Burgundy, Provence & Cote d’Azur | July 7 – 19

July 7 | US to Lyon, France

Today board your overnight flight bound to Lyon, France.

July 8 | Lyon

Later this morning you arrive at the Lyon airport, where you will be met by your Tour Director and  embark on a brief panoramic city tour of Lyon. You’ll have some free time for lunch in town, before checking in to your hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure to rest in your room, or to explore old town Lyon on your own. Tonight, meet your fellow travelers for a welcome to Burgundy dinner!

Overnight: Lyon                             (B,D)

July 9 | Lyon to Dijon | Embarkation

After breakfast  you’ll leave Lyon behind, and journey deep into the Burgundy countryside. Here stop at a truffle farm and learn about the symbiotic relationship between truffles and trees. To hunt this treasure, there’s no need for high technology: it’s a specialized dog with an unstoppable nose that will flush out the mushroom’s musky fragrance. Enjoy a delicious lunch prepared with fresh truffles and local wine! This afternoon you arrive in Dijon, and embark the AmaCello in preparation for your 7-night Essence of Burgundy & Provence cruise.                                  (B,L,D)

July 10 | Chalon-Sur-Saône & Tournus

This morning discover Chalon on a historic city tour. Alternatively, choose an excursion in Beaune, a walled town nestled in the heart of Cote d’Or vineyards where you’ll stroll the cobblestone streets and take in such sights as the mosaic-tiled roof of the Hôtel- Dieu de Beaune, founded in the 15th century as a hospital for the less fortunate. Later, enjoy a scenic sailing to Tournus, or sample the region’s famous white Mâconnais wines. Alternatively, pedal from Chalon-Sur- Saône to Tournus on a guided bike tour.                      (B,L,D)

July 11 | Tournus & Macon

Today you have a choice of a number of excursions as you explore the cities of Tournus and Macon. Let your knowledgeable guide lead you through Tournus and to its magnificent Benedictine Abbey of Saint Philibert. Or choose instead to visit the moated Château de Cormatin, which dates back to the early 17th century and features ornate apartments as well as a beautifully manicured garden. As an alternative,  venture to the medieval village of Brancion with its preserved gateway and market hall. Return to the ship and enjoy a scenic cruise to Mâcon or go wine tasting and meet the ship in Mâcon.                                   (B,L,D)

July 12 | Macon & Lyon

Join a guided tour through the “South Burgundy City” of Mâcon, learning about its local vineyards, museums, historical sites and perhaps its famous son, the poet and minister Alphonse de Lamartine. Or venture somewhat off the beaten path to Cluny, known for its large abbey, and the nearby castle Berze-le-Chatel, a well-preserved fortress perched on a rocky hill offering stunning views below. Return to the ship and head to the Sun Deck to enjoy a light lunch and the passing landscapes on the way to Trevoux for a short operational stop. This evening, enjoy a special Illuminations cruise as you sail into the city of Lyon.          (B,L,D)

July 13 | Lyon & Vienne

Discover dynamic Lyon, starting in Fourvière Hill, part of the city’s historic region that is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the 19th-century basilica Notre-Dame de Four- vière. Continue on to the old town of Lyon, followed by a guided walk through the St. Jean district, where you will be introduced to the city’s unique covered walkways, known as “traboules.” Or get active with a guided bike tour through the city of Lyon designed with cyclists in mind. If you’re a self-described foodie, our Vieux Lyon tasting tour is for you, during which you’ll have a chance to taste some of Lyon’s local delights. There you can enjoy a guided walking tour around the city. For those wishing to be more active, you can either take a guided bike tour along a portion of the ViaRhôna bike route or a guided hike from the ship to the Monastery at Mount Pipet.                                (B,L,D)

July 14 | Viviers

Take your coffee on your balcony or the Sun Deck as you cruise to Viviers, a charming medieval city with picturesque 16th and 18th century monuments. For a more active adventure, pedal through this bicycle-friendly city. Alternately, you can go to the magnificent hilltop village, Grignan. After visiting this enchanting Provençal town, go in search of the highly prized “Black Diamond” truffles with a farmer and his trustworthy canine companion. Or, go on a scenic hike and enjoy a memorable view of Viviers. Later, stroll through the city accompanied by a guide in Renaissance attire as former “residents” in period costumes reenact events and legends of centuries gone by. This special historical tour is sure to bring a smile to your lips – or perhaps send shivers down your spine!                    (B,L,D)

July 15 | Avignon & Arles

Avignon, aptly named the “City of Popes,” was the center of the Catholic Church in the 14th century when its “Palais des Papes” was the equivalent of today’s Vatican. Discover the history of Avignon on a guided walking tour that includes the Papal Palace and the well-preserved medieval walls surrounding the historic center of town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Alternately, you can visit three venues around Avignon to taste regional specialties including macarons, cheese, wine and tapenades. Later in the day, rejoin the ship in Arles, considered one of the most beautiful cities in France. Let your experienced guide lead you to the top sights, including the Romanesque cathedral and Roman amphitheater; or take a guided bike tour to the Roman ruins. If you wish to delve further into Van Gogh’s Arles, join a special walking tour along with a visit to the Vincent van Gogh Foundation, showcasing his legacy.                              (B,L,D)

July 16 | Arles, Saint-Tropez & Nice

Disembark your ship in Arles and head to Saint-Tropez! The name Saint-Tropez evokes images of sunbathing celebrities, designer boutiques, and luxury yachts. It’s hard to believe this stylish and upscale town was once just a humble fishing village. After an included lunch, enjoy some free time in town. Late this afternoon, check in to your hotel in Nice for a 3 night stay.

Overnight: Nice                 (B,L)

July 17 | Nice

Tour the scenic capital of the French Riviera, where tourism has been alive for three centuries. Gaze at the azure waters of the Mediterranean and take in such sites as the Saint Reparate Cathedral, Opera House and Prefecture Palace.

Overnight: Nice                   (B)

July 18 Eze | Monaco-Ville | Monte Carlo

Head to the hilltop town of Eze for a brief scenic walking tour along its charming cobblestone streets. Later, explore intimate Monaco-Ville, a sleepy medieval village, before taking in the luxury and beauty of Monte Carlo, famous for its opulent casino. Back in Nice, enjoy a farewell dinner at the hotel’s dining room.

Overnight: Nice                     (B,D)

July 19 | Home

Bid farewell to Nice and prepare for your flight home. Memories of your time spent in Burgundy, the Provence, and the French Rivera will last forever!      (B)