner on board in the evening.
Continue exploring the Burgundy wine region in Chalon-sur-Saône, where half-timbered houses overlook a square teeming with art galleries and specialty shops. Enjoy a scenic drive through the Burgundy wine route on the morning tour. Your bus will stop in Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy, where you will see the beautiful Hôtel-Dieu and enjoy a wine tasting at one of Beaune’s famous cellars.
After lunch onboard, unwind and admire the scenery as the vessel continues along the Saône or, alternatively, join the afternoon excursion, which departs from Chalon-sur-Saône overland for the medieval towns of Brançion and Cormatin. Amongst other things, you will be able to admire the Château de Cormatin, which undoubtedly houses one of the most opulent castle interiors in Burgundy. Alternatively, join the guided tour to Tournus, a picturesque little town on the banks of the Saône, home to the abbey church St. Philibert. In the late afternoon, re-join your vessel in time for dinner on board.
Today your AMADEUS vessel returns to Lyon, which is known not only for its architectural beauty but also for its gastronomic excellence. On the guided tour, discover this UNESCO World Heritage site with its most famous landmarks including the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière and the charming Renaissance Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon), or join the excursion to the market halls of Paul Bocuse and sample the local delicacies.
Spend the day exploring the Provençal city of Avignon and discovering its momentous history. In the morning, take part in a guided walking tour of Avignon, the seat of the Catholic popes from 1309 to 1377. Admire the grand Palace of the Popes, one of the world’s most fascinating examples of Gothic architecture and the Pont d’Avignon, a ruined 12th-century bridge that once spanned the Rhône.
This afternoon explore the city on your own or join the excursion to the Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct which is a great masterpiece of engineering. Another afternoon option is a visit the Roman city of Nîmes. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner while your cruise ship remains in Avignon overnight.
The ship will leave Avignon early in the morning and make its way to Arles, which once captured the imagination of the brilliant Impressionist painter, Vincent Van Gogh. Learn more about the rich history of Arles during the morning tour including a visit to the Arena. Alternatively, choose to explore Tarascon, a genuine Provençal town with its medieval chateau dominating the town centre.
This afternoon, recharge in the tranquillity of nature by joining the excursion to the Camargue Nature Park, home to the renowned Camargue bulls and white Camargue horses. For art enthusiasts, join the afternoon excursion exploring more of Vincent Van Gogh in Arles including a stop at the Van Gogh Arles museum. After a full day in Arles, your vessel will continue cruising the Rhône river.
You can choose to spend a day on board or join a morning guided tour the Ardèche Gorge, another natural wonder of this area. Visit the ‘Grand Canyon of Europe,’ where spectacular limestone cliffs tower over the meandering river below.
Alternatively, explore the world of truffles with a visit and tasting to a local truffle farm. Re-join the vessel in the small town of Le Pouzin in time for lunch. This afternoon, relax onboard as your ship makes its way back up the waterways of the Provence. This evening, celebrate your cruise experience at the Captain’s Gala Dinner.
After breakfast, your AMADEUS crew bids you ‘adieu’.
How it works
Call us on 01730 711 010 or enquire online about your dream holiday
Our team will work with you to put together a tailor- made package
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