Barge Cruise: Provence - Camargue II

The Romans, 7 popes and Van Gogh lived there.

Cruise rivers and canals of southern France aboard an 18-passenger barge-hotel (7 days - 6 nights). Discover 2,000 years of history and heritage, plus some of the finest wines in the world, on the sunny banks of the Rhone River. Go deep into unspoiled landscape and centuries of tradition in the flat lands of Camargue, the Rhone River delta on the shores of the Mediterranean. Spot flocks of pink flamingos and herds of wild horses in the distance, and marvel at unusual fauna and colorful flora while slowly gliding down the tranquil waters of the Rhone-Sete Canal.

With its roomy common areas and the nine cabins below deck, this expertly decorated river boat combines the spaciousness of a river cruiser and the coziness of a small canal barge. Have an "aperitif" on the deck and savor the many local specialties of the lunch buffet and the formal gourmet dinners. While watching the sun set over the lagoon, let Provence gently warm your heart... one sip at a time.

TYPICAL BARGE CRUISE ITINERARY
(actual program may vary)

Day 1 - Sunday: Avignon. Late afternoon transfer from the TGV station or a specified local hotel to the boat moored just outside the Avignon ramparts. Visit the "City of the Popes" on your own or just relax. First gourmet dinner aboard the barge with local wines.

Day 2 - Monday: Avignon to Villeneuve les Avignon. History and wines are the main topics of interest today. You'll first take a guided tour of Avignon to learn about the religious and artistic importance of the city's prestigious past with its Palace of the Popes. Then, visit a winery near world-famous Chateauneuf du Pape with a guided tour followed by wine tasting. This evening, cruise to Villeneuve les Avignon and stop for the night. The wines you tasted earlier today may very well be on the table for dinner!

Day 3 - Tuesday: Villeneuve les Avignon to Vallabregues. This morning, the itinerary includes "Le Pont du Gard," an impressive ancient Roman aqueduct (a World Heritage site) and its interactive museum. This marvel of architecture is absolutely stunning... a "must-see." Back to the river boat for lunch. Afterwards, cruise down to Vallabregues, a quiet and charming little port. A bike ride or a game of Petanque (similar to Bocce Ball) are two fun ways to spend the rest of the day before dinner on the barge.

Day 4 - Wednesday: Vallabregues to Arles. Morning excursion to the charming medieval village of Les Baux de Provence with time for shopping. Today's cruise takes you through the huge 36-feet high lock at Beaucaire. Then on to Arles, the "open-air Museum of Provence."

Day 5 - Thursday: Arles to Gallician. Your guided visit in Arles this morning will take you back to Antiquity and the Romans. You can also reminisce about Vincent Van Gogh, who painted some 300 canvases during his agitated year in this city (1888). Then, after entering the Petit Rhone River, today's cruise brings you to wild and picturesque Camargue, the rustic delta of the Rhone River. Later in the afternoon, you'll reach the quiet village of Gallician and moor for the night. Dinner aboard the barge.

Day 6 - Friday: Gallician to Aigues Mortes. For the last day of excursions, how about a trip to wild Camargue? There you can visit a "manade" (a typical French ranch), where the "gardians" (the Camargue version of Wild West cowboys) show us how they tend their herds of bulls while riding their superb white horses. Later in the day, we reach our final destination: Aigues Mortes, a 14th-century walled city, famous as the port where St Louis set sail for the Crusades. This evening, farewell dinner aboard the barge.

Day 7 - Saturday: Aigues Mortes. After breakfast on the river boat, departure to the pre-arranged transfer point.

On alternate weeks, cruise will be in the reverse direction.
This itinerary is subject to change without notice.

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Highlights

• Wine tasting in Chateauneuf du Pape
• The Roman aqueduct of "Pont du Gard"
• Avignon, city of the Popes
• Ancient Arles and memories of Vincent Van Gogh
• Wild and rustic Camargue
  

Included

• Accommodations with private bath or shower
• All meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 7
• Wine with lunch and dinner and selected alcoholic beverages consumed aboard the barge
• Sightseeing tours and entrance fees as specified

Not Included

• Transportation to and from beginning and end points. (Optional transfer to and from Paris is available.)
• Health and travel insurance
• Barge crew gratuities (suggested 5% of cruise price)
• Personal expenses
• Optional activities when available
• Other items not specifically listed under "Included" above

Barge Features

• Cabins: 6 with queen beds; 3 with twin beds
• Crew: Family team of 4 + 2 crew members
• Length: 127 ft.
  
• Sundeck
• Air conditioning and central heating
• Air-conditioned coaches for excursions
  

Cruise Departures

Every Sunday subject to availability (except winter).

This barge can be chartered for groups. Various themes (golf, wine, cooking, bicycling, etc.) and dates can be arranged to fit the specific interests of each group.

Dates and Prices

Book Your Cruise!

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