Embark on an unforgettable cruise aboard the S.S. Catherine for 8 days, journey through Burgundy & Provence. Immerse yourself in the region's rich culture as you savor its renowned wine and cuisine. Wander through the historic streets of Arles, made famous by Van Gogh himself. Marvel at the grandeur of Avignon's Palace of the Popes. Delight in the charm of Viviers during "Village Day." For the more adventurous, hike through the picturesque vineyards of the Rhône or pedal through Lyon, a city tailor-made for cyclists. Experience the timeless beauty of "Burgundy & Provence," where tradition intertwines with the vines that carpet the hillsides.
Select departures operate in reverse (Lyon to Arles)
Highlights
Discover remarkable Roman ruins in Tarascon
Wander through the Rue de Doux old city to see a 14th-century church
Experience the silk weavers’ secret passageways in Lyon
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Arrive at Marseille International Airport. You are greeted by a representative if your cruise package includes a group arrival transfer or if you have purchased a private arrival transfer. They then assist you in transferring to the ship docked in Arles.
Today, explore a sun-drenched Provençal town with an allure all its own. Arles, known for its remarkable Roman ruins, inspires visitors just as it did Van Gogh, who painted some 200 paintings here. The town has existed since the sixth century BC, when the ancient Greeks founded it and named it Theline. It's here that the Romans built their first bridge across the Rhône River, creating a vital overland route between Italy and Spain.
The walled city of Avignon is one of the most fascinating towns in southern France, with a host of historic gems to explore—including the fortress residence of rebellious popes who broke from Rome and once lived and ruled here. You’ll see the Palace of the Popes and much more today, and also have a chance to kayak under a 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct.
Choice of Avignon walking tour with Palace of the Popes or Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct visit or "Let’s Go” kayak ride on the Gardon River
A special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.
An enchanting village where time seems to have stopped centuries ago, Viviers has a long and storied past that goes back more than 1,600 years—and a splendid architectural heritage to match. At one time, Viviers was divided along religious lines—the clergy lived in the upper part of the town, the laity in the lower part. Your exploration of the town will take you through both parts, as you begin at the crest and make your way to the riverbank.
If you love fine wine, you’ll love the twin villages of Tournon and Tain-l’Hermitage. Tournon may be a small town, but stirring events took place here: A castle was raised on the hilltop in the 10th century to protect the region, and new fortifications were added over the centuries, including two “new” towers built to defend against Protestant attacks in the 16th century. You’ll see the handsome houses constructed by wealthy merchants and garrison officers when you walk through the Rue de Doux area, and you’ll pass the 14th-century church and the oldest secondary school in France.
Choice of Tournon and Tain-l’Hermitage twin villages stroll with wine tasting or “Let's Go” Hermitage terrace vineyards hike with wine tasting.
Ancient Lyon is a city of tantalizing contrasts, from Roman roots to stunning modern architecture and plenty of Renaissance flair in between. There's much to explore here, from the city's bike paths to the silk weavers' secret passageways. While you're in town, you might like to have lunch on your own at one of the many traditional bouchons that proliferate in the epicenter of French gastronomy.
Featured Excursion: Choice of Lyon Panoramic Tour with Traboules Visit or Silk Weavers walking tour or “Let's Go” Lyon peninsula bike tour.
A special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.
The pace of life is decidedly more relaxed in Burgundy, where endless rows of grapes hang heavy on the vine. The capital of the region’s wine trade, Beaune is renowned for its history, beauty, and highly prized wine, as well as its medieval-era hospital—the Hospices de Beaune.
Featured Excursion: Burgundy Landscapes, Beaune, and the Hospices
Day 8: Lyon | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Disembark the ship. If your cruise package includes a group departure transfer or if you have purchased a private departure transfer, you will be transferred to Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport for your flight home. Alternatively, you can continue your adventure with an extension to Paris.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$3,7992-3 travelers
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Please confirm embark/disembark locations before reserving flights, as this itinerary operates in reverse on alternating departures.
Classic
Magnificent appointed riverview stateroom (162 sq ft - 15 sq m) located on the Saint Remy Deck. Handcrafted Savoir Beds of England, built-in closet, safe, hair dryer, individual thermostat, flat TV screen and bottled water. Marble bathroom includes: Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, special towel warmers, back-lit magnifying mirror, heated mirrors, cozy bathrobes and slippers.
French Balcony
Sumptuous appointed riverview stateroom (194 sq ft - 18 sq m) with a French balcony. Handcrafted Savoir Beds of England, built-in closet, safe, hair dryer, individual thermostat, flat TV screen and bottled water. Marble bathroom includes: Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, special towel warmers, back-lit magnifying mirror, heated mirrors, cozy bathrobes and slippers.
Deluxe Balcony
Luxuriant appointed riverview stateroom (194 sq ft - 18 sq m) with open-air balcony. Handcrafted Savoir Beds of England, built-in closet, safe, hair dryer, individual thermostat, flat TV screen and bottled water. Marble bathroom includes: Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, special towel warmers, back-lit magnifying mirror, heated mirrors, cozy bathrobes and slippers.
Suite
Lavishly appointed riverview suite (305 sq ft - 28.3 sq m) with an open-air balcony. Marble bathroom includes Hermès bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmers, backlit magnifying mirror, heated mirrors, bathrobes and slippers. Triple accommodation option available. Uniquely decorated and additional amenities and services, are included.
Grand Suite
Luxurious appointed riverview grand suite (410 sq ft - 38 sq m) with an open-air balcony. Savoir Beds of England, built-in closet, safe, hair dryer, thermostat, flat TV screen and bottled water. Marble bathroom includes Hermès bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmers, back-lit magnifying mirror, bathrobes and slippers. Additional amenities and services are included.
Notes
Please Note: Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice.
- All fares are per guest in US Dollars based on double occupancy unless otherwise noted.
- Single Supplement applies for single accommodation. Solo occupancy pricing is dependent on cabin type, contact us for details.
Initial deposit is 15% of cruise fare plus any additional port charges, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by Check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
We went to the Patagonia on the Chile side and Perito Moreno in El Calafate, Argentina. Eric of San Diego handled our trip with expertise. The preparation went smoothly, despite some changes on our part with scheduling conflicts. He offered great advice which made us feel at ease with all decisions on the trip. It was truly a great experience.
Evelyn and Edwin
4 days ago
We had a great experience- they were very helpful in trip planning and making sure we got to do all the activities and see the places we wanted. There were some things we couldn't do/see due to the time of year being the rainy/low season and they steered us away from those. We had never been to Costa Rica before and it gave us a good overview of this lovely country.
Jody Dice
5 days ago
My travel consultant went out of her way to make sure everything went smoothly, everything from the flight reservations to the final booking.