7- Night Cruise With 3 Nights Paris Post-Cruise

CRUISE FROM : ARLES TO LYON

From romantic cities to foodie havens and artistic epicenters, this itinerary enlivens all your senses. In Lyon, France’s culinary capital, savor the beauty of legendary vineyards and imbibe in local vintages like Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône. You can even become an expert in all things culinary: go in search of the highly prized “Black Diamond” truffles and learn how to pair chocolate with wine. Trace the steps of famous artists in Arles and step into living history at idyllic villages like Grignan and Les Baux de Provence. Lower the drawbridge of your fantasies in Avignon, a sprawling commune with an overwhelming array of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, intriguing art museums and historic charm. After your cruise, enjoy three nights post-cruise in romantic Paris and enjoy an evening illumination tour.

December 12 – 22, 2024

7-Night River Cruise from Arles to Lyon & 3 Nights Paris Post-Cruise

This is a Christmas Markets sailing. Embark on AmaWaterways’ festively decorated ship and get swept up in the nostalgia of the seasons as the holidays come to life at Europe’s Christmas Markets. *Most Christmas markets open during the last week of November until approximately December 22. Check with each country’s tourist office for more information

COUNTRIES: FRANCE
RIVERS: RHONE

Itinerary

EMBARKATION
Arles: Where you’ll board your luxury ship. (B,D)

Arles

  • Arles Walking Tour
  • OR Bike tour
  • OR Van Gogh walking tour

Les Baux de Provence

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, join a guided walking tour where you’ll 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. In the afternoon, 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 will be 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. (B,L,D)

Avignon

  • Walking tour, Papal Palace, and Christmas Markets
  • OR Tastes of Avignon and Christmas Markets
  • OR Avignon bike tour


Pont Du Gard

Depending on your interests, you have three choices of excursions for the morning. 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. You will also have time to enjoy the lively Christmas markets with their cheerful atmosphere and delicious regional specialties. Those looking to indulge in local cuisine can visit three venues around Avignon to taste regional specialties including macarons, cheese and wine, and tapenades, along with a visit to the Christmas Markets. More active guest can enjoy a bike tour through the city. In 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. (B,L,D)

Viviers

  • Grignan Truffle Farm
  • OR Viviers walking tour
  • OR Viviers hike
  • OR Viviers bike tour

Take in the quaint surroundings of Viviers, a charming commune that sidles up to the right bank of the Rhone. From Viviers, travel to the magnificent hilltop village, Grignan. After visiting this enchanting Provençal town, go in search of the highly prized “Black Diamond” truffles with a farmer and his trustworthy canine companion. Alternatively, enjoy a walking tour of Viviers, set out on a peaceful hike along the trails outside Viviers, culminating in a panoramic view of the Rhône Valley below, or join an active bike tour along the Rhone river. (B,L,D)

Tournon

  • Red Wine & Chocolate tasting
  • OR Tain l’Hermitage Hike & Wine Tasting

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. You’ll also have many opportunities to taste the Provence’s regional specialties, including its traditional 13 desserts of Christmas throughout your journey. (B,L,D)

Vienne

  • Roman ruins walking tour
  • OR Mount Pipet hike
  • OR ViaRhôna bike tour

Lyon

  • Free time

Situated between the wine regions of Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône lies Vienne with a Roman past that can be seen 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 took 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. Later in the day, cruise to the old town of Lyon and get to know the city at your own pace. Pop into an outdoor café for an authentic French midday meal or visit one of the city’s many amazing museums during your leisurely afternoon in Lyon. (B,L,D)

Lyon

  • Lyon City Tour and Christmas Markets
  • OR Les Halles Market Tour
  • OR Lyon Bike Tour
  • Beaujolais wine excursion and tasting

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.” Your time in Lyon also includes time to browse the Lyon Christmas Markets and watch the city sparkle in festivities and tradition. You can also visit the famous indoor market hall Les Halles de Lyon – Paul Bocuse, named after the late chef renowned for his Michelin-starred l’Auberge du Pont de Collonges restaurant. There you’ll have a chance to sample of the delicacies offered by butchers, bakers, chocolatiers and cheesemongers while taking in the colorful sights and enticing aromas around you. Alternately, join a guided bike tour through the city designed with cyclists in mind. Later, travel to the Beaujolais wine region—known as the Pays d’Or or “land of the golden stones.” While there, indulge in a wine tasting at a traditional winery. (B,L,D)

Lyon

  • DISEMBARKATION
  • Tastes of Lyon
  • TVG high-speed train to Paris

Paris

  • Hotel check-in

Disembark the ship and enjoy tasting some local Lyon specialties before boarding your high-speed train to Paris and checking into your hotel. (B)

Paris

  • “City of Light” tour and Christmas Markets

Enjoy taking in the signature sites of Paris in your guided city tour, including the awe-inspiring Arc de Triomphe and iconic Eiffel Tower. You’ll see Champs Élysées with its cinemas, sidewalk cafes and luxury specialty shops. You’ll have plenty of time to visit the Christmas Markets and enjoy a Parisian holiday experience. (B)

Paris

  • Evening Montmartre and illumination tour

Enjoy a full day at your leisure to discover more of this romantic city, such as the world-renowned Louvre Museum or Musée d’Orsay. Perhaps go shopping in the Faubourg Saint-Honoré district or simply relax and spend the day like a local – by scoping out a local café for a café au lait, toasted baguette or croissant. In the evening, visit Montmartre, long known as the city’s premier artist’s enclave. During the mid to late 1800s, artists also began calling Montmartre home. Pissarro and Jongkind were two of the first to live there, followed by other notable artists, including Edgar Degas, Henri Matisse, Toulouse-Lautrec, Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Pablo Picasso. You’ll be taken on an evening illumination tour, discovering why Paris is renowned as the “City of Light.” (B)

Paris

  • Return flight home

Bid farewell to Paris and prepare for your flight home. (B)

Itinerary is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule provided with your final documents

Included Features
Colors of Provence (Christmas)

SPACIOUS STATEROOMS

  • 7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with French balconies)
  • Entertainment on Demand system featuring, movies, TV shows, news and music
  • Desk and sitting area
  • Bottled water replenished daily

AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES

  • Wellness Program with a dedicated Wellness Host leading various exercise classes as well as discussions on healthy eating and relaxation techniques, both on board and on shore.
  • Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
  • Internet and Wi-Fi access
  • Sun deck whirlpool and walking track
  • Fitness room, massage services and hair salon
  • Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
  • Daily entertainment including cultural performances

AWARD-WINNING DINING

  • All onboard dining in a variety of venues
  • Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
  • The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant
  • Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Dinner
  • La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs exclusive dining experience
  • Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
  • Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
  • Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge

A WORLD OF EXPLORATION

  • Immersive tours in every destination
  • Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
  • Bike tours and hikes
  • Special Interest Tours
  • Knowledgeable guides
  • Personal headset for easy exploration
  • Airport transfers with purchase of air from AmaWaterways

LAND PROGRAM

• 3 nights hotel in Paris at the Renaissance Arc de Triomphe or the Renaissance Paris Le Parc Trocadero (or similar), including daily breakfast
• TVG high-speed train to Paris