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LYON TO LYON
INCLUDED EXCURSIONS
CHALONE SUR SAONE
TOUR OF BEAUNE
After a coach tour through the Burgundy wine region, you will reach Beaune, the most famous and most visited town in Burgundy. Beaune owes its prosperity not only to its location in the center of the enchanting and famous vineyards, but also to the Dukes of Burgundy who resided here until the 14th century before they settled in Dijon. The medieval center of Beaune and the city wall are still well preserved. On the tour of the town, you will see the affluence resulting from trading in the precious Burgundy wines. Everywhere, there are town palaces from the late Middle Ages, the Renaissances and the Baroque periods. However, the architectural highlight is the Hôtel Dieu, an expressive example of Flemish-Burgundian architecture of the Gothic period from the 15th century. It was established by the Burgundian Chancellor, Rolin, in 1443 and later used as a hospital for the poor until 1971. Today, it houses a nursing center for seniors. You will be astonished by the architectural contrast between the sober outer facade and the elegance of the inner courtyard of this magnificent building, which is famous for its many colored glazed tile roof crowned with turrets and oriels.
Excursion lasts about 4 hours.
TREVOUX
BEAUJOLAIS COUNTRY OF THE PIERRES DOREES
The tour begins on a winding road, which crosses the land of the 'Golden Stones', a name derived from the yellow color of the limestone houses and palaces. This is one of the most beautiful wine growing areas in Europe. The wine produced in this southern region is known as 'Beaujolais'. The route to Anse leads past the vineyards above the Saone valley. Along the way, there is a panoramic view of vineyards, hills and tiny valleys where pretty villages nestle around their church spires. In
Oingt, a fortified town dating back to the Middle Ages, you will walk along the old city lane while enjoying the view of the mountains of Beaujolais and the valley of the
Azergue. Travelling past Sou Palace at the end of a small valley, you will reach the towns of Cogny and
Denice. During the course of the excursion, you will visit a winery to taste the Beaujolais wine.
The excursion lasts about 3 hours.
TOURNON
THE MASTROU
A bus will bring you from the pier to the train station in Tournon. The Vivarais railway was constructed between 1886 and 1891 to connect the Ardèche with the Haute Loire. After the connection was shut down in 1968, enthusiasts of old steam trains took over the operation again in 1969. On board a train from the past century, pulled by a steam engine or a railcar, you will experience the breathtaking view of the landscape of the Ardèche region. You will travel past orchards and vineyards on the steep slopes of the Doux. At Douce-Plage, you will cross the Doux on a splendid stone bridge constructed in 1583. With its 51 meter arches it was the largest in the world at that time. The train will continue to climb along the deep gorges and steep rocks. Finally, you will reach Colombier-les-Vieux where the train takes on 3,000 liters of water. The weight of the water assists the train in pulling the remaining cars over the steep hill. You will take this time to enjoy a short break with a glass of ‘Kir’ (white wine with a splash of crème de cassis) and some typical French snacks, which will be served before you continue on your journey to Boucieu le Roi. Here, you will leave the train and join the bus for your return to Tournon. Note: The steam engine only operates between mid May and mid September. After the main season, a more modern engine will pull the train. The train is equipped with simple wooden benches. The ship’s staff is accompanying the excursion. Local guides are not available.
Excursion lasts about 3 hours.
ARLES
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF VINCENT VAN GOGH
Vincent van Gogh settled in Arles in 1888 and began his exploration of this region, which inspired much of his art. You will follow his footsteps through the typical Provence countryside to St. Remy where you will visit the monastery St. Paul de Mausole. It was here, that many of van Gogh’s famous works were painted. Afterwards, you will take a scenic tour of the Alpilles, often called the ‘heart of the Provence’. During your trip through ‘Hell Valley’ you can enjoy the view onto the mostly treeless mountaintops. Erosion gave the white stone bizarre shapes. A visit to the small town of Les Baux de Provence will end your excursion.
Excursion lasts about 3.5 hours.
VIENNE
SIGHTSEEING TOUR LYON
After traveling for half an hour by coach, you will reach Lyon, the former capital of Roman Gaul. You will drive to Fourvière Hill, selected by the Roman legion in 43 BC as the location for the town. From here, enjoy a fantastic view onto Lyon located at the confluence of the Saône and the Rhône rivers. At the foot of Fourvière Hill on the right bank of the Saône, you will find the old section of Lyon (Vieux Lyon) with its districts of St. Jean, St. Paul and St. Georges. Its beautiful houses of the Gothic, Renaissance and late 16th century periods, are a splendid example of the glorious epoch of Lyon during its transformation into one of the most important centers of trade and banking. During a half-hour guided walk through this district and its ‘traboules’ (covered walkways) you will be introduced to its unique charm. Afterwards, you will visit a silk manufactory where the famous Lyonese silk scarves are made. The coach will bring you back to the PRINCESSE DE PROVENCE, awaiting you in Lyon.
Excursion lasts about 3.5 hours.
ALL TOURS:
ARLES
Excursion 01
THE CAMARGUE
The Camargue is a flat alluvial strip of land formed by the many tributary streams of the Rhone. In this nature reserve, in the Rhone delta, roaming herds of white horses and black bulls have found a new refuge. Your drivers know the places where these animals are likely to be found, and, with a little bit of luck, you will be able to observe them in their natural habitat. Scores of flamingos, egrets and ducks populate the brackish lakes and make the national park a paradise for ornithologists. Naturally, the observation of animals also depends on favorable weather conditions. You will continue to ST.-Maries-de-la- Mer. After a short guided tour you have some time to stroll in the village and see the beach.
The excursion lasts about 4 hours.
Euro 39,—
Excursion 02
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF VINCENT VAN GOGH
Vincent van Gogh settled in Arles in 1888 and began his exploration of this region which inspired much of his art. You will follow his footsteps through the typical Provence countryside in the near St. Remy where you will visit the monastery St.-Paul-de-Mausole. It was here, that many of van Gogh's famous works were painted. Afterwards, you will take a scenic tour of the Alpilles, often called the 'heart of the Provence'. During your trip through 'Hell Valley' you can enjoy the view onto the mostly treeless mountain tops. Erosion gave the white stone bizarre shapes. A visit of the small town of Les Baux de Provence will end your excursion.
The excursion lasts about 3.5 hours.
Euro 39,—
Excursion 03
CITY WALK - THE LITTLE ROME OF THE GAULS
After the Gaul campaign, Julius Caesar settled the veterans of his 6th legion here and established the Roman colony "Colonia Iulia Paterna Arelate Sextanorum" in 46 BC. Under the rule of the Roman Emperor Constantine, Arles became Imperial residence. In 471, the city was taken over by the Visigoths and later conquered by the Franks. Today, Arles retains its antique charm with historic buildings and delights with many of the typical southern France scenes painted luminously by van Gogh. A 2-hour walking tour takes you to the Amphitheater dating back to the 1st century and to the Romanesque cathedral St. Trophime with its unique cloister that is noted for its medieval carvings.
The excursion lasts about 2 hours.
Euro 19,—
Excursion
04
Camargue Jeep
Safari – Fascinating Flora and Fauna
A 20 minute bus ride will take you directly from the Princesse de Provence into
the heart of the Camargue, where the open Landrovers (Defender, 4-wheel drive)
will be already waiting for you. Each vehicle can take up to 10 passengers, but
we intend a maximum of 8 people per car to ensure that you have enough space. In
case of rough weather conditions the vehicles will be covered with tarpaulins.
The drivers, who are normally able to speak English, will show you the real
beauties of the Camargue, the famous white horses, the pink-feathered flamingos,
the warm-hearted people and the unspoilt landscape. In Les-
Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer - famous for its fortified church and situated directly
at the sea - you will have some time to take a stroll through the picturesque
lanes. Return to the ship is by bus.
Information:
weather proof clothing obligatory.
approx. 3,5 hours
Euro 68,-
Excursion
05
Walk in the
Alpilles – Miracles of Limestone
After a 20 km bus-ride from Arles you will reach Les Baux de Provence, like a
castle situated on a hill. The town is a sight visible from afar, mounted on red
rocks which get their outstanding colour from high concentration of Bauxit. Here
you can spend some time among the romantic ruins or visit the numerous
restaurants, shops, galleries and small museums which have sprung up here in
recent years. Under blue skies and in the mellow light of this unique landscape
you then go on to walk through the lovely limestone hills called “Les Alpilles”.
Well-made walking paths take you through these “mountains”, which rarely
reach a height above 350 metres, past almond trees, cypress hedges, towering
cedars, vineyards and olive groves. Painters like Cézanne and Van Gogh were
inspired by this landscape to produce some of their finest work. After a two
hour walk you will reach the typically Provencal village of Maussane. Return to
Pricess de Provence by bus.
Information:
solid footwear and weather proof clothing
approx. 4 hours
Euro 79,-
AVIGNON
Excursion 07
CITY WALK
In 1995, the UNESCO declared the city Avignon, which is still surrounded by a 4.8 km long city wall, together with the Palace of the Popes, the famous bridge of St. Benezet and its own unique flair a World Cultural Heritage. During a guided city walk, you pass the church of St.-Agricol, Roman excavations, the Hotel de Ville (city hall) and the famous Palace of the Popes on the way to the outlook of Rocher des Doms. You can enjoy the beautiful terrace shaped gardens as well as the impressive view over the Rhone Valley, the famous bridge and the old town. Afterwards, you stroll through the lanes of the enchanting old town. You see the church of St. Pierre with its splendid Gothic facade and finely carved Renaissance doors, the modern building of Les Halles (inside 15 minutes) and the synagogue as well as magnificent patrician houses, 'Hotel Particulier'. The guide brings you back to the ship or you can explore the lively city center of Avignon on your own and shop for local specialties such as 'papalines', almond cookies or pear liquor. The tour leads over cobble stone streets and the way up to the Roches des Doms includes several steps.
The excursion lasts about 2.5 hours.
Euro 15,—
Excursion 08
THE LUBERON - COLORS OF THE PROVENCE
The blue of the lavender fields, the red of the sandstone cliffs, the yellow of the sunflowers and the green of the olive trees are the colors of Provence. Even during the months when the region does not present itself in all those colors, Provence has much beauty to offer its visitors. This tour will introduce you to the region of Vaucluse and Luberon. A short stop close to the little town of Gordes enables you to enjoy a breathtaking panorama of the region. You will visit the Cistercian Abbey in Senanque from the outside. Finally, the coach will bring you to the little town of Roussillon, where a guided walk through the center is planned.
The excursion lasts about 3.5 hours.
Euro 43,—
Excursion 09
PONT DU GARD
One of the wonders of antiquity, the Pont du Gard aqueduct, is located on the right bank of the Rhone about 25 km from Avignon. Agrippa built it in 19 BC. The Romans erected an aqueduct in order to provide the city of Nimes with fresh and pure water, which came from a location close to Uzes and was then directed to Nimes over a distance of about 50 km. The Pont du Gard bridge is the most significant part of this well-preserved structure. Its dimensions, the location in a rough and untouched landscape, and the beauty of its architecture make it well worth a visit during your stay in Provence. A brief detour via Uzes with the opportunity for an individual stroll through this charming town will end this excursion.
The excursion lasts about 3.5 hours.
Euro 39,—
Excursion 10
Walking tour -
Papal Vineyards
The walking tour starts in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the town whose emblem shows the
ruined castle of the popes of Avignon. Your qualified tour guide will lead you
up to this former summer residency, from where you can enjoy the wonderful view
of the Rhône valley, Les Dentelles de Montmirail (a climbers’ and hikers’
paradise under preservation order) and the dominant Mont Ventoux. You will walk
through the vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape where all 13 registered types of
vine are grown. The tour ends with a tour of the cellars of Château Cabrières,
where you can sample the award-winning results of a long-standing tradition in
viniculture. The vineyard was first mentioned in a document in 1344.
Information: solid footwear and weather proof
clothing
approx. 4 hours.
Euro 69,—
Excursion 11
Flight over the
Provence – A bird’s-eye view of the Provence
Experience a bird’s-eye view of the lavish and historically rich country of
author Alphonse Daudet. You will fly over the dreamy hamlet of St Remy de
Provence, birthplace of one Michel de Notredame, better known as the seer
Nostradamus. On the southwestern edge of the impressive Les Alpilles mountains
you can see the Moulin de Daudet in Fontvieille. The building is situated on a
small hill and was restored in 1938. Not far from here you can see the ruins of
the medieval town Les Baux de Provence with remains of its castle. 280 metres
above the ground, the town is situated on a massive rock 900 metres long. A
beautiful example of Romanesque architecture in the Provence, the Abbey
Montmajour was often drawn by van Gogh. From high up in the air Arles’ two
major sights from antiquity are clearly visible: the amphitheatre with space for
20000 spectators and the no less impressive Roman theatre in close vicinity.
Flight time:
approx. ½ hours Total time : 1.5 hours
Euro 139,-
CHALON-SUR-SAONE
Excursion 12
CITY TOUR OF BEAUNE
After a coach tour through the Burgundy wine region, you will reach Beaune, the most famous and most visited town in Burgundy. Beaune owes its prosperity not only to its location in the center of the enchanting and famous vineyards, but also to the Dukes of Burgundy who resided here until the 14th century before they settled in Dijon. The medieval center of Beaune and the city wall are still well preserved. On the tour you will see the affluence resulting from trading in the precious Burgundy wines. Everywhere, there are town palaces from the late Middle Ages, the Renaissances and the Baroque periods. However, the architectural highlight is the Hotel Dieu, an expressive example of Flemish-Burgundian architecture of the Gothic period from the 15th century. It was established by the Burgundian Chancellor, Rolin, in 1443 and later used as a hospital for the poor until 1971. Today, it houses a nursing center for seniors. You will be astonished by the architectural contrast between the sober outer facade and the elegance of the inner courtyard of this magnificent building which is famous for its many collared glazed tile roof crowned with turrets and oriels.
The excursion lasts about 4 hours.
Euro 52,—
LYON
Excursion 13
MEDIEVAL PEROUGES - WEAVERS AND CRAFTSMEN
After a 45 minute landscape ride through the Rhône
valley and the ‘Street of the Old Duchy of Savoyen’ you will reach the town
of Pérouges. During a one-hour walk through the city you will see the beautiful
architecture and incomparable flair of the ‘City of the weaver and
handicraft’. Beautiful mansions and the more modest houses of the crafts
people line the picturesque alleys. It will be no surprise when you hear that
the city provided the background for many movies. But come and see for yourself.
The city of Pérouges features all the characteristics of a medieval city
including bumpy cobblestone paths and streets, which make the one-hour, guided
walking with brief stops along the way some what strenuous. We recommend wearing
comfortable flat shoes since most of the walk will lead over cobblestone
streets.
approx. 3 hours.
Euro 35,—
Excursion 14
SIGHTSEEING TOUR LYON
You will drive to Fourviere Hill, selected by the Roman legion in 43 BC as the location for the town. From here, enjoy a fantastic view over Lyon situated at the confluence of the Saone and the Rhone rivers. You will visit the 19th century Basilica 'Notre Dame de Fourviere' which inside is richly decorated with mosaics and paintings. At the foot of Fourviere Hill on the right bank of the Saone, you will find the old section of Lyon (Vieux Lyon) with its districts of St. Jean, St. Paul and St. Georges. Its beautiful houses of the Gothic, Renaissance, and late 16th century periods are splendid examples of the glorious epoch of Lyon during its transformation into one of the most important centers for banking, fabric manufacturing and silk weaving. During a half-hour guided walk through the district of St. Jean you can discover the 'traboules' (covered walkways) that lend this quarter its unique charm. The narrow covered walkways are mostly situated behind the entrance doors to the inner courts. They were used to safely store and transport silk. The coach will drive along the beautiful canal and bring you back to the CEZANNE.
The excursion lasts about 3 hours.
Euro 34,—
MACON
Excursion 15
CLUNY ABBEY
25 km west of Macon you will find Cluny, one of the most significant abbeys of the Christian Middle Ages. With the power of the great abbeys on one hand and the Mystic Movement and the strict adherence to religious principles on the other, the Cluny order spread quickly into the western world. In the 12th century, there were 1,450 abbeys and 10,000 monks in the order of Cluny. You will stand in front of the former Benedictine Abbey, which was nearly destroyed during the French Revolution. Your guide will provide a background for you to picture the extent of the old buildings and of the power of the Cluny spirit. Built between 1088 and 1130 on the site of the two former churches of St. Peter and St. Paul, the Cluny Abbey had a total length of 575 feet, 5 naves, 2 transepts, 5 belfries, 300 windows and 225 choir stalls. A massive belfry tower and the ruins of the southern transept testify to its former glory. Research by the American archaeologist Professor Kenneth Conant has facilitated the reconstruction of a model which provides an overall view of the sacred building.
The excursion lasts about 3 hours.
Euro 45,—
Excursion 16
BEAUJOLAIS AND MACONNAIS
This is a wonderful excursion into the heart of the vineyards around Macon, a delightful wine-growing region, which is typical of the province Burgundy. This is where the gently undulating hills of the Beaujolais meet those of the Maconnais. The climate is milder than in the northern areas of Burgundy and the round tiled roofs reflect the southern flair. The tour takes you to the prehistoric site of Solutre with stone weapons and tools dating from 2000 to 1500 BC. The rock of Solutre dominates the valley of the Saone and the wine-growing area of Pouilly-Fuisse. After a short stop, you will drive to the castle of Pierreclos, where there will be a tour of the refurbished rooms and a wine tasting in the Romanesque cellar.
Please note that this tour will take place only during July until November.
The excursion lasts about 3 hours.
Euro 45,—
TOURNON
Excursion 17
THE MASTROU
A coach will bring you from the pier to the train station in Tournon. The Vivarais railway was constructed between 1886 and 1891 to connect the Ardeche with the Haute Loire. After the operation was closed in 1968, enthusiasts of old steam trains took over the railway again in 1969. On board a train from the past century, pulled by a steam engine or a railcar, you will experience the breathtaking view of the landscape of the Ardeche region. You will travel past orchards and vineyards on the steep slopes of the Doux. At Douce-Plage, you will cross the Doux on a splendid stone bridge constructed in 1583. With its 51 meter arches it was the largest in the world at that time. The train will continue to climb along the deep gorges and steep rocks. Finally, you will reach Colombier-les-Vieux where the train takes on 3,000 litters of water. The weight of the water assists the train in pulling the remaining cars over the steep hill. You will take this time to enjoy a short break with a glass of 'Kir' (white wine with a splash of creme de cassis) and some typical French snacks which will be served before you continue on your journey to Boucieu-le-Roi. Here, you will leave the train and join the coach for your return to Tournon. Note: The steam engine only operates between mid May and mid September. After the main season, a more modern engine will pull the train. The train is equipped with simple wooden benches. The vessel's staff accompany the excursion, as local guides are not available.
The excursion lasts about 3 hours.
Euro 57,—
TOURNUS
Excursion 18
SOUTHERN BURGUNDY - from the Romanesque to the Renaissance
You will first visit the former abbey church of Saint-Philibert in Tournus. It is the most important Romanesque building of Burgundy together with the Abbey of Cluny. With its almost windowless front, the abbey makes a rather defensive impression on the outside, however, inside it charms with its variety of cloisters, mighty round columns as well as the oldest preserved choir. After an interior tour, you will continue your ride through the gently hilly landscape of Burgundy passing some small picturesque villages. You will make a brief stop at the town of Chapaize and visit the inside of the former monastic church of St-Martin from the 11th century, another jewel of the Romanesque. On holy days the interior of the church cannot be visited. The picturesque road then winds through charming scenery up to Cormatin. At the edge of the town, in the midst of a picturesque park and surrounded by moat, you will find the renaissance Cormatin Castle. It was built at the beginning the 17th century by the governor of Chalon at the same location as the medieval castle that had belonged to the de Ble family since the 13th century. The castle's interior dates back to the 16th century and is unique in France. Numerous artists that were summoned from Paris designed it. During an inspection of the interior, you can admire gorgeous girder and ornamental ceilings painted in bright lapis lazuli blue or opulent leafed gold as well as the mighty stone stairs and splendidly decorated rooms.
The excursion lasts about 3 hours.
Euro 49,—
TREVOUX
Excursion 19
BEAUJOLAIS COUNTRY OF THE PIERRES DOREES
The tour begins on a winding road, which crosses the land of the 'Golden Stones', a name derived from the yellow color of the limestone houses and palaces. This is one of the most beautiful wine growing areas in Europe. The wine produced in this southern region is known as 'Beaujolais'. The route to Anse leads past the vineyards above the Saone valley. Along the way, there is a panoramic view of vineyards, hills and tiny valleys where pretty villages nestle around their church spires. In Oingt, a fortified town dating back to the Middle Ages, you will walk along the old city lane while enjoying the view of the mountains of Beaujolais and the valley of the Azergue. Travelling past Sou Palace at the end of a small valley, you will reach the towns of Cogny and Denice. During the course of the excursion, you will visit a winery to taste the Beaujolais wine.
The excursion lasts about 3 hours.
Euro 45,—
VIENNE
Excursion 20
SIGHTSEEING TOUR OF LYON
After travelling for half an hour by coach, you will reach Lyon, the former capital of Roman Gaul. You will drive to the Fourviere Hill, selected by the Roman legion in 43 BC as the location for the town. From here, enjoy a fantastic view over Lyon situated at the confluence of the Saone and the Rhone rivers. You will visit the 19th century Basilica 'Notre Dame de Fourviere' which inside is richly decorated with mosaics and paintings. At the foot of Fourviere Hill on the right bank of the Saone, you will find the old section of Lyon (Vieux Lyon) with its districts of St. Jean, St. Paul and St. Georges. Its beautiful houses of the Gothic, Renaissance, and late 16th century periods are splendid examples of the glorious epoch of Lyon during its transformation into one of the most important centers for banking, fabric manufacturing and silk weaving. During a half-hour guided walk through the district of St. Jean you can discover the 'traboules' (covered walkways) that lend this quarter its unique charm. The narrow covered walkways are mostly situated behind the entrance doors to the inner courts. They were used to safely store and transport silk. The coach will drive along the beautiful canal and bring you back to the PRINCESSE DE PROVENCE awaiting you in Lyon.
The excursion lasts about 3.5 hours.
Euro 36,—
Excursion 21
CITY WALK OF VIENNE
Located 20km (12.4 miles) south of Lyon, Vienne can be described as an outpost of the "Provence". The city is especially noted for its many well preserved Roman buildings. A walking tour takes you from the ship through the Archeological Garden to the antique theater at the foot of Mont Pipet. In the first century, the theater could hold an audience of 13,500. The tour continues to the city's most important historic monument, the completely preserved Temple d'Auguste et de Livie built in 25 BC in honor of Emperor Augustus and his wife Livia. Heading south from the temple you find the Gothic cathedral St. Maurice with the classic two tower facade. You have the opportunity to view the Romanesque crowning features of the columns, 16th century Flemish carpets, beautiful stained glass and rosette windows, and an artistic rendition of the Three Wise Men and King Herod. After the guided tour through the cathedral you have some free time to independently explore the area or take a 1-hour tram tour.
The excursion lasts about 2 hours.
Euro 20,—
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