France: Treasures of Burgundy & Provence

Lyon – Macon – Chalon-sur-Saône – Tournus – Lyon – Avignon – Arles –
Châteauneuf-du-Rhône – Le Pouzin – Lyon
(8 days / 7 nights)

Lüftner River Cruises – Ms Amadeus Provence

Starting cruise rate: EUR 1,019 per person

Cruise Itinerary:
Day 1: Lyon / Departure – Welcome Dinner
This afternoon, embark the vessel and get settled into your cabin. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Cocktail, followed by a specially prepared Welcome Dinner.

Day 2: Mâcon – Visit to Wine Museum “Hameau du Vin”
This morning the vessel arrives in the town of Mâcon, located in southern Burgundy. This wine-producing region produces some of the most expensive wines in the world. Spend the morning exploring the city, and perhaps visit the wine museum, dedicated to the history and production of Burgundy wines. Near the city of Macon is the Cluny Abbey, dedicated to St Peter. This afternoon offers the opportunity to visit the ‘spiritual heart of medieval Europe’. Founded in 910 by Guillaume d’Aquitaine, the abbey is comprised of three abbey churches. At its height, it was home to over 10,000 monks.

Day 3: Chalon-sur-Saône > Tournus – Tasting of the famous Burgundy wines
Continue to explore the wine region with a stop in the town of Chalon sur Saône. Half -timbered houses overlook the square, and it offers art galleries, specialty shops as well as a museum dedicated to photography. The countryside is filled with famous vineyards such as Pommard and Puligny, a wine lover’s delight. This afternoon enjoy the scenery as the vessel continues its way along the Saône, or perhaps choose to explore the medieval towns of Brancion and Cormatin and re-join the vessel in Tournus.

Day 4: Lyon – Old Town Vieux Lyon, part of the UNESCO World Heritage
At the confluence of the Rhone and the Saône rivers, sits the third-largest city in France. This UNESCO World Heritage city is known for its cuisine as well as historical and architectural landmarks such as the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourviere and the Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon) which is the Renaissance area along the bank of the Saône.
Relax this afternoon as the vessel sails through the picturesque countryside.

Day 5: Avignon – Papal Palace & Aqueduct of Pont du Gard
The Provencal city of Avignon is home to the Papal Palace, once the seat of Western Christianity in the 14th century. The Papal Palace was home to six papal conclaves but became obsolete when the papacy decided to return to Rome.
The area of Provence is also home to the Pont du Gard, a three-level aqueduct constructed over 2000 years ago by the Romans and is one of the architectural masterpieces of the ancient world. Your vessel remains in Avignon this evening.

Day 6: Avignon > Arles – Camargue Nature Park with famous horses
Arles captured the imagination of the brilliant Impressionist painter, Van Gogh. Walking through the town, many of the settings may seem familiar as some of Van Gogh’s best-known pieces reflect the beauty of the town.
Outside of Arles, the Camargue Nature Park is located. The Park covers 86,000 hectares and is known for its unique flora and fauna as well as semi-wild bulls and white Camargue horses.

Day 7: Châteauneuf-du-Rhône > Le Pouzin – Visit to the Ardeche Gorge, “The Grand Canyon of Europe”
This morning offers the opportunity to view the Ardeche Gorge, another natural wonder of the area. Visit the ‘Grand Canyon of Europe’ and re-join the vessel in time for lunch. Alternately, spend the day on-board relaxing. This evening is the Captain’s Gala Dinner.

Day 8: Lyon / Arrival & Farewell
We bid you farewell after breakfast and hope to welcome you again soon!