Essence of Burgundy & Provence
8 Day River Cruise
Indulge in French flavors on a palate-pleasing itinerary that highlights the essence of France’s Burgundy and Provence. Uncover the Roman history of Chalon-sur Saône and delight in charming Tournus with its towering Romanesque abbey and historic apothecary shop. Visit French châteaux from Burgundy to Provence, taste your way through the French culinary capital of Lyon and visit the Papal Palace in Avignon. While you’ll get more than a taste of Burgundy and Provence during this itinerary, the essence of these destinations will linger on your palate – and in your heart – for a lifetime!
Countries: France
River(s): Rhône, Saône
Pricing
River cruise starting at $4,858* CAD per person, based on double occupancy
8 Days – Chalon-sur Saône to Arles (reverse itinerary available)
Your stateroom includes
- 7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with French balconies)
- Entertainment-On-Demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed internet access, movies, a music library and English language TV stations
- Mini-fridge, desk and sitting area
- Bottled water replenished daily
Onboard amenities
- Wellness Activities with a dedicated Wellness Host leading various exercise classes as well as discussions on healthy eating and relaxation techniques, both on board and on shore.
- Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
- Internet and Wi-Fi access
- Sun deck pool with swim-up bar and walking track
- Fitness room, massage services and hair salon
- Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
- Daily entertainment including cultural performances
Dining
- All onboard dining in a variety of venues
- Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
- The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant
- Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Dinner, Captain’s Cocktail and Gala Dinner
- La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs exclusive dining experience
- Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
- Sip & Sail Daily Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
- Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge
Excursions
- Immersive tours in every destination
- Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
- Bike tours and hikes
- Special Interest Tours
- Knowledgeable guides
- Personal headset for easy exploration
Day
Day 1
Location(s)
Chalon-sur Saône, France
Meals
Dinner
Description
Board your ship in preparation for your 7-night Essence of Burgundy & Provence cruise.
Day 2
Chalon-sur Saône – Tournus
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Excursions
Chalon-sur Saône: Historic City tour OR Beaune walking tour OR Château de Couches
Tournus: Scenic cruising OR Chalon-Tournus bike tour OR Chalonnaise wine tasting
Located in southern Burgundy at the heart of the Côte Chalonnaise wine region, Chalon-Sur-Saône whispers the secrets of its medieval past which you will discover on your historic city tour.
Alternatively, choose an excursion in Beaune, a walled town nestled in the heart of Cote d’Or vineyards where you’ll stroll the cobblestone streets and take in such sights as the mosaic-tiled roof of the Hôtel-Dieu de Beaune, founded in the 15th century as a hospital for the less fortunate. Or, visit the storybook Château de Couches, a medieval fortress enveloped in idyllic hills and greenery that once served the Dukes of Burgundy.
Later in the day, enjoy a scenic sailing to Tournus, or sample the region’s famous white Mâconnais wines. Alternatively, pedal from Chalon-Sur- Saône to Tournus on an exhilarating guided bike tour.
Day 3
Tournus – Mâcon
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Excursions
Tournus: Tournus city tour & Abbey of Saint Philibert visit OR Château Cormatin OR Medieval Brancion
Mâcon: Scenic cruising OR Tournus-Mâcon bike tour OR Maconnais wine tasting
Today you have a choice of a number of excursions as you explore the cities of Tournus and Macon. Let your knowledgeable guide lead you through Tournus and to its magnificent Benedictine Abbey of Saint Philibert. Or choose instead to visit the moated Château de Cormatin, which dates back to the early 17th century and features ornate apartments as well as a beautifully manicured garden.
As an alternative, venture to the medieval village of Brancion with its preserved gateway, church and market hall.
Return to the ship and enjoy a scenic cruise to Mâcon Or, instead, join a guided bike tour from Tournus to Mâcon or go wine tasting and meet the ship in Mâcon.
Day 4
Mâcon – Villefranche-sur-Saône – Lyon
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Excursions
Mâcon: “The South Burgundy City” Macon tour OR Cluny & Berze-le-Chatel visit OR Monastère de Brou OR Bike tour to Berze-le-Chatel
Villefranche-sur-Saône: Scenic Cruising OR Beaujolais wine tasting
Lyon: Illuminations cruise
Join a guided tour through the “South Burgundy City” of Mâcon, learning about its local vineyards, museums, historical sites and perhaps its famous son, the poet and minister Alphonse de Lamartine. Or venture somewhat off the beaten path to Cluny, known for its large abbey, and the nearby castle Berze-le-Chatel, a well-preserved fortress perched on a rocky hill offering stunning views below.
Alternately, you can enjoy a guided bike tour to Berze-le-Chatel. Should architecture or religion be one of your main interests, perhaps choose the excursion to the Royal Monastery of Brou, built in the 16th century and boasting a glorious white façade as well as a beautifully tiled roof.
Return to the ship and head to the Sun Deck to enjoy a light lunch and the passing landscapes on the way to Villefranche-sur-Saône, later choosing between scenic cruising or a tasting of Beaujolais wines.
During the evening, enjoy a special Illuminations cruise – a highlight of your river cruise – as you enter the city of Lyon.
Day 5
Lyon – Vienne
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Excursions
Lyon: “France’s Culinary Capital” city tour OR Lyon bike tour OR Lyon tasting tour
Vienne: Vienne walking tour OR ViaRhôna bike tour OR Mount Pipet hike
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 get active a guided bike tour through the city designed with cyclists in mind.
If you’re a self-described foodie, our Lyon tasting tour is for you, during which you’ll have a chance to taste some of Lyon’s local delights.
Later in the day, sail to Vienne, which boasts a Roman past that can be seen in its marvelously preserved ruins. There you can enjoy a guided walking tour around the city.
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.
Day 6
Vienne (scenic cruising) – Valence
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Excursions: Valence city tour OR Bike tour OR Cornas wine tasting
Take your coffee on your balcony or the Sun Deck as you cruise to Valence, a designated “City of Art and History,” where you can see such sites as its 11th-century Cathedral of St. Apollinaris or perhaps its House of Heads (named for the carved heads of its façade and courtyard) on your city tour.
For a more active adventure, pedal through this bicycle-friendly city. If you prefer a more relaxing excursion, taste the Northern Rhône’s red Cornas wines.
Day 7
Avignon – Arles
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Excursions
Avignon: Walking tour and Papal Palace OR Tastes of Avignon
Arles: Arles walking tour OR Van Gogh walking tour OR Arles bike tour
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. 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.
Alternately, you can visit three venues around Avignon to taste regional specialties including macarons, cheese and wine, and tapenades.
Later in the day, rejoin the ship in Arles, considered one of the most beautiful cities in France. Let your experienced guide lead you to the top sights, including the Romanesque cathedral and Roman amphitheater; or take a guided bike tour to the Roman ruins.
If you 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. Or take some time to focus on wellness with a guided bike tour through town.
Day 8
Arles
Breakfast
Bid farewell to Arles and prepare for your return flight home.
Reverse Itinerary
This trip also runs in reverse from Arles to Chalon-sur Saône.
Interested in the itinerary above? Click on the “START PLANNING” button below and reference “Essence of Burgundy & Provence” in the form, or give us a call at 587.997.5969 to book.
An adventure designed specifically for you
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*Prices are per person, based on double occupancy and subject to change and availability.