Essence of Burgundy & Provence Wine Cruise, August 28 - September 4, 2025, with Bacchus Wine & Travel Society 

DAY 1: MONDAY, AUGUST 25

MARSEILLE AIRPORT TO AIX-EN-PROVENCE

You will be met upon arrival at Marseille International Airport and transferred to our hotel in Aix-de-Provence. The remainder of day is at leisure. Tonight meet your fellow Bacchus Wine & Travel Society group members and enjoy welcome drinks at the hotel. 

OVERNIGHT: GRAND HOTEL ROI RENE AIX-EN-PROVENCE (3 nights) or similar 

DAY 2: TUESDAY, AUGUST 26

AIX-EN-PROVENCE

This morning enjoy a guided walking tour of “Aix”, considered one of the most charming small cities in France. Once the capital of Provence, Aix-en-Provence was a favorite haunt of Cezanne, Emile Zola and Ernest Hemingway. Divided by the broad thoroughfare Cours Mirabeau, bordered by plane trees, picturesque mansions from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries line the streets of old town. The afternoon is at leisure to explore. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner tonight at a local restaurant. (B,D)  

DAY 3: WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27

CHATEAU LA VERRERIE – SALON-DE-PROVENCE

This morning journey to Chateau La Verrerie, in the Luberon foothills of the French Alps. Owned by the Descours family, this lovely wine producing estate boasts a magical location and elegant manor house. Tour the cellars and vineyards before joining a masterclass 5-wine & food pairing workshop led by the resident sommelier. Later enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in nearby Salon-de-Provence. This village is known for producing fine soap, exquisite candies called “Calissons” and being the village and final resting place of visionary Michel Nostradamus. It is also an important French Air Force base. After lunch walk “On the Path of Nostradamus”, a guided tour visiting the visionary prophet’s home and museum here, before returning to Aix-en-Provence. This evening is at leisure. (B,L)  

DAY 4: THURSDAY, AUGUST 28

AIX-EN-PROVENCE – CAMARGUE – ARLES

This morning visit the Caumont Art Centre and enjoy a viewing of the film Cezanne in the Aix Region” which pays tribute to the artist and his love for the region. Then journey one hour to the Camargue, the wild delta region of the Rhone River where it spills into the Mediterranean Sea. At 360 square miles, this is Europe’s largest delta and one of the continent’s most important wetland regions. Wild horses and cattle inhabit the grasslands, also home to “les gardiers”, French cowboys! Visit the farm of Olivier Fernay, a breeder of horses and fighting bulls. Enjoy an equestrian demonstration in the bull ring, followed by a late lunch. Arrive in Arles at our ship AmaCello by 5pm.(B,L,D)  

DAY 1, THURSDAY AUGUST 28

ARLES – EMBARKATION

Arrive at Marseille International Airport and make your way to Arles to board your cruise. This evening, meet your fellow passengers for the Captain’s Reception and Welcome Dinner. (D)

NOTE: The Marseille Airport is located about 75km from Arles (about an hour drive). Transfers are available for an additional cost upon request. 

The most direct way by public transport is by train, hop on the free shuttle (departs from bus station platform 5) that will take you from the airport to Vitrolles-Aéroport-Marseille-Provence station. Around 33 trains run from here to Marseille St-Charles station each day, with a journey time of around 18m.

DAY 2, FRIDAY AUGUST 29

ARLES – AVIGNON, FRANCE

Arles is 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, 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. Alternately, you may take a guided bike tour through town. Later in the day, enjoy a walking tour in Avignon, aptly named the “City of Popes,” that includes the Papal Palace and the well-preserved medieval walls surrounding the historic center of town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For a more flavorful experience, visit three venues around Avignon to taste regional specialties including macarons, cheese and wine, and tapenades.(B,L,D)

DAY 3, SATURDAY AUGUST 30

VIVIERS, FRANCE

Viviers is 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. (B,L,D)

DAY 4, SUNDAY AUGUST 31

VIENNE – LYON, FRANCE

Vienne boasts a Roman past that can be seen in its marvelously preserved ruins. There you can enjoy a guided walking tour around the city. For those wishing to be more active, you can either take a guided hike from the ship to the Monastery at Mount Pipet or a guided bike tour along a portion of the ViaRhôna bike route. Later in the day, 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 19thcentury basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière. 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.” 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. Or get active a guided bike tour through the city designed with cyclists in mind. (B,L,D)

DAY 5, MONDAY SEPTEMBER 1

MÂCON, FRANCE

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. Built between the 4th and 12th centuries, Cluny Abbey was formerly the world’s largest church and stands as a captivating example of early Romanesque architecture. Later in the day, enjoy a panoramic view from the Sun Deck as you sail to Tournus, or opt for a bike ride from Mâcon to Tournus. Or, enjoy a delicious tasting of the region’s famous white Mâconnais wines. (B,L,D)

DAY 6, TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 2

TOURNUS, FRANCE

Today you have a choice of a number of excursions as you explore Tournus. 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, church and market hall. Later in the day, enjoy scenic cruising as you sail toward Chalon-Sur-Saône, or opt for a bike tour if you’re feeling adventurous. (B,L,D)

DAY 7, WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 3

CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE, FRANCE

 Located in southern Burgundy at the heart of the Côte Chalonnaise wine region, Chalon-Sur-Saône whispers the secrets of its medieval past which you will discover on your historic city tour. You’ll also stop at a local market where you can see and taste some of the local fare. 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 in the day, treat your palate to a tasting of Chalonnaise wines. (B,L,D)

DAY 8, THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 4

PORT OF DIJON – DISEMBARKATION

Disembark your ship and prepare for your return flight home. (B)

DAY 1: THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4

BURGUNDY CHATEAUX & DIJON

After breakfast disembark the AmaCello and board our touring coach. Today we visit two renowned Burgundy wineries, Domaine d’Ardhuy and Chateau de Marsannay. Enjoy guided tours of both, with expert led tastings immediately following. Lunch is included in the lovely village of Nuits-Saint-Georges. Arrive in Dijon late this afternoon.

OVERNIGHT: M-GALLERY GRAND HOTEL LA CLOCHE (2 nights) or similar

DAY 2: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5

DIJON SIGHTSEEING

This morning enjoy a guided walking tour of Dijon, once the grand capital city of the wealthy Kingdom of Burgundy. Stroll past lovely shops, palaces and the Dijon Market, an indoor food hall that is one of the finest in France. At the Musee des Beaux-Arts see collections from antiquity to contemporary art, masterpiece paintings, sculptures and drawings from the 130,000 pieces housed here. Tonight dine in the “Caveau”, the wine cave underneath the Grand Hotel La Cloche.(B,D)  

DAY 3: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6

DIJON TO PARIS

At 8:30am depart Dijon for Paris by touring coach, a four-hour journey. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. Tonight dine at Au Petit Riche, an historic Parisian brasserie in business since 1854. (B,D)

OVERNIGHT: THE CHESS HOTEL or similar (Paris Opera District – 2 nights) 

DAY 4: SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7

PARIS JAZZ TOUR / LE PROCOPE LUNCHEON

This morning is special. Embark on a guided walking “Jazz Tour” of Montmartre, dedicated to the birth of Jazz music during the 1920-30s. During the Roaring Twenties this area of Paris was referred to by locals as Harlem Montmartre. Jazz greats Josephine Baker, Jellie Roll Morton, Duke Ellington, Django Reinhardt, Dizzy Gillespie, Cab Calloway and Satchmo himself, Louis Armstrong, all resided here at some time. Afterward, dine at Café Le Procope, the oldest operating restaurant in Paris, since 1686. Yes, take your picture underneath the tricorn “chapeau” of Napoleon Bonapart. This afternoon and evening are at leisure.(B,L) 

DAY 5: MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8

DEPART PARIS

Au Revoir France! After check out you will be transferred to Charles de Gaulle International Airport (CDG) you’re your onward flights.(B)