Christmas River Cruise – Colors of Provence
Overview
From romantic cities to foodie havens and artistic epicenters, this itinerary enlivens all your senses. Enjoy three nights pre-cruise in romantic Paris and enjoy an evening illumination tour to start off your 7-night cruise. Then transfer to Lyon, France’s culinary capital, and savor the beauty of legendary vineyards and imbibe in local vintages like Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône. You can even become an expert in all things culinary: go in search of the highly prized “Black Diamond” truffles and learn how to pair chocolate with wine. Trace the steps of famous artists in Arles and Carriéres de Lumiéres. Lower the drawbridge of your fantasies in Avignon, a sprawling commune with an overwhelming array of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, intriguing art museums and historic charm. After your cruise, spend three nights in Barcelona taking in the top sites, as well as views of the mountains of Montserrat.
Day 1: Arrival in Paris, France. Private Driver to transfer you to the Renaissance Arc de Triomphe.
Day 2: Enjoy a morning tour taking in the signature sites of Paris, including the awe-inspiring Arc de Triomphe and iconic Eiffel Tower.
Day 3: 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. In the evening, visit Montmartre, long known as the city’s premier artist’s enclave.
Day 4: Check out of hotel and private transfer to board the TGV high-speed train through the French countryside to Lyon. Embark the ship in Lyon for your Colors of Provence cruise.
Day 5: Discover dynamic Lyon and browse the Lyon Christmas Markets. Watch the city sparkle in festivities and tradition during its lights festival. In the afternoon, enjoy the rest of your day at your own leisure to explore the city.
Day 6: Travel to the Beaujolais wine region. Indulge in a wine tasting at a traditional winery and learn about the history and techniques of their vineyard. Explore the Provençal holiday traditions in Oignt where you will see crèche displays made of santons, terracotta figurines depicting the nativity scene set in Provence.
Day 7: 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.
Day 8: Visit Le Château de Tournon for a presentation and tasting on the pairing of red wine and chocolate. Visit a local winery where you’ll sample some of the wines. You’ll also have many opportunities to taste the Provence’s regional specialties, including its traditional 13 desserts of Christmas throughout your journey.
Day 9: 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 the medieval hilltop village, Les Baux de Provence and then delve deeply into the Carrières des Lumières, where you’ll be treated to a spectacular presentation of art, sound and history projected on the former limestone quarry walls of caves. In the evening, enjoy a short cruise to Pont d’Avignon bridge, illuminated against the night sky.
Day 10: 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. Then you’ll have the opportunity to visit three venues around Avignon to taste regional specialties including macarons, cheese and wine, and tapenades. You’ll have time to enjoy the Carpentras Christmas Markets with its famous crib exhibition, holiday performances and delicious regional specialties.
Day 11: Disembark your ship in Avignon and board the TGV high-speed train to Barcelona. Private transfer to check in at Renaissance Barcelona.
Day 12: 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 of Antoni Gaudí’s imaginative architectural creations, La Sagrada Familia.
Day 13: 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. See the famous Black Madonna sculpture which sits in the back of the church in the Basilica.
Day 14: Check out of hotel and private transfer to airport.
