Colors of Provence Rhone River Cruise, April 29-May 6, 2027, with Paul & Maggie Bush of Madrona Vineyards

Day 1: Monday, April 26

BARCELONA

OVERNIGHT: TBD (3 nights) or similar

KEY FOR INCLUDED MEALS: B = Breakfast   /   L = Lunch   /   D = Dinner

Day 2: Tuesday, April 27

BARCELONA

Barcelona, the bustling capital of Catalonia, is an artist’s, architect’s, foodie’s, historian’s and culturist’s dream. Tour the cobblestoned lanes of the Gothic Quarter in the medieval city center, and Las Ramblas. See some imaginative architectural creations, highlights of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, “Works of Antoni Gaudi,” including La Sagrada Familia. (B)

Day 3: Wednesday, April 28

BARCELONA

Join an excursion to the mountain Montserrat, which is home to the Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria de Montserrat, located about 30 miles from Barcelona. Once there, you’ll ride a scenic funicular to the top of the mountain and experience an indescribable view of the Catalonia landscape. The monastery, officially founded in 1025, soon began to receive pilgrims and visitors who contributed to the spread of stories of miracles and wonders performed by the Virgin Mary. The whole of Montserrat is built around facilitating the worship of the Black Madonna in the Basilica. While here, you’ll see the famous Black Madonna sculpture, which sits at the back of the church, above the altar area. The stairway leading to the statue, plus the room and altar in which the statue sits are ornate, golden, and pay tribute to the wonder that is the Virgin herself. (B)

Day 4: Thursday, April 29

BARCELONA / ARLES / EMBARKATION

Check out of the hotel and board the TGV high­speed train to Nimes. Then you will transfer via bus to Arles where you’ll board your luxury ship AmaKristina. (B,D)

Day 1: Thursday, April 29

EMBARKATION / ARLES, FRANCE

Board your cruise in Arles. This evening join your fellow passengers for a Captain’s Orientation and Welcome Dinner, followed by cocktails with Paul & Maggie Bush in the Main Lounge. (D)

Day 2: Friday, April 30

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 3: Saturday, May 1

AVIGNON

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. Depending on your interests, you have three choices of excursions in the morning. 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. Or, you can visit three venues around Avignon to taste regional specialties including macarons, cheese and wine, and tapenades. Alternately, you can enjoy a bike tour through the city. During the afternoon, you can go to another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the impressive Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct that is a masterpiece of ancient engineering. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Sunday, May 2

VIVIERS ­/ TOURNON

Take in the quaint surroundings of Viviers, a charming commune that sidles up to the right bank of the Rhone. From Viviers, travel to the magnificent hilltop village, Grignan, and go in search of the highly prized “Black Diamond” truffles with a farmer and his trustworthy canine companion. You can also explore Viviers on a guided walking tour, where you’ll see iconic sights such as Saint-Vincent Cathedral. Alternatively, see the sights on an active walk-through town and up towards a belvedere with a panoramic view of the Rhône Valley below. You may also set off on a guided bike tour, exploring the beauty of Southern France as you ride along the Rhône River. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Monday, May 3

TOURNON

Take a steam train ride past 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. Alternatively, lovers of wine and chocolate will want to visit Le Château de Tournon for a presentation and tasting on the pairing of red wine and chocolate.  (B,L,D)

PRIVATE EVENT: Afterwards, walk across the pedestrian bridge to Tain l’Hermitage. Members of the Madrona Vineyards group will enjoy a private walking tour through the vineyards of renowned Rhône Valley winemaker, Michel Chapoutier, followed by a tasting of his vintage wines.

Day 6: Tuesday, May 4

VIENNE

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. Follow the footsteps of the ancient Romans on 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 ViaRhôna bike route. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Wednesday, May 5

LYON

Take a walking tour that starts 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.” You can also visit the famous indoor market hall Les Halles de Lyon – Paul Bocuse, named after the late chef renowned for his Michelin-starred l’Auberge du Pont de Collonges restaurant. There you’ll have a chance to sample of the delicacies offered by butchers, bakers, chocolatiers and cheesemongers while taking in the colorful sights and enticing aromas around you. Alternately, join a guided bike tour through the city designed with cyclists in mind. Later in the day, visit a traditional Beaujolais winery and learn the history and techniques of their vineyard. Plus, enjoy a tasting of their specialty. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Thursday, May 6

LYON: DISEMBARKATION

Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Lyon as you prepare for your flight home. (B)

Day 1: Thursday, May 6

DISEMBARKATION / LYON / PARIS

Disembark the ship and enjoy some free time for lunch on your own before witnessing an included cooking demonstration of regional cuisine and culinary techniques. Afterwards, you will board the TGV high­speed train to Paris. Once you arrive in the famous “City of Light,” check into your hotel. (B)

OVERNIGHT: TBD (3 nights)

Day 2: Friday, May 7

PARIS SIGHTSEEING

Enjoy taking in the signature sites of Paris in your guided city tour, including the awe-inspiring Arc de Triomphe and iconic Eiffel Tower. You’ll see Champs Élysées with its cinemas, sidewalk cafes and luxury specialty shops. (B)

Day 3: Saturday, May 8

PARIS AT LEISURE

Enjoy a full day at your leisure to discover more of this romantic city, such as the world-renowned Louvre Museum or Musée d’Orsay. Perhaps go shopping in the Faubourg Saint Honoré district or simply relax and spend the day like a local – by scoping out a local café for a café au lait, toasted baguette or croissant. In the evening, visit Montmartre, long known as the city’s premier artist’s enclave. During the mid to late 1800s, artists also began calling Montmartre home. Pissarro and Jongkind were two of the first to live there, followed by other notable artists, including Edgar Degas, Henri Matisse, Toulouse Lautrec, Pierre Auguste Renoir and Pablo Picasso. You’ll be taken on an evening illumination tour, discovering why Paris is renowned as the “City of Light.” (B)

OVERNIGHT: TBD (Paris Opera District – 2 nights)

Day 4: Sunday, May 9

DEPART PARIS

Au Revoir France! Begin your journey home. (B)