The Colours of Provence & Beaujolais

Fly from London to Lyon, or travel by Eurostar and high speed TGV. Transfer to the mooring to embark on your cruise vessel for your seven-night cruise, which begins with a welcome drink and an introduction to the crew.
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A morning tour of Lyon, famed as the ‘gastronomic capital’ of France, framed by the meeting of the Rhône and Saône Rivers, and boasting Europe’s largest pedestrian square. Its Croix-Rousse silk workshops and Vieux Lyon’s medieval ‘traboules’ alleys unite as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Confluences Museum adds futuristic architecture, and the iconic Notre Dame Basilica oversees all in this superb city. Sail upstream on the Saône this afternoon, seeing the Beaujolais wine hillsides, and passing the vineyards of the eponymous white wines of Mâcon, where we overnight. Enjoy a pre-dinner Jules Verne drinks party aboard.
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A tour by road this morning takes us to the Romanesque, Benedictine Abbey of Cluny. Founded in 910 by William the Pious (Duke of Aquitaine), in its medieval heyday the monastery held enormous influence across Europe, in artistic, religious and political fields. At its downfall, much of the once huge, multi-towered abbey was destroyed during the French Revolution. Return to the cruiser to sail on the Rhône to Vienne, where the river roams around the town, set on a high bluff.
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View the highlights of Vienne on a walking tour of the town, a medieval provincial capital, which displays its past in Roman temples and an amphitheatre; then cruise south on a super-scenic journey toward Avignon, relaxing aboard as the MS Camargue carries you through a squeezed narrow section of the river, and snakes past sleepy villages and wooded cliffs, to the gentle landscapes and Mediterranean ambience of the Rhone Valley.
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Arrive in enchanting Avignon, piercing the Rhône with the four arches of the St. Benezet Bridge (Pont d’Avignon), and lining its banks with myriad medieval buildings, encircled by sturdy ramparts. A walking tour reveals its unique heritage as the 14th century seat of Catholic popes, its countless churches and chapels including the fortress-like façade of the Papal Palace, the world’s largest gothic monument. Cruise to Arles; then enjoy an afternoon at leisure in Arles, or join us on an optional afternoon tour, by 4x4 vehicle, of the Petite and Grande Camargue Nature Reserve (pre-bookable).
(B, L, D)

Morning walking tour of Arles. The one-time home of Vincent Van Gogh, its street scenes may seem familiar from his hundreds of paintings, and magnificent Roman remains include the incredibly well-preserved amphitheatre. Later, visit an olive oil producing estate, where we include a tasting. Cruise to Viviers and enjoy an evening walking tour of the fortified medieval town, small but perfectly formed around it 12th century cathedral.
(B, L, D)

Cruise this morning to Tournon. The pretty provincial town, with its imposing castle and tree-lined avenues, looks across the river to left bank Tain L’Hermitage, its steep hills cloaked in the vines of Côtes-du-Rhône wines. An afternoon tour includes the Rhône Chateau Museum and a wine tasting. Enjoy a farewell Jules Verne drinks party and Gala Dinner aboard this evening. Cruise overnight to Lyon.
(B, L, D)

Disembark in Lyon for your return journey to London by air or rail.