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~
River Cruises in France ~
Paris
- Barcelona
Cruise
through Provence plus tour Paris and Barcelona
Start
your vacation with three days in romantic Paris, then travel in style on the TGV
(high-speed train) to Lyon, France's gastronomic capital. From there, cruise on
a 150-passenger riverboat on the Rhone River through beautiful wine regions
where such famous wines as Beaujolais, Côtes du Rhône and Chateauneuf-du-Pape
are produced. Marvel at Roman ruins, explore medieval Avignon and visit ancient
Arles, the city that inspired Vincent Van Gogh to paint many of his masterpieces. Leave
the riverboat in Arles and continue by luxury motor coach to the medieval city
of Perpignan. Pass through the edge of the Pyrenees to worldly and alluring Barcelona,
where you'll spend two full days before returning home. Can't
take a two-week vacation? No problem - you can just do the one-week cruise from
Lyon to Arles. Please
note! on alternate departure dates, this cruise-tour operates in the opposite
direction, starting in Barcelona, cruising from Arles to Lyon, and ending in Paris. 
TYPICAL
CRUISE ITINERARY
(actual program may vary) B
= Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner Day
1 - Monday: Departure from USA/Canada.
Board your overnight flight to Paris, France. Day
2 - Tuesday: Paris.
After your arrival and check-in at your hotel, take the rest of the day to relax
or explore enchanting Paris. Day
3 - Wednesday: Paris
(B). Enjoy some of Paris’ most famous sights during your guided tour this
morning, such as the Champs Élysées, Place de la Concorde, Eiffel
Tower, and Notre Dame Cathedral. The afternoon is free for you to explore the
“City of Light.” Or, you may decide to join the optional “Seine
Cruise & Montparnasse Tower” tour this morning and/or the optional “Montmartre
& Illuminations” tour this evening..
Day
4 - Thursday: Paris (B).
Your last day in Paris is free for you to enjoy at your leisure. You may want
to walk through the Tuileries gardens, visit the Louvre Museum or perhaps see
the Impressionist art masterpieces at the Musée d'Orsay. This evening,
an optional “Parisian Cabaret at Paradis Latin” dinner show is available. Day
5 - Friday: Paris - Lyon (B,D). This morning board the comfortable
TGV (high-speed train) to Lyon, the gastronomic capital of France, where the riverboat
awaits you. Upon arrival, enjoy some free time for lunch on your own before your
included Lyon Cooking Demonstration. Later, transfer to your luxurious ship. Gather
this evening on board for a Welcome Dinner. Day
6 - Saturday: Lyon - Belville
(B,L,D). Today your panoramic tour of Lyon will take you to the “Place Bellecour”
with its equestrian statue of Louis XIV, the “Place des Terreaux” with
Bartholdi’s Fountain and the Town Hall. Afterwards, visit Fourvière,
part of the historic region designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known as
the “Hill of Prayers,” Fourvière is famous for its iconic white
Basilica of Notre-Dame, ruins of a Roman theater, and majestic views of the city
below. The ship departs for Belville this evening. Day
7 - Sunday: Belville - Vienne (B,L,D).
This morning’s tour will take you through the chateaux, fields and vineyards
of the Beaujolais wine region, the Pays d’Or or “land of the golden
stones,” named for the ochre limestone of its homes and castles. You will
visit the medieval hilltop village of Oingt. You will also visit the winery and
home of a local vintner, and enjoy a wine tasting, a vineyard tour and explanation
of the history of wine production in the region. Return to the ship in the early
afternoon and continue cruising to Vienne, where you’ll have a free evening
to explore on your own. Day
8 - Monday: Vienne - Tournon (B,L,D). Situated between the wine regions
of Burgundy and Beaujolais, Vienne has a significant Roman history, which is highlighted
by its marvelously preserved ruins. This morning, you will take a mini train tour
and see the 1st-century Roman Temple of Augustus and Livia, the ruins of a Roman
theater and the medieval churches of St. Andre-Le-Bas and Abbey St. Pierre. As
an alternative, you may choose to visit Chateâu Roussillon and Pottery (when
available). Your ship will depart at midday for Tournon. This evening, explore
the town on your own. Day
9 - Tuesday: Tournon - Viviers (B,L,D).
This morning, visit Cornas, the premier producer of Côtes du Rhone wines.
Enjoy a wine tasting and free time this afternoon to visit the 16th-century castle
that is now a town hall. Return to the ship for lunch as you cruise to Viviers.
After arriving this evening, you may take a “Ghost Walk” through this
medieval town with colorful stories brought to life by local residents. Day
10 - Wednesday: Viviers - Avignon
(B,L,D). After
breakfast, enjoy an excursion to Grignan, a magnificent village perched upon a
hill surrounded by lavender fields, topped by a Renaissance castle. From the castle,
enjoy a commanding view of the surrounding countryside. Return to the ship and
cruise to Avignon. As your ship docks, look for the Avignon Bridge, made famous
by the French children’s song “Sur le pont d’Avignon” (“On
the Bridge of Avignon”). Seven popes resided in the magnificent Gothic Papal
Palace, which you will visit during your walking tour. You will also see the well-preserved
medieval walls surrounding the historic center of town, a UNESCO World Heritage
Site. As an alternative, you can take an excursion to the Pont du Gard, a Roman
aqueduct that is a masterpiece of engineering and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Your tour will also visit Uzes, a lovely Provencal small town known for its Castle
of the Duke of Uzes (still occupied by the Duke and his family), medieval streets
and a picturesque town square framed by archways. Enjoy free time for shopping
in Uzes before returning to your ship. Day
11 - Thursday: Avignon - Les Baux - Arles (B,L,D).
This morning, you will arrive in Arles and board a motor coach for an excursion
to the village of Les Baux de Provence. The village’s castle has a fascinating
exhibit of medieval weapons. Later, visit an olive farm to learn about this age-old
Provençal farming tradition. As an alternative, take the “Impressionist
Experience” tour to the Saint Paul de Mausole Asylum, where Van Gogh once
lived and painted such well-known works as The Irises and Starry Night. You will
also visit the Carrieres de Lumieres, a stone quarry that projects European artwork
on its walls, including many of Van Gogh’s famous paintings. Late this afternoon,
a city tour of Arles takes you to the Romanesque cathedral and the Roman Amphitheater.
Another option is a guided bike tour to a Roman museum (capacity controlled).The
ship moors overnight in Arles. Day
12 - Friday: Arles - Barcelona (B). Disembark your ship in Arles and
transfer to Barcelona by motor coach. Along the way, pass through the Camargue,
the unique marshland that extends to the sea. Stop in the medieval town of Perpignan,
France, where you will have free time for lunch and exploring on your own. Day
13 - Saturday: Barcelona (B).
Your full day in Barcelona begins with a driving tour to the top of Montjuic Hill
where you will enjoy glorious views of the city below. Continue along the waterfront
to Las Ramblas, the iconic tree-lined boulevard at the heart of the city. You
will explore the Gothic Quarter, the medieval center of the city. Your tour also
includes the unique architectural works of Antoni Gaudí, including Casa
Milà, Casa Batlló and La Sagrada Familia, the basilica and UNESCO
World Heritage Site that has been under construction for over a century. As an
alternative, choose the “tapas and boqueria” excursion where you will
visit tapas bars and sample local favorites. Also, discover why Mediterranean
cuisine is internationally known due to its ingredients during your guided tour
of the “Market of la Boqueria.” Day
14 - Sunday: Barcelona (B).
Enjoy a full day at your leisure, or take part in the optional Montserrat excursion,
visiting the famous Benedictine Abbey atop Montserrat Mountain. Day
15 - Monday: Depart Barcelona (B).
Transfer to the airport for your homebound flight. On
alternate weeks, cruise-tour will be in the reverse direction.
This itinerary
is subject to change without notice. Note
- Special wine itinerary on the following dates: Mar 25, Nov 4, Nov 18, 2013 Contact
us for details. [top] Highlights - Panoramic
tour of Paris
- Additional
optional tours and activities in Paris
- Cooking
demonstration in Lyon
- Tour
of Lyon, including Notre Dame de Fourviere and the Old City
- Beaujolais
tour and wine tasting
- Mini
train tour of Vienne
- Côtes
du Rhone wine tasting
- Walking
tour of Viviers
- Tour
of Avignon, including visit of the Papal Palace OR excursion to Roman Pont du
Gard and Uzes
- Excursion
to Les Baux de Provence and olive farm OR Van Gogh tour
- Walking
tour of Arles
- Stop
in medieval Perpignan
- Panoramic
tour of Barcelona
- Additional
optional tours and activities in Barcelona
Included - 3
nights hotel accommodation in Paris including daily buffet breakfast (Pullman
Montparnasse or similar)
- TGV
(high-speed train) from Paris to Lyon
- 7-night
deluxe river cruise accommodation in an outside stateroom
- Excursions
as outlined in the itinerary
- Superb
dining with all meals included during your cruise
- Unlimited
wine, beer and soft drinks with every lunch and dinner on board the riverboat
- Cocktail
reception, welcome dinner and captain's gala dinner
- Motor
coach from the riverboat in Arles to Barcelona
- 3
nights hotel accommodation in Barcelona including daily buffet breakfast (Grand
Marina or similar)
- Special
highlights including cooking demonstration, lectures, theme dinners, onboard music
performances, and afternoon and evening piano music
- Services
of a professional cruise director
- Wi
Fi access on the riverboat
- All
transfers with the purchase of cruise, land & air package
Available
at Additional Cost - Roundtrip
air from many US cities
- Airport
and land transfers
- Optional
tours and other activities
- Soft
drinks and alcoholic beverages (wine, beer, and soft drinks are included with
lunch and dinner only)
- Health
and travel insurance
Not
Included - Crew
gratuities (suggested 15 euros per person per day)
- Personal
expenses
- Other
items not listed in "Included" above
Riverboat
Features - 41
English-speaking European crew members
- Length:
360 ft.; width: 38 ft. Year built: 2006
- 71
staterooms (170 sq. ft.) and 4 junior suites (255 sq. ft.)
- Category
D and E staterooms have 2 fixed windows. All other staterooms and junior suites
feature French balconies.
All categories can be set up with twin beds or one bed (larger than queen size)
- All
categories have flat-screen
TV; complimentary access to high-speed internet, movies, music library and English-language
TV stations; separate bathroom, hair dryer, safe, terry bathrobes, bottled water,
individually controlled air-conditioning and ample closet space.
- Suites
feature an enhanced sitting area with couch, mini bar and large bathroom with
separate bathtub
- Main
lounge with bar, piano and dance floor
- Restaurant
- Gift
shop
- Wellness
area with fitness room, massage and hair salon
- Sun
deck with whirlpool and walking track
- Non-smoking
except in specified area on sun deck
- Elevator
[top] 2013
Cruise Dates and Prices (in US$) Depart
USA | Start
City | Cruise
Only* | Cruise
& Land* | Mar
25** | Barcelona | $2,499 | $4,059 | Apr
8 | Barcelona | $2,799 | $4,359 | Apr
15 | Paris | $3,099 | $4,659 | Apr
29 | Paris | $3,199 | $4,759 | May
13 | Paris | $3,299 | $4,859 | May
20 | Barcelona | May
27 | Paris | Jun
17 | Barcelona | $3,199 | $4,759 | Jun
24 | Paris | Jul
1 | Barcelona | Jul
22 | Paris | Jul
29 | Barcelona | Aug
5 | Paris | Aug
19 | Paris | Sep
2 | Paris | $3,399 | $4,959 | Sep
16 | Paris | Sep
30 | Paris | Oct
14 | Paris | $3,099 | $4,659 | Oct
21 | Barcelona | $2,899 | $4,459 | Oct
28 | Paris | $2,699 | $4,259 | Nov
4** | Barcelona | $2,699 | $4,259 | Nov
18** | Barcelona | Nov
25 | Paris | $2,799 | $4,359 |
*Prices
are per person double occupancy in Category E (Piano
deck). To change to a different category, adjust as follows: Boat
Deck | Category | Amount
Per Person | Violin
(upper) | S
(Jr. Suite) | +$1,899 | A | +
889 | B | +
779 | C | +
579 | Cello
(middle) | B | +
779 | C | +
579 | Piano
(lower) | D | +
199 |
**Wine
cruise itinerary Port
Charges: add
$147 per person Single
supplement for cruise: Add 100% of price for category S (Jr. Suite).
Add 50% of price for other categories. Single
supplement for land tour: Add $780 Specials:
5%
off 2014 cruises. Book by July 30. Contact
us for dates and prices.  
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