From romantic cities to foodie havens and artistic epicenters, this itinerary enlivens all your senses. Spend three nights in Paris before going to Lyon, France’s culinary capital. Savor the beauty of legendary vineyards and imbibe in local vintages like Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône. You can even become an expert in all things culinary: go in search of the highly prized “Black Diamond” truffles; learn how to pair chocolate with wine; and discover how olives turn into the Mediterranean’s nectar, olive oil. Trace the steps of famous artists in Arles and Carriéres de Lumiéres, and then let Barcelona cast its magical spell on you.
From romantic cities to foodie havens and artistic epicenters, this itinerary enlivens all your senses. Spend three nights in Paris before going to Lyon, France’s culinary capital. Savor the beauty of legendary vineyards and imbibe in local vintages like Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône. Enjoy hunting for truffles, refining your Provençal cooking skills, and learning how to pair chocolate with wine. Trace the steps of famous artists in Arles and Avignon, and then let Barcelona, cast its magical spell on you.
COUNTRIES:
, France, France, Spain
RIVERS:
Rhone
Colors of Provence
At A Glance
On our cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and Special Interest Tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.
Board your cruise in Lyon. Tonight, meet your fellow passengers as the ship moors overnight. (D)
Discover dynamic Lyon, starting in Fourvière Hill, part of the city’s historic region that is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the 19th-century basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Continue on to the old town of Lyon, followed by a guided walk through the St. Jean district, where you will be introduced to the city’s unique covered walkways, known as “traboules.” During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time or join a guided bike tour through the city designed with cyclists in mind. (B,L,D)
| Day 3 | Collonges | Beaujolais excursion and tasting |
|
Travel to the Beaujolais wine region—known as the Pays d’Or or “land of the golden stones.” Indulge in a wine tasting at a traditional winery and learn about the history and techniques of their vineyard. Later, set sail for Vienne, where you’ll enjoy free time to explore the town. (B,L,D)
| Day 4 | Vienne | "Footsteps of Ancient Romans” walking tour |
|
Situated between the wine regions of Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône lies Vienne with a Roman past that can be seen in its marvelously preserved ruins. Follow the footsteps of the ancient Romans on a walking tour to see the amazingly well-preserved Augustus and Livia Temple, the Saint Maurice Cathedral, a Gothic church that took more than 500 years to build, and St. Pierre Abbey—one of the oldest surviving churches in France, and now an Archaeological Museum. For those wishing to be more active, you can either take a guided bike tour along a portion of the ViaRhôna bike route or a guided hike from the ship to the Monastery at Mount Pipet. (B,L,D)
| Day 5 | Tournon | Steam train ride |
|
| | OR Red wine & chocolate tasting |
|
| | OR Tain-l'Hermitage hike and wine tasting |
|
You have a choice of three excursions. Take a train ride past magnificent landscape carved along the Gorge du Doux, stopping at the charming little station of Colombier le Vieux-Saint Barthélemy le Plain, where the train maneuvers in preparation for its return journey. Alternatively, lovers of wine and chocolate will want to visit Le Château de Tournon for a presentation and tasting on the pairing of red wine and chocolate. For a more active adventure, cycle through the French countryside or take a hike through the vineyards of Tain l’Hermitage, followed by a visit to a local winery where you’ll sample some of the wines. (B,L,D)
| Day 6 | Avignon | Walking tour and Papal Palace |
|
| | Grignan excursion and truffle farm visit |
|
Avignon, aptly named the “City of Popes,” was the center of the Catholic Church in the 14th century when its “Palais des Papes” was the equivalent of today’s Vatican. Depending on your interests, you have three choices of excursions. Discover the history of Avignon on a guided walking tour that includes the Papal Palace and the well-preserved medieval walls surrounding the historic center of town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Alternatively, you can go to another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the impressive Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct that is a masterpiece of ancient engineering. Or if you prefer, visit three venues around Avignon to taste regional specialties including macarons, cheese and wine, and tapenades. During the afternoon, you can enjoy free time in Avignon, go on a bike tour, or go to the magnificent hilltop village, Grignan. After visiting this enchanting Provençal town, go in search of the highly prized “Black Diamond” truffles with a farmer and his trustworthy canine companion. (B,L,D)
| Day 7 | Arles | Les Baux and olive farm excursion |
|
| | OR Van Gogh Asylum and Carrières de Lumières |
|
| | OR Camargue and Aigues-Mortes |
|
Considered one of the most beautiful cities in France, Arles enchants. For art lovers, you’ll wish to visit Saint Paul de Mausole Asylum, where Vincent van Gogh once lived and painted. Afterwards, go to the Carrières de Lumières, where you’ll be treated to a spectacular presentation of art, sound and history projected on the walls of caves. Alternatively, venture to the medieval hilltop village, Les Baux de Provence, followed by a visit to an olive farm where you’ll learn about age-old Provençal traditions from a master olive miller as well as sample the olive oil. Or for a different adventure, journey to Aigues-Mortes, known for its well preserved medieval walls and guard towers, followed by a visit to the beautiful Camargue National Park, a protected natural territory with more than 400 different species of birds. During the afternoon, you can join a walking tour of Arles highlighting top sights, including the Romanesque cathedral and Roman amphitheater; or take a guided bike tour to the Roman ruins. And for those who wish to delve further into Van Gogh’s Arles, join a special walking tour along with a visit to the Vincent van Gogh Foundation, showcasing his legacy. (B,L,D)
Disembark your ship in Arles. (B)
Board your cruise in Arles. This evening, meet your fellow passengers for a Welcome Dinner. (D)
| Day 2 | Arles | Les Baux and olive farm excursion |
|
| | OR “Artist Experience” Van Gogh Asylum and Carrières de Lumières |
|
| Avignon | Avignon Illuminations Cruise |
|
Considered one of the most beautiful cities in France, Arles enchants. For art lovers, you’ll wish to visit Saint Paul de Mausole Asylum, where Vincent van Gogh once lived and painted such well-known works as “The Irises” and “Starry Night.” Many people consider Van Gogh’s Arles period to be the most creative of his career. Afterwards, go to the Carrières de Lumières, where you’ll be treated to a spectacular presentation of art, sound and history projected on the walls of caves. Alternatively, venture to the medieval hilltop village, Les Baux de Provence, followed by a visit to an olive farm where you’ll learn about age-old Provençal traditions from a master olive miller as well as sample the olive oil. During the afternoon, you can join a walking tour of Arles highlighting top sights, including the Romanesque cathedral and Roman Amphitheatre. After dinner, enjoy a special scenic Illuminations Cruise toward the renowned Avignon Bridge. (B,L,D)
| Day 3 | Avignon | Morning walking tour and Papal Palace |
|
Avignon, aptly named the “City of Popes,” was the center of the Catholic Church in the 14th century when its “Palais des Papes” was the equivalent of today’s Vatican. Depending on your interests, you have four choices of excursions. Discover the history of Avignon on a guided walking tour that includes the Papal Palace and the well-preserved medieval walls surrounding the historic center of town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Alternatively, you can go to another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the impressive Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct that is a masterpiece of ancient engineering. Or if you prefer, visit three venues around Avignon where you can taste regional specialties, including cheese, chocolate, lavender-infused drinks, wine and more. Or pedal your way along the Rhône to the island of Barthelasse, Europe’s largest river island, and stop at an authentic farm while taking in sights along the way on a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)
| Day 4 | Viviers | Grignan excursion and truffle farm visit |
|
Head to a truffle farm and go in search of the highly prized “Black Diamond” truffle with a farmer and his trustworthy canine companion. Afterward, visit the magnificent medieval hilltop village, Grignan, where you’ll visit a Renaissance chateau perched on a hill surrounded by lavender fields. This enchanting Provençal town offers unique panoramic views to the north, south, east and west. Enjoy some free time to explore before heading back to the ship. (B,L,D)
| Day 5 | Tournon | Steam train ride |
|
| | OR Red wine and chocolate tasting |
|
| | OR Tain l’Hermitage hike and wine tasting |
|
Enjoy the views from a panoramic train car as you ride past magnificent landscape carved along the Gorge du Doux stopping at the charming little station of Colombier le Vieux-Saint Barthélemy le Plain, where the steam train maneuvers in preparation for its return journey. Alternatively, lovers of wine and chocolate will want to visit Le Château de Tournon for a presentation and tasting on the pairing of red wine and chocolate. For a more active adventure, take a walking tour of Tain l’Hermitage, followed by a visit to a local winery where you’ll sample some of the region’s celebrated Hermitage appellation. Or bike along the ViaRhôna cycling route, winding through forest and looping back through dense orchards with hills of vineyards in the distance before returning to Tournon for a short tour of the town center. (B,L,D)
| Day 6 | Collonges | Roman ruins walking tour |
|
| Vienne | OR ViaRhôna bike tour |
|
Situated between the wine regions of Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône lies Vienne, with a Roman past that can be seen in its marvelously preserved ruins. Take a walking tour to see the amazingly well-preserved Augustus and Livia Temple, the Saint-Maurice Cathedral, a Gothic church that took more than 500 years to build, and St. Pierre Abbey—one of the oldest surviving churches in France, and now an Archaeological Museum. For those wishing to be more active, you can either take a guided bike tour along a portion of the ViaRhôna bike route or a guided hike from the ship to the Monastery at Mount Pipet. Later in the day, set sail to Lyon. Discover dynamic Lyon, starting in Fourvière Hill, part of the city’s historic region that is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the 19th-century basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Continue on to the old town of Lyon, followed by a guided walk through the St. Jean district, where you will be introduced to the city’s unique covered walkways, known as “traboules.” Or for those more interested in discovering why Lyon is France’s culinary capital, visit the city’s famed indoor food market, which has nearly five-dozen stalls selling countless gourmet delights—including sausage, cheese and pastries, which you will get to sample. Or take a guided bike ride to the modern urban area of La Confluence along the Saone River. (B,L,D)
| Collonges | OR Beaujolais excursion and tasting |
|
Enjoy morning free time in Lyon and then travel to the Beaujolais wine region—known as the Pays d’Or or “land of the golden stones." While there, indulge in a wine tasting at a traditional winery and learn about the history and techniques of their vineyard. (B,L,D)
Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Lyon as you prepare for your flight home. (B)
Arrive in Paris and check in to your hotel.
| Day 2 | Paris | “City of Light” tour |
|
Enjoy a morning tour of Paris, taking in all of its iconic sites, including the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs-Élysées and Place de la Concorde. You’ll pass the magnificent Opéra Garnier, the legendary Louvre and, on the Left Bank, the Sorbonne University and the Panthéon. (B)
| Day 3 | Paris | Evening Montmartre and illumination tour |
|
Visit Montmartre, long known as the city’s premier artist’s enclave. During the mid to late 1800s, artists also began calling Montmartre home. Pissarro and Jongkind were two of the first to live there, followed by other notable artists. For easy access to Montmartre, you’ll hop aboard the funicular railroad that ascends the hill. Montmartre’s most recognizable landmark is the Basilica du Sacré-Coeur, constructed from 1876 to 1912. The white dome of this Roman Catholic basilica sits at the highest point in the city. After your visit to Montmartre, you’ll be taken on an illumination tour, discovering one of the reasons why Paris is known as the “City of Light.” (B)
| Day 4 | Paris | TGV high-speed train to Lyon |
|
| Lyon | Lyon cooking demonstration |
|
After checking out of your hotel, take the TGV train through the French countryside to Lyon, France’s culinary capital. Upon arrival, enjoy free time before being treated to an exclusive hands-on cooking lesson. Later, transfer to your ship. (B,D)
Discover dynamic Lyon, starting in Fourvière Hill, part of the city’s historic region that is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the 19th-century basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Continue on to the old town of Lyon, followed by a guided walk through the St. Jean district, where you will be introduced to the city’s unique covered walkways, known as “traboules.” During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time or join a guided bike tour through the city designed with cyclists in mind. (B,L,D)
| Day 6 | Collonges | Beaujolais excursion and tasting |
|
Travel to the Beaujolais wine region—known as the Pays d’Or or “land of the golden stones.” Indulge in a wine tasting at a traditional winery and learn about the history and techniques of their vineyard. Later, set sail for Vienne, where you’ll enjoy free time to explore the town. (B,L,D)
| Day 7 | Vienne | "Footsteps of Ancient Romans” walking tour |
|
Situated between the wine regions of Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône lies Vienne with a Roman past that can be seen in its marvelously preserved ruins. Follow the footsteps of the ancient Romans on a walking tour to see the amazingly well-preserved Augustus and Livia Temple, the Saint Maurice Cathedral, a Gothic church that took more than 500 years to build, and St. Pierre Abbey—one of the oldest surviving churches in France, and now an Archaeological Museum. For those wishing to be more active, you can either take a guided bike tour along a portion of the ViaRhôna bike route or a guided hike from the ship to the Monastery at Mount Pipet. (B,L,D)
| Day 8 | Tournon | Steam train ride |
|
| | OR Red wine & chocolate tasting |
|
| | OR Tain-l'Hermitage hike and wine tasting |
|
You have a choice of three excursions. Take a train ride past magnificent landscape carved along the Gorge du Doux, stopping at the charming little station of Colombier le Vieux-Saint Barthélemy le Plain, where the train maneuvers in preparation for its return journey. Alternatively, lovers of wine and chocolate will want to visit Le Château de Tournon for a presentation and tasting on the pairing of red wine and chocolate. For a more active adventure, cycle through the French countryside or take a hike through the vineyards of Tain l’Hermitage, followed by a visit to a local winery where you’ll sample some of the wines. (B,L,D)
| Day 9 | Avignon | Walking tour and Papal Palace |
|
| | Grignan excursion and truffle farm visit |
|
Avignon, aptly named the “City of Popes,” was the center of the Catholic Church in the 14th century when its “Palais des Papes” was the equivalent of today’s Vatican. Depending on your interests, you have three choices of excursions. Discover the history of Avignon on a guided walking tour that includes the Papal Palace and the well-preserved medieval walls surrounding the historic center of town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Alternatively, you can go to another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the impressive Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct that is a masterpiece of ancient engineering. Or if you prefer, visit three venues around Avignon to taste regional specialties including macarons, cheese and wine, and tapenades. During the afternoon, you can enjoy free time in Avignon, go on a bike tour, or go to the magnificent hilltop village, Grignan. After visiting this enchanting Provençal town, go in search of the highly prized “Black Diamond” truffles with a farmer and his trustworthy canine companion. (B,L,D)
| Day 10 | Arles | Les Baux and olive farm excursion |
|
| | OR Van Gogh Asylum and Carrières de Lumières |
|
| | OR Camargue and Aigues-Mortes |
|
Considered one of the most beautiful cities in France, Arles enchants. For art lovers, you’ll wish to visit Saint Paul de Mausole Asylum, where Vincent van Gogh once lived and painted. Afterwards, go to the Carrières de Lumières, where you’ll be treated to a spectacular presentation of art, sound and history projected on the walls of caves. Alternatively, venture to the medieval hilltop village, Les Baux de Provence, followed by a visit to an olive farm where you’ll learn about age-old Provençal traditions from a master olive miller as well as sample the olive oil. Or for a different adventure, journey to Aigues-Mortes, known for its well preserved medieval walls and guard towers, followed by a visit to the beautiful Camargue National Park, a protected natural territory with more than 400 different species of birds. During the afternoon, you can join a walking tour of Arles highlighting top sights, including the Romanesque cathedral and Roman amphitheater; or take a guided bike tour to the Roman ruins. And for those who wish to delve further into Van Gogh’s Arles, join a special walking tour along with a visit to the Vincent van Gogh Foundation, showcasing his legacy. (B,L,D)
| Day 11 | Arles | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Disembark your ship in Arles and travel a short distance to Nîmes. See the highlights of this delightful town with one of the finest collections of Roman buildings in France. Afterwards, board the TGV high-speed train to the city that inspired Antoni Gaudí and is certain to inspire you. (B)
| Day 12 | Barcelona | "The Best of Barcelona" tour |
|
Barcelona, the bustling capital of Catalonia, is an artist, architect, foodie, historian and culturist’s dream. Visit Montjuïc Hill and see some of Antoni Gaudí’s imaginative architectural creations, including Casa Milà, Casa Batlló and La Sagrada Família. Afterwards, tour the Gothic Quarter in the medieval city center and walk along the city’s famous Las Ramblas. You’ll see several landmarks, including the Christopher Columbus monument; Barcelona’s grand opera theater, the Gran Teatre del Liceu; and the spectacular La Boqueria Market, also known as Mercat Sant Josep. You’ll want to visit the market, considered one of the best in Europe, which boasts over 200 stalls filled with colorfully displayed food, including a wide variety of local products and exotic specialties. (B)
| Day 13 | Barcelona | "The Mountains and Abbey of Montserrat" excursion |
|
Join an excursion to Montserrat, which is home to the Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria de Montserrat, located about 30 miles from Barcelona. Once there, you can experience an indescribable view of the Catalonia landscape from the top of the mountain. The monastery, officially founded in 1025, soon began to receive pilgrims and visitors who contributed to the spread of stories of miracles and wonders performed by the Virgin Mary. The whole of Montserrat is built around facilitating the worship of the Black Madonna in the Basilica. While here, you’ll see the famous Black Madonna sculpture, which sits at the back of the church, above the altar area. (B)
| Day 14 | Barcelona | Return flight home |
|
Bid farewell to Barcelona and prepare for your homeward flight. (B)
| Day 1 | Barcelona | Hotel check-in |
|
Arrive in Barcelona and check in to your hotel. (B)
| Day 2 | Barcelona | "The Best of Barcelona" tour |
|
Barcelona, the bustling capital of Catalonia, is an artist’s, architect’s, foodie’s, historian’s and culturist’s dream. Tour the cobblestoned lanes of the Gothic Quarter in the medieval city center and Las Ramblas. Visit Montjuïc Hill and see some imaginative architectural creations, highlights of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Works of Antoni Gaudi,” including La Sagrada Familia. (B)
| Day 3 | Barcelona | "The Mountains and Abbey of Montserrat" excursion |
|
Join an excursion to the mountain Montserrat, which is home to the Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria de Montserrat, located about 30 miles from Barcelona. Once there, you’ll ride a scenic funicular to the top of the mountain and experience an indescribable view of the Catalonia landscape. The monastery, officially founded in 1025, soon began to receive pilgrims and visitors who contributed to the spread of stories of miracles and wonders performed by the Virgin Mary. The whole of Montserrat is built around facilitating the worship of the Black Madonna in the Basilica. While here, you’ll see the famous Black Madonna sculpture, which sits at the back of the church, above the altar area. The stairway leading to the statue, plus the room and altar in which the statue sits are ornate, golden and pay tribute to the wonder that is the Virgin herself. (B)
| Day 4 | Barcelona | High-speed train to Nîmes |
|
Check out of the hotel and board the TGV high-speed train to Nîmes. See the highlights of this delightful town with one of the finest collections of Roman buildings in France before transferring via motorcoach to Arles, where you’ll board your luxury ship. (B,D)
| Day 5 | Arles | Les Baux and olive farm excursion |
|
| | OR “Artist Experience” Van Gogh Asylum and Carrières de Lumières |
|
| Avignon | Avignon Illuminations Cruise |
|
Considered one of the most beautiful cities in France, Arles enchants. For art lovers, you’ll wish to visit Saint Paul de Mausole Asylum, where Vincent van Gogh once lived and painted such well-known works as “The Irises” and “Starry Night.” Many people consider Van Gogh’s Arles period to be the most creative of his career. Afterwards, go to the Carrières de Lumières, where you’ll be treated to a spectacular presentation of art, sound and history projected on the walls of caves. Alternatively, venture to the medieval hilltop village, Les Baux de Provence, followed by a visit to an olive farm where you’ll learn about age-old Provençal traditions from a master olive miller as well as sample the olive oil. During the afternoon, you can join a walking tour of Arles highlighting top sights, including the Romanesque cathedral and Roman Amphitheatre. After dinner, enjoy a special scenic Illuminations Cruise toward the renowned Avignon Bridge. (B,L,D)
| Day 6 | Avignon | Morning walking tour and Papal Palace |
|
Avignon, aptly named the “City of Popes,” was the center of the Catholic Church in the 14th century when its “Palais des Papes” was the equivalent of today’s Vatican. Depending on your interests, you have four choices of excursions. Discover the history of Avignon on a guided walking tour that includes the Papal Palace and the well-preserved medieval walls surrounding the historic center of town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Alternatively, you can go to another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the impressive Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct that is a masterpiece of ancient engineering. Or if you prefer, visit three venues around Avignon where you can taste regional specialties, including cheese, chocolate, lavender-infused drinks, wine and more. Or pedal your way along the Rhône to the island of Barthelasse, Europe’s largest river island, and stop at an authentic farm while taking in sights along the way on a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)
| Day 7 | Viviers | Grignan excursion and truffle farm visit |
|
Head to a truffle farm and go in search of the highly prized “Black Diamond” truffle with a farmer and his trustworthy canine companion. Afterward, visit the magnificent medieval hilltop village, Grignan, where you’ll visit a Renaissance chateau perched on a hill surrounded by lavender fields. This enchanting Provençal town offers unique panoramic views to the north, south, east and west. Enjoy some free time to explore before heading back to the ship. (B,L,D)
| Day 8 | Tournon | Steam train ride |
|
| | OR Red wine and chocolate tasting |
|
| | OR Tain l’Hermitage hike and wine tasting |
|
Enjoy the views from a panoramic train car as you ride past magnificent landscape carved along the Gorge du Doux stopping at the charming little station of Colombier le Vieux-Saint Barthélemy le Plain, where the steam train maneuvers in preparation for its return journey. Alternatively, lovers of wine and chocolate will want to visit Le Château de Tournon for a presentation and tasting on the pairing of red wine and chocolate. For a more active adventure, take a walking tour of Tain l’Hermitage, followed by a visit to a local winery where you’ll sample some of the region’s celebrated Hermitage appellation. Or bike along the ViaRhôna cycling route, winding through forest and looping back through dense orchards with hills of vineyards in the distance before returning to Tournon for a short tour of the town center. (B,L,D)
| Day 9 | Collonges | Roman ruins walking tour |
|
| Vienne | OR ViaRhôna bike tour |
|
Situated between the wine regions of Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône lies Vienne, with a Roman past that can be seen in its marvelously preserved ruins. Take a walking tour to see the amazingly well-preserved Augustus and Livia Temple, the Saint-Maurice Cathedral, a Gothic church that took more than 500 years to build, and St. Pierre Abbey—one of the oldest surviving churches in France, and now an Archaeological Museum. For those wishing to be more active, you can either take a guided bike tour along a portion of the ViaRhôna bike route or a guided hike from the ship to the Monastery at Mount Pipet. Later in the day, set sail to Lyon. Discover dynamic Lyon, starting in Fourvière Hill, part of the city’s historic region that is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the 19th-century basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Continue on to the old town of Lyon, followed by a guided walk through the St. Jean district, where you will be introduced to the city’s unique covered walkways, known as “traboules.” Or for those more interested in discovering why Lyon is France’s culinary capital, visit the city’s famed indoor food market, which has nearly five-dozen stalls selling countless gourmet delights—including sausage, cheese and pastries, which you will get to sample. Or take a guided bike ride to the modern urban area of La Confluence along the Saone River. (B,L,D)
| Collonges | OR Beaujolais excursion and tasting |
|
Enjoy morning free time in Lyon and then travel to the Beaujolais wine region—known as the Pays d’Or or “land of the golden stones." While there, indulge in a wine tasting at a traditional winery and learn about the history and techniques of their vineyard. (B,L,D)
| | TVG high-speed train to Paris |
|
Disembark the ship and depart for a demonstration of traditional Lyonnaise cooking in a city that is rapidly gaining a reputation as the capital of gastronomy in France. After lunch, transfer to the train station to board the TGV high-speed train through the French countryside to Paris.
| Day 12 | Paris | “City of Light” tour |
|
Enjoy a morning tour taking in the signature sites of Paris, including the awe-inspiring Notre-Dame Cathedral, Arc de Triomphe and iconic Eiffel Tower. You’ll also stroll the Champs Élysées with its cinemas, sidewalk cafes and luxury specialty shops. The afternoon is at your leisure to explore such landmarks as the Louvre museum with its famous glass pyramid, or to enjoy a fresh, flaky croissant at one of the city’s legendary cafes. (B)
| Day 13 | Paris | Evening Montmartre and illumination tour |
|
After a full day at leisure, visit Montmartre, long known as the city’s premier artist's enclave. During the mid to late 1800s, artists also began calling Montmartre home. Pissarro and Jongkind were two of the first to live there, followed by other notable artists, including Edgar Degas, Henri Matisse, Toulouse-Lautrec, Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Pablo Picasso. You’ll be taken on an evening illumination tour, discovering why Paris is renowned as the “City of Light.” (B)
| Day 14 | Paris | Return flight home |
|
Bid farewell to Paris and prepare for your flight home. (B)