AmaWaterways™ River Cruises

Overview Essence of Burgundy & Provence (Wine Cruise)

CRUISE FROM : Chalon-Sur-Saône to Arles

Indulge in French flavors on a palate-pleasing itinerary that highlights the essence of France’s Burgundy and Provence. Uncover the Roman history of Chalon-sur Saône and delight in charming Tournus with its towering Romanesque abbey and historic apothecary shop. Visit French châteaux from Burgundy to Provence, taste your way through the French culinary capital of Lyon and visit the Papal Palace in Avignon. While you’ll get more than a taste of Burgundy and Provence during this itinerary, the essence of these destinations will linger on your palate – and in your heart – for a lifetime!

COUNTRIES: France

RIVERS: Rhone, Saone

Essence of Burgundy & Provence (Wine Cruise) 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.

Chalon-Sur-Saône to Arles

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Day 1

Chalon-sur Saône

EMBARKATION

Board your ship in preparation for your 7-night Essence of Provence & Burgundy cruise. (B,D)

Day 2

Chalon-sur Saône

History City tour

OR Beaune walking tour

OR Château de Couches

Tournus

Scenic cruising

OR Chalon-Tournus bike tour

OR Chalonnaise wine tasting

Located in southern Burgundy at the heart of the Côte Chalonnaise wine region, Chalon-Sur-Saône whispers the secrets of its medieval past which you will discover on your historic city tour. You’ll also stop at a local market where you can see and taste some of the local fare. Alternatively, choose an excursion in Beaune, a walled town nestled in the heart of Cote d’Or vineyards where you’ll stroll the cobblestone streets and take in such sights as the mosaic-tiled roof of the Hôtel-Dieu de Beaune, founded in the 15th century as a hospital for the less fortunate. Or, visit the storybook Château de Couches, a medieval fortress enveloped in idyllic hills and greenery that once served the Dukes of Burgundy. Later in the day, enjoy a scenic sailing to Tournus, or pedal from Chalon-Sur- Saône to Tournus on an exhilarating guided bike tour. Alternatively, once in Tournus, sample the region’s famous white Chalonnaise wines. (B,L,D)

Day 3

Tournus

Tournus city tour & Abbey of Saint Philibert visit

OR Château Cormatin

OR Medieval Brancion

OR Bike tour to Brancion

Macon

Scenic Cruising

Tournus-Macon bike tour

OR Maconnais wine tasting

Today you have a choice of a number of excursions as you explore the cities of Tournus and Macon. Let your knowledgeable guide lead you through Tournus and to its magnificent Benedictine Abbey of Saint Philibert. Or choose instead to visit the moated Château de Cormatin, which dates back to the early 17th century and features ornate apartments as well as a beautifully manicured garden. As an alternative, venture to the medieval village of Brancion with its preserved gateway, church and market hall, or pedal through the charming town. In the afternoon, you have the choice of returning to the ship and enjoying a scenic cruise to Mâcon, joining a guided bike tour from Tournus to Mâcon, or enjoy a tasting of Chalonnaise wines. (B,L,D)

Day 4

Macon

“The South Burgundy City” Macon tour

OR Cluny & Berze-le-Chatel visit

OR Bike tour to Berze-le-Chatel

Vienne

OR Monastère de Brou

Villefranche-sur-Saone

Scenic cruising

OR Beaujolais wine tasting

Lyon

Illuminations cruise

Join a guided tour through the “South Burgundy City” of Mâcon, learning about its local vineyards, museums, historical sites and perhaps its famous son, the poet and minister Alphonse de Lamartine. Or venture somewhat off the beaten path to Cluny, known for its large abbey, and the nearby castle Berze-le-Chatel, a well-preserved fortress perched on a rocky hill offering stunning views below. Alternately, you can enjoy a guided bike tour to Berze-le-Chatel. Should architecture or religion be one of your main interests, perhaps choose the excursion to the Royal Monastery of Brou, built in the 16th century and boasting a glorious white façade as well as a beautifully tiled roof. Return to the ship and head to the Sun Deck to enjoy a light lunch and the passing landscapes on the way to Villefranche-sur-Saône, later choosing between scenic cruising or a tasting of Beaujolais wines. During the evening, enjoy a special Illuminations cruise – a highlight of your river cruise – as you enter the city of Lyon. (B,L,D)

Day 5

Lyon

“France’s Culinary Capital” city tour

OR Lyon bike tour

OR Lyon tasting tour

Vienne

Mini train Vienne tour

OR ViaRhôna bike tour

OR Mount Pipet hike

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.” Or get active a guided bike tour through the city designed with cyclists in mind. If you’re a self-described foodie, our Lyon tasting tour is for you, during which you’ll have a chance to taste some of Lyon’s local delights. Later in the day, sail to Vienne, which boasts a Roman past that can be seen in its marvelously preserved ruins. There you can ride the charming mini train around the city. For those wishing to be more active, you can either take a guided bike tour along a portion of the ViaRhôna bike route or a guided hike from the ship to the Monastery at Mount Pipet. (B,L,D)

Day 6

Vienne

Scenic cruising

Valence

Valence city tour

OR Bike tour

OR Cornas wine tasting

Take your coffee on your balcony or the Sun Deck as you cruise to Valence, a designated “City of Art and History,” where you can see such sites as its 11th-century Cathedral of St. Apollinaris or perhaps its House of Heads (named for the carved heads of its façade and courtyard) on your city tour. For a more active adventure, pedal through this bicycle-friendly city. If you prefer a more relaxing excursion, taste the Northern Rhône’s red Cornas wines. (B,L,D)

Day 7

Avignon

Walking tour and Papal Palace

OR Tastes of Avignon

OR Avignon-Tarascon bike tour

Arles

Arles walking tour

OR Van Gogh walking tour

OR Arles bike tour

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. Alternately, 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 along the Rhône from Avignon to the provençal town of Tarascon. Later in the day, cruise to Arles, considered one of the most beautiful cities in France. Let your experienced guide lead you to the top sights, including the Romanesque cathedral and Roman amphitheater; or take a guided bike tour to the Roman ruins. Or, if you 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. Or take some time to focus on wellness with a guided bike tour through town. (B,L,D)

Day 8

Arles

DISEMBARKATION

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

Chalon-sur Saône to Arles

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Day 1

Chalon-sur Saône

EMBARKATION

Board your ship in preparation for your 7-night Essence of Provence & Burgundy cruise. (B,D)

Day 2

Chalon-sur Saône

History City tour

OR Beaune walking tour

OR Château de Couches

Tournus

Scenic cruising

OR Chalon-Tournus bike tour

OR Chalonnaise wine tasting

Day 3

Tournus

Tournus city tour & Abbey of Saint Philibert visit

OR Château Cormatin

OR Medieval Brancion

OR Bike tour to Brancion

Macon

Scenic Cruising

Tournus-Macon bike tour

OR Maconnais wine tasting

Day 4

Macon

“The South Burgundy City” Macon tour

OR Cluny & Berze-le-Chatel visit

OR Bike tour to Berze-le-Chatel

Vienne

OR Monastère de Brou

Villefranche-sur-Saone

Scenic cruising

OR Beaujolais wine tasting

Lyon

Illuminations cruise

Day 5

Lyon

“France’s Culinary Capital” city tour

OR Lyon bike tour

OR Lyon tasting tour

Vienne

Mini train Vienne tour

OR ViaRhôna bike tour

OR Mount Pipet hike

Day 6

Vienne

Scenic cruising

Valence

Valence city tour

OR Bike tour

OR Cornas wine tasting

Day 7

Avignon

Walking tour and Papal Palace

OR Tastes of Avignon

OR Avignon-Tarascon bike tour

Arles

Arles walking tour

OR Van Gogh walking tour

OR Arles bike tour

Day 8

Arles

DISEMBARKATION

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

Included Features Essence of Burgundy & Provence (Wine Cruise)

SPACIOUS STATEROOMS

7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with French balconies)
Computer for internet access
Entertainment-On-Demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed internet access, movies, a music library and English language TV stations
Desk and sitting area
Bottled water replenished daily

AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES

Wellness Activities 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
Welcome cocktail, Welcome Dinner, La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Dinner, Captain's Cocktail and Gala 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

Exclusive Wine Cruise

Hosted by Jason McClain, Owner & Winemaker for McClain Cellars, CA

Expertly Curated WINE EXPERIENCES

About the Wine Region – The Saone and the Rhone

Essence of Burgundy & Provence (Wine Cruise) At A Glance