'Le Phénicien'

Meet in Nimes for transfer to ‘Le Phénicien,’ moored in Aigues- Mortes. After a welcome apéritif, explore this 14th-century walled city before your first gourmet dinner on board.

Cruise to the Camargue this morning, heading east on the Canal du Rhône à Sète that links the Petit Rhône with the étangs (inland seas) dotting the Mediterranean coast. Moor in the quiet village of Gallician before visiting a prestigious manade (ranch) where local cowboys on white horses demonstrate how they tend their herds of bulls.

An unforgettable cruise takes you to the Roman city of Arles, the "open-air museum" of Provence. Join your guide to explore the haunts of Vincent Van Gogh, who painted a myriad of canvases here in 1888.

While cruising the mighty River Rhône, ‘Le Phénicien’ passes through the 36-foot-high lock at Beaucaire en route to Vallabrègues, a charming port where a lively game of pétanque awaits. In the afternoon, visit medieval les Baux-de-Provence, dramatically set atop a rocky plateau of the Alpilles.

After breakfast, cruise to historic Villeneuve-les-Avignon for a guided excursion to Le Pont du Gard. This masterpiece of Roman engineering is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site with an informative museum showcasing the historic significance of the magnificent tri-level aqueduct.

This morning, visit one of the best cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a guided visit and wine tasting. Reboard the barge for a lunchtime cruise to the walled city of Avignon, with its Palais des Papes that served as a fortress as well as a palace. With walls that are 13 feet thick in some places and defensive towers reaching to 165 feet, the Palais des Papes remains a symbol of the time when Avignon was the fortified center of the Christian world. Gather tonight for a farewell dinner to mark your last evening on board 'Le Phénicien.'

After breakfast, transfer to Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, where your journey ends.