European River Cruises, Rhine River Cruises

CHALONE SUR SAONE
TOUR OF BEAUNE

After a coach tour through the Burgundy wine region, you will reach Beaune, the most famous and most visited town in Burgundy. Beaune owes its prosperity not only to its location in the center of the enchanting and famous vineyards, but also to the Dukes of Burgundy who resided here until the 14th century before they settled in Dijon. The medieval center of Beaune and the city wall are still well preserved. On the tour of the town, you will see the affluence resulting from trading in the precious Burgundy wines. Everywhere, there are town palaces from the late Middle Ages, the Renaissances and the Baroque periods. However, the architectural highlight is the Hôtel Dieu, an expressive example of Flemish-Burgundian architecture of the Gothic period from the 15th century. It was established by the Burgundian Chancellor, Rolin, in 1443 and later used as a hospital for the poor until 1971. Today, it houses a nursing center for seniors. You will be astonished by the architectural contrast between the sober outer facade and the elegance of the inner courtyard of this magnificent building, which is famous for its many colored glazed tile roof crowned with turrets and oriels.

Excursion lasts about 4 hours.

TREVOUX
BEAUJOLAIS COUNTRY OF THE PIERRES DOREES

The tour begins on a winding road passing through the land of the ‘Golden Stones’, a name derived from the yellow color of the limestone houses and palaces. This is one of the most beautiful wine growing areas in Europe. The wine produced in this southern region is known as ‘Beaujolais’. The route to Anse leads past the vineyards above the Saône valley. Along the way, there is a panoramic view of vineyards, hills and tiny valleys where small villages are nestled around their church’s spires. In Oingt, a fortified city dating back to the Middle Ages, you will walk through the old city lane. Enjoy the view onto the mountains of Beaujolais and the valley of the Azergue. Traveling past Sou Palace at the end of a small valley, you will reach Cogny, built on a pinnacle, before you will reach the town of Denice. During the course of the excursion, you will visit a vineyard to taste the Beaujolais.

Excursion lasts about 3 hours.

TOURNON
THE MASTROU

A bus will bring you from the pier to the train station in Tournon. The Vivarais railway was constructed between 1886 and 1891 to connect the Ardèche with the Haute Loire. After the connection was shut down in 1968, enthusiasts of old steam trains took over the operation again in 1969. On board a train from the past century, pulled by a steam engine or a railcar, you will experience the breathtaking view of the landscape of the Ardèche region. You will travel past orchards and vineyards on the steep slopes of the Doux. At Douce-Plage, you will cross the Doux on a splendid stone bridge constructed in 1583. With its 51 meter arches it was the largest in the world at that time. The train will continue to climb along the deep gorges and steep rocks. Finally, you will reach Colombier-les-Vieux where the train takes on 3,000 liters of water. The weight of the water assists the train in pulling the remaining cars over the steep hill. You will take this time to enjoy a short break with a glass of ‘Kir’ (white wine with a splash of crème de cassis) and some typical French snacks, which will be served before you continue on your journey to Boucieu le Roi. Here, you will leave the train and join the bus for your return to Tournon. Note: The steam engine only operates between mid May and mid September. After the main season, a more modern engine will pull the train. The train is equipped with simple wooden benches. The ship’s staff is accompanying the excursion. Local guides are not available.

Excursion lasts about 3 hours.

ARLES
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF VINCENT VAN GOGH

Vincent van Gogh settled in Arles in 1888 and began his exploration of this region, which inspired much of his art. You will follow his footsteps through the typical Provence countryside to St. Remy where you will visit the monastery St. Paul de Mausole. It was here, that many of van Gogh’s famous works were painted. Afterwards, you will take a scenic tour of the Alpilles, often called the ‘heart of the Provence’. During your trip through ‘Hell Valley’ you can enjoy the view onto the mostly treeless mountaintops. Erosion gave the white stone bizarre shapes. A visit to the small town of Les Baux de Provence will end your excursion.

Excursion lasts about 3.5 hours.

VIENNE
SIGHTSEEING TOUR LYON

After traveling for half an hour by coach, you will reach Lyon, the former capital of Roman Gaul. You will drive to Fourvière Hill, selected by the Roman legion in 43 BC as the location for the town. From here, enjoy a fantastic view onto Lyon located at the confluence of the Saône and the Rhône rivers. At the foot of Fourvière Hill on the right bank of the Saône, you will find the old section of Lyon (Vieux Lyon) with its districts of St. Jean, St. Paul and St. Georges. Its beautiful houses of the Gothic, Renaissance and late 16th century periods, are a splendid example of the glorious epoch of Lyon during its transformation into one of the most important centers of trade and banking. During a half-hour guided walk through this district and its ‘traboules’ (covered walkways) you will be introduced to its unique charm. Afterwards, you will visit a silk manufactory where the famous Lyonese silk scarves are made. The coach will bring you back to the PRINCESSE DE PROVENCE, awaiting you in Lyon.

Excursion lasts about 3.5 hours.