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Colors of Provence Cruise Land Forward

From Paris, France to Barcelona, Spain
Length: 14 Days - Departs: Mon, Dec 22, 2025
Operator
Departure
Dec 22, 2025
Arrival
Jan 04, 2026

Please see below brochure cabin pricing

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River Cruise Itinerary

Spend 3 nights in Barcelona, followed by a colorful 7-night cruise from Arles to Lyon, ending with 3 nights in Paris

  1. Day 1
    Mon, Dec 22, 2025
    BARCELONA, SPAIN. Check into your Barcelona hotel for the beginning of your Colors of Provence pre-cruise land program.
  2. Day 2
    Tue, Dec 23, 2025
    BARCELONA. Barcelona, the bustling capital of Catalonia, is an artist'''s, architect'''s, foodie'''s, historian'''s and culturist'''s dream. Tour the cobblestoned lanes of the Gothic Quarter in the medieval city center and Las Ramblas. See some imaginative architectural creations, highlights of the UNESCO World Heritage Site '''Works of Antoni Gaudi,''' including La Sagrada Familia. (B)
  3. Day 3
    Wed, Dec 24, 2025
    BARCELONA. Join an excursion to the mountain Montserrat, which is home to the Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria de Montserrat, located about 30 miles from Barcelona. Once there, you'''ll ride a scenic funicular to the top of the mountain and experience an indescribable view of the Catalonia landscape. The monastery, officially founded in 1025, soon began to receive pilgrims and visitors who contributed to the spread of stories of miracles and wonders performed by the Virgin Mary. The whole of Montserrat is built around facilitating the worship of the Black Madonna in the Basilica. While here, you'''ll see the famous Black Madonna sculpture, which sits at the back of the church, above the altar area. The stairway leading to the statue, plus the room and altar in which the statue sits are ornate, golden and pay tribute to the wonder that is the Virgin herself. (B)
  4. Day 4
    Thu, Dec 25, 2025
    BARCELONA ''' ARLES, FRANCE ''' EMBARKATION. Check out of the hotel and board the TGV high-speed train to Nimes. Then you will transfer via bus to Arles where you'''ll board your luxury ship. (B,D). . Please note: the port of Arles may be changed to Avignon on select early season departures in 2023; guests will be notified of this potential change prior to departure. Arrival airport will not need to be changed.
  5. Day 5
    Fri, Dec 26, 2025
    ARLES. Considered one of the most beautiful cities in France, Arles enchants all with its tantalizing history, formerly a Roman center of trade. Join a guided walking tour where you'''ll visit the Roman ruins of Arles such as its Roman Amphitheater and the Church of Saint Trophime, famous for its Romanesque architecture. Alternatively, you can enjoy a bike ride along the Rh''ne, through town to the Langlois Bridge, a famous subject from several Vincent Van Gogh paintings. And for those who 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. During the afternoon, venture to Les Baux de Provence, a hilltop village and ruined castle. Enjoy time in the '''old village,''' its shops, art galleries, and cafes interspersed among the historic ruins. You will also have a unique experience at the Carri''res de Lumi''res, where you will be treated to a spectacular presentation of art, sound, and history projected on the walls of a former limestone quarry set to music. Next, visit an olive farm to learn about this age-old Proven''al tradition and enjoy a tasting. Finally, experience the beauty of Saint R''my de Provence, the location where Van Gogh painted some of his most famous paintings, including Starry Night. (B,L,D)
  6. Day 6
    Sat, Dec 27, 2025
    AVIGNON. 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. Depending on your interests, you have three choices of excursions in the morning. 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. Or, you can visit three venues around Avignon to taste regional specialties including macarons, cheese and wine, and tapenades. Alternately, you can enjoy a bike tour through the city. During the afternoon, you can go to another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the impressive Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct that is a masterpiece of ancient engineering. (B,L,D)
  7. Day 7
    Sun, Dec 28, 2025
    VIVIERS. Take in the quaint surroundings of Viviers, a charming commune that sidles up to the right bank of the Rhone. From Viviers, travel to the magnificent hilltop village, Grignan, and go in search of the highly prized '''Black Diamond''' truffles with a farmer and his trustworthy canine companion. You can also explore Viviers on a guided walking tour, where you'''ll see iconic sights such as Saint-Vincent Cathedral. Or stretch your muscles on a hike to Viviers''' St. Vincent Cathedral, taking in beautiful views of the Ch''teauneuf du Pape dam, the Donz''re Gorge and the town of Montelimar with its magnificent ch''teau. You can also set off on a guided bike tour, exploring the beauty of Southern France as you ride along the Rh''ne River. (B,L,D)
  8. Day 8
    Mon, Dec 29, 2025
    TOURNON. Take a steam train ride past magnificent landscape carved along the Gorge du Doux, stopping at the charming little station of Colombier le Vieux-Saint Barth''lemy le Plain, where the train maneuvers in preparation for its return journey. Alternatively, lovers of wine and chocolate will want to visit Le Ch''teau de Tournon for a presentation and tasting on the pairing of red wine and chocolate. For a more active adventure, take a hike through the vineyards of Tain l'''Hermitage, followed by a visit to a local winery where you'''ll sample some of the wines. (B,L,D)
  9. Day 9
    Tue, Dec 30, 2025
    VIENNE. Situated between the wine regions of Beaujolais and C''tes du Rh''ne lies Vienne with a Roman past that can be seen in its marvelously preserved ruins. Follow the footsteps of the ancient Romans on a walking tour to see the amazingly well-preserved Augustus and Livia Temple, the Saint Maurice Cathedral, a Gothic church that took more than 500 years to build, and St. Pierre Abbey'''one of the oldest surviving churches in France, and now an Archaeological Museum. For those wishing to be more active, you can either take a guided hike from the ship to the Monastery at Mount Pipet or a guided bike tour along a portion of the ViaRh''na bike route. (B,L,D)
  10. Day 10
    Wed, Dec 31, 2025
    LYON. Take a walking tour that starts 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.''' You can also visit the famous indoor market hall Les Halles de Lyon ''' Paul Bocuse, named after the late chef renowned for his Michelin-starred l'''Auberge du Pont de Collonges restaurant. There you'''ll have a chance to sample of the delicacies offered by butchers, bakers, chocolatiers and cheesemongers while taking in the colorful sights and enticing aromas around you. Alternately, join a guided bike tour through the city designed with cyclists in mind. Later in the day, visit a traditional Beaujolais winery and learn the history and techniques of their vineyard. Plus, enjoy a tasting of their specialty. (B,L,D)
  11. Day 11
    Thu, Jan 01, 2026
    LYON ''' DISEMBARKATION ''' PARIS. Disembark the ship. Taste the local specialties of Lyon, the '''food capital of France,''' at an indoor market hall. You'''ll have a chance to sample the delicacies of the French countryside offered by butchers, bakers, chocolatiers, and cheesemongers. Afterwards, you will board the TGV high-speed train to Paris. Once you arrive in the famous '''City of Lights,''' check into your hotel. (B)
  12. Day 12
    Fri, Jan 02, 2026
    PARIS. Enjoy taking in the signature sites of Paris in your guided city tour, including the awe-inspiring Arc de Triomphe and iconic Eiffel Tower. You'''ll see Champs ''lys''es with its cinemas, sidewalk cafes and luxury specialty shops. (B)
  13. Day 13
    Sat, Jan 03, 2026
    PARIS. Enjoy a full day at your leisure to discover more of this romantic city, such as the world-renowned Louvre Museum or Mus''e d'''Orsay. Perhaps go shopping in the Faubourg Saint-Honor'' district or simply relax and spend the day like a local ''' by scoping out a local caf'' for a caf'' au lait, toasted baguette or croissant. In the evening, visit Montmartre, long known as the city'''s premier artist's enclave. During the mid to late 1800s, artists also began calling Montmartre home. Pissarro and Jongkind were two of the first to live there, followed by other notable artists, including Edgar Degas, Henri Matisse, Toulouse-Lautrec, Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Pablo Picasso. You'''ll be taken on an evening illumination tour, discovering why Paris is renowned as the '''City of Light.''' (B)
  14. Day 14
    Sun, Jan 04, 2026
    DEPART PARIS. Bid farewell to Paris and prepare for your flight home. (B)

Countries Visited

France, Spain

Rivers Visited

Rhone, Danube, Douro

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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
  • Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
  • 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 Barcelona at Renaissance Barcelona Barcelona (or similar), including dailybreakfast
  • Transfer via High-speed TGV train from hotel to N''mes with highlights tour and then transfer to Arles
  • Transfer from Lyon to Paris via high-speed TGV train
  • 3 nights hotel in Paris at the RenaissanceArc de Triomphe (or similar), including city tour,Montmartre, illumination tour and daily breakfast

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Ship Information

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Cabins

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Life on Board

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Questions & Answers

Question: Will the day-by-day itinerary change?

Yes, the river cruise itineraries may change due to reasons such as inclement weather or unforeseen events. Your safety is the number one concern aboard and all precautions necessary will be taken in order to ensure passenger safety, including changing itineraries. Please note that when itineraries do change, the ship staff will do their best to substitute any missed port with an alternative destination.

Question: In what language is the river cruise conducted?

The river cruise will be conducted in English only.

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
4.7
Accommodations
4.8
Itinerary
4.6
Professional Staff
4.9
Repeat with Operator
4.6
Value for Money
4.8

Ratings based off 18 reviews - currently showing 10 reviews with comments only

This company's standards are great as well as their products. There were extra entertainment in 3 of the 7 nights and each one was different and a big hit. The captains dinner was quite delightful because we saw a fun side of our captain and truly understand his job.

This trip was advertised as a French Christmas market cruise and, although, there were two Christmas markets, they really only had food. This is not to be confused with German Christmas market! That being said, Amawaterways is awesome and we have another cruise booked for next year.

I appreciated the tips for preparation before we travelled. The trip exceeded our expectations and was just wonderful! The onboard per person credit was useful for small purchases aboard ship and helped pay gratuities at the end of our cruise.

Amawaterways is an exceptional company! They went above and beyond when my sister fell and shattered her elbow the day before she, her husband and I were scheduled to start our Rhine River Cruise with Amawaterways in Basal. She and her husband had to remain in Basal so my sister could undergo surgery. I went on the cruise alone. Amawaterways sent their representative to the University Hospital Basal every day of her stay and helped with paperwork and offered much needed advice. In the meantime, the staff and passengers onboard the AmaKristina ensured that I had a wonderful time. A day did not pass that they didn't inquire about my sister's recovery. When she returned home, she received flowers and a lovely note from the company president. Amawaterways is definitely number one in my book.

Staff was wonderful and extremely accommodating Boat was nice very clean and and in good working order Food was good not excellent Service was excellent and chef did accommodate special requests Specialty restaurant food was excellent But can only go once

The staff was so friendly and the made the trip even more enjoyable. The cruise manager, Marc, was amazing!

The entire AMA Waterways Cruise experience was excellent!

The AMA Kristina was a brand new boat and extremely nice. The staff was wonderful as well as the food. We really enjoyed the organization of the tours and the guides were really good.

Great cruise and great time of the year. As expected, some docking spots needed more time to fully appreciate, and others had too much time with too little to see, but the travelers are all different. Wonderful ship and crew, and the food was fantastic. AMA always does a wonderful job and is most attentive to their travelers. On the extensions, a city tour is very valuable, but if one does not choose the additional excursions offered, there is way too much free time in cities which offer fewer options to a newcomer on their own. Perhaps include a page of alternate sightseeing options, museums, trip advisor tours or such rather than just "free time" on your own, and meals on your own in a strange city. Once on the extension, we did not see our tour director a great deal even though hours were posted for the table in the lobby. Hotel staff was most helpful in question answering and pulling boarding passes, directions, etc.

AMA Waterways is an excellent provider of high quality river cruises. This was our 4th river cruise with AMA and we are planning number 5. Never a problem, everything works moothly and timely. Cruise managers are truly top quality as well as the local tour guides. I can't say enough positive things about AMA Waterways!

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  • Ship Image
    Cruise Line
    AmaWaterways
    Ship
    AmaKristina
    Starts
    Paris
    Ends
    Barcelona
    Days
    14
    From
    $6,914

AffordableTours.com is a travel agent for AmaWaterways. Brochure Price is based on the itinerary's highest brochure price. Our price reflects our base price for the same departure as Brochure Price. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time. All prices are USD per person and based on double occupancy. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. All prices change frequently and our website prices are not guaranteed until a deposit has been received by us. The prices on our website are intended to serve as a guide only and may not accurately reflect current prices. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in these prices until a booking has been confirmed by one of our agents. Please call us toll free at 1-800-342-0019 to confirm current prices and availability. Prices listed are per person, cruise only, and based on double occupancy.

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