Colors of Provence (Wine Cruise) (Arles to Lyon)

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Colors of Provence (Wine Cruise) (Arles to Lyon)



Tour Description:

Delight all your senses with world-class art and architecture, awe-inspiring scenery, legendary history, sumptuous cuisine and fine wine on a journey from Barcelona through the heart of Provence and ending in Paris. Trace the steps of famous artists as in Barcelona, where Anton Gaudi’s magnificent legacy and creative imagination can be seen everywhere; walk in the footsteps of Van Gogh in Arles as you live out the “Artist’s Experience”; and visit Carrières de Lumières, an impressive underground art show held at a limestone quarry where you’ll be surrounded by color and light from every angle at this stunning visual exhibit, which brings famous paintings to life as they are projected against the rock faces of the quarry. Become an expert in all things culinary: go in search of the highly prized “Black Diamond” truffles; learn how to pair chocolate with wine; and discover how olives turn into the Mediterranean’s nectar, olive oil. Walk through legendary vineyards witnessing the time-honored traditions of winemakers and participate in tastings of vintages, such as Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône.

Map for Colors of Provence (Wine Cruise) (Arles to Lyon)
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Dates & Pricing

Thursday 04 Apr 24 — Thursday 11 Apr 24Starting at $4,099Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 11 Jul 24 — Thursday 18 Jul 24Starting at $4,499Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 25 Jul 24 — Thursday 01 Aug 24Starting at $4,499Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 14 Nov 24 — Thursday 21 Nov 24Starting at $3,799Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 03 Apr 25 — Thursday 10 Apr 25Starting at $4,199Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 17 Apr 25 — Thursday 24 Apr 25Starting at $4,399Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 30 Oct 25 — Thursday 06 Nov 25Starting at $3,999Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Check Mark Icon Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.


ITINERARY

Day 1
EMBARKATION - ARLES, FRANCE. Board your cruise in Arles. This evening, meet your fellow passengers as the ship moors overnight.

Day 2
ARLES. Considered one of the most beautiful cities in France, Arles enchants. For art lovers, you’ll wish to visit Saint Paul de Mausole Asylum, where Vincent van Gogh once lived and painted such well-known works as “The Irises” and “Starry Night.” Many people consider Van Gogh’s Arles period to be the most creative of his career. Afterwards, go to the Carrières de Lumières, where you’ll be treated to a spectacular presentation of art, sound and history projected on the walls of caves. Alternatively, venture to the medieval hilltop village, Les Baux de Provence, followed by a visit to an olive farm where you’ll learn about age-old Provençal traditions from a master olive miller as well as sample the olive oil. During the afternoon, you can join a walking tour of Arles highlighting top sights, including the Romanesque cathedral and Roman amphitheater; or take a guided bike tour to the Roman ruins.

Day 3
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. 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. During 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. Or if you prefer, visit three venues around Avignon where you can taste regional specialties, including macarons, cheese and wine, and tapenades. Later in the afternoon, visit a winery in the famed Chateauneuf-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.

Day 4
VIVIERS. Go in search of the highly prized “Black Diamond,” truffles, with a farmer and his trustworthy canine companion. Later in the day, be treated to a delicious pairing of red wine and chocolate at the 15th-century Le Château de Tournon, located on the banks of the Rhône, in the heart of town.

Day 5
TOURNON. 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 an exclusive private 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. For a more active adventure, enjoy 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.

Day 6
VIENNE – LYON. 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 bike tour along a portion of the ViaRhôna bike route or a guided hike from the ship to the Monastery at Mount Pipet. 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 for those more interested in discovering why Lyon is France’s culinary capital, visit the city’s famed indoor food market, which has nearly five-dozen stalls selling countless gourmet delights.

Day 7
VILLEFRANCHE. Enjoy free time in Lyon or travel to the Beaujolais wine region—known as the Pays d’Or or “land of the golden stones." While there, indulge in a wine tasting at a traditional winery and learn about the history and techniques of their vineyard.

Day 8
LYON - DISEMBARKATION. Disembark your cruise in Lyon.

Check Mark Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.