A River Cruise through Provence

Itinerary

October 2-3 — U.S., Lyon, France
Depart on an overnight flight to Lyon, France. Upon arrival, transfer to the centrally located Sofitel Lyon Bellecour. After lunch, visit the Textiles and Decorative Arts Museums to discover their impressive collections. Gather this evening for a welcome cocktail reception at the hotel. (L,R)

October 4 — Lyon, M.S. AmaDagio
A morning tour includes the Basilica of Nôtre Dame de Fourvière, with its fabulous panoramic view of the city. After a traditional lunch, see highlights of the collection at the Musée des Beaux-Arts, then board the awaiting M.S. AmaDagio. Enjoy a welcome reception and dinner as you begin your cruise up the Saône River. (B,R,D)

October 5 — Dijon, Beaune
Arrive this morning in Chalon-sur-Saône and drive to Dijon for a tour of the vieux quartier and see the spectacular 15th-century tombs of the Dukes of Burgundy at the Musée des Beaux-Arts. The center of the city has many charming bistros where you may wish to have lunch. In the afternoon, stop at the Chartreuse de Champmol to admire Claus Sluter’s masterpiece, the Well of Moses. Nearby is Beaune, residence of the Burgundian dukes until the 14th century, where you'll discover the famous tile-roofed Hôtel-Dieu housing Rogier Van der Weyden’s Last Judgment. (B,L,D)

October 6 — Cormatin, Macon
Step ashore in Tournus to visit the 17th-century Château de Cormatin, with its grand staircase, “Gilded Rooms,” and delightful gardens. The AmaDagio continues to Mâcon, where you reboard for lunch. During a relaxing afternoon on the river, attend a teatime lecture. Stop this evening in Collonges au Mont d’Or, where a Bocuse-trained chef will share tips and recipes, followed by dinner. (B,L,D)

October 7 — Tournon
At Tournon this morning, enjoy a tasting of artisanal pastries and chocolate and time to explore the town. In the late afternoon, a lecture prepares you for the upcoming visit to Avignon. A highlight this evening will be a musical performance followed by a delectable dessert buffet. (B,L,D)

October 8 — Avignon
Visit the medieval Palais des Papes in Avignon today. Here, beginning in 1309, a line of six pope escaped issues in Rome to hold court in the "Vatican of the North." The impressive architecture of this palace reflects the money and influence that were used in the construction. You may wish to have lunch on board or spend free time in this charming city. In the afternoon, join an excursion to the Pont du Gard aqueduct and the Château de Saint Privat, with a wine tasting, or visit a former curator of the Louvre at her home in Villeneuve-les-Avignon and see her personal collection, concluding with a wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. (B,L,D)

October 9 — Aix-en-Provence
Today’s excursion takes you to Aix-en-Provence, once an early Roman settlement. See the ruins of the old city, the impressive St. Sauveur Cathedral, and the lovely 17th- and 18th-century architecture. View the fine collection of French paintings at the Musée Granet. Alternatively, visit the medieval fortified town of Aigues Mortes and spend the afternoon in the Camargue with its vast natural wetland, home to a variety of flora and fauna, including flamingos and the famous wild horses. Rejoin AmaDagio in Arles. (B,L,D)

October 10 — Arles, Nimes
Arles, immortalized by Vincent van Gogh, has kept its picturesque markets with their fruits and vegetables, colorful tablecloths, and other handicrafts. Today, We visit the Romanesque church of St. Trophime, one of France’s greatest treasures, as well as the arena and cemetery, dating from the time of Julius Caesar. An optional afternoon visit to nearby Nîmes includes the Maison Carrée, a well-preserved Roman temple, and the Carré d’Art Museum, an architectural masterpiece by Sir Norman Foster. Gather this evening for a festive farewell dinner, hosted by the captain. (B,L,D)

October 11 — Arles, U.S.
Disembark AmaDagio in the morning and transfer to the Marseilles Provence Airport for the flights home. (B)