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The architectures of Lyon

Essence of Burgundy & Provence - Cruise Only

Example 8 Day Cruise aboard MS Amacello
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Indulge in French flavors on a palate-pleasing 8-day river cruise 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.
Warm lights glow through the blue hour in LyonStop in Avignon on your cruise of the Rhône river.The Palais des Papes dominates the Avignon skylineArles overviewThe architectures of Lyon
Highlights
  • Visit Chillon Castle, Geneva’s lakeside medieval fortress
  • Learn to cook French food in Valence
  • Explore Tournus, one of France’s most important monastic towns
  • Marvel at Spain’s wondrous Montserrat and the “City of Gaudi,” Barcelona
Activities
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
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.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Chalonsur Saone | Embark

Board your ship in preparation for your 7­night cruise. 

Day 2: Tournus

Located in southern Burgundy at the heart of the Côte Chalonnaise wine region, Chalon­Sur­Saône whispers the secrets of its medieval past which you will discover on your historic city tour. Alternatively, choose an excursion in Beaune, a walled town nestled in the heart of Cote d’Or vineyards where you stroll the cobblestone streets and take in such sights as the mosaic­tiled roof of the Hôtel­Dieu de Beaune, founded in the 15th century as a hospital for the less fortunate. Or, visit the storybook Château de Couches, a medieval fortress enveloped in idyllic hills and greenery that once served the Dukes of Burgundy. Later in the day, enjoy scenic sailing to Tournus or pedal from Chalon­Sur­ Saône to Tournus on an exhilarating guided bike tour. Alternatively, once in Tournus, sample the region’s famous white Mâconnais wines.  

Day 3: Macon

Today you have a choice of several excursions as you explore the cities of Tournus and Macon. Let your knowledgeable guide lead you through Tournus and to its magnificent Benedictine Abbey of Saint Philibert. Or choose instead to visit the moated Château de Cormatin, which dates back to the early 17th century and features ornate apartments as well as a beautifully manicured garden. As an alternative, venture to the medieval village of Brancion with its preserved gateway, church, and market hall, or pedal through the charming town. In the afternoon, you have the choice of returning to the ship and enjoying a scenic cruise to Mâcon, joining a guided bike tour from Tournus to Mâcon, or enjoying a tasting of Chalonnaise wines.  

Day 4: Villefranche-Sur-Saone | Lyon

Join a guided tour through the “South Burgundy City” of Mâcon, learning about its local vineyards, museums, historical sites, and perhaps its famous son, the poet, and minister Alphonse de Lamartine. Or venture somewhat off the beaten path to Cluny, known for its large abbey, and the nearby castle Berze­le­Chatel, a well­preserved fortress perched on a rocky hill offering stunning views below. Alternately, you can enjoy a guided bike tour to Berze­le­Chatel. Should architecture or religion be one of your main interests, perhaps choose the excursion to the Royal Monastery of Brou, built in the 16th century and boasting a glorious white façade as well as a beautifully tiled roof. Return to the ship and head to the Sun Deck to enjoy a light lunch and the passing landscapes on the way to Villefranche­sur­Saône, later choosing between scenic cruising or a tasting of Beaujolais wines. During the evening, enjoy a special Illuminations cruise – a highlight of your river cruise – as you enter the city of Lyon.

Day 5: Lyon | Vienne

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 19th­century basilica Notre­Dame de Fourvière. Continue 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.” Or get active a guided bike tour through the city designed with cyclists in mind. If you’re a self­described foodie, our Lyon tasting tour is for you, during which you’ll have a chance to taste some of Lyon’s local delights. Later in the day, sail to Vienne, which boasts a Roman past that can be seen in its marvelously preserved ruins. There you can ride the charming mini train around the city. You can either take a guided bike tour along a portion of the ViaRhôna bike route or a guided hike from the ship to the Monastery at Mount Pipet for those wishing to be more active.

Day 6: Vienne | Valence

Take your coffee on your balcony or the Sun Deck as you cruise to Valence, a designated “City of Art and History,” where you can see such sites as its 11th­century Cathedral of St. Apollinaris or perhaps its House of Heads (named for the carved heads of its façade and courtyard) on your city tour. For a more active adventure, pedal through this bicycle­friendly city. If you prefer a more relaxing excursion, taste the Northern Rhône’s red Cornas wines  

Day 7: Avignon | Arles

 Avignon, aptly named the “City of Popes,” was the center of the Catholic Church in the 14th century when its “Palais des Papes” was the equivalent of today’s Vatican. Discover the history of Avignon on a guided walking tour that includes the Papal Palace and the well­preserved medieval walls surrounding the historic center of town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Alternately, 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 along the Rhône from Avignon to the provençal town of Tarascon. Later in the day, cruise to Arles considered one of the most beautiful cities in France. Let your experienced guide lead you to the top sights, including the Romanesque cathedral and Roman amphitheater;, or take a guided bike tour to the Roman ruins. If you 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. Or take some time to focus on wellness with a guided bike tour through town.

Day 8: Arles | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Disembark the ship in Arles 

Ship/Hotel

MS Amacello

AmaCello-Chefs Table
AmaCello-Massage Room
AmaCello-Sundeck Chess

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$3,699 2-3 travelers

Please confirm embark/disembark locations before reserving flights, as this itinerary operates in reverse on alternating departures.
 
Cat E
170 sq. feet. 6 cabins on Piano Deck. Picture window, sitting area, Infotainment system, safe, hair dryer, bathrobes, A/C, ample closet space.
Cat D
170 sq. feet. 7 cabins on Piano Deck. Picture window, sitting area, Infotainment system, safe, hair dryer, bathrobes, A/C, ample closet space.
Cat C
170 sq. feet. 6 cabins on Cello Deck. French balcony, sitting area, Infotainment system, safe, hair dryer, bathrobes, A/C, ample closet space.
Cat B
170 sq. feet. 24 cabins on Cello Deck. French balcony, sitting area, Infotainment system, safe, hair dryer, bathrobes, A/C, ample closet space.
Cat A
170 sq. feet. 28 cabins on Violin Deck. French balcony, sitting area, Infotainment system, safe, hair dryer, bathrobes, A/C, ample closet space.
Junior Suite
255 sq. feet. 4 cabins on Violin Deck. French balcony, sitting area, bathtub and shower, Infotainment system, safe, hair dryer, bathrobes, A/C, ample closet space.
Included
  • 8 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 8 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Port Fees
  • 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
  • La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs exclusive dining experience
  • Bike tours and hikes
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 

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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!
Meyer Smolen
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