Day 1 - ARRIVE IN PARIS, FRANCE
Upon arrival in Paris, you are met and transferred to your
hotel. Later, join your Resident Tour Director — exclusive to
Connections guests — for a festive welcome dinner atop the Tour
Montparnasse, Paris' tallest building.
Day 2 - PARIS, REIMS & CHAMPAGNE
Board a TGV high-speed train from Paris to Reims, the unofficial
capital of the Champagne wine region. Drive with your small group through the French countryside to Épernay. Take a Dom
Pérignon tour at the Moët & Chandon estate, followed by lunch at
a local Michelin-starred restaurant. Spend the afternoon exploring
Reims, including a visit to the city’s stunning Gothic cathedral.
Return to Paris by TGV.
Day 3 - PARIS & BEAUNE
Set out on a food walk in Montmartre
with your intimate group of Connections
guests, stopping to sample fresh-baked
pastries, just-plucked produce and a
variety of local delicacies. Then, travel by
private transport to Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy. Visit
l'Hôtel-Dieu, a 15th-century charity hospital, before settling into
your historic, boutique accommodations, an intimate hideaway
brimming with antiques and period charm.
Day 4 - BEAUNE
Visit a traditional family-run mustard
mill for a private tour and tasting. In
Puligny-Montrachet, join a local expert
sommelier in his home for a tutored
tasting of memorable vintage wines,
accompanied by lunch. Travel to Lyon for priority embarkation
aboard your stylish, comfortable river ship, where you have time
to settle into your premium cabin or suite with an open-air French
or walk-out balcony. This evening, gather for a welcome cocktail
before dinner on board.
Day 5 - MÂCON
Arrive in Mâcon. Join a local expert as
you set out by small group on a
Connections-exclusive, full-day excursion
into the Mâconnais region, complete with
a goat cheese tasting in Taizé, a truffle
tasting in Cortevaix and a country lunch, followed by a private
wine tasting with fellow Connections guests.
Day 6 - CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE
Dock in picturesque Chalon-sur-Saône. A
specialist guide leads your intimate group
on a private exploration of local products,
including wine, chocolate and baked
goods at a typical boulangerie. Enjoy the
rest of your morning at leisure to explore this riverside town. After
lunch on board, visit medieval Brancion to see Château de
Cormatin and its splendid gardens.
Day 7 - LYON
Arrive in Lyon, France's gastronomic
epicenter. As you explore the city by small
group, exclusively discover its worldfamous
market, Les Halles de Lyon Paul
Bocuse, pausing for tastings of local
foods. During a Connections-exclusive cooking class, learn how to
prepare regional appetizers, such as cervelle des canut. Later, cruise the Rhône River, attending a private Connections cocktail party,
hosted by your Resident Tour Director, and an exclusive Chef’s
Highlights dinner aboard.
Day 8 - AVIGNON
Travel with fellow guests for a
Connections-exclusive full-day excursion,
beginning at Pont du Gard, a stunning
Roman aqueduct that you explore with
your intimate group. Then, sit down to
an al fresco lunch at its base. Upon returning to Avignon, see the
medieval stone ramparts and the remains of Saint-Bénezet bridge
(Pont d’Avignon). Visit the Gothic-style Palais des Papes, followed
by time at leisure. This evening at a local restaurant, attend a
cooking demonstration, followed by dinner ashore — culinary
experiences planned by A&K, just for your small group of
Connections guests.
Day 9 - SÉNANQUE & ARLES
Join your intimate group of Connections
guests on a day of exclusive excursions,
beginning at the Cistercian Abbey of
Sénanque. In Saint Paul-de-Mausole, see
the asylum where Vincent van Gogh was
voluntarily interned for a year, walking amid the environs that
inspired a series of paintings. Then, stop at a family-run Provençal
farm for an authentic French country lunch and opportunity to
gain insight into rural life. End today in historic Arles, where you
discover its massive Roman amphitheater, beautiful basilica and the Place du Forum, where Van Gogh painted Café Terrace at
Night.
Day 10 - VIVIERS
Arrive in Viviers, a small walled city
steeped in history. Disembark for an
intimate, Connections-exclusive winery
visit and tasting, then stroll a local village
market. Tonight, join the captain for a
gala dinner to celebrate your journey.
Day 11 - DEPART LYON
After breakfast, transfer to the Lyon airport and board your
homebound flight.