| Tue |
- Embark in Arles (Ship docked overnight in Arles)
- Your trip begins as you embark! Arles, located on the northern tip of the Camargue, is the capital of the Provence, and was once known as the “Little Rome of Gaul.”
|
| Wed |
- Arles
- Explore the Church of St. Trophime, the remains of the Gallo-Roman burial road, and the Roman Amphitheater. See why Vincent Van Gogh was inspired by the special light of Arles!
|
| Thu |
- Avignon
- The fortified city of Avignon is the capital of the Vaucluse region, and is in the most picturesque part of Provence. Also referred to as the “City of Popes,” Avignon was the center of the Catholic Church in the 14th century and boasts the famous Palais des Papes. 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. Or you may opt to join some friends, get a bottle of wine, cheese and bread and enjoy a picnic in the gardens of the Palace of the Popes overlooking the Rhône.
|
| Fri |
- Cruising – Viviers
- Spend a leisurely morning relaxing and enjoying the passing scenery. The charming town of Viviers was developed around its Romanesque cathedral, and the Old Town has an appealing mix of Roman and medieval influences.
|
| Sat |
- Tournon/Tain L’Hermitage – Vienne
- 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. This afternoon, enjoy Vienne, another charming little town surrounded by steep hills. You will also have an opportunity to visit a local chocolate shop with sample tastings!
|
| Sun |
- Lyon
- Lyon is widely considered France’s gastronomic capital and is known for its Beaujolais wine. Founded by the Romans in 43 BC, the city has a rich history and is filled with Roman remains, renaissance architecture and many excellent museums. Exlpore Old Town with its maze of medieval alleyways, Place Terraux, and the beautiful Place Bellecour. An optional dinner will give gourmets insight into the local haute cuisine.
|
| Mon |
- Mâcon-Tournus
- Wake up this morning in Mâcon on the Saône River, a city that plays an important role in the wine trade. There’s free time for exploring after breakfast, followed by a short cruise to Tournus. Here, visit the cloister of St. Philibert or the Burgundy Museum’s folklore collection. Or, take an optional excursion to a wine cellar.
|
| Tue |
- Chalon-sur-Saône
- After breakfast, head for Beaune, the unofficial capital of the Côte d’Or area, which produces the Burgundy region’s finest vintages. 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. Or you can take an included wine tasting in a local cellar. After lunch on your own, continue north past the forest of Fontainebleau to Paris, the “City of Light” where the bus will take you to our host hotel.
|