Grand Seine & Rhone - Smithsonian Journeys

Journey through the scenic waterways of France along the Seine, Saône, and Rhône, discovering iconic landmarks, charming villages, celebrated wine regions, and the rich culinary traditions that define Burgundy and Provence.

Duration14 nights

RiversRhône, Seine

CountriesFrance

Duration14 nights

RiversRhône, Seine

CountriesFrance

Settle into your journey through Northern France as Paris dazzles with its vibrant energy, Monet’s Gardens and the charming harbor of Honfleur inspire your creativity, and Normandy’s dramatic coastline, historic D-Day beaches, and grand châteaux immerse you in art, history, and beauty.

In Les Andelys, the dramatic cliffs above the Seine reveal Château Gaillard, Richard the Lionheart’s legendary fortress. Learn about medieval military strategy and architectural ingenuity as you explore the site or take a guided hike or bike ride along the river, discovering the region’s history and landscapes.

Cross the Seine to Honfleur, where its picturesque harbor inspired Monet, Corot, and Boudin. Later, explore Le Havre’s UNESCO-protected postwar architecture or discover the charming villages and half-timbered houses of Normandy’s Pays d’Auge.

Let Normandy’s landscapes tell their stories, from the artillery battery at Longues-sur-Mer to the village of Arromanches, where the remains of the floating harbor used during WWII landings can be seen. Discover maritime treasures at the Seine Museum, or admire the quiet cemeteries and wartime relics that mark the bravery of another era.

Discover Rouen’s medieval center, from the Joan of Arc memorial to Monet’s beloved cathedral or explore its Jewish heritage at the Maison Sublime. Later, enjoy a Normandy tasting tour, bike through the city, or visit elegant Château de Bonnemare.

Sail into Vernon to explore Claude Monet’s preserved home, studio, Japanese print collection, and iconic gardens. Or discover the grandeur of Château de Bizy and enjoy a guided bike ride through the surrounding countryside.

Deepen your appreciation of art and culture in Auvers-sur-Oise, where van Gogh spent his final months and visit his attic room at Auberge Ravoux. Or, explore Monet’s masterpieces at the Musée Marmottan or discover Josephine Baker’s influence on Black history and French culture.

Disembark and begin your transfer from Paris to Dijon

Explore southern Burgundy with visits to medieval Chalon-sur-Saône, wine-country Beaune, or ancient Autun. As a Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive, wander cobblestone streets, admire the Hôtel-Dieu’s famed mosaic roof, and discover Roman and Romanesque landmarks. Later, sail to Tournus or taste celebrated Mâconnais white wines.

Discover Tournus and Mâcon with guided tours of the Abbey of Saint Philibert, the moated Château de Cormatin, or the medieval village of Brancion. Choose a scenic cruise, a guided bike ride between the towns, or a local wine tasting before rejoining the ship in Mâcon.

Explore Mâcon’s vineyards, museums, and historic sites, or visit Romanesque Cluny Abbey. As a Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive, discover Château de Fléchères’ grand salons, Italian frescoes, and gardens. End with scenic cruising and an exclusive Beaujolais wine tasting.

Explore Lyon’s Roman ruins, Fourvière Basilica, and medieval Vieux Lyon on a Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive tour. Enjoy a food tasting or bike ride, then discover Vienne’s Roman and Gothic landmarks before an exclusive live jazz performance.

Cruise to Viviers and explore its medieval streets by foot or bike, or visit the hilltop village of Grignan. Enjoy a truffle hunt with a local farmer and his dog, then stroll the town with guides in Renaissance costume bringing history and legends to life.

Explore Avignon, the “City of Popes,” with a tour of the Papal Palace and medieval walls, or savor local macarons, cheese, and wine. Continue to Arles to discover Roman ruins, its Romanesque cathedral, or Van Gogh’s artistic legacy.

Itinerary

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Explore the daily onshore experience options available throughout your cruise.

Dates, Prices and Offers

Important: Dates, fares & itineraries are subject to change.

Port Charges (included in cruise price): $500 per person in 2026. $560 per person in 2027. $580 per person in 2028.

Single Supplement for Cruise: 50% of per person double occupancy fare; Suites 100% of per person double occupancy fare.

Single Supplement for Land: A single supplement charge will be applied to pre- and post-cruise hotel extensions. Please ask your travel advisor or call for pricing details.

Bedding: Please select bedding configuration at the time of booking.

Option A: Two twin beds

Option B: One large bed (larger than queen size).

Terms & Conditions

All rates are per person in USD, cruise-only, include port fees, and are based on double occupancy in an entry-level stateroom unless otherwise noted. Offers apply to select sailings and new bookings only. Unless a reduced single supplement is specifically stated, solo travelers in double-occupancy staterooms must pay the full single supplement before receiving any discounts. Ask about Solo Traveler promotions. Offers are not combinable with other promotions or discounts, are capacity-controlled, subject to availability, and may change or end without notice. Stateroom upgrades, optional land programs, and airfare are not included. Additional restrictions apply. AmaWaterways reserves the right to correct errors or omissions at any time.

Ships

AmaLyra

With elegant décor and attentive service, AmaLyra offers a graceful way to sail the Seine, combining French balcony staterooms, regionally inspired dining, and welcoming spaces to relax between adventures

Staterooms: 71

Passengers: 140

AmaLyra

Staterooms: 71

Passengers: 140

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