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Warm lights glow through the blue hour in Lyon

Colors of Provence - Cruise Only

Lyon - Arles - Example 8 Day Cruise aboard MS Amakristina
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Cruise through France's famed wine regions, including Beaujolais and the Côte du Rhône. Your 8-day European river cruise adventure begins in Lyon, France. Visit local wineries for wine tastings, marvel at old Roman ruins, meander through medieval villages, and shop for Provencal goods. Your trip aboard MS Amakristina includes a visit to Avignon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Vineyard by the riverMedieval Saint-Bénezet bridge/Pont d'Avignon and Rhone River in Avignon, FranceOverview of Tournon, FranceStop in Avignon on your cruise of the Rhône river.Warm lights glow through the blue hour in Lyon
Highlights
  • Tour the main highlights of Lyon, the gastronomic capital of France
  • Stop at the home of a local vintner and enjoy a wine tasting
  • Learn about the age-old Provencal farming traditions at a local olive farm
  • Take the Artist Experience tour to the Carrières de Lumières
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Lyon | Embark

Board the ship for your Colors of Provence cruise

Day 2-3: Lyon

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
Discover dynamic Lyon, starting in Fourvière Hill, part of the city’s historic region that is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the 19th-century basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Continue on to the old town of Lyon, followed by a guided walk through the St. Jean district, where you will be introduced to the city’s unique covered walkways, known as “traboules.” Alternatively, indulge in rich cheeses, fresh breads, and charcuterie in Les Halles Market or join a guided bike tour through the city designed with cyclists in mind. Later in the day, enjoy free time in Lyon. Pop into an outdoor café for an authentic French meal or visit one of the city’s many amazing museums.

The next day, travel to the Beaujolais wine region—known as the Pays d’Or or “land of the golden stones.” Indulge in a wine tasting at a traditional winery and learn about the history and techniques of their vineyard.

Day 4: Vienne

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Situated between the wine regions of Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône lies Vienne with a Roman past that you can see in its marvelously preserved ruins. Follow the footsteps of the ancient Romans on a walking tour to see the amazingly well-preserved Augustus and Livia Temple, the Saint Maurice Cathedral, a Gothic church that takes more than 500 years to build, and St. Pierre Abbey—one of the oldest surviving churches in France, and now an Archaeological Museum. For those wishing to be more active, you can either take a guided hike from the ship to the Monastery at Mount Pipet or a guided bike tour along a portion of the ViaRhôna bike route.

Day 5: Tournon | Viviers

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Take a steam train ride past magnificent landscapes carved along the Gorge du Doux, stopping at the charming little station of Colombier le Vieux-Saint Barthélemy le Plain, where the train maneuvers in preparation for its return journey. Alternatively, lovers of wine and chocolate will want to visit Le Château de Tournon for a presentation and tasting on the pairing of red wine and chocolate. For a more active adventure, take a hike through the vineyards of Tain l’Hermitage, followed by a visit to a local winery where you’ll sample some of the wines. Later, stroll through the city accompanied by a guide in Renaissance attire as former “residents” in period costumes reenact events and legends of centuries gone by. This special historical tour is sure to bring a smile to your lips – or perhaps send shivers down your spine!

Day 6: Avignon

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Depending on your interests, you have three choices of excursions for the morning. Avignon, aptly named the “City of Popes,” is the center of the Catholic Church in the 14th century when its “Palais des Papes” is the equivalent of today’s Vatican. Discover the history of Avignon on a guided walking tour that includes the Papal Palace and the well-preserved medieval walls surrounding the historic center of town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can visit three venues around Avignon to taste regional specialties including macarons, cheese and wine, and tapenades or you can enjoy a bike tour. During the afternoon, you can go to another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the impressive Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct that is a masterpiece of ancient engineering. Alternatively, you can go to the magnificent hilltop village, Grignan, where you will go in search of the highly prized “Black Diamond” truffles with a farmer and his trustworthy canine companion.

Day 7: Arles

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Considered one of the most beautiful cities in France, Arles enchants all with its tantalizing history, formerly a Roman center of trade. In the morning, venture to Les Baux de Provence, a hilltop village, and ruined castle. Enjoy time in the “old village,” its shops, art galleries, and cafes interspersed among the historic ruins. You will also have a unique experience at the Carrières de Lumières, where you are treated to a spectacular presentation of art, sound, and history projected on the walls of a former limestone quarry set to music. Next, visit an olive farm to learn about this age-old Provençal tradition and enjoy a tasting. Finally, experience the beauty of Saint Rémy de Provence, the location where Van Gogh painted some of his most famous paintings, including Starry Night. Later in the day, join a guided walking tour where you visit the Roman ruins of Arles such as its Roman Amphitheater and the Church of Saint Trophime, famous for its Romanesque architecture. Alternatively, you can enjoy a bike ride along the Rhône, through town to the Langlois Bridge, a famous subject from several Vincent Van Gogh paintings. And for those who wish to delve further into Van Gogh’s Arles, join a special walking tour along with a visit to the Vincent van Gogh Foundation, showcasing his legacy.

Day 8: Arles | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Bid farewell to Arles and prepare for your flight home.

Ship/Hotel

MS Amakristina

Lounge Area
Dining Room
Interior

Dates & Prices

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Summer Triple Savings
Book your Europe River cruise by March 31, 2024, and enjoy $2000 savings per stateroom, plus a complimentary stateroom upgrade. Additionally, a $50 onboard credit per stateroom on select 7, 10, and 11-night 2024 Europe River cruise departures. This promotion is capacity-controlled and subject to availability. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.

Code: SUMMERTRIPLE
Applies to Aug 8, 2024 departure

Special Offer
For a limited time, new reservations receive a complimentary 2-, 3-, or 4-night land package before or after select 2024 and 2025 Europe river cruises! This primotion is subject to availability and applies to select departures only. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.
 
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Per person starting at
$3,699

Please confirm embark/disembark locations before reserving flights, as this itinerary operates in reverse on alternating departures.
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E
160 square feet. 4 cabins on Piano Deck with fixed windows.
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D
160 square feet. 8 cabins on Piano Deck with fixed windows.
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CB
155 square feet. 4 cabins on Violin Deck with French balcony.
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CA
170 square feet. 14 cabins on Violin and Cello Deck with French balcony.
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BB
210 square feet. 15 cabins on Cello Deck with French balcony and outside balcony.
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BA
210 square feet. 12 cabins on Violin Deck with French balcony and outside balcony.
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AB
235 square feet. 10 cabins on Cello Deck with French balcony and outside balcony.
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AA
235 square feet. 8 cabins on Violin Deck with French balcony and outside balcony.
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Suite
350 square feet. 4 cabins on Violin Deck with French balcony and outside balcony.
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Onboard Entertainment 
  • Bottled water replenished daily
  • Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
  • Beverages: Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner.
  • Beverages: Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
  • Personal headset for excursions. 
  • Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Gala Dinner
  • Knowledgeable guides
  • Internet and Wi-Fi access
  • Sip & Sail Daily Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
  • Laundry 
  • Port Fees

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