Nov 21 Depart USA

Nov 22 EMBARKATION – ARLES, FRANCE Board your cruise in Arles. This evening, meet your fellow passengers for a Welcome Dinner.

Nov 23 ARLES – LES BAUX – AVIGNON This morning, you will arrive in Arles and board a motor coach for an excursion to the village of Les Baux de Provence. This hilltop village and fortress was a Protestant stronghold during the French Wars of Religion until destroyed by Louis XIII and Cardinal Richelieu in 1633. At the castle, you will see examples of medieval siege weaponry. In the alternative, choose to take the “Van Gogh” tour which will take you the Saint Paul de Mausole Asylum. Here, Van Gogh painted some of his most well-known paintings such as The Irises and Starry Night. Later, visit an olive farm to learn about this age-old Provençal farming tradition. Late this afternoon, your city tour of Arles takes you to the Romanesque cathedral and the Roman Amphitheater. This evening cruise to nearby Avignon. As your ship docks, look for the Avignon Bridge, made famous by the French children’s song “Sur le pont d’Avignon” (“On the Bridge of Avignon”). Enjoy a wine lecture and tasting this evening.

Nov 24 AVIGNON – VIVIERS This morning, you will have your choice of two excursions in and around historic Avignon. Home to the papacy from 1309 to 1377, Avignon was an important center of the Catholic Church. Seven popes resided in the magnificent Gothic 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. In the 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 Provencal small town known for its Castle of the Duke of Uzes (still occupied by the Duke and his family), medieval streets and a picturesque town square framed by archways. Enjoy free time for shopping in Uzes before returning to your ship. In the afternoon, visit the renowned Chateau Neuf-du-Pape. You will then cruise to Viviers. Arriving this evening, you will enjoy a unique view of the town’s history and legends. The ship moors overnight in Viviers

Nov 25 VIVIERS – TOURNON After breakfast, enjoy an excursion to Grignan, a magnificent village perched upon a hill surrounded by lavender fields, topped by a Renaissance castle. From the castle, enjoy a commanding view of the surrounding countryside. Enjoy some free time to explore local shops for confections, home-made lavender soaps and other crafts. Your ship will depart at midday for Tournon as you join an onboard wine lecture. This evening, enjoy a winery visit in Tournon.

Nov 26 TOURNON – VIENNE This morning, enjoy a chocolate tasting and wine tour in Tournon. Enjoy free time this afternoon to visit the 16th-century castle which is now a town hall. You will have an onboard wine lecture this afternoon. This evening, you will arrive in Vienne. Situated between the wine regions of Burgundy and Beaujolais, Vienne has a significant Roman history, which is highlighted by its marvelously preserved ruins and remains. Enjoy paired French wines at dinner.         

Nov 27 VIENNE – TRÉVOUX 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. As an alternative, you may choose to visit the castle (when available). Returning to the ship, you will enjoy an onboard wine lecture as you cruise to the historic village of Trévoux. Upon arrival, you will take a walking tour of this former capital of the ancient principality of Dombes. The town’s landmarks include a Parliament building, medieval ramparts and a hillside Chateau. This evening, you will take part in a winery event in Trevoux.

Nov 28 TREVOUX – LYON This morning’s tour will take you through the chateaux, fields and vineyards of the Beaujolais wine region, the Pays d’Or or “land of the golden stones,” named for the ochre limestone of its homes and castles. You will visit the medieval hilltop village of Oingt. You will also visit the winery and home of a local vintner, which will include wine tasting, a vineyard tour and explanation of the history of wine production in the region. After lunch, depart your ship in Collonges and travel to Lyon. Today your panoramic tour of Lyon will take you to the “Place Bellecour” with its equestrian statue of Louis XIV, the “Place des Terreaux,” with Bartholdi’s Fountain and the Town Hall. Afterwards, visit Fourvière, part of the historic region designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known as the “Hill of Prayers,” Fourvière is famous for its iconic white Basilica of Notre-Dame; ruins of a Roman theater, and majestic views of the city below. Later, rejoin your ship now docked in Lyon, where you will enjoy the captain’s dinner this evening onboard.

Nov 29 LYON – DISEMBARKATION Disembark your cruise in Lyon. Flight back to USA or extension in Paris

Barcelona Extension

Nov 18 DEPART USA/CANADABoard your overnight flight to Barcelona, Spain.

Nov 19 ARRIVE IN BARCELONA, SPAIN Arrive in Barcelona and transfer to your hotel. The balance of the day is free to start exploring this beautiful city.

Nov 20 BARCELONA Your full day in Barcelona begins with a driving tour to the top of Montjuic Hill where you will enjoy glorious views of the city below. Continue along the waterfront to Las Ramblas, the iconic tree-lined boulevard at the heart of the city. You will explore the Gothic Quarter, the medieval center of the city. Your tour also includes the unique architectural works of Antoni Gaudí, including Casa Milà, Casa Batlló and La Sagrada Familia, the basilica and UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been under construction for over a century. In the alternative, choose the “tapas and boqueria” excursion where you will visit tapas bars and sample local favorites. Also, discover why Mediterranean cuisine is internationally known due to its ingredients during your guided tour of the “Market of la Boqueria.”

Nov 21 BARCELONA Enjoy a full day at your leisure, or take part in the optional Montserrat Excursion, visiting the famous Benedictine Abbey atop Montserrat Mountain.

Nov 22 BARCELONA – EMBARKATION – ARLES, FRANCE After breakfast, you will transfer from Barcelona to Arles, the gateway to Provence. Along the way, you will stop in the medieval town of Perpignan, France, close to the Mediterranean. Here, you will have free time for lunch and some exploring on your own. Continue on your transfer, passing through the unique marshland region of the Camargue before arriving in Arles. This evening, meet your fellow passengers for a Welcome Dinner.

Paris Extension

Nov 29 LYON – DISEMBARKATION – PARIS, FRANCE After disembarking your ship, you will be treated to a demonstration of Lyonnaise cooking. You will then have free time for lunch on your own before transferring to the train station to board a TGV high-speed train that will whisk you through the French countryside to Paris. Upon arrival in Paris, you will be transferred to your hotel. This evening, an optional Montmartre & Illuminations excursion is available.

Nov 30 PARIS Enjoy Paris’ famous sights during this morning’s guided tour where you will see the Champs Élysées, Place de la Concorde, and the Eiffel Tower. Conclude your visit at the famous Notre Dame Cathedral. The afternoon is free for you to explore the “City of Light.” This evening, an optional Parisian Cabaret dinner theater excursion is available.

Dec 1 PARIS Enjoy your last full day in Paris at your leisure. Or join the optional Seine Cruise & Eiffel Tower excursion this morning or the optional Parisian Cabaret dinner theater excursion this evening.

Dec 2 DEPART PARIS Your splendid vacation comes to an end as you transfer to the airport for your homeward flight.