French Art and History Along the Rhône River (port-to-port cruise)

This morning, join a guided tour of Mâcon as seen through the eyes of French author and poet Alphonse de Lamartine. With its coloured facades, Mâcon feels like it should be part of Provence. Learn more about this Burgundy city on a tour highlighting its major sites as Lamartine described them in his works. Join this afternoon for a guided tour of medieval Pérouges, which has been categorized as one of the most beautiful villages in France. A stroll along its cobblestone streets will take you back to the time of knights and troubadours. Tasting of local products. After your excursion, return on board the ship and cruise to Lyon in the evening.

In the morning, depart on a guided tour of the city and a tasting at Les Halles de Lyon-Paul Bocuse(1). Cross through the city and go up Fourvière Hill to the white basilica, the best place to take in the view. Then, head over to Vieux Lyon to have a look at its historical homes and the bouchon restaurants that are found throughout the district. Learn about the discrete and strategic doorways leading to shortcuts, known as traboules, that go from street to street. Don’t miss the tasting of fine food at Paul Bocuse’s Les Halles de Lyon, a huge, three-story, indoor market where close to 50 shops offer the finest gourmet food. Indulge in a snack of local sausage and cheese, topped off with a lovely glass of wine. Cruise to Tain-l’Hermitage in the afternoon and arrive in the evening

(1)Les Halles de Lyon-Paul Bocuse is closed on Sunday and Monday. A tasting of local products will be provided as a substitute

Head out on an excursion this morning to the Palais Idéal du Facteur Cheval, a monument built by a local postman from 1879 to 1912. No other building like it exists in the world, which is why it attracts the curiosity of visitors from all over. In addition to building the structure with his own hands, Ferdinand Cheval personalized the palace with poetic texts describing his feat. The idea came to Cheval one day when he was delivering his mail on foot and he spotted an unusual rock. He decided that since nature could create sculptures, he should be able to achieve the dream he harboured for years to build an “ideal palace.” And so the adventure began. After your excursion, you will return on board the ship. Spend the afternoon cruising to Avignon and arrive during the evening.

Head out this morning for a visit to Les Baux-de-Provence and the Quarry of Lights. Travel by coach to one of the most beautiful villages in France, Les Baux-de-Provence. Your tour will include seeing the exteriors of several important sites such as the château and the church. At the foot of the village lies the Val d’Enfer, a valley formed by erosion. Within the valley is a former limestone quarry that has been the inspiration or backdrop for many works, including Dante’s poem The Divine Comedy and Jean Cocteau’s Testament of Orpheus. Today, the quarry is home to a multimedia experience highlighting works by the greatest names in the history of art. After your tour, return on board the ship. This afternoon, join a guided tour of Arles following the footsteps of Van Gogh. Arles is an ancient Roman city whose ruins are second only to Rome and include the Antique Theatre, Amphitheatre, Thermes of Constantine, and the Alyscamps. Arles is also an important stop along the Way of St. James. Van Gogh, longing for the sunshine and vibrant colours of the south, came to Arles in 1888 and produced almost 300 drawings and paintings here. Your tour will retrace his steps to the different sites where he set up his easel, such as the Place du Forum, the Quai du Rhône, and Place Lamartine. Your ship will cruise to Martigues in the evening.

This morning, you will leave for an excursion to the city Paul Cézanne adored, Aix-en-Provence. Aix-en-Provence was founded in 123 BC by the Romans. The city’s deep history can be seen and felt everywhere you stroll. The architecture, monuments, sites, shops, and squares simply ooze Provençal charm and allure. By following the letter “C” along the streets, you’ll walk in Cézanne’s footsteps from his birth to his death. In the older part of the city, you’ll discover the city’s prestigious past. At the end of your excursion, take part in a tasting of the traditional Calisson d’Aix, a candied delight. In the afternoon, your ship will cruise towards Martigues. Tonight is your festive gala evening.

(2)Depending on mooring availabilities, the stopover in Martigues may be replaced by Port Saint Louis du Rhône.

Breakfast on board this morning before disembarking at 9:00 a.m.

(2) Depending on mooring availabilities, the stopover in Martigues may be replaced by Port Saint Louis du Rhône.

• Your cruise with all meals from dinner the first evening to breakfast on the final day
• Visits mentioned in the program
• Onboard drinks included on board (except for drinks from the special lists)
• Double-occupancy climate-controlled cabin with shower in bathroom
• Assistance from onboard multi-lingual host/hostess
• Welcome cocktail
• Onboard activities
• Gala Evening
• All port fees

• Drinks from the special lists, or drinks ordered during excursions or transfers
• Cancellation and luggage insurance
• Transfers to/from departure/arrival points
• Personal expenses