Detailed Itinerary Colors of Provence (Wine Cruise)
CRUISE YEAR

7- Night Cruise


Day 1
EMBARKATION – LYON, FRANCE
Board the ship for your Colors of Provence cruise. (D)

Day 2
LYON
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.” Alternately, indulge in rich cheeses, fresh breads and charcuterie in Les Halles Market or join a guided bike tour through the city designed with cyclists in mind. Travel to the Beaujolais wine region—known as the Pays d’Or or “land of the golden stones." Indulge in a wine tasting at a traditional winery and learn about the history and techniques of their vineyard. (B,L,D)

Lyon
Day 3
LYON
Enjoy free time in Lyon. Pop into an outdoor café for an authentic French breakfast or visit one of the city’s many amazing museums during your leisurely morning. Bid Lyon adieu and set sail for Vienne. (B,L,D)

Lyon
Day 4
VIENNE – TOURNON
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. Take 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. During the evening, be treated to a delicious pairing of red wine and chocolate at the 15th-century Le Château de Tournon, located on the banks of the Rhône, in the heart of town. (B,L,D)

Vienne
Day 5
TOURNON
Walk through the steep vineyards as you learn about the history and techniques of winemaking in this area. Following the guided tour, join your host for a tasting of the Hermitage wines for which this region is celebrated. Alternatively, take an exclusive private train ride past magnificent landscape carved along the Gorge du Doux stopping at the charming little station of Colombier le Vieux-Saint Barthélemy le Plain, where the train maneuvers in preparation for its return journey. 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. (B,L,D)

Tournon
Day 6
AVIGNON
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 and the well-preserved medieval walls surrounding the historic center of town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 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. During 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. Alternately, you can go 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. Or, visit a winery in the famed Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine region, where viticulture has been promoted since the 14th century. The unique soil composition here has earned the area a reputation for producing distinctive wines that are now popular the world over. Join a specialist from the winery on a private tour of the wine cellars and vineyards, an exclusive opportunity to learn about centuries-old winemaking methods. Following your tour, enjoy a tasting of the vineyard’s specialty wines. (B,L,D)

Avignon
Day 7
ARLES
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, venture to the medieval hilltop village, Les Baux de Provence, where you can enjoy your choice of three different excursions. Experience 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. You can also visit an olive farm to learn about this age-old Provençal tradition and enjoy a tasting. The master olive miller will lead you on a walk through the grove and explain how olives are cultivated, harvested and pressed to produce the Mediterranean’s nectar, olive oil. Alternatively, explore Saint Rémy de Provence, the location where Van Gogh painted some of his most famous paintings, including Starry Night. Later in the day, 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. (B,L,D)

Arles
Day 8
ARLES – DISEMBARKATION
Bid farewell to Arles and prepare for your flight home. (B)

Please note: the port of Arles may be changed to Avignon on select early season departures in 2023; guests will be notified of this potential change prior to departure. Arrival airport will not need to be changed.

Day 1
ARLES – EMBARKATION
Board the ship for your Colors of Provence cruise. Cap the day off with a Welcome Aboard Wine Toast.

Please note: the port of Arles may be changed to Avignon on select early season departures in 2023; guests will be notified of this potential change prior to departure. Arrival airport will not need to be changed.

Day 2
ARLES
Considered one of the most beautiful cities in France, Arles enchants all with its tantalizing history, formerly a Roman center of trade. 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. During the afternoon venture to the medieval hilltop village, Les Baux de Provence to enjoy your choice of three different excursions. Experience 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. You can also visit an olive farm to learn about this age-old Provençal tradition and enjoy a tasting. The master olive miller will lead you on a walk through the grove and explain how olives are cultivated, harvested and pressed to produce the Mediterranean’s nectar, olive oil. Alternatively, explore Saint Rémy de Provence, the location where Van Gogh painted some of his most famous paintings, including Starry Night. (B,L,D)

Arles
Day 3
AVIGNON
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. Depending on your interests, you have three choices of excursions in the morning. Discover the history of Avignon on a guided walking tour that includes the Papal Palace and the well-preserved medieval walls surrounding the historic center of town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 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 through the city. During 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. Or, visit a winery in the famed Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine region, where viticulture has been promoted since the 14th century. The unique soil composition here has earned the area a reputation for producing distinctive wines that are now popular the world over. Join a specialist from the winery on a private tour of the wine cellars and vineyards, an exclusive opportunity to learn about centuries-old winemaking methods. Following your tour, enjoy a tasting of the vineyard’s specialty wines. (B,L,D)

Avignon
Day 4
VIVIERS - TOURNON
Visit the magnificent hilltop village, Grignan. After visiting this enchanting Provencal town, go in search of the highly prized “Black Diamond,” truffles, with a farmer and his trustworthy canine companion. You can also explore Viviers on a guided walking tour, where you’ll see iconic sights such as Saint-Vincent Cathedral. Continue on with a peaceful hike along the trails outside Viviers, culminating in a panoramic view of the Rhône Valley below. You can also set off on a guided bike tour, exploring the beauty of Southern France as you ride along the Rhône River. Later in the day, be treated to a delicious pairing of red wine and chocolate at the 15th-century Le Château de Tournon, located on the banks of the Rhône, in the heart of town. (B,L,D)

Viviers
Day 5
TOURNON
Walk through the steep vineyards as you learn about the history and techniques of winemaking in this area. Following the guided tour, join your host for a tasting of the Hermitage wines for which this region is celebrated. Alternatively, take an exclusive private train ride past magnificent landscape carved along the Gorge du Doux stopping at the charming little station of Colombier le Vieux-Saint Barthélemy le Plain, where the train maneuvers in preparation for its return journey. For a more active adventure, enjoy 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. (B,L,D)

Tournon
Day 6
VIENNE – LYON
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. Take 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 guided bike tour along a portion of the ViaRhôna bike route. Cruise to to the old town of Lyon and enjoy a guided walk through the St. Jean district, where you will be introduced to the city’s unique covered walkways, known as “traboules.” Or for those more interested in discovering why Lyon is France’s culinary capital, visit the city’s famed indoor food market, which has nearly five-dozen stalls selling countless gourmet delights. (B,L,D)

Vienne
Day 7
LYON
Enjoy free time in Lyon or 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 and learn about the history and techniques of their vineyard. (B,L,D)

Lyon
Day 8
LYON – DISEMBARKATION
Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Lyon as you prepare for your flight home. (B)

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