Cruise through Burgundy and Provence in the heart of wine country, calling at some of the region's best-loved towns on this fascinating cruise from Lyon.
This cruise begins in the grand city of Lyon where there is a tour before heading for Macon in the Burgundy wine region. Vienne was a major wine port in Roman times and a bishop's seat in the 5th century, an interesting call before arriving in Avignon to visit the magnificent Pope's Palace, a formidable Gothic fortress.
From Arles, take the opportunity to drive through the marshland of the Camargue and visit the seaside town of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer which is a pilgrimage site for the gypsies of Europe. There is also time to discover Arles itself, a place which inspired several of Van Gogh's paintings and has a large and well-preserved Roman amphitheatre.
Also on this itinerary is a visit to the medieval walled city of Viviers and Tain L'Hermitage where you can taste some of the famous Cote du Rhones wines.
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LSR: Jewels of Burgundy and Provence Itinerary
Day 1 - Lyon (France)
Board your ship around 6pm in Lyon. After settling into your cabin, meet the crew over a welcome cocktail before dinner on board, followed by entertainment. We moor for the night.
Day 2 - Lyon - Macon
After breakfast on board there is an optional excursion to Lyon to explore its sights or bike ride through the main districts of Lyon. Return on board for lunch and cruise towards Macon through the beautiful Burgundy countryside.
Day 3 - Macon - Vienne
The optional excursions today are the Benedictine Abbey at Cluny which in the Middle Ages was the largest in western Christendom, or a guided tour on foot of Macon, capital of the Beaujolais. Back on board for lunch and our cruise to Vienne. There is dinner and an evening of entertainment as we cruise, arriving in Vienne in the late evening where we moor for the night.
Day 4 - Vienne - Arles
On today's optional visit to Vienne we can see the relics left behind by the Romans and the cathedral of St Maurice or the more adventurous can explore Vienne on Segway. Back on board for lunch as we sail to Arles along the Rhone. Dinner on board with entertainment provided by the crew. Sailing through the night.
Day 5 - Arles
We arrive early this morning in Arles, where there is an optional visit to a local olive producer. This afternoon, choose from two optional tours: discover Camargue and learn about how a manadier works with animals or take a safari in jeeps through the Camargue.
Day 6 - Arles - Avignon - Viviers
After breakfast, perhaps take the optional guided tour of Avignon, the City of Popes, a citadel surrounded by ramparts overlooking the river. Return to the ship for lunch and cruise towards Viviers. Join us for an optional visit of Viviers.
Day 7 - Viviers - Tournon - Lyon
Enjoy breakfast and lunch on board as you cruise. Arrive in Tournon and take the optional excursion in the city. Visit the imposing Castle-Museum of Tournon-sur-Rhône followed by a tasting of local wines and regional delicacies. Cruise towards Lyon during the night.
Day 8 - Lyon
A very early start as we cruise towards Lyon, having breakfast before arriving in the city around 9am. Disembark in Lyon.
The Captain reserves the right to modify the itinerary if necessary