Take a wondrous river cruise journey through beautiful France along the Rhône and Saône Rivers with guided sightseeing of the well-known French treasures and some hidden gems too! And since this is a cruise with a wine theme, our Master of Wine will join you on board and share his expertise at lectures and tastings. This France river cruise adventure begins with two overnights in Paris—one of the world’s most romantic and vibrant cities! A city tour will show you the must-see sights before you take the TGV train to Dijon. Stop in Beaune to visit the Hôtel Dieu or opt for a tasting of the famed Burgundy wines of the region.

Before reaching Lyon, France’s gastronomic capital, enjoy a cheese and wine tasting; and during your stay in the city, enjoy an excursion to taste Beaujolais wine before you prepare your taste buds for an onboard exclusive food and wine pairing dinner hosted by your Master of Wine. Lyon is a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture. Visit the popular Place des Terreaux and stand in front of the famous fountain you’ve seen on postcards. Beautifully nestled among vineyards you’ll find the twin cities of Tournon and Tain l’Hermitage, where you’ll go on a guided walk of Tournon, a medieval treasure with plenty of Roman ruins and a fascinating 16th-century castle. Chocoholics will delight in a chocolate and wine tasting on board as you continue your France river cruise to historical Avignon, home of the 14th-century Palace of the Popes, and pay a visit to the famous Châteauneuf du Pape wine cellars. Arles, on the Rhône River, is famous for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh and its 1st-century Roman Amphitheater, which hosts plays and concerts to this day.

End this historical and delightful river cruise through France with an overnight stay on the picturesque French Riviera, also known as the Côte d’Azur. Explore this captivating area and relax along the remarkably blue water of the Mediterranean Sea.

For specific details on this special interest river cruise, please view the day-by-day itinerary.

City Highlights

Days 1-2 Paris: welcome to France; guided sightseeing on Day 2Day 3 Paris–Dijon–Beaune–St. Jean de Losne (Embarkation)–Seurre: TGV train from Paris to Dijon. Motorcoach transfer to Beaune, visit the Hôtel-Dieu or wine tasting; onboard welcome receptionDay 4 Seurre–Macon: leisurely cruising; free time in Mâcon Day 5 Lyon: onboard cheese and wine tasting; guided sightseeing; picture stop on Fourvière HillDay 6 Lyon: a morning to explore this fascinating city at leisure; excursion to Beaujolais; onboard food and wine pairing dinnerDay 7 Tournon/Tain l’Hermitage–Viviers: guided walk in Tournon onboard chocolate and wine tasting; guided walk in Viviers, visit the Old Town and the cathedralDay 8 Avignon: guided sightseeing, visit Palace of the Popes and a winery in Châteauneuf du Pape Day 9 Arles: cruise into the Camargue region (daylight permitting); guided sightseeing in Arles, visit the Roman AmphitheaterDay 10 Arles (Disembarkation)–Côte d’Azur: travel by motorcoach to Côte d’AzurDay 11 Côte d’Azur: your vacation ends this morning.

Notes

In the event of water level problems or any problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the program.Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change becomes necessary, a substitute will be offered.In the event that a high-speed train is unavailable due to strikes or technical reasons, the route will be operated by motorcoach.

PRODUCT_LINE: AVALON-WJL-T1-2018