Spend 3 nights in Paris, travel by high-speed TGV train to Lyon, and embark upon an enchanting cruise through Provence, ending with 3 nights in Barcelona. Cruise through France’s legendary wine growing regions, home to such famous vintages as Beaujolais and Côte du Rhône. Enjoy wine tastings at local vintners, marvel at ancient Roman ruins, stroll through medieval villages, and shop for Provencal crafts. Your itinerary includes the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Avignon as well as Arles, the city where Vincent Van Gogh spent much of his life.
Highlights
Explore exclusive and famous Paris, well known as the “City of Light”
Visit the gastronomic capital city of Lyon for a savory cooking lesson
Discover the enchanting Beaujolais wine region, known as the Pays d’Or
Observe and enjoy the magnificent landscape carved along the Gorge du Doux
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in Paris and check in to your hotel. The day is yours to start exploring this beautiful city.
Day 2: Paris, France
1 Breakfast
Today, visit Notre Dame and then enjoy some free time to explore the “City of Light.” Afterwards, see some of the most famous sites on a panoramic city tour, followed by a photo stop at Champs de Mars for views of the Eiffel Tower.
* Wine-themed cruise: Enjoy some of Paris’s most famous sites during your guided tour this morning, such as the Champs Élysées, Place de la Concorde, Eiffel Tower, and Notre Dame Cathedral. The afternoon is free for you to explore the “City of Light.” Or, you may decide to join the optional “Montmartre & Illuminations” tour this evening.
Day 3: Paris, France
1 Breakfast
Enjoy however you wish. Explore Paris’s multitude of landmarks, museums, cafes and shops.
* Wine-themed cruise: Your last day in Paris is free for you to enjoy at your leisure. This evening, an optional “Parisian Cabaret at Paradis Latin” dinner show is available for you to enjoy.
After checking out of your hotel, board the TGV high-speed train that whisks you through the French countryside to Lyon. Nestled between the Saône and Rhone Rivers, Lyon is one of France’s most important cities and its gastronomic capital. Upon arrival, enjoy some free time for lunch on your own before an exclusive hands-on cooking lesson. Later, transfer to your luxurious ship to enjoy tonight’s festive Welcome Dinner.
* Wine-themed cruise: After checking out of your hotel, board the TGV high-speed train that whisks you through the French countryside to Lyon. Nestled between the Saone and Rhone Rivers, Lyon is one of France’s most important cities and its gastronomic capital. Upon arrival, enjoy some free time for lunch on your own before a private cooking demonstration. Or partake in a special champagne tasting. Later, transfer to your luxurious ship for a Welcome Dinner.
Today, visit Fourvière Hill, part of the city’s historic region that is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. After some free time to see Notre Dame Basilica and take in majestic views of Lyon, join a panoramic tour that takes you past the Place Bellecour with its equestrian statue of Louis XIV, Place des Terreaux with Bartholdi’s Fountain, and the Town Hall. Later, enjoy a walking tour of Old Lyon. The afternoon is free to enjoy however you wish.
* Wine-themed cruise: Today your panoramic tour of Lyon takes you to Place Bellecour with its equestrian statue of Louis XIV, 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 an ancient Roman theater, and majestic views of the city below.The afternoon is free to enjoy however you wish. The ship departs for Belleville this evening.
This morning’s tour takes you through the enchanting Beaujolais wine region, also known as the Pays d’Or or “land of the golden stones,” named for the richly colored limestone used to build local homes and castles. Visit the medieval hilltop village of Oingt as well as the home of a local vintner who invites you for a wine tasting and vineyard tour as he shares the history of the region’s wine production. Return to the ship in the afternoon and continue cruising towards Vienne. Upon arrival, make the most of your free time and venture about on your own or simply unwind on board.
* Wine-themed cruise: This morning’s tour takes you through the enchanting Beaujolais wine region, also known as the Pays d’Or or “land of the golden stones,” named for the richly colored limestone used to build local homes and castles. Visit the medieval hilltop village of Oingt as well as the home of a local vintner who invites you for a wine tasting and vineyard tour as he shares the history of the region’s wine production. Return to the ship in the afternoon and enjoy a wine lecture and tasting onboard as you continue cruising towards Vienne. Upon arrival, make the most of your free time and venture about on your own or simply unwind on board.
Situated between the wine regions of Burgundy and Beaujolais, Vienne’s Roman past can be seen in its marvelously preserved ruins. This morning, choose from one of three options to explore Vienne this morning. Your first option is to take a walking tour and see an ancient Roman temple, the ruins of a Roman theater, and the medieval Abbey Church of St. Pierre, today an Archaeological Museum. Your second option is a guided bike tour along a portion of the ViaRhôna bike route. Your third option is a guided hike from the ship up to the Monastery at Mount Pipet and back. Your ship departs at midday for Tournon.
* Wine-themed cruise: Situated between the wine regions of Burgundy and Beaujolais, Vienne’s Roman past can be seen in its marvelously preserved ruins. This morning, take a walking tour and see an ancient Roman temple, the ruins of a Roman theater, and the medieval Abbey Church of St. Pierre, today an Archaeological Museum. Return to the ship and enjoy an onboard lecture and wine tasting as you sails towards Tournon. This evening, enjoy a “Red Wine & Chocolate Pairing” at the Tournon Chateau.
You have one of three options in which to enjoy your morning in Tournon. Your first option is an exciting ride in a panoramic train car as you discover the magnificent landscape carved along the Gorge du Doux. After riding through the gorge, stop at the charming little station of Colombier le Vieux-Saint Barthélemy le Plain, where you can watch the train maneuver in preparation for its return journey. Your second option is a visit to Le Chateau de Tournon for a very special presentation and tasting with a local expert on the paring of red wine and chocolate. Your third option is a hike followed by a wine tasting in the village of Tain Hermitage.
* Wine-themed cruise: This morning, enjoy a scenic drive to the Tain-l’Hermitage region for a wine tasting. Later, enjoy an on-board wine lecture and tasting this afternoon as you cruise to Viviers. After arriving this evening, you may take a “Ghost Walk” tour through this medieval town, where colorful stories and local legends are brought to life by local residents.
This morning, choose between three different activities. Your first option is to travel by motor coach to Avignon, site of the bridge made famous by the French children’s song "On the Bridge of Avignon." Seven popes once resided in the magnificent Papal Palace. See the well-preserved medieval walls surrounding the historic center of town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your second option is to take an excursion to the impressive Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct that is a masterpiece of ancient engineering and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your third option is a Provencal cooking lesson with a local chef to learn how to prepare a savory local dish. Later, enjoy an excursion to Grignan, a hilltop village surrounded by lavender fields. The village’s Renaissance castle provides a commanding view of the surrounding countryside. Afterwards, visit a truffle farm and learn about truffle harvesting.
* Wine-themed cruise: Today you arrive in Avignon, site of the bridge made famous by the French children's song "On the Bridge of Avignon." Seven popes once resided in the magnificent Papal Palace, which you visit during your walking tour. See the well-preserved medieval walls surrounding the historic center of town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, visit the renowned Châteauneuf-du-Pape region, enjoy a wine tasting, tour a local vineyard and learn about the wines and winemaking process.
This morning, arrive in Arles and board a motor coach for an excursion to the village of Les Baux de Provence. The village’s castle has a fascinating exhibit of medieval weapons. Later, visit an olive farm to learn about this age-old Provençal farming tradition. Alternatively, take the Artist Experience tour to the the Carrières de Lumières, a stone quarry that projects artwork on its walls, and then Saint Paul de Mausole Asylum, where Van Gogh once lived and painted such well-known works as The Irises and Starry Night. Later this afternoon, you have your choice between a city tour of Arles that shows you the city’s top sites, including the Romanesque cathedral and Roman amphitheater, or a guided bike tour through to the Roman ruins. The ship moors overnight in Arles.
* Wine-themed cruise: After arriving in Arles this morning, board a motor coach for an excursion to the village of Les Baux de Provence. The village’s castle has a fascinating exhibit of medieval weapons. Later, visit an olive farm to learn about this age-old Provençal farming tradition. As an alternative, take the "Artist Experience” tour to the Saint Paul de Mausole Asylum, where Van Gogh once lived and painted such well-known works as The Irises and Starry Night. Visit the Carrières de Lumières, a stone quarry that projects artwork on its walls. Late this afternoon, a city tour of Arles shows you the city’s top sights including the Romanesque cathedral and Roman amphitheater. The ship moors overnight in Arles.
Day 11: Arles, France | Disembark | Barcelona, Spain
1 Breakfast
Disembark your ship in Arles and transfer to Barcelona via the TGV high-speed train.
* Wine-themed cruise: Disembark your ship in Arles and transfer to Barcelona. Along the way, pass through the eerie Camargue marshland and stop in the medieval town of Perpignan in France. Enjoy some free time for lunch and some exploring on your own.
Day 12: Barcelona, Spain
1 Breakfast
Your full day in Barcelona begins with a driving tour to the Gothic Quarter in the medieval center of the city. Next, go to the top of Montjuic Hill to enjoy glorious views of the city below. During your tour, see some of Antoni Gaudi’s unique architectural works, 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. The evening is yours to explore Barcelona on your own.
* Wine-themed cruise: Your full day in Barcelona begins with a driving tour to the top of Montjuic Hill. Enjoy glorious views of the city below. Continue along the waterfront to Las Ramblas, an iconic tree-lined boulevard, and explore the Gothic Quarter in 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.
Day 13: Barcelona, Spain
1 Breakfast
Explore this magical city on your own.
* Wine-themed cruise: Enjoy a full day at your leisure, or take part in an optional excursion to Montserrat to visit the famous Benedictine Abbey atop Montserrat Mountain. This evening, explore Barcelona by night on your own, or participate in a special tapas tasting optional tour.
Day 14: Depart Barcelona, Spain
1 Breakfast
Bid farewell to Barcelona and prepare for your homeward flight.
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This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
Lindsay Gompf
TrustScore 4.8 | 147 reviews
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2 hours ago
A wonderful 9 day tour of beautiful Costa Rica taking in breath taking scenery including the active Arenal Volcano to the stunning beaches of Manuel Antonio.
Adventure Life made a fantastic itinerary for us(we were a group of 4) Would highly reccomend them for getting it right!
Lovely hotels with breakfast included, bespoke trips in mostly private transfers, zip-lining and white water rafting adventures! This really was an amazing trip & one we will cherish forever!
Dawn Howes
6 hours ago
Mary Curry is very responsive to my emails and sends me the information I request very quickly.
Donna Benson
8 hours ago
We book a tour to Peru with them in May. Viewing from their website we didn’t realize that they are private tour company but after quoting the price, it seems reasonable for a private tour, let’s see how’s their service after our tour. The process of booking went smoothly except the payment part which need a bit of work. Need to improve better payment method and options.
LP
1 day ago
We have used Adventure Life Travel before and we where impressed with the outcome of their handling of our travel arrangements. So we are using them again on this vacation. Tilly has been very helpful and we put our complete confidence in her! We feel very comfortable using Adventure Life.
Jerry Hatley
1 day ago
Erin was responsive, knowledgeable, helpful, and ran through a few different choices with us. She got us a fabulous price on a trip, and made everything easy to do. And QUICK!!