Provence & Spain River Boat Cruise

Themes: Cruises, River Boat Cruises, Tours & Vacations

From the magic of Paris to the romance of Barcelona, this itinerary is one of our most captivating. Begin with three nights in Paris then travel in style aboard the high speed TGV train to Lyon, France's gastronomical capital. From there, cruise through France's legendary wine growing regions, home to famous wines such as Beaujolais and Côte du Rhône. Enjoy wine tastings at local vintners, marvel at Roman ruins, stroll through medieval villages and shop for Provencal crafts. Your itinerary includes the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Avignon as well as Arles, the city where Vincent Van Gogh spent much of his life. Disembark and continue to the medieval town of Perpignan for a stop en route to your post-cruise program in magnificent Barcelona.

Highlights

• 3 Nights Hotel Accommodation in Paris at the Le Méridien (or similar) including daily Buffet Breakfast
• Transfer from the hotel to Lyon via High-speed TGV train
• 7 Nights Deluxe Cruise Accommodation in an Outside Stateroom
• Daily Sightseeing Program as outlined in the Itinerary
• Superb Dining with all Meals included during your Cruise
• Free-flowing Wine, beer and soft drinks with every Dinner on board the Ship
• Bottled Water in every stateroom replenished daily
• Cocktail Reception, Welcome Dinner & Captain's Gala Dinner
• Motorcoach from the Ship in Arles to Perpignan and on to Barcelona
• 3 Nights Hotel Accommodation in Barcelona at the Grand Marina (or similar) including daily Buffet Breakfast
• Special Highlights including Folklore Dances, Lectures, Theme Dinners, onboard Music Performances and afternoon & evening Piano Music
• Services of Professional Cruise Manager
• All Transfers with the Purchase of Cruise, Land & Air package
• All Transfers with the Purchase of Cruise, Land & Air package
• All local Taxes

Tour Options

• Ask us about the cruise only variation of this vacation, and about adding air to your package.

Destinations: :

Day 1: DEPART CANADA

Board your overnight flight to Paris, France.

Day 2: ARRIVE IN PARIS, FRANCE

Arrive in Paris and transfer to your hotel. Take the balance of the day to relax or explore the "City of Lights."

Day 3: PARIS

Enjoy Paris' famous sights during this morning's guided tour. Visit Notre Dame Cathedral, pass the Louvre Museum, the commemorative Arc de Triomphe, the Opéra, La Madeleine, Les Champs Elysées and much more. The remainder of the day is yours to explore on your own. (B)

Day 4: PARIS

Your last day in the "City of Lights" is free for you to enjoy. Go to the top of the Eiffel Tower, built for the 1889 World's Fair or choose one of the various optional tours that are available (B)

Day 5: PARIS – LYON - EMBARKATION

This morning, board the TGV train, where you'll be transported at top speed (up to 186 mph) in smooth, quiet comfort to Lyon. Lyon not only marks the meeting of the Saône and Rhône rivers, but it is also the gastronomic capital of France. Its rich ancient history includes Roman ruins and early Christian sites.Enjoy a cooking demonstration followed by free time for lunch . Afterwards, you will board the MS Swiss Pearl. Gather this evening on board for cocktails and a Welcome Dinner. (B,D)

Day 6: LYON – TREVOUX

This morning's city tour includes a stunning panoramic view of Lyon from the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière. You'll also explore the Renaissance charm of Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon) with its cobbled streets. Return to the ship for lunch, and relax as we sail north along the Saône River to the small town of Trévoux. A guided walking tour will take you through the historic village of Trévoux this afternoon. The former capital of the ancient principality of Dombes, the town's landmarks include a Parliament building, medieval ramparts and a hillside Chateau. (B,L,D)

Day 7: TREVOUX – VIENNE

After breakfast, your morning tour takes you behind the village walls of Trévoux through Beaujolais, the Pays d'Or or "land of the golden stones" named for the ochre limestone of its homes and castles. Enjoy a visit with a local wine maker along "la route de vin" and sample the world renowned Beaujolais Nouveau. Return to the ship and continue cruising south from the Saône to the Rhône River towards Vienne. This evening stroll along the sidewalk cafés of this rural walking town. (B,L,D)

Day 8: VIENNE – TOURNON

Situated between the wine regions of Burgundy and Beaujolais, Vienne, has a significant Roman history, which is highlighted by its marvelously preserved ruins and remains. This morning, take a mini train tour and see the 1stcentury Roman Temple of Augustus and the Medieval churches of St. Andre-Le-Bas and Abbey St. Pierre, before we cruise on to Tournon and Tain L'Hermitage. These twin towns face each other across the Rhône River and are linked by a 19th-century suspension bridge. The fertile soil and ideal climate of the region has made Tain L'Hermitage the premier producer of the Côtes du Rhône wines. Enjoy free time this afternoon to visit the 16th-century castle which is now a town hall, or visit the chocolate shop for a taste of the confections once produced in Tournon's famous factory. After dinner enjoy wine tasting on board. (B,L,D)

Day 9: TOURNON – BOUCIEU-LE-ROI - VIVIERS

On this morning's adventure, you will get a personal look at a working farm located in the midst of the Ardéche Mountains and then take a scenic tour of the valley's beautiful landscape. Enjoy a visit to Boucieu-le-Roi and its local market of handmade crafts, musical entertainment and wine tasting. Return to the ship for lunch as we cruise to Viviers. After dinner, enjoy an evening "ghost walk" through the largely abandoned Medieval town that once had more than 30,000 inhabitants. The ship moors overnight in Viviers. (B,L,D)

Day 10: VIVIERS – AVIGNON

During breakfast, enjoy a scenic cruise to Avignon, arriving in the afternoon. Home to the papacy from 1309 to 1377, Avignon was an important center of the Catholic Church. As your ship docks, look for the Avignon Bridge, made famous by the French children's song "Sur le pont d'Avignon" ("On the Bridge of Avignon"). In Avignon, you will have your choice of two excursions. A walking tour includes the magnificent Gothic Papal Palace, along with the well-preserved Medieval walls. In the alternative, you can take an excursion to the Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct that is a masterpiece of engineering. Your tour will also visit Uzes, a lovely Provencal small town known for its Castle of the Duke of Uzes (still occupied by the Duke and his family), Medieval streets and a picturesque town square framed by archways. Enjoy free time for shopping in Uzes. (B,L,D)

Day 11: AVIGNON – LES BAUX - ARLES

This morning, travel by motor coach to the village Les Baux. Enjoy the rich floral colors and amazing views from this village perched on the hill. You will also visit an olive farm. This afternoon bathe in the Provençal light as you imagine how Vincent Van Gogh worked to capture the richness of every hue on your walking tour of Arles. While Van Gogh's homes are no longer standing, you may glimpse the locales and vistas that inspired "Starry Night" or "Terrace de Café le Soir" as you pass Constantine's Baths, the Romanesque cathedral and the Roman Amphitheater, which is still in use today. (B,L,D)

Day 12: ARLES – DISEMBARK - BARCELONA, SPAIN

Transfer to Barcelona, capital of the Spanish region of Catalonia. Along the way, we will pass through Camargue on the southern coast and trace the ancient trade route linking the Atlantic and Mediterranean seas. We will stop in the medieval town of Perpignan, close to the Mediterranean. Here, you will have free time for lunch and some exploring on your own. (B)

Day 13: BARCELONA

Your full day in Barcelona begins with a driving tour to the top of Montjuic Hill where you will catch glorious views of the city below, including the Palau Nacional (the National Palace) and the Olympic Complex. Next, tour Placa Catalonia, and Las Ramblas, the promenade and center of Barcelona life. Later, see the Expiatori Temple de la Sagrada Família, designed by artist and architect Antonio Gaudí which is still incomplete. Take a walking tour of the Barrio Gotico (Gothic Quarter), King's Square, and Tinell, the Royal Palace. (B)

Day 14: BARCELONA

Enjoy a full day at your leisure in Barcelona; perhaps, take part in an optional tour. Or, return on your own to the markets of Las Ramblas, visit one of the many museums, or venture across the port for seafood in Barceloneta. (B)

Day 15: DEPART BARCELONA

Your splendid vacation comes to an end as you transfer to the airport for your homeward flight. (B)

NOTE: The order of excursions may vary depending on the departure date as select departures will operate in reverse.

Sorry no departure dates are available for this tour.

Note: Prices shown are per person and based on occupancy category

• Rates do not include airfare or $133 pp in port charges.
• Rates are for Category D in a deluxe outside cabin.
• Upgrades to higher categories/junior suites are available; please contact us for details