Day 1 Nice, France

(Mon.) Welcome to France! Time at leisure to get acquainted with the “Queen of the Riviera.” This evening an optional excursion to Monte Carlo in the Principality of Monaco is available.

Day 2 Nice–Arles (Embarkation)

(Tue.) This morning, enjoy a guided stroll through the narrow, winding streets of the OLD TOWN. After lunch, transfer by motorcoach along the Côte d’Azur into the Provence region to Arles, where the crew of your river cruise vessel awaits to welcome you on board! (B,D)

Day 3 Arles

(Wed.) On the northern tip of the Camargue, Arles is the capital of the Provence and was once known as the “Little Rome of Gaul.” See the ROMAN AMPHITHEATER, the church of St. Trophime, and “Les Alyscamps,” the remains of the Gallo-Roman burial road. Vincent Van Gogh was inspired by the special light of the Provence and spent a very productive year in Arles. The “Foundation Vincent Van Gogh” is a tribute to the artist. (B,L,D)

Day 4 Avignon

(Thu.) The fortified city of Avignon is the capital of the Vaucluse region, the most picturesque part of Provence. Also referred to as the “City of Popes,” it was the center of the Catholic Church in the 14th century and the city landscape is dominated by the grandiose PALACE OF THE POPES. A photo of the BRIDGE of the popular song is a must, and optional outings to Pont du Gard or to the famed wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape are available this afternoon. (B,L,D)

Day 5 Cruising–Viviers

(Fri.) A leisurely morning on board to relax and enjoy the passing scenery as you glide gently by. The charming town of Viviers was developed around its ROMANESQUE CATHEDRAL, and the OLD TOWN has an appealing mix of Christian, Roman, and medieval influences. (B,L,D)

Day 6 Tournon/Tain L’Hermitage–Vienne

(Sat.) The twin cities of Tournon and Tain L’Hermitage lie nestled among vineyards between the Rhône River and the granite slopes of the Hermitage. Tournon, with its imposing 16th-century castle and Roman ruins, is one of France’s oldest medieval cities. This afternoon, enjoy Vienne, another charming little town surrounded by steep hills. (B,L,D)

Day 7 Lyon

(Sun.) Lyon is France’s second-largest city and its gastronomic capital. Founded by the Romans in 43 BC, the city’s prosperity dates back to the 16th century and is due to commercial, industrial, and banking activities. Roman remains, many excellent museums, and much renaissance architecture delight the visitor. Survey the city from FOURVIÈRE HILL and explore the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its maze of medieval alleyways, Place Terraux, and the beautiful Place Bellecour. Beaujolais is the wine of the region and wine connoisseurs will know that the grapes must be hand picked. Tradition dictates that the “Beaujolais Nouveau” is tasted for the first time on the third Thursday of November each year. An optional dinner gives gourmets insight into the local haute cuisine. (B,L,D)

Day 8 Mâcon–Tournus

(Mon.) Playing an important role in the wine trade, Mâcon, situated on the River Saône, has a rich history. See the OLD SAINT VINCENT, the cathedral founded in the 6th century and now a symbol of the city; La Charité; the Town Hall; and the Half-Timbered House, dating from the 15th to 16th centuries. A number of optional excursions, including a visit to a wine cellar, are available. This evening, free time to explore the lovely town of Tournus. (B,L,D)

Day 9 Chalon-sur-Saône (Disembarkation)–Beaune–Paris

(Tue.) After breakfast, head for Beaune, the unofficial capital of the Côte d’Or area which produces the Burgundy region’s finest vintages. Its most famous historical site, the hôtel-dieu charity hospital, houses Van der Weyden’s painting of the Last Judgement and is one of France’s architectural highlights. After lunch, continue north past the forest of Fontainebleau to Paris, the “City of Light.” (B)

Day 10 Paris

(Wed.) Paris’ famous sights are living history: your included city sightseeing shows you magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral, the unique Louvre Museum with its glass pyramid as a contrast to its ancient architecture, the commemorative Arc de Triomphe, Opéra, Madeleine, Champs Elysées, and the Eiffel Tower, a structural miracle of its age. The city is well known for its colorful nightlife that includes some of the world’s most famous cabaret shows. (B)

Day 11 Paris