Barge Cruise: Rhone - Provence

Fine wines, ancient history and a taste of Provence

Cruise the Rhône River and some of the canals of France aboard a 12-passenger luxury barge-hotel (7 days - 6 nights). Enjoy gourmet French cuisine and regional wines, and admire the sun-drenched landscapes that inspired the great canvases of Paul Cézanne and Vincent Van Gogh, while you glide along on your comfortable barge.

This region is famous for sophisticated architecture dating back to the Romans. It abounds with remnants of fortifications, arenas and aqueducts that continue to amaze our modern engineers. As you cruise along, you'll see typical Provencal tiled roofs, lavender fields and olive groves. You'll visit the famed wine region of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and the picturesque towns of Orange, Avignon, Arles, and St Rémy plus the ancient Roman ruins of Pont-du-Gard and Glanum.

TYPICAL BARGE CRUISE ITINERARIES
(actual programs may vary)

Barge Cruise Route*	Sunday Departures - 2010
1. Arles - Tain	Apr 11 - Jun 6 Jul 11 - Aug 8 Sep 12 - Oct 10
2. Macon - St Jean/Dijon	Aug 22 & 29
3. St Jean/Dijon - Lyon	Jun 20 & 27, Oct 24
4. Lyon - Avignon	Jun 13, Jul 4, Oct 17
5. Tain - Chalon	Apr 4, Aug 15, Sep 5

On alternate weeks, some cruises run in the reverse direction. All cruise routes are subject to change without notice. Contact us for detailed itineraries for the above routes.

*Highlights (numbers refer to cruise routes above)

• Walking tour of Arles (1)
• Olive oil tasting in St Remy (1)
• Pont du Gard, Roman aqueduct (1)
• Walking tour of Avignon and guided visit of Palace of Popes (1, 4)
• Chateauneuf du Pape wine tasting (1, 4-Lyon to Avignon)
• Tour of Orange, Roman monuments (1, 4-Lyon to Avignon)
• Nyons, lavender distillery and olive mill (1, 4-Avignon to Lyon)
• Visit to truffle farm with tasting (1, 4)
• Visit with chef to traditional market in La Voulte (1)
• Cotes du Rhone wine tasting (1, 4, 5)
• Walking tour of Dijon, Ducal Palace and mustard shop (2)
• Beaune, visit to Hotel Dieu (2, 3, 5)
• Abbey of Cluny (3, 5)
• Roche de Solutre (3)
• Lyon, walking tour and shopping (3, 4, 5)
• Wine tasting in Beaune (3, 5-Tain to Chalon)
• Clos de Vougeot, visit and wine tasting (3-St Jean to Lyon)
• Walking tour of Chalon-sur-Saone (3)
• Tournus, Romanesque church of St Philibert (3-St Jean to Lyon)
• Chateau de Flecheres (3, 5)
• Visit to Vienne, Roman amphitheater, aqueduct and temple (4-Avignon to Lyon, 5-Tain to Chalon)
• Visit Tain l'Hermitage, chocolate shop (4-Lyon to Avignon)
• Chateau de Grignan (4-Lyon to Avignon)

Included

• Accommodations with private bath (shower)
• All meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 7
• Wine with lunch and dinner and bar drinks
• Sightseeing tours and entrance fees as specified

Available at Additional Cost

• Round-trip transfers via first class TGV (high-speed train) from/to Paris Gare de Lyon station
• Optional activities when available
• Health and travel insurance

Not Included

• Barge crew gratuities (suggested 5% of cruise price)
• Personal expenses
• Other items not specifically listed under "Included" above

Barge Features

• 6 cabins: all can be set up as twin or double and have showers (12 passengers)
• Cabin 1 (upper deck): 12, 5" x 7' 2" Bathroom: 9' 4" x 4' 3"
• Cabins 2 - 6 (lower deck): 14' x 7' 4" Bathroom: 8' x 4' 6"
• 6 crew members
• Size: 129 ft. x 17.5 ft.
  
• TV and video in each cabin
• Lounge has guest computer with Internet access and a Bose iPod docking station.
• Air conditioning and central heating

This barge can be chartered for groups. Various themes and dates can be arranged to fit the specific interests of each group.

Dates and Prices

Book Your Cruise!

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