LYON TO LYON
INCLUDED EXCURSIONS IN PACKAGE
215 Euro per person
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.
LA VOULTE
DRIVE THROUGH THE ARDECHCE REGION INCLUDING MUSEUM OF LAVENDER
The Ardeche Gorge in the north of the Provence has an
incomparable beauty – steep cliffs, layers of basalt and, far below, the blue of
the river. The landscape here is dominated by terraced chestnut woods and
orchards, bare hillsides, many small rivers and streams, fortified villages and
farmsteads. Most visitors appreciate the variety and beauty of this region and
its gentle Mediterranean climate. The tour concludes with a visit to the Museum
of Lavender.
ARLES
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.
AVIGNON
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 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.
VIENNE
SIGHTSEEING TOUR OF LYON AND LES HALLES
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. Since 2006 these market halls have borne the
name of „Les Halles de Lyon – Paul Bocuse“, in honour of the famous chef, who
regularly did his shopping here. 56 stalls sell local produce of exceptional
quality. You have time to sample some of these item
OPTIONAL TOURS:
MACON
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.
TREVOUX
BEAUJOLAIS INCLUDING WINE TASTING
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. We offer an
attractive ride through this lovely landscape, where excellent wines are grown –
mainly red wines, before attending a wine-tasting in an authentic and informal
atmosphere.
ARLES
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.
AVIGNON
LES BAUX DE PROVENCE AND PONT DU GARD
Les Baux de Provence merits the title of the
Prettiest Village in France, not only on account of its location but also for
its mediaeval limestone streets and houses. The name „Baux“ stems from the
Provencal word „Baou“ = high cliff. From the observation platform you will have
a stupendous view across the plain to the foothills of the Alps. The tour then
takes you to the 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.
The Excursion Package (200 €) includes the following :
- Burgundy with Beaune a visit to the Hotel Dieu
- Tour of the Ardeche Gorge and the Museum of Lavender
- Guided walk in Arles
- Guided walk in Avignon
- Tour of Les Halles and Lyon
The following optional excursions can be booked on board:
- The Monastery of Cluny
- Excursion to Beaujolais with a wine-tasting
- Excursion to the Camargue and St. Marie de la Mer
- Excursion to Les Baux de Provence and the Pont du Gard
The Excursion Package can be booked in advance. However, excursions can also be
booked on board either as a package or individually. The optional excursions are
not included in the package and can be booked only on board. Please note that
on-board bookings are subject to availability and that they must be paid for in
cash (Euros).
Every excursion is subject to a minimum of 30 passengers.
Bookings for excursions, which are paid for either in advance or locally and
then not taken up, are not eligible for refunds – unless nicko tours are forced
to cancel the tour
due to river levels or where the minimum number of participants is not achieved.
We recommend you to attend the on-board briefings about the excursions and life
on board. In order to ensure a prompt start to the excursions, we ask anyone who
has booked but is now unable to take part to report this to the Cruise Team.
Please note that exceptional water levels or lengthy waiting times at locks can
lead to alterations to the program of excursions and to the points of
embarkation / disembarkation.
We reserve the right to alter the printed itinerary and excursion schedule.
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