Legendary Wines of The Rhone Cruise

 Your cruise begins in scenic Arles, France, and kicks off with an on-board Welcome Dinner where you can meet your fellow passengers.

Your first stop will be 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.

Later that 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”). Enjoy a wine lecture and tasting in the evening.

In historic Avignon, you will have your choice of two excursions. 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. You can visit this palace as part of a walking tour of the city, as well as see the well-preserved medieval walls surrounding the historic center of town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Or you can go to to the Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct that is a masterpiece of engineering and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This 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. You can take advantage of free time for shopping in Uzes before returning to your ship. In the afternoon, visit the renowned Chateau Neuf-du-Pape.

Next you will cruise to Viviers. Arriving this evening, you will enjoy a unique view of the town’s history and legends. The ship moors overnight in Viviers. After breakfast, enjoy an excursion to Grignan, a magnificent village perched on a hill surrounded by lavender fields and topped by a Renaissance castle. The castle, provides a commanding view of the surrounding countryside. Enjoy some free time to explore local shops for confections, home-made lavender soaps, and other crafts.

Your ship will depart at midday for Tournon. Along the way, you can join an onboard wine lecture. In the evening, enjoy a winery visit in Tournon. The next morning, you can partake in a chocolate tasting and wine tour in Tournon. During free time in the afternoon, you can visit the 16th-century castle that is now a town hall.

The next stop is 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. Enjoy paired French wines at dinner. You will take a mini train tour to 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). When you return to the ship, you will enjoy an onboard wine lecture as you cruise to the historic village of Trévoux.

In Trévoux, 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. In the evening you will take part in a winery event in Trevoux.

There is also a tour that will take you through the chateaux, fields and vineyards of the Beaujolais wine region, and the Pays d’Or, or “land of the golden stones,” named for the ochre limestone of its homes and castles. You will also visit the medieval hilltop village of Oingt and the winery and home of a local vintner, which will include wine tasting, a vineyard tour, and the history of wine production in the region.

Next, you will depart your ship in Collonges and travel to Lyon. The 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.

On your last evening aboard the ship, you will be treated to the captain’s dinner. It is the perfect farewell before you disembark your cruise in Lyon.

4-night Barcelona or Paris extensions are available. Email us at stephana@globalgurus.com for more information.