From romantic cities to foodie havens and artistic epicenters, this Colors of Provence Cruise: A River Cruise from Lyon to Arles itinerary enlivens all your senses. Enjoy three nights pre-cruise in the incomparable “City of Lights,” Paris. Then transfer to Lyon, France’s culinary capital, and 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. Explore Avignon, a sprawling commune with an overwhelming array of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, intriguing art museums and historic charm. Plus, enjoy specially curated tours of the Croix Rousse Silk Factory, Fondation Blachere and St. Remy de Provence. You will also have the unique opportunity to engage with and learn from two Smithsonian Journeys Experts throughout your journey whose specialized expertise with further immerse you in the history, art or culture of the region. After your cruise, spend three nights in Barcelona taking in the top sites, as well as views of the mountains of Montserrat.
From romantic cities to foodie havens and artistic epicenters, this Colors of Provence Cruise: A River Cruise from Lyon to Arles itinerary enlivens all your senses. Enjoy three nights pre-cruise in the incomparable “City of Lights,” Paris. Then transfer to Lyon, France’s culinary capital, and 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. Explore Avignon, a sprawling commune with an overwhelming array of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, intriguing art museums and historic charm. Plus, enjoy specially curated tours of the Croix Rousse Silk Factory, Fondation Blachere and St. Remy de Provence. You will also have the unique opportunity to engage with and learn from two Smithsonian Journeys Experts throughout your journey whose specialized expertise with further immerse you in the history, art or culture of the region. After your cruise, spend three nights in Barcelona taking in the top sites, as well as views of the mountains of Montserrat.
Colors of Provence (Smithsonian Journeys)
At A Glance
On our river cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and Special Interest Tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.
Day 1 | Lyon | RIVER CRUISE EMBARKATION |
|
Arrive in Lyon and settle into your stateroom. From the ship’s berth on the Rhône in the city center, discover Lyon on your own before tonight’s welcome reception on board. (Meals: D)
Day 2 | Lyon | City tour with Roman sites – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive |
|
| | OR Les Halles Market tour |
|
Set where the Rhône and Saône Rivers meet, Lyon was established in the first century as a Roman military outpost. Start your tour of this World Heritage site amid the medieval lanes of Fourvière Hill, visiting its 19th-century basilica as well as the Roman ruins of Lugdunum. Then venture into Vieux Lyon on a guided walk in the Saint Jean district, known for its traboules, hidden passageways used by silk workers to transport their wares and later by Resistance fighters during World War II. Alternatively, indulge in a variety of cheeses, breads, and charcuterie on a visit to historic Les Halles market, or a take guided bike tour. The afternoon is yours to explore the city as you wish. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 3 | Lyon | Beaujolais Tasting |
|
| | OR Croix Rousse Silk Factory tour – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive |
|
| | Evening Jazz presentation with live performance – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive |
|
Get a glimpse into Lyon’s past as an important silk manufacturing center on a visit to a workshop where artisans produce silks using traditional methods “à la lyonnaise.” See how pigments are prepared and prints are created and fixed, and learn about the lives of the canuts, Lyon’s silk workers, who famously revolted in the mid-1800s. Alternatively, you can choose to travel to the vineyards of Beaujolais for a wine tasting and learn about the history and techniques of wine production in the region. This evening, learn about Vienne’s renowned jazz festival and the evolution of French jazz as you listen to a live performance. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 4 | Vienne | "Footsteps of Ancient Romans” walking tour |
|
Situated between the wine regions of Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône lies Vienne, a city with a Roman past that can be seen in its marvelously preserved ruins. On a walking tour, view the Roman Temple of Augustus and Livia and visit the Gothic cathedral and the Romanesque St. Pierre Abbey, one of the oldest surviving churches in France. If you prefer a more active outing, hike to a chapel atop Mount Pipet or go biking on a scenic stretch of the ViaRhôna cycling route. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 5 | Tournon | Steam train ride |
|
| | OR Red wine and chocolate tasting |
|
| | OR Tain-l'Hermitage hike and wine tasting |
|
Ride a vintage steam train through the magnificent scenery of the Gorge du Doux in the mountains of Ardèche, stopping in the charming town of Colombier-le-Vieux¬. Or visit the Château de Tournon for a presentation and sampling of wine and chocolate. For a more active adventure, hike through the vineyards of Tain l’Hermitage and stop in at a local winery for a tasting. Sail on to Viviers arriving this evening and stroll through the city on an entertaining history tour that might send shivers down your spine! (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 6 | Avignon | Walking tour and Papal Palace |
|
| | OR Fondation Blachere visit – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive |
|
Dock in delightful Avignon, the seat of the papacy for nearly 70 years in the 14th century. Choose to explore the extraordinary Papal Palace, originally built by Pope Clement V when he fled Rome and now a World Heritage site. Or head to the fabled Luberon to visit the artists’ hub of Bonnieux and the acclaimed Fondation Blachère, which showcases contemporary African art. Alternatively, set out on a gastronomic tour of Avignon, visiting producers and epicurean shops to sample specialties. In the afternoon, visit the impressive Pont du Gard aqueduct, a masterpiece of ancient Roman engineering, or opt for a guided bike ride through Avignon. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 7 | Arles | Arles walking tour |
|
| | Les Baux and Carrières de Lumières |
|
| | OR Van Gogh & St Remy de Provence Walking Tour - Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive |
|
Delight in a guided walking tour of the city’s World Heritage-listed Roman ruins, a visit to the Vincent van Gogh Foundation and a walk to the artist’s haunts, or bike along the riverfront. In the afternoon, tour Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, where Vincent van Gogh produced some of his most famous paintings while confined to an asylum. Alternatively, venture to Les Baux de Provence, a village built high among the crags of a rocky outcropping. Meander among the ruins of its fortress and the galleries and boutiques that now line the storied lanes. Stop at the Carrières de Lumières for a multisensory experience of art, music, and history, and visit an olive farm. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 8 | Arles | RIVER CRUISE DISEMBARKATION |
|
Bid farewell to Arles and transfer to the airport for your flight home. (Meals: B)
Check into your Paris hotel for the beginning of your Colors of Provence Smithsonian Journey pre-cruise land package.
Day 2 | Paris | “City of Light” tour |
|
Enjoy a morning tour taking in the signature sites of Paris, including the awe-inspiring Arc de Triomphe and iconic Eiffel Tower. (B)
Day 3 | 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)
Day 4 | Paris/Lyon | TGV high-speed train to Lyon |
|
| | Lyon Cooking Demonstration |
|
| Lyon | RIVER CRUISE EMBARKATION |
|
Check out of your Paris hotel and head to the train station to board the TGV high-speed train through the French countryside to Lyon. Once in the “food capital of France,” enjoy some free time for lunch on your own and an included cooking demonstration of regional cuisine and culinary techniques. Afterward, settle into your stateroom. From the ship’s berth on the Rhône in the city center, discover Lyon on your own before tonight’s welcome reception on board. (Meals: D)
Day 5 | Lyon | City tour with Roman sites – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive |
|
| | OR Les Halles Market tour |
|
Set where the Rhône and Saône Rivers meet, Lyon was established in the first century as a Roman military outpost. Start your tour of this World Heritage site amid the medieval lanes of Fourvière Hill, visiting its 19th-century basilica as well as the Roman ruins of Lugdunum. Then venture into Vieux Lyon on a guided walk in the Saint Jean district, known for its traboules, hidden passageways used by silk workers to transport their wares and later by Resistance fighters during World War II. Alternatively, indulge in a variety of cheeses, breads, and charcuterie on a visit to historic Les Halles market, or a take guided bike tour. The afternoon is yours to explore the city as you wish. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 6 | Lyon | Beaujolais Tasting |
|
| | OR Croix Rousse Silk Factory tour – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive |
|
| | Evening Jazz presentation with live performance – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive |
|
Get a glimpse into Lyon’s past as an important silk manufacturing center on a visit to a workshop where artisans produce silks using traditional methods “à la lyonnaise.” See how pigments are prepared and prints are created and fixed, and learn about the lives of the canuts, Lyon’s silk workers, who famously revolted in the mid-1800s. Alternatively, you can choose to travel to the vineyards of Beaujolais for a wine tasting and learn about the history and techniques of wine production in the region. This evening, learn about Vienne’s renowned jazz festival and the evolution of French jazz as you listen to a live performance. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 7 | Vienne | "Footsteps of Ancient Romans” walking tour |
|
Situated between the wine regions of Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône lies Vienne, a city with a Roman past that can be seen in its marvelously preserved ruins. On a walking tour, view the Roman Temple of Augustus and Livia and visit the Gothic cathedral and the Romanesque St. Pierre Abbey, one of the oldest surviving churches in France. If you prefer a more active outing, hike to a chapel atop Mount Pipet or go biking on a scenic stretch of the ViaRhôna cycling route. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 8 | Tournon | Steam train ride |
|
| | OR Red wine and chocolate tasting |
|
| | OR Tain-l'Hermitage hike and wine tasting |
|
Ride a vintage steam train through the magnificent scenery of the Gorge du Doux in the mountains of Ardèche, stopping in the charming town of Colombier-le-Vieux¬. Or visit the Château de Tournon for a presentation and sampling of wine and chocolate. For a more active adventure, hike through the vineyards of Tain l’Hermitage and stop in at a local winery for a tasting. Sail on to Viviers arriving this evening and stroll through the city on an entertaining history tour that might send shivers down your spine! (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 9 | Avignon | Walking tour and Papal Palace |
|
| | OR Fondation Blachere visit – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive |
|
Dock in delightful Avignon, the seat of the papacy for nearly 70 years in the 14th century. Choose to explore the extraordinary Papal Palace, originally built by Pope Clement V when he fled Rome and now a World Heritage site. Or head to the fabled Luberon to visit the artists’ hub of Bonnieux and the acclaimed Fondation Blachère, which showcases contemporary African art. Alternatively, set out on a gastronomic tour of Avignon, visiting producers and epicurean shops to sample specialties. In the afternoon, visit the impressive Pont du Gard aqueduct, a masterpiece of ancient Roman engineering, or opt for a guided bike ride through Avignon. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 10 | Arles | Arles walking tour |
|
| | Les Baux and Carrières de Lumières |
|
| | OR Van Gogh & St Remy de Provence Walking Tour - Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive |
|
Delight in a guided walking tour of the city’s World Heritage-listed Roman ruins, a visit to the Vincent van Gogh Foundation and a walk to the artist’s haunts, or bike along the riverfront. In the afternoon, tour Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, where Vincent van Gogh produced some of his most famous paintings while confined to an asylum. Alternatively, venture to Les Baux de Provence, a village built high among the crags of a rocky outcropping. Meander among the ruins of its fortress and the galleries and boutiques that now line the storied lanes. Stop at the Carrières de Lumières for a multisensory experience of art, music, and history, and visit an olive farm. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 11 | Arles | RIVER CRUISE DISEMBARKATION |
|
| Barcelona | TGV train to Barcelona via Nimes |
|
Disembark your ship in Arles and board the TGV high-speed train to the city that inspired Antoni Gaudí and is certain to inspire you. On the way, pass through Camargue on the southern coast before stopping in Nîmes, a former outpost of the Roman Empire, close to the Mediterranean, where you will have free time for some exploring. After, we will continue on to the Catalan city of Barcelona. (Meals: B)
Day 12 | Barcelona | "The Best of Barcelona" city tour |
|
Barcelona, the bustling capital of Catalonia, is an artist’s, architect’s, foodie’s, historian’s and culturist’s dream. Tour the cobblestoned lanes of the Gothic Quarter in the medieval city center and Las Ramblas. See some of Antoni Gaudí’s imaginative architectural creations, La Sagrada Familia. (Meals: B)
Day 13 | Barcelona | "The Mountains and Abbey of Montserrat" excursion |
|
Join an excursion to the mountain Montserrat, which is home to the Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria de Montserrat, located about 30 miles from Barcelona. Once there, you’ll ride a scenic funicular to the top of the mountain and experience an indescribable view of the Catalonia landscape. The monastery, officially founded in 1025, soon began to receive pilgrims and visitors who contributed to the spread of stories of miracles and wonders performed by the Virgin Mary. The whole of Montserrat is built around facilitating the worship of the Black Madonna in the Basilica. While here, you’ll see the famous Black Madonna sculpture, which sits at the back of the church, above the altar area. The stairway leading to the statue, plus the room and altar in which the statue sits are ornate, golden and pay tribute to the wonder that is the Virgin herself. (Meals: B)
Day 14 | Barcelona | Return flight home |
|
Bid farewell to Barcelona and prepare for your flight home. (Meals: B)