PROVENCE AND SPAIN MAP

From the magic of Paris to the romance of Barcelona, this itinerary is one of our most captivating. Begin with three nights in Paris then travel in style aboard the high speed TGV train to Lyon, France's gastronomical capital. From there, cruise through France’s legendary wine growing regions, home to famous wines such as Beaujolais and Côte du Rhône. Enjoy wine tastings at local vintners, marvel at Roman ruins, stroll through medieval villages and shop for Provencal crafts. Your itinerary includes the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Avignon as well as Arles, the city where Vincent Van Gogh spent much of his life. Disembark and continue to the medieval town of Perpignan for a stop en route to your post-cruise program in magnificent Barcelona.

INCLUDED FEATURES

• 3 Nights Hotel Accommodation in Paris including daily Buffet Breakfast
• Transfer from the hotel to Lyon via High-speed TGV train
• 7 Nights Deluxe Cruise Accommodation in an Outside Stateroom - 82% of the Staterooms with large French Balconies
• Life enriching tours and excursions daily
• Culinary Delights – Bites & Sights” excursions
• Free-flowing Wine, beer and soft drinks with every Dinner on board the Ship
• Bottled Water in every stateroom replenished daily
• Cocktail Reception, Welcome Dinner & Captain's Gala Dinner
• Motorcoach from the Ship in Arles to Perpignan and on to Barcelona
• 3 Nights Hotel Accommodation in Barcelona including daily Buffet Breakfast
• Special Highlights including Lectures, Theme Dinners, Cooking Demonstration, onboard Music Performances and afternoon & evening Piano Music
• Services of Professional Cruise Manager
• All English Language on board in a non-smoking Environment (smoking permitted only on the Sun Deck)
• All Transfers with the Purchase of Cruise, Land & Air package
• All local Taxes
  

DAILY ITINERARY - PARIS TO BARCELONA

Day 1,
Arrive in Paris and transfer to your hotel. The balance of the day is yours to start exploring this beautiful city

Day 2, ARRIVE IN PARIS, FRANCE.
Take the balance of the day to relax or explore the city of Lights

Day 3, PARIS.
Enjoy Paris’ famous sights during this morning’s guided tour where you will see the Champs Élysées, Place de la Concorde, and the Eiffel Tower. Conclude your visit at the famous Notre Dame Cathedral. The afternoon is free for you to explore the “City of Light.” This evening, an optional Parisian Cabaret dinner theater excursion is available. (B)

Day 4, PARIS.
Your last day in Paris is free for you to enjoy at your leisure. Or, you may decide to join the optional Seine Cruise & Eiffel Tower excursion this morning or the optional Montmartre & Illuminations tour this evening. (B)

Day 5, LYON - Embarkation
After checking out of your hotel, you will board the TGV high-speed train that will whisk you through the French countryside to Lyon. Nestled between the Saone and Rhone rivers, Lyon is one of France’s most important cities and gastronomic capitals. 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. (B,D)

Day 6, TREVOUX.
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. Returning to the ship, you will enjoy an onboard wine lecture as you cruise to the historic village of Trévoux. The former capital of the ancient principality of Dombes, the town’s landmarks include a Parliament building, medieval ramparts and a hillside Chateau. This evening, you will take part in a winery event in Trevoux. (B,L,D)

Day 7, TREVOUX - VIENNE.
This morning's tour will take you behind the village walls of Trevoux and through Beaujolais, the Pay D'or, or land of the golden stones so named for the ochre limestone of its homes and castles. Enjoy a visit with a local wine maker along this wine road or route du vin, where you'll taste the world reknowned Beaujolais Nouveau before returning the ship. From there we cruise south from the Saône to the Rhône River and on to Vienne. This evening stroll along the sidewalk cafes of this rural walking town. (B,L,D)

Day 8, VIENNE - TOURNON.
Situated between the wine regions of Burgundy and Beaujolais, Vienne, like Lyon has a significant Roman history, which is highlighted by its marvelously preserved ruins and remains. During this morning's walking tour you will see the 1st-century Roman Temple of Augustus, and the medieval churches of St. Andre-Le-Bas and Abbey St. Pierre, before we cruise on to Tournon and Tain L'Hermitage. These twin towns face each other across the Rhône River and are linked by a 19th-century suspension bridge. The fertile soil and ideal climate of the region has made Tain L'Hermitage the premier producer of the Côte du Rhône wines. Enjoy free time this afternoon to visit the 16th-century castle which is now a town hall, or visit the chocolate shop for a taste of the confections once produced in Tournon's famous factory. After dinner on board you will enjoy a wine tasting. (B,L,D)

Day 9, TOURNON - VIVIERS
This morning, enjoy a chocolate tasting and wine tour, and then free time to visit the 16th-century castle which is now a town hall. Return to the ship for lunch as we cruise to Viviers. You will have an onboard wine lecture this afternoon, and another lecture and wine tasting prior to dinner. In Viviers this evening, participate in an onboard nougat demonstration or follow along on a “ghost walk” through this once-thriving medieval town, as fascinating and poignant stories of its past are brought to life by the town’s current residents. (B,L,D)

Day 10, VIVIERS - AVIGNON.
After breakfast, choose one of two excursions. Visit 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. In the alternative, you can visit the magnificent gothic Papal Palace of Avignon, home of seven popes. You will also see the well-preserved medieval walls surrounding the historic center of town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, visit the renowned Chateau Neuf-du-Pape winery or in the alternative, 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. This evening, mingle with your fellow guests at the Captain’s Dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 11, AVIGNON - LES BAUX - ARLES.
This morning, you will arrive in Arles and board a motor coach for an excursion to the village of Les Baux de Provence. This hilltop village and fortress was a Protestant stronghold during the French Wars of Religion until destroyed by Louis XIII and Cardinal Richelieu in 1633. At the castle, you will see examples of medieval siege weaponry. Later, visit an olive farm to learn about this age-old Provençal farming tradition. In the alternative, choose to take the “Van Gogh” tour which will take you the Saint Paul de Mausole Asylum. Here, Van Gogh painted some of his most well-known paintings such as The Irises and Starry Night. Late this afternoon, your city tour of Arles takes you to the Romanesque cathedral and the Roman Amphitheater. The ship moors overnight in Arles. (B,L,D)

Day 12, ARLES - BARCELONA, SPAIN (DISEMBARKATION)
Disembark your ship in Arles and transfer to Barcelona. 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 some exploring on your own. (B)

Day 13, BARCELONA.
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. In the 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.” (B)

Day 14, BARCELONA.
Enjoy a full day at your leisure, or take part in the optional Montserrat excursion, visiting the famous Benedictine Abbey atop Montserrat Mountain. (B)

Day 15, DEPART BARCELONA.
Your splendid vacation comes to an end.

DAILY ITINERARY - BARCELONA TO PARIS

Day 1,
board an overnight flight to Barcelona Spain

Day 2, ARRIVE IN BARCELONA ,SPAIN
Arrive in Paris and transfer to your hotel. The balance of the day is yours to start exploring this beautiful city.

Day 3, BARCELONA.
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. In the 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.” (B)

Day 4, BARCELONA
Enjoy a full day at your leisure, or take part in the optional Montserrat Excursion, visiting the famous Benedictine Abbey atop Montserrat Mountain. (B)

Day 5, BARCELONA - ARLES , FRANCE Embarkation
After breakfast, you will transfer from Barcelona to Arles, the gateway to Provence. Along the way, you will stop in the medieval town of Perpignan, France, close to the Mediterranean. Here, you will have free time for lunch and some exploring on your own. Continue on your transfer, passing through the unique marshland region of the Camargue before arriving in Arles. This evening, meet your fellow passengers for a Welcome Dinner. (B,D)

Day 6, ARLES - LES BAUX - AVIGNON
This morning, you will arrive in Arles and board a motor coach for an excursion to the village of Les Baux de Provence. This hilltop village and fortress was a Protestant stronghold during the French Wars of Religion until destroyed by Louis XIII and Cardinal Richelieu in 1633. At the castle, you will see examples of medieval siege weaponry. In the alternative, choose to take the “Van Gogh” tour which will take you the Saint Paul de Mausole Asylum. Here, Van Gogh painted some of his most well-known paintings such as The Irises and Starry Night. Later, visit an olive farm to learn about this age-old Provençal farming tradition. Late this afternoon, your city tour of Arles takes you to the Romanesque cathedral and the Roman Amphitheater. This evening cruise to nearby 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”). . (B,L,D)

Day 7, AVIGNON - VIVIERS
This morning, you will have your choice of two excursions in and around historic Avignon. Home to the papacy from 1309 to 1377, Avignon was an important center of the Catholic Church. 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. In the 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. You will then cruise to Viviers. Arriving this evening, you will enjoy a unique view of the town’s history and legends. Participate in an onboard nougat demonstration or follow along on a “ghost walk” through this once-thriving medieval town, as fascinating and poignant stories of its past are brought to life by the town’s current residents. The ship moors overnight in Viviers. . (B,L,D)

Day 8, VIENNE - TOURNON.
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. Enjoy some free time to explore local shops for confections, home-made lavender soaps and other crafts. You will cruise to Tournon this evening. (B,L,D)

Day 9, TOURNON - VIENNE
This morning, visit Tain L’Hermitage, Tournon’s “twin” town located across the Rhône River and linked by a 19th-century suspension bridge. The fertile soil and ideal climate of the region has made Tain L’Hermitage the premier producer of the Côtes du Rhône wines. Enjoy a wine tasting and then free time this afternoon to visit the 16th-century castle which is now a town hall. This evening, you will arrive in Vienne. Situated between the wine regions of Burgundy and Beaujolais, Vienne has a significant Roman history, which is highlighted by its marvelously preserved ruins and remains.  (B,L,D)

Day 10, VIENNE - TREVOUX
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 the castle (when available). Later, your ship will depart for the historic village of Trévoux. Upon arrival, you will take a walking tour of this former capital of the ancient principality of Dombes. The town’s landmarks include a Parliament building, medieval ramparts and a hillside Chateau. You will also enjoy a traditional game of boules, otherwise known as pétanque. (B,L,D)

Day 11, TRVOUX - LYON
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, which will include wine tasting, a vineyard tour and explanation of the history of wine production in the region. After lunch, depart your ship in Collonges and travel to Lyon. 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. Later, rejoin your ship now docked in Lyon (B,L,D)

Day 12, LYON - PARIS, FRANCE(DISEMBARKATION)
After disembarking your ship, you will be treated to a demonstration of Lyonnaise cooking. You will then have free time for lunch on your own before transferring to the train station to board a TGV high-speed train that will whisk you through the French countryside to Paris. Upon arrival in Paris, you will be transferred to your hotel. This evening, an optional Montmartre & Illuminations excursion is available.  (B)

Day 13, PARIS
Enjoy Paris’ famous sights during this morning’s guided tour where you will see the Champs Élysées, Place de la Concorde, and the Eiffel Tower. Conclude your visit at the famous Notre Dame Cathedral. The afternoon is free for you to explore the “City of Light.” This evening, an optional Parisian Cabaret dinner theater excursion is available.  (B)

Day 14, PARIS
Enjoy your last full day in Paris at your leisure. Or join the optional Seine Cruise & Eiffel Tower excursion this morning or the optional Parisian Cabaret dinner theater excursion this evening.  . (B)

Day 15, Tue. DEPART BARCELONA.
Your splendid vacation comes to an end.