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, Jun 26, 2025

   EMBARKATION ''' PORT OF DIJON, FRANCE. Board your ship in preparation for your 7-night Essence of Provence & Burgundy cruise. (D)
2. Day 2
   Fri, Jun 27, 2025

   CHALON-SUR-SA''NE ''' TOURNUS, FRANCE. 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. You'''ll also stop at a local market where you can see and taste some of the local fare. 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, Jun 28, 2025

   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 Macon and meet the ship in the latter. If you chose to cruise, you can later enjoy a tasting of M''connais wines. (B,L,D)
4. Day 4
   Sun, Jun 29, 2025

   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. 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, or instead cycle from M''con to this Pays Beaujolais castle. For those traveling by ship, enjoy a tasting of M''connais wines once you arrive. During the evening, enjoy a special Illuminations cruise ''' a highlight of your river cruise ''' as you enter the city of Lyon. (B,L,D)
5. Day 5
   Mon, Jun 30, 2025

   LYON ''' VIENNE, FRANCE. 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, Jul 01, 2025

   VIENNE ''' VALENCE, FRANCE. 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, Jul 02, 2025

   AVIGNON - ARLES, FRANCE. 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, Jul 03, 2025

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