Start your vacation with three days in romantic Paris, then travel in style on the TGV (high-speed train) to Lyon, France's gastronomic capital. From here, cruise on a 122-passenger riverboat through beautiful wine regions where such famous wines as Beaujolais, Côtes du Rhône and Chateauneuf-du-Pape are produced. Explore ancient Avignon and visit Mediterranean Arles, the city Vincent Van Gogh captured in many of his masterpieces. Disembark and continue to the medieval city of Carcassonne, a world UNESCO heritage site close to the Pyrenees. Enjoy the grand finale of your vacation with three days in fascinating Barcelona
TYPICAL TOUR/CRUISE ITINERARY (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
Day 1, Tuesday: Depart USA
Board your overnight flight to France.
Day 2, Wednesday: Paris
After your arrival, take the rest of the day to relax or explore the "City of Light."
Day 3, Thursday: Paris (B)
See the most famous sights of Paris on this morning's panoramic tour: Notre Dame Cathedral, the renowned Louvre Museum, the Arc de Triomphe, the Opéra, Madeleine, Champs Elysées and much more. The remainder of the day is yours to explore the many museums, galleries and other attractions that the city has to offer.
Day 4, Friday: Paris (B)
Enjoy a full day on your own to explore the most romantic city in the world. Stroll through the Jardin de Tuileries, gaze at Impressionist masterpieces at Musée d'Orsay, or visit the top of the Eiffel Tower, built for the 1889 World's Fair. Paris at night sparkles with possibilities for every taste.
Day 5, Saturday: Paris - Lyon (B, D)
Savor your last morning in Paris, and then board the TGV train. You'll be transported at top speed (up to 186 mph) in smooth, quiet comfort to Lyon, where the ship awaits you. Gather this evening on board for cocktails and a Welcome Dinner.
Day 6, Sunday: Lyon - Trévoux (B, L, D)
Lyon marks the meeting of the Saône and Rhône Rivers and is also the gastronomic capital of France. Its rich ancient history includes Roman ruins and early Christian sites. This morning's tour includes a stunning panoramic view of the entire city from the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière. You'll also explore the charm of Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon) with its cobblestone streets. Return to the ship for lunch and relax as we sail north along the Saône River to the small town of Trévoux. Enjoy free time this evening to explore the town on your own.
Day 7, Monday: Trévoux - Vienne (B, L, D)
This morning's tour will take you behind the village walls of Trévoux and through Beaujolais, the Pays d'Or, or "land of the golden stones," so named for the ocher limestone of its homes and castles. Enjoy a visit with a local wine maker along this wine road, where you'll taste the world renowned Beaujolais Nouveau before returning the ship. From there we cruise south from the Saône to the Rhône River and on to Vienna. This evening, you can stroll along the sidewalk cafes of this rural town.
Day 8, Tuesday: Vienna - Tournon (B, L, D)
Situated between the wine regions of Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône, Vienna, like Lyon, has a significant Roman history, which is highlighted by its marvelously preserved ruins and remains. During this morning's walking tour you will see the 1st-century Roman Temple of Augustus, and the medieval churches of St. André-Le-Bas and Abbey St. Pierre, before we cruise on to Tournon and Tain l'Hermitage. These twin towns face each other across the Rhône River and are linked by a 19th-century suspension bridge. The fertile soil and ideal climate of the region has made Tain l'Hermitage the premier producer of Côtes du Rhône wines. Enjoy free time this afternoon to visit the 16th-century castle, which is now a town hall, or visit the chocolate shop for a taste of the confections once produced in Tournon's famous factory. After dinner on board you will enjoy a wine tasting.
Day 9, Wednesday: Tournon - Châteauneuf-du-Pape (B, L, D)
On this morning's adventure, you will travel via steam train from the vineyards of the valley to the woods of Ardêche along the Doux River. Deemed "Monuments Historiques," these 19th-century locomotives are virtual time capsules. Enjoy lunch back on board the ship as we cruise to Châteauneuf-du-Pape this afternoon.
Day 10, Thursday: Châteauneuf-du-Pape - Avignon (B, L, D)
Origin of its world-famous namesake wine, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, or "new castle of the Pope," is also home to the fortress that gives the village its name. On this morning's walking tour, see the remains of this 14th-century palace, which was built as a summer residence for Popes during their stay in Avignon, as well as the many squares and beautiful fountains that this medieval village has to offer. Enjoy a wine tasting before returning to the ship where we'll cruise to nearby Avignon over lunch. Your afternoon tour of the "City of Popes" will take you through the narrow streets and elegant squares to the Papal Palace, which served as fortress, church and residence of the Popes in the 14th century.
Day 11, Friday: Avignon - Arles (B, L, D)
Early this morning arrive in Arles, a Mediterranean city situated at the mouth of the Rhône delta. On this morning's walking tour, bask in the Provençal morning light as you imagine how Vincent Van Gogh worked to capture the richness of every hue. While Van Gogh's home is no longer standing, you may glimpse the locales and vistas that inspired "Starry Night" or "Terrace de Café le Soir" as you pass Constantine's Baths, the Romanesque cathedral and the Roman amphitheater, which is still in use today.
This afternoon you'll take an excursion via motor coach to the villages of St. Rémy and Les Baux de Provence. St. Rémy was the birthplace of Nostradamus and also where Van Gogh spent some time in the asylum St. Paul de Mausole. During your tour of Les Baux, you will enjoy the rich colors and amazing views from this village perched at the top of a hill.
Day 12 - Saturday: Arles - Barcelona (B).
This morning after breakfast, transfer to Barcelona, capital of the Spanish region of Catalonia. Along the way, we'll pass through the Camargue on the southern coast and trace the ancient trade route linking the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. As we approach the Pyrenees, we'll stop in the medieval city of Carcassonne. A double ring of walls, complete with 52 towers, stretches more than two miles around this strategic city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you will have free time for lunch and some exploring on your own.
Day 13, Sunday: Barcelona (B)
Your full day in Barcelona begins with a panoramic tour to the top of Montjuic Hill where you'll catch glorious views of the city below, as we drive by the National Palace and the Olympic Complex. Next, we'll tour Plaça Catalunya and Las Ramblas, the promenade and center of Barcelona life. Later we'll see the Templo Expiatorio de la Sagrada Família, designed by artist and architect Antonio Gaudí and still under construction, and take a walking tour of the Barrio Gótico (Gothic Quarter), King's Square, and the Royal Palace.
Day 14, Monday: Barcelona (B)
Your last full day in Barcelona is yours to enjoy. Join us in the morning for the optional tour of Gaudí's Parc Güell, where you'll see some of his most captivating sculptures and architectural structures. Return on your own to the markets of Las Ramblas or visit one of the many museums. This evening, join us for an optional dinner show featuring Flamenco dancers, or strike out on your own, perhaps across the port for seafood in Barceloneta.
Day 15, Tuesday: Depart Barcelona (B)
Transfer to the airport for your homebound flight.
On alternate weeks, tour/cruise will be in the reverse direction.
Included:
- 3 nights hotel accommodation in Paris including daily buffet breakfast
- TGV (high-speed train) from Paris to Lyon
- 7-night deluxe cruise accommodation in an outside stateroom
- Superb dining with all meals included during your cruise
- Wines from France's great wine regions with every lunch and dinner on board the ship
- Cocktail reception, welcome dinner and captain's gala dinner
- Motor coach from the ship in Arles to Carcassonne and on to Barcelona
- 3 nights hotel accommodation in Barcelona including daily buffet breakfast
- Daily sightseeing program as outlined in the itinerary
- Special highlights including folklore dances, lectures, theme dinners, on board music performances, and afternoon and evening piano music
- Services of a professional cruise director
- All transfers with the purchase of cruise and air package
- All local taxes
Available at Additional Cost:
- Roundtrip air from many US cities and transfers to/from the ship
- Optional activities
- Health and travel insurance
Not Included:
- Crew gratuities (suggested 15 euros per person per day)
- Personal expenses
- Other items not listed in "Included" above
Ship Features:
- 30 English-speaking crew members
- Length: 360 ft.; width: 38 ft.
- Restaurant, panoramic lounge with a dance floor and bar
- Onboard boutique located in the entrance hall.
- Library with an extensive selection of books for you to enjoy during your leisure time on board the ship.
- Wellness area with fitness room, indoor swimming pool, sauna and solarium.
- Whirlpool on the sun deck.
- Non-smoking environment (smoking only outdoors on sun deck)
Staterooms:
- 57 deluxe double staterooms (130-140 sq.ft. outside cabins). Category A, B and C staterooms have hotel-style beds that can be set up as two twin beds or one queen bed. Category D staterooms have twin beds.
- 2 junior suites (205 sq.ft.) with queen beds
- 1 triple (180 sq.ft.) stateroom with two twin beds (or one queen) plus a sofabed
- 1 single (115 sq.ft.) stateroom.
- Staterooms feature panoramic windows and are equipped with TV, minibar, safe, hairdryer and air conditioning
- Junior suites are extra-spacious and feature a comfortable sitting area and a sizable bathroom with both a bathtub and shower.
2008 Departure Dates:
- Starting in Paris: Apr 29, Jun 10, Aug 5, Sep 2, Oct 14
- Starting in Barcelona: May 6, Jun 17, Aug 12, Sep 9
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price is per person, double occupancy. This package is also available as Cruise Only (8 days) and Cruise-Land-Air.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
France
Spain
Barging
Cultural Journey
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