Arles to Chalon sur Saône (or reverse) - 8 days	For further assistance call 1-800-526-8539
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Detailed Itinerary: Arles to Chalon sur Saône

Day 1: Marseille, transfer to Arles (Embarkation)

Arrive at Marseille International Airport where you will be transferred to your ship docked in Arles. (D)

Day 2: Arles

Featured Excursion: Arles walking tour

Vincent van Gogh found inspiration in the charming town of Arles and you will, too. Under the spell of the Provençal light and the vivid colors of nature, he spent a period of intense and impassioned work under these bright sunny skies. In fact, he produced more than 300 paintings and drawings in 15 months, including Starry Night. During your walking tour, discover Van Gogh’s Arles as well as a fascinating wealth of Roman monuments, such as the Amphitheater and Constantine’s baths. (BB, L, Captain’s Welcome Gala)

Day 3: Avignon

Featured Excursions: Choice of Avignon walking tour and Palace of the Popes -OR- exclusive Avignon secret garden tour

Avignon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is full of history, culture, art, and life, and you will capture all of that on your walking tour of the “City of the Popes.” Your tour starts at the fortification walls and continues to Clocktower Square. In truly Provençal style, under the shadows of the sycamores, the colorful café terraces face the magnificent architecture of City Hall, the Opera Theatre, and the classic mansions. Next, it’s on to Popes’ Palace Square for an inside view of the maze of galleries, chambers, and chapels that make up the grand Palace of the Popes. Or opt for a tour of Avignon’s secret gardens, with an invigorating walk through parks and orchards, secret squares and fountains, and the flower market. You will have leisure time to enjoy more of this magical city on your own. (BB, L, D)

Day 4: Viviers

Featured Excursion: Viviers walking tour and organ concert

Lovely Viviers, developed around its Romanesque cathedral, retains much of its historic charm. Your tour of Viviers starts in Old Town with an introduction to the city. You will take the Rue Chévrerie to Porte Riquot, then climb Rue du Château to reach St. Vincent Cathedral, where you will enjoy an organ concert.

Finally, you will walk through the Medieval streets of this delightful town on your way back to the ship. (BB, L, D)

Day 5: Tournon, Tain l'Hermitage

Featured Excursions: Wine tasting and Tournon walking tour

Nestled among famous vineyards, the twin cities of Tournon/Tain l’Hermitage are an ideal destination for those who are true connoisseurs of wine. Celebrate the region by indulging in some Côtes du Rhône mid-valley wines. Then cross the Marc Seguin suspension bridge and visit Tournon and its historic castle. (BB, L, D)

Day 6: Lyon

Featured Excursions: Choice of Lyon city tour -OR- exclusive Lyon Heritage walk

Lyon is the country’s lively and creative capital of gastronomy. Your tour starts with a drive to the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière, Lyon’s hallmark church, for a dramatic view of the town, which was built at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers. From the motorcoach, you will view Terreaux Square, the Musée des Beaux-Arts, and the Opera House. Or opt for an intimate exploration of Lyon’s Heritage on foot. From Fourvières Hill, take the funicular down to the Saint Jean old quarter, where you’ll venture into the
maze of alleyways, courtyards, and traboules (historic passageways). (BB, L, Captain’s Farewell Dinner)

Day 7: Chalon sur Saône (Beaune)

Featured Excursions: Beaune, Hospices de Beaune, and open-air food market visit

Located in the heart of Burgundy, Chalon sur Saône is an important center for France’s wine trade. From here, you will journey to nearby Beaune to visit the famous Hospices de Beaune, a charitable hospital founded by the Chancellor of Beaune in 1443. Marvel at the multicolored roofs of this architectural jewel, which has become one of the symbols of Burgundy. The hospice monks were given some vineyards in the 15th century so they could make wine to auction in order to help support charities, and to this day, the tradition continues. Sample local delicacies for lunch on your own at the open air market. (BB, D)

Note: The open-air food market visit will take place in Arles on reverse direction cruise (Chalon sur Saône to Arles).

Day 8: Depart Chalon sur Saône (Disembarkation)

Disembark the ship in Chalon sur Saône and transfer to the Lyon airport for your return flight home, or extend your stay in Paris, the “City of Light.” (CB/BB)

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Detailed Itinerary: Chalon sur Saône to Arles

Day 1: Lyon, transfer to Chalon sur Saône (Embarkation)

Arrive at Lyon airport where you will be transferred to your ship docked in Chalon sur Saône. (D)

Day 2: Chalon sur Saône (Beaune)

Featured Excursions: Beaune, Hospices de Beaune, and open-air food market visit

Located in the heart of Burgundy, Chalon sur Saône is an important center for France’s wine trade. From here, you will journey to nearby Beaune to visit the famous Hospices de Beaune, a charitable hospital founded by the Chancellor of Beaune in 1443. Marvel at the multicolored roofs of this architectural jewel, which has become one of the symbols of Burgundy. The hospice monks were given some vineyards in the 15th century so they could make wine to auction in order to help support charities, and to this day, the tradition continues. Sample local delicacies for lunch on your own at the open air market. (BB, Captain's Welcome Gala)

Note: The open-air food market visit will take place in Arles on reverse direction cruise (Chalon sur Saône to Arles).

Day 3: Lyon

Featured Excursions: Choice of Lyon city tour -OR- exclusive Lyon Heritage walk

Lyon is the country’s lively and creative capital of gastronomy. Your tour starts with a drive to the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière, Lyon’s hallmark church, for a dramatic view of the town, which was built at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers. From the motorcoach, you will view Terreaux Square, the Musée des Beaux-Arts, and the Opera House. Or opt for an intimate exploration of Lyon’s Heritage on foot. From Fourvières Hill, take the funicular down to the Saint Jean old quarter, where you’ll venture into the
maze of alleyways, courtyards, and traboules (historic passageways). (BB, L, D)

Day 4: Tournon/Tain l’Hermitage

Featured Excursions: Wine tasting and Tournon walking tour

Nestled among famous vineyards, the twin cities of Tournon/Tain l’Hermitage are an ideal destination for those who are true connoisseurs of wine. Celebrate the region by indulging in some Côtes du Rhône mid-valley wines. Then cross the Marc Seguin suspension bridge and visit Tournon and its historic castle. (BB, L, D)

Day 5: Viviers

Featured Excursion: Viviers walking tour and organ concert

Lovely Viviers, developed around its Romanesque cathedral, retains much of its historic charm. Your tour of Viviers starts in Old Town with an introduction to the city. You will take the Rue Chévrerie to Porte Riquot, then climb Rue du Château to reach St. Vincent Cathedral, where you will enjoy an organ concert.

Finally, you will walk through the Medieval streets of this delightful town on your way back to the ship. (BB, L, D)

Day 6: Avignon

Featured Excursions: Choice of Avignon walking tour and Palace of the Popes -OR- exclusive Avignon secret garden tour

Avignon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is full of history, culture, art, and life, and you will capture all of that on your walking tour of the “City of the Popes.” Your tour starts at the fortification walls and continues to Clocktower Square. In truly Provençal style, under the shadows of the sycamores, the colorful café terraces face the magnificent architecture of City Hall, the Opera Theatre, and the classic mansions. Next, it’s on to Popes’ Palace Square for an inside view of the maze of galleries, chambers, and chapels that make up the grand Palace of the Popes. Or opt for a tour of Avignon’s secret gardens, with an invigorating walk through parks and orchards, secret squares and fountains, and the flower market. You will have leisure time to enjoy more of this magical city on your own. (BB, L, Captain's Farewell Dinner)

Day 7: Arles

Featured Excursion: Arles walking tour and open-air food market visit

Vincent van Gogh found inspiration in the charming town of Arles and you will, too. Under the spell of the Provençal light and the vivid colors of nature, he spent a period of intense and impassioned work under these bright sunny skies. In fact, he produced more than 300 paintings and drawings in 15 months, including Starry Night. During your walking tour, discover Van Gogh’s Arles as well as a fascinating wealth of Roman monuments, such as the Amphitheater and Constantine’s baths. Afterwards, visit open-air market and sample some of its delicacies. (BB, L, D)

Day 8: Depart Arles (Disembarkation)

Disembark the ship in Arles and transfer to the Marseille International Airport for your return flight home, or extend your stay in Aix-en-Provence. (CB/BB)

Please Note:

• Valid passports are required for travel. Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.