River Cruise Itinerary

Spend 3 nights in Paris, travel by high-speed TGV train to Lyon, and embark upon an enchanting 7-night cruise through Provence, ending with 3 nights in Barcelona

1. Day 1
   Thu, Sep 07, 2023

   EMBARKATION ''' CHALON-SUR-SA''NE. Board your ship in preparation for your 7-night Essence of Provence & Burgundy cruise. (B,D)
2. Day 2
   Fri, Sep 08, 2023

   CHALON-SUR-SA''NE - TOURNUS. Located in southern Burgundy at the heart of the C''te Chalonnaise wine region, Chalon-Sur-Sa''ne 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 H''tel-Dieu de Beaune, founded in the 15th century as a hospital for the less fortunate. Or, visit the storybook Ch''teau 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 M''connais wines. Alternatively, pedal from Chalon-Sur- Sa''ne to Tournus on an exhilarating guided bike tour. (B,L,D)
3. Day 3
   Sat, Sep 09, 2023

   TOURNUS, FRANCE - MACON, FRANCE. 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 Ch''teau 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 M''con Or, instead, join a guided bike tour from Tournus to M''con or go wine tasting and meet the ship in M''con. (B,L,D)
4. Day 4
   Sun, Sep 10, 2023

   MACON, FRANCE - VILLEFRANCHE-SUR-SA''NE - LYON. Join a guided tour through the '''South Burgundy City''' of M''con, 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 fa''ade 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-Sa''ne, later choosing between scenic cruising or a tasting of Beaujolais wines. In the evening, enjoy a cruise to the city of Lyon, illuminated against the night sky. (B,L,D)
5. Day 5
   Mon, Sep 11, 2023

   LYON - VIENNE. Discover dynamic Lyon, starting in Fourvi''re 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 Fourvi''re. 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 ViaRh''na bike route or a guided hike from the ship to the Monastery at Mount Pipet. (B,L,D)
6. Day 6
   Tue, Sep 12, 2023

   VIENNE - VALENCE. 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 fa''ade 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 Rh''ne'''s red Cornas wines. (B,L,D)
7. Day 7
   Wed, Sep 13, 2023

   AVIGNON - ARLES. 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. (B,L,D)
8. Day 8
   Thu, Sep 14, 2023

   ARLES ''' DISEMBARKATION. Bid farewell to Arles and prepare for your return flight home. (B)

Inclusions

• SPACIOUS STATEROOMS
• 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
• Desk and sitting area
• Bottled water replenished daily
• AN ARRAY OF 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 whirlpool and walking track
• Fitness room, massage services and hair salon
• Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
• Daily entertainment including cultural performances
• AWARD-WINNING 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 Cha''ne des R''tisseurs Dinner, Captain's Cocktail and Gala Dinner
• La Cha''ne des R''tisseurs exclusive dining experience
• Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
• Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
• Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge
• A WORLD OF EXPLORATION
• 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
• Airport transfers with purchase of air from AmaWaterways
• Land Program
• 3 nights hotel in Geneva at the Hotel Rotary Geneva-MGallery (or similar)
• Transfer from the ship in Arles to Aix-en-Provence with city tour and then transfer to Nice
• 3 nights hotel in Nice at Le Meridien (or similar), including daily breakfast

Health and Safety Protocols for AmaWaterways

Ship Information

Cabins

Life on Board

Questions & Answers