Colors of Provence Rhone River Cruise, November 4-11, 2027, with Dave & Beth Nagengast of Cinquain Cellars

Day 1: Sunday, October 31

ARRIVE PARIS

Bonjour France! Arrive at Charles de Gaulle International Airport (CDG). You will be met and transferred to our hotel in Paris. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner at Au Petit Riche, a historic Parisian brasserie in business since 1854. (D)

If you arrive before November 15th, Please make your way to the hotel. 

OVERNIGHT: PARIS MARRIOTT OPERA AMBASSADOR (or similar, 2-nights)

Day 2: Monday, November 1

PARIS JAZZ TOUR / CAFÉ LE PROCOPE

This morning is special. Embark on a guided walking “Jazz Tour” of Montmartre, dedicated to the birth of Jazz music during the 1920s-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 to explore the “City of Lights”.(B,L)

Day 3: Tuesday, November 2

PARIS TO DIJON

This morning, depart Paris for Dijon by touring coach, a four-hour journey. This afternoon, 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 among the finest in France. At the Musée 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)

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

Day 4: Wednesday, November 3

BURGUNDY WINERIES

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. Return to Dijon late this afternoon.(B,L)

Day 5: Thursday, November 4

BEAUNE & LYON

This morning, depart Dijon for Beaune and the iconic Hospice de Beaune, built as a medieval hospital for the needy that is now a major French historic site. Here, each third week of November Les Trois Glorieuses de Bourgogne (“The Three Glorious Days of Burgundy”), the world’s most famous charity wine auction, is held. After lunch on your own, we depart for Lyon. Board the AmaKristina approximately 4pm.(B,D)

Day 1: Thursday, November 4

EMBARKATION – LYON, FRANCE

Make your way to and board the luxurious M/S AmaKristina for your Colors of Provence River Cruise. (D)

For those arriving in Lyon on Embarkation day. AmaWaterways offers airport transfers to the ship for an additional fee. Transfers must be booked with Expanding Horizons no later than 30 days before embarkation.

Day 2: Friday, November 5

LYON

Discover dynamic Lyon, starting at 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 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.” Alternatively, join a guided bike tour through the city designed with cyclists in mind. In the afternoon, enjoy the rest of your day at your own leisure to explore the city. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Saturday, November 6

LYON

On your second day in Lyon, set out on a culinary journey that will linger on your palate for years to come. Travel to the Beaujolais wine region — known as the Pays d’Or or “land of the golden stones” – to experience France’s finest vintages firsthand. Indulge in a wine tasting at a traditional winery in Trevoux and
learn about the history and techniques of their vineyard. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Sunday, November 7

VIENNE / TOURNON

Situated between the wine regions of Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône lies Vienne with a Roman past that can be seen in its marvelously preserved ruins. Take a walking tour to see the amazingly well­-preserved Augustus and Livia Temple, the Saint Maurice Cathedral, a Gothic church that took more than 500 years to build, and St. Pierre Abbey—one of the oldest surviving churches in France, and now an Archaeological Museum. 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 Via Rhôna bike route. During the evening, be treated to a delicious pairing of red wine and chocolate at the beautiful Villa Caroube. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Monday, November 8

TOURNON / VIVERS

Walk through the steep vineyards as you learn about the history and techniques of winemaking in this area. Following the guided tour, join your host for a tasting of the Hermitage wines for which this region is celebrated. Alternatively, take a steam train ride past a magnificent landscape carved along the Gorge du Doux, stopping at the charming little station of Colombier le Vieux,­ Saint Barthélemy le Plain, where the train maneuvers in preparation for its return journey. For a more active adventure, take a hike through the vineyards of Tain l’Hermitage, followed by a visit to a local winery where you’ll sample some of the wines. Later, stroll through Viviers 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)

Day 6: Tuesday, November 9

AVIGNON

Depending on your interests, you have three excursions options for the morning. 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. You can visit three venues around Avignon to taste regional specialties, including macarons, cheese and wine, and tapenades, or you can enjoy a bike tour. In the afternoon, you can Visit another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the impressive Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct that is a masterpiece of ancient engineering. Alternatively, 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, visit a winery in the famed Châteauneuf-­du-­Pape wine region, where viticulture has been promoted since the 14th century. The unique soil composition here has earned the area a reputation for producing distinctive wines that are now popular the world over. Join a specialist from the winery on a private tour of the wine cellars and vineyards, an exclusive opportunity to learn about centuries-­old winemaking methods. Following your tour, enjoy a tasting of the vineyard’s specialty wines. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Wednesday, November 10

ARLES

Considered one of the most beautiful cities in France, Arles enchants all with its tantalizing history, formerly a Roman center of trade. Join a guided walking tour where you’ll visit the Roman ruins of Arles, such as its Roman Amphitheater and the Church of Saint Trophime, famous for its Romanesque architecture. Alternatively, you can enjoy a bike ride along the Rhône, through town to the Langlois Bridge, a famous subject from several Vincent Van Gogh paintings. And for those who 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. During the afternoon, venture to Les Baux de Provence, a hilltop village and ruined castle. Enjoy time in the “old village,” its shops, art galleries, and cafes interspersed among the historic ruins. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Thursday, November 11

DISEMBARKATION – ARLES, FRANCE

Bid farewell to Arles and prepare for your flight home. (B)

Please see the Cruise Manager onboard for transfer arrangements for your onward flights.

Day 1: Thursday, November 11

CAMARGUE-AIX-EN-PROVENCE

Depart Arles at 9:30am for Camargue, the wild delta region of the Rhône River, before 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 lunch. This afternoon, travel to Aix-en-Provence. Visit the studio museum of Impressionist artist Paul Cezanne, before arriving at our hotel. (B,L)

OVERNIGHT: GRAND HOTEL ROI RENE AIX-EN-PROVENCE CITY CENTRE – MGALLERY (3 nights)

Day 2: Friday, November 12

AIX-EN-PROVENCE / PROVENCE DINNER

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. Tonight, enjoy dinner at one of “Aix” town’s finest traditional French restaurants Jardin Mazarin”.(B,D)

Day 3: Saturday, November 13

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: Sunday, November 14

AIX-EN-PROVENCE TO MARSEILLES AIRPORT

Morning transfers are arranged to Marseilles International Airport for onward flights. (B)