Explore the beautiful Burgundy, Provence and Camargue regions on this roundtrip from Lyon. Venture north along the Saone from Lyon to some of France's best wine-growing regions before Amadeus Provence cruises south along the Rhone towards the sun-drenched Mediterranean.
Discover the wine-growing region of Burgundy along the Saone. See the picturesque region of Maconnais, known for its Mediterranean charm and Chardonnay wines, and sample Burgundy's local specialities at one of Beaune's famous wine cellars.
Visit Lyon, gastronomic capital, before your luxurious ship continues along the Rhone river. You can visit the renowned Palace of the Popes which was once a papal residence on a tour of Avignon and stroll through historic Arles with its famous amphitheatre. There is a chance to see the Valley of the Ardeche with its magnificent limestone cliffs over the river before returning to Lyon.
L170 Operated by Amadeus River Cruises
.
French Savoir Vivre Itinerary
Day 1 - UK - Lyon (France)
Fly from the UK and embark your ship in Lyon. Enjoy a welcome cocktail with fellow guests followed by a Welcome Dinner.
Day 2 - Macon
Macon is the southernmost city in the Burgundy region which lies along the River Saone. This wine-growing region is known for its Mediterranean flair and Chardonnay wines. Join the optional excursion of the Maconnais region, visiting a regional wine museum for a tour. Return to the ship for lunch. This afternoon, there is an optional guided tour of the ruins of Cluny Abbey, once an influential religious centre.
Day 3 - Chalon sur Saone - Tournus
Explore Chalon sur Saone at leisure or you can take a scenic drive along Burgundy's wine route to Beaune, the capital of this wine region, where you can sample a drop or two. This afternoon there is an optional excursion to the medieval town of Brancion and castle Cormatin before rejoining the ship in Tournus.
Day 4 - Lyon
Explore the gastronomic capital of Lyon on an optional guided city tour visiting the old town of Vieux Lyon and the Notre-Dame-de-Fourviere basilica. This afternoon enjoy leisurely cruising along the Rhone towards Avignon.
Day 5 - Avignon
Today there is the chance to explore Avignon on a guided walking tour and see the renowned Palace of the Popes, one of the largest medieval gothic buildings which served as a papal residence during the 14th century. You will also see the famous Pont d'Avignon. This afternoon you can join an optional tour to the famous roman aqueduct Pont du Gard and visit the picturesque village of Uzes.
Day 6 - Arles
You can explore Arles on an optional guided walking tour including its famous amphitheatre 'Les Arenes' and join the optional excursion to the Camargue Nature Park which is famous for its black bulls and white horses and home to more than 400 species of birds.
Day 7 - Chateauneuf du Rhone - Le Pouzin
From Chateauneuf-du-Rhone take the optional excursion to the Valley of the Ardeche. The valley has a particularly scenic stretch known as the Ardeche Gorges with limestone cliffs up to 300m high. The most famous feature is the natural Pont d'Arc. Rejoin the ship in Le Pouzin and enjoy a captain's gala dinner this evening.
Day 8 - Lyon - UK
Disembark your ship after breakfast and transfer to the airport for the return flight to the UK.
For navigational reasons the Captain of the ship reserves the right to modify the cruise itinerary.