Cruising the Rhone & Picturesque Provence

Day 2 Chalon-sur-Saône - Burgundy

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before arriving mid morning into Chalon-sur-Saône. On arrival take a tour to Burgundy, famous not only for its wines, but also for the many religious houses, which played a major role in medieval Christianity. Nestled at the centre of this wine-growing area is the picturesque city of Beaune. In the Middle Ages the old quarter of Beaune was the residence of the powerful Dukes of Burgundy and many of its monuments stem from this period. Probably the most famous sight is the Hotel Dieu, a 15th century hospital for the poor with its famous colourful roofs which you will visit during the tour. After time to explore you will return to the cruise for lunch and an afternoon at leisure cruising. Meals included: B,L,D

Day 3 Mâcon - Belleville - Trevoux

A morning at leisure in Mâcon to either enjoy the facilities onboard or explore by yourself. Alternatively you could take the optional excursion to Cluny Monastery, one of the most influential monasteries in the early Middle Ages or the Château Cormatin, built by the Marquises of Huxelles in the early 17th-century (book and pay onboard the cruise). Meals included: B,L,D

Day 4 Viviers

A morning at leisure sailing to Viviers where you will arrive around lunchtime. After lunch on board why not explore Viviers, situated on the banks of the Rhône, it is one of the smallest cities in France. Alternatively take the optional excursion to Ardèche Gorge, one of the most imposing natural sites in France. Located in the north of Provence, the gorge is a scenic beauty with rocky escarpments, layers of basalt and the blue river that has carved itself into the landscape (book and pay onboard cruise). Meals included: B,L,D

Day 5 Arles

This morning we visit Arles. The painter Vincent van Gogh was fascinated by the special light in southern Provence, which inspired him to paint numerous masterpieces in Arles, on the banks of the Rhône. With an exciting Roman history as the provincial capital of the Roman Empire, today many of its historic buildings and architectural sites bear witness to this past, including the huge amphitheatre and the old city wall which you will see during your tour. Meals included: B,L,D

Day 6 Avignon

This mornings tour to Avignon will showcase a lasting impact on European history. For a few decades in the 14th-century it was the city of the Catholic Popes and you will see evidence of this throughout your tour from palaces, castles, squares and streets to the papal palace itself. Also see the famous ruins of the Point Saint-Bénézet, which still straddles half of the mighty river Rhône. Meals included: B,L,D

Day 7 Lyon

Lyon has been a prosperous trading hub ever since the time of the Roman Empire, when it was originally the capital of the Gauls. The city's old quarter has UNESCO World Heritage status and there are historic buildings and elegant squares to discover amidst these charming streets. During a guided walking tour you will see the medieval Place des Terreaux, where the baroque Lyon Museum of Fine Art and City Hall dominate the surroundings. Also in the square is the Bartholdi Fountain, constructed in the 19th-century to represent France as a chariot-riding woman being pulled by the nation's four mighty rivers. Also visit the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière for some breathtaking views across the city. Meals included: B,L,D

Day 8 Departure

After breakfast onboard, it's time to say goodbye to your fellow travelers as your cruise comes to an end. Meals included: B