Day 1Chalon-sur-Saône
Fly to Lyon. Transfer from the airport to your ship docked in Chalon-sur-Saône. After boarding, take free time to explore this quaint town—or join our “welcome walk” to stretch your legs and start getting oriented. (D)
Day 2Beaune & Burgundy Wine Tour
After breakfast, take a scenic drive along France’s Burgundy wine route through Pommard, Volnay and Meursault. Arrive in Beaune, wine capital of Burgundy, for a guided tour of beautiful Hôtel Dieu, founded as a hospice in 1443. Learn about local viticulture and enjoy a wine-tasting at one of Beaune’s famous cellars. Return to your ship for lunch. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure—as always, your Program Director can help you plan your free time. Or, take an optional excursion to the picturesque Burgundy towns of Tournus and Mâcon. Return aboard for dinner and evening departure. (B, L, D)
Day 3Lyon
After a morning cruise through the picturesque countryside and lunch aboard, take an afternoon tour of Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin with a drive to the top of Fourvière Hill for amazing views of the city. Visit the Basilica of Notre Dame and drive through town past the magnificent St. Jean Cathedral and the Palace of Justice. Then take a walking tour through the cobbled streets of Vieux Lyon (Old Town), with free time to shop for souvenirs or sample some of the fine French cuisine for which Lyon is world-famous. Dinner served aboard. (B, L, D)
Day 4Lyon & Vienne
The morning is free to further explore this remarkable 2,000-year-old city in the heart of France. Depart just before lunchtime. This afternoon, take a walking tour of Vienne, a beautiful town with an ancient Roman past. Visit the Temple of Augustus & Livia, the Roman amphitheater and the Gothic Cathedral of St. Maurice; then spend some time discovering more of this charming riverside town on your own. Dine aboard, your ship departs this evening. (B, L, D)
Day 5Tournon & Viviers
Awaken in Tournon. During a guided tour of the area, learn about the region’s winemaking traditions and taste some famous regional red wines. Then visit the Musée de Tain l’Hermitage located in the oldest house in the region. Lunch aboard and cruise through the afternoon; arrive after dinner in Viviers, a quaint town in a mountainous setting. Join your Program Director for an evening stroll through the Old Town with its medieval and Renaissance buildings. Enjoy free time before retiring for the evening. (B, L, D)
Day 6Arles
Arrive during breakfast and meet your guide for a walking tour of Arles with its diverse architectural highlights. Experience the city’s vibrant colors and the striking quality of light that have inspired artists. Arles is also the site of some impressive Roman ruins, including Les Arènes, an arena that seats 20,000 and is still in use, as well as Romanesque monuments such as the Church of Saint-Trôphime, completed in the 15th century. Return aboard for lunch followed by afternoon free time to explore or shop for handcrafted gifts. Dinner is served as you depart. (B, L, D)
Day 7Avignon
This morning, set out on a guided walk of Avignon, nicknamed “City of Popes” because it was home to seven popes from 1309 to 1377. Stroll through the historic center, stop at the picturesque Pont d’Avignon and walk the Place de l’Horloge. Continue to the renowned Palace of the Popes for a guided tour through this rambling maze of Gothic architecture which served as papal residence, fortress, church and palace. You can join the optional tour to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, visiting the vineyards and tasting the famous wine. Lunch and dinner served aboard. Your ship remains docked overnight. (B, L, D)
Day 8Avignon
After breakfast, disembark in Avignon and take a lovely ride along the Mediterranean coast to Barcelona. Upon arrival, transfer to the superior first class Hotel NH Calderón (or similar) in the heart of the city, near Las Ramblas, shopping, museums and other attractions. Relax or begin exploring Barcelona’s nightlife on your own. (B)
Day 9Barcelona
This morning, a guided city tour shows you some of Barcelona’s neighborhoods and attractions. Begin at the Plaça de Catalunya, the city’s central hub, at one end of Las Ramblas. You will explore some Barcelona neighborhoods, including the atmospheric, medieval Barri Gòtic with its 15th-century cathedral. You will see some examples of the fanciful Art Nouveau approach to architecture embodied by native son Antoni Gaudí—several of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites—including the enigmatic Palau Güell and other iconic buildings.
You have the rest of the day at leisure to discover more of the city, which is very walkable and also has a wonderful public transportation system in case you want to explore the hillier neighborhoods. In the evening, sample the local cuisine—paella is a local specialty, or try a tapas or wine bar. (B)
Day 10Barcelona
You have a full day for further exploration. Barcelona was the home of artist Joan Miró and the modern, comprehensive Fundació Joan Miró is not to be missed. Modernism fans will also want to visit the Museu Picasso, which boasts a huge collection of his works, in the city’s medieval La Ribera area. You can take a Gaudí tour that includes admission to many of his iconic buildings, or explore the Sagrada Família in more depth.
Consider taking an afternoon ride up to Park Güell; originally conceived as a garden community, this is where Gaudí lived during the final 20 years of his life and his house is now a small museum. The park is a great place to watch the sunset before an evening on the town; enjoy the scene at Las Ramblas, check out the human statues and other street performers and enjoy the night as Spaniards stay up very late. (B)
Day 11Barcelona
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and we take you to the airport for your return flight to the UK. (B)
The following meals are included:
B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner