Essence of Burgundy & Provence Wine Cruise, April 30-May 7, 2026, with Josh & Carrie Bendick of Holly's Hill Vineyards 

DAY 1: SUNDAY, APRIL 26

ARRIVE PARIS

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

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

DAY 2: MONDAY, APRIL 27

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 Bonaparte. This afternoon and evening are at leisure. (B,L)

DAY 3: TUESDAY, APRIL 28

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 one of 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) or similar

DAY 4: WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29

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, APRIL 30

BEAUNE & DIJON

This morning depart Dijon for Beaune and the iconic Hospice de Beaune, built as a medieval hospital for the poor and now a major French historic site. Here each third week of November is held Les Trois Glorieuses de Bourgogne (“The Three Glorious Days of Burgundy”), the world’s most famous charity wine auction. After lunch we return to Dijon to board the AmaCello at approximately 4pm. Tonight enjoy after dinner cocktails with Joshua and Carrie Bendick in the Main Lounge. (B,L,D)

DAY 1: THURSDAY, APRIL 30

LYON – EMBARKATION

Between 3pm and 5pm, board the ship AmaCello for your Essence of Burgundy & Provence cruise. (D)

DAY 2: FRIDAY, MAY 1

CHALON-SUR-SAONE TO TOURNUS

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. 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, enjoy a scenic sailing to Tournus, or sample the region’s famous white Mâconnais wines. Alternatively, pedal from Chalon-Sur- Saône to Tournus on an exhilarating guided bike tour. (B,L,D)

DAY 3: SATURDAY, MAY 2

TOURNUS TO 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, church and market hall. Return to the ship and enjoy a scenic cruise to Mâcon Or, instead, join a guided bike tour from Tournus to Mâcon or go wine tasting and meet the ship in Mâcon. (B,L,D)

DAY 4: SUNDAY, MAY 3

MÂCON

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. Alternatively, explore the architecture and history behind the Royal Monastery of Brou, a Gothic masterpiece dating back to the 16th century. Return to the ship and head to the Sun Deck to enjoy a light lunch and the passing landscapes on the way to Villefranche-sur-Saône. For those traveling by ship, enjoy a tasting of Beaujolais wines while sailing towards your next stop. (B,L,D)

DAY 5: MONDAY, MAY 4

LYON TO 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 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.” Or get active a guided bike tour through the city 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)

DAY 6: TUESDAY, MAY 5

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)

DAY 7: WEDNESDAY, MAY 6

AVIGNON TO 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 and 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. Or take some time to focus on wellness with a guided bike tour through town. (B,L,D)

DAY 8:, THURSDAY, MAY 7

ARLES – DISEMBARKATION

Bid farewell to AmaCello and Arles. P and prepare for your flight home.Those on the post-cruise tour will disembark at 9am, heading to the Camargue and Aix-en-Provence.(B)

DAY 1: THURSDAY, MAY 7

CAMARGUE – AIX-EN-PROVENCE

Depart Arles at 9:30am for the 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 wild 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. d museum here, before returning to Aix-en-Provence. (B,L)

OVERNIGHT: MGALLERY RENE LE ROI – AIX-EN-PROVENCE (3 nights) or similar

DAY 2: FRIDAY, MAY 8

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

DAY 3: SATURDAY, MAY 9

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, MAY 10

AIX-EN-PROVENCE / MARSEILLE AIRPORT

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

Safe Travels!