Depart from London by Eurostar to Paris. Continue by first class rail to Chalon-sur- Saône. Upon arrival, transfer to your ship, which is moored 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)

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. Dine aboard as you set sail through Burgundy. (B,L,D)

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)

After breakfast, your morning is free to further explore this remarkable 2,000-year old city nestled in the heart of France. Depart just before lunch time, and cruise toward Vienne. This afternoon, take a walking tour of Vienne, a beautiful town with an ancient Roman past. Visit the Temple of Augustus & Livia and the Roman amphitheatre. You also visit the Cathedral of St. Maurice. Return to your ship for dinner and an evening departure. (B,L,D)

Wake up in Tournon and board a coach for your tour through Tournon to Châteauneuf-sur-Isère near Tain L’Hermitage. During your guided tour you learn more about viticulture and the region’s long-standing traditions in wine-making. Enjoy a wine tasting of some famous regional red wines followed by a visit to the Musée de Tain L’Hermitage, located in the oldest house in the region. Enjoy lunch aboard as you cruise the Rhône through the afternoon. Arrive after dinner in Viviers, a quaint town set amid a mountainous region. Join your Programme Director for an evening stroll through the Old Town with buildings dating back to the Middle Ages and some fine examples of Renaissance architecture. Enjoy free time before retiring for the evening. (B,L,D)

Arrive during breakfast and meet your guide for a walking tour of Arles with its diverse architectural highlights. Experience the city’s vibrant colours and 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 beautiful Romanesque monuments. Return to your ship for lunch followed by free time in the afternoon to shop for hand-crafted gifts or local pastries. Dinner will be served as you depart. (B,L,D)

This morning, set out on a guided walk of Avignon, nicknamed “City of Popes” because it was home to seven popes from 1309-1377. Stroll through the historic centre, stop at the Pont d’Avignon for amazing views 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 a papal residence, fortress, church and palace. After the tour, enjoy an afternoon at leisure exploring Avignon or you can join the optional tour to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, visiting the vineyards and tasting the famous wine. Lunch and dinner are served aboard. Your ship remains moored overnight. (B,L,D)

After breakfast, disembark and transfer to Avignon railway station for your return journey to London. (B)