Napol?(C)on' is one of Europe's finest vessels, a standout member of the Orient-Express Hotels, Trains & Cruises stable. She cruises from Tournon/Tain l'Hermitage in France's Rh??ne region to Arles in Provence, a diverse itinerary that passes from sleepy vineyards to the sun-drenched landscapes of Van Gogh.
After breakfast, relax on deck and watch the beautiful scenery of the Rh??ne Valley glide by. At Viviers, your overnight mooring, take a walking tour through town and, time permitting, enjoy a game of p?(C)tanque with the barge crew.
'Napol?(C)on' Barge B L D
Day 1: SUNDAY
In the fortified medieval market town of Nyons - the olive producing capital
of France - visit an 18th-century mill and a lavender distillery. After lunch in
Grignan, learn about truffles at a local farm and taste the area's famous "black
diamonds," the world's most expensive mushrooms. Rejoin 'Napol?(C)on' for a cruise
to St. Etienne des Sorts.
'Napol?(C)on' Barge B L D
Day 2: MONDAY
Visit Ch??teau de la Nerthe to taste the wines of Ch??teauneuf-du-P??pe, followed by a leisurely lunch on board. A spectacular afternoon cruise to Avignon precedes an excursion to Pont du Gard, part of an old Roman aqueduct that is three levels high and stands almost 165 feet high.
'Napol?(C)on' Barge B L D
Day 3: TUESDAY
A guided walking tour in Avignon includes the Palace of the Popes and the Cathedral of Notre Dame. After lunch on board, 'Napol?(C)on' cruises to Arles during the afternoon for an excursion to the cliff-top village of les Baux-de-Provence.
'Napol?(C)on' Barge B L D
Day 4: WEDNESDAY
Take a walking tour of Arles, where Vincent Van Gogh lived in 1888 and 1889.
'Napol?(C)on' cruises to Vallabr??gues during lunch, followed by a visit to St-R?(C)my
- another haunt of Van Gogh and the birthplace of Nostradamus. On the way back to the barge, enjoy an olive oil tasting at a traditional 18th-century Proven??al bastide (country house), before a special farewell dinner on board.
'Napol?(C)on' Barge B L D
Day 5: THURSDAY
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the rail station in Avignon for your return trip to Paris, where your tour ends with arrival at Gare de Lyon.
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