Indulge in French flavors on a palate-pleasing wine-themed itinerary that highlights the essence of France’s Burgundy and Provence. Uncover the Roman history of Chalon-sur Saône and delight in charming Tournus with its towering Romanesque abbey and historic apothecary shop. Visit French châteaux from Burgundy to Provence, taste your way through the French culinary capital of Lyon and visit the Papal Palace in Avignon. Treat your palate to Mâconnais, Cornas and Chalonnaise wines as you journey along the Rhône and Saône rivers. With a dedicated wine expert to guide you, you’ll also have the opportunity to indulge in wine tastings and a specially curated food and wine pairing dinner on board – all included in the price of your Wine Cruise. While you’ll get more than a taste of Burgundy and Provence during this itinerary, the essence of these destinations will linger on your palate – and in your heart – for a lifetime!
Indulge in French flavors on a palate-pleasing wine-themed itinerary that highlights the essence of France’s Burgundy and Provence. Uncover the Roman history of Chalon-sur Saône and delight in charming Tournus with its towering Romanesque abbey and historic apothecary shop. Visit French châteaux from Burgundy to Provence, taste your way through the French culinary capital of Lyon and visit the Papal Palace in Avignon. Treat your palate to Mâconnais, Cornas and Chalonnaise wines as you journey along the Rhône and Saône rivers. With a dedicated wine expert to guide you, you’ll also have the opportunity to indulge in wine tastings and a specially curated food and wine pairing dinner on board – all included in the price of your Wine Cruise. While you’ll get more than a taste of Burgundy and Provence during this itinerary, the essence of these destinations will linger on your palate – and in your heart – for a lifetime!
Essence of Burgundy & Provence (Wine Cruise)
At A Glance
On our river cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and Special Interest Tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.
| Day 2 | Arles | Les Baux and olive farm excursion |
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| | OR “Artist Experience” Van Gogh Asylum and Carrières de Lumières |
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| Avignon | Illuminations Cruise |
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| Day 3 | Avignon | Morning walking tour and Papal Palace |
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| Day 4 | Viviers | Grignan excursion and truffle farm visit |
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| Day 5 | Tournon | Steam train ride |
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| | OR Red wine and chocolate tasting |
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| | OR Tain l’Hermitage hike and wine tasting |
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| Day 6 | Vienne | Vienne Walking Tour |
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| Day 7 | Lyon | Beaujolais excursion and tasting |
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Arrive in Nice and check in to your hotel. (B)
Tour the scenic capital of the French Riviera, where tourism has been alive for three centuries. Founded by the Greeks and named after the Greek goddess of victory, Nice was once the premier spot for English aristocrats to spend their winter holidays—and is now a world-renowned, top-of-the-range holiday destination. Gaze at the azure waters of the Mediterranean and take in such sites as the distinctive Saint Reparate cathedral, the opera house and the Prefecture Palace. (B)
| Day 3 | Nice | Monaco and Monte Carlo excursion |
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Head to the hilltop town of Eze where you’ll enjoy a scenic walking tour along its charming cobblestone streets, as well as free time to sample the local fare for lunch. Later, explore intimate Monaco-Ville, known locally as “The Rock,” a sleepy yet picturesque medieval village with phenomenal views of the sea. Then take in the luxury and beauty of Monte Carlo, famous for its opulent casino and as the host of the annual Formula One Monaco Grand Prix. (B)
| Aix-en-Provence | City tour; transfer to Arles |
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Check out of your Nice hotel and head to Aix-en-Provence, a charming commune just north of Marseille. Enjoy a tour of the city with its sidewalk cafes, many fountains and Old Town before embarking your ship in Arles for the beginning of your river cruise. (B,D)
| Day 5 | Arles | Les Baux and olive farm excursion |
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| | OR “Artist Experience” Van Gogh Asylum and Carrières de Lumières |
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| Avignon | Illuminations Cruise |
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| Day 6 | Avignon | Morning walking tour and Papal Palace |
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| Day 7 | Viviers | Grignan excursion and truffle farm visit |
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| Day 8 | Tournon | Steam train ride |
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| | OR Red wine and chocolate tasting |
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| | OR Tain l’Hermitage hike and wine tasting |
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| Day 9 | Vienne | Vienne Walking Tour |
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| Day 10 | Lyon | Beaujolais excursion and tasting |
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| | TVG high-speed train to Paris |
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Disembark the ship and enjoy tasting some local Lyon specialties before boarding your high-speed train to Paris and checking into your hotel. (B)
| Day 12 | Paris | “City of Light” tour |
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Enjoy taking in the signature sites of Paris, including the awe-inspiring Notre-Dame Cathedral, Arc de Triomphe and iconic Eiffel Tower. You’ll also stroll the Champs Élysées with its cinemas, sidewalk cafes and luxury specialty shops. (B)
| Day 13 | Paris | Evening Montmartre and illumination tour |
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Spend the day at your leisure exploring such landmarks as the Louvre museum with its famous glass pyramid, or sampling a fresh, flaky croissant at one of the city’s legendary cafes. In the evening, visit Montmartre, long known as the city’s premier artist's enclave. During the mid to late 1800s, artists also began calling Montmartre home. Pissarro and Jongkind were two of the first to live there, followed by other notable artists, including Edgar Degas, Henri Matisse, Toulouse-Lautrec, Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Pablo Picasso. You’ll be taken on an evening illumination tour, discovering why Paris is renowned as the “City of Light.” (B)
| Day 14 | Paris | Return flight home |
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Bid farewell to Paris and prepare for your flight home. (B)