Flavors of Burgundy Wine Cruise
Provence & Geneva

Journey on the Rhone River

7 night Dijon to Lyon and 3 night in Paris and
3 nights land tour in Geneva

 

Embark on a journey that caters to discerning tastes and highlights the decadent French flavors throughout the Burgundy region. Enjoy crisp wine tastings throughout your journey in beautiful destinations such as Seurre, Tournus, Mâcon and Lyon. Absorb the breath-taking scenery of elegant vineyards and historic sites as you sail along the Saône River. Savor exquisite regional cuisine and delightful treats on board and in the wonderful ports you visit. More than just the incredible food and drink you will taste throughout this itinerary, the flavors of Burgundy expand to the rich culture and fascinating history, all of which you will enjoy on this captivating journey.

Dijon to Lyon

 

 

 

DAY 1, ARRIVE IN PARIS, FRANCE

Check into your Paris hotel for the beginning of your Flavors of Burgundy pre-cruise land program.

DAY 2, PARIS

Enjoy a morning tour taking in the signature sites of Paris, including the awe-inspiring Arc de Triomphe and iconic Eiffel Tower. (B)

DAY 3, PARIS

Enjoy a full day at your leisure to discover more of this romantic city, such as the world-renowned Louvre Museum or Musée d’Orsay. Perhaps go shopping in the Faubourg Saint-Honoré district or simply relax and spend the day like a local – by scoping out a local café for a café au lait, toasted baguette or croissant. In the evening, visit Montmartre, long known as the city’s premier artist's enclave. During the mid to late 1800s, artists also began calling Montmartre home. Pissarro and Jongkind were two of the first to live there, followed by other notable artists, including Edgar Degas, Henri Matisse, Toulouse-Lautrec, Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Pablo Picasso. You’ll be taken on an evening illumination tour, discovering why Paris is renowned as the “City of Light.” (B)

DAY 4, PARIS –DIJON– EMBARKATION

Check out of your Paris hotel and transfer to Dijon. Embark the ship in the port of Dijon for your Flavors of Burgundy cruise. (B,D)

DAY 5, DIJON - SEURRE

Famously known as the “Birthplace of Mustard,” Dijon was the home to the four Dukes of Burgundy from 1364 to 1477. On a guided tour, explore Dijon’s medieval center which overflows with art and cultural heritage, showcased within several spectacular museums. Alternatively, embark on a guided bike tour along the Saône River and witness captivating sites such as the lock controlling the river’s access to the Rhône-Rhine Canal. Or choose to visit the stunning Château d’Arcelot, with elements dating back to the 13th century. The Château d’Arcelot blends medieval religious structures, neoclassical architecture, and even a Chinese pavilion into a fascinating architectural marvel. Transfer to Seurre and enjoy a free evening. (B,L,D)

DAY 6, SEURRE – CHALON-SUR-SAONE

Visit the town of Beaune, a walled town nestled in the heart of Cote d’Or vineyards where you’ll stroll the cobblestone streets and take in such sights as the mosaic-tiled roof of the Hospices de Beaune, founded in the 15th century as a hospital for the less fortunate. In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic sailing by the picturesque city of Chalon-Sur-Saône or opt for a more active outing with a bike tour. Alternatively, visit Clos de Vougeot, a wall-enclosed vineyard with over 900 years of wine-making history and savor the flavors of the regional wines. (B,L,D)

DAY 7, CHALON-SUR-SAONE – TOURNUS

Located in southern Burgundy at the heart of the Côte Chalonnaise wine region, Chalon-sur-Saône whispers the secrets of its medieval past which you will discover on your historic city tour. Or visit the storybook Château de Couches, a medieval fortress enveloped in idyllic hills and greenery that once served the Dukes of Burgundy. Later in the day, enjoy a scenic sailing to Tournus, or learn about centuries old traditions while sampling the region’s famous Chalonnaise wines. Alternatively, pedal from Chalon-sur-Saône to Tournus on an exhilarating guided bike tour. (B,L,D)

DAY 8, TOURNUS - MACON

Today you have a choice of a number of excursions as you explore the cities of Tournus and Mâcon. Let your knowledgeable guide lead you through Tournus and to its magnificent Benedictine Abbey of Saint Philibert. Or choose instead to visit the moated Château de Cormatin, which dates back to the early 17th century and features ornate apartments as well as a beautifully manicured garden. As an alternative, venture to the medieval village of Brancion with its preserved gateway, church and market hall. Return to the ship and enjoy a scenic cruise to Mâcon. Or, instead, join a guided bike tour from Tournus to Mâcon or go wine tasting and meet the ship in Mâcon. (B,L,D)

DAY 9, MACON

Join a guided tour through the “South Burgundy City” of Mâcon, learning about its local vineyards, museums, historical sites and perhaps its famous son, the poet and minister Alphonse de Lamartine. Or venture somewhat off the beaten path to Cluny, known for its large abbey. Built between the 4th and 12th centuries, Cluny Abbey was formerly the world’s largest church and stands as a captivating example of early Romanesque architecture.(B,L,D)

DAY 10, LYON

Discover dynamic Lyon, starting in Fourvière Hill, part of the city’s historic region that is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the 19th-century basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Continue to the old town of Lyon, followed by a guided walk through the St. Jean district, where you will be introduced to the city’s unique covered walkways, known as “traboules.” Or get active a guided bike tour through the city designed with cyclists in mind. If you’re a self-described foodie, our Les Halles Market tasting tour is for you, during which you’ll have a chance to taste some of Lyon’s local delights. Later in the day, enjoy a tasting of Beaujolais wines. (B,L,D)

DAY 11, LYON – DISEMBARK – GENEVA, SWITZERLAND

Disembark your ship in Lyon and transfer to Geneva with a stop in Annecy, home to beautiful castles, including the Château d’Annecy, home to the Counts of Geneva, and natural green spaces with bike trails winding through along the lake. Check in to your hotel in Geneva, Switzerland. (B,D)

DAY 12, GENEVA

Get acquainted with Geneva, the “Peace City,” and gateway to the Swiss Alps, on your guided walking tour. With traditions in both watchmaking and chocolate making, this beautiful city has a rich history, which you will glimpse during your excursion. (B)

DAY 13, GENEVA

Venture to Montreux and visit Chillon Castle, a picture-perfect medieval island fortress with three formal great halls, a chapel and beautifully arched underground rooms that once served as a prison. (B)

DAY 14, DEPART GENEVA

Bid farewell to Geneva and prepare for flight home. (B)

 

Lyon To Dijon

 

Day 1 ARRIVE IN GENEVA, SWITZERLAND

Check into your Geneva hotel for the beginning of your Essence of Burgundy & Provence pre-cruise land program.

Day 2 GENEVA

Get acquainted with Geneva, the “Peace City,” and gateway to the Swiss Alps, on your guided walking tour. With traditions in both watchmaking and chocolate making, this beautiful city has a rich history, which you will glimpse during your excursion. (B)

Day 3 GENEVA

Venture to Montreux and visit Chillon Castle, a picture-perfect medieval island fortress with three formal great halls, a chapel and beautifully arched underground rooms that once served as a prison. (B)

Day 4 GENEVA - LYON - EMBARKATION

Transfer to Lyon with a stop in Annecy, home to beautiful castles, including the Château d’Annecy, home to the Counts of Geneva, and natural green spaces with bike trails winding through along the lake. Board your ship in preparation for your 7-night Flavors of Burgundy cruise. (B,D)

Day 5 LYON

Discover dynamic Lyon, starting in Fourvière Hill, part of the city’s historic region that is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the 19th-century basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Continue to the old town of Lyon, followed by a guided walk through the St. Jean district, where you will be introduced to the city’s unique covered walkways, known as “traboules.” Or get active a guided bike tour through the city designed with cyclists in mind. If you’re a self-described foodie, our Les Halles Market tasting tour is for you, during which you’ll have a chance to taste some of Lyon’s local delights. Later in the day, enjoy a tasting of Beaujolais wines. During the evening, enjoy a special Illuminations cruise – a highlight of your river cruise – as you enter the city of Lyon. (B,L,D)

Day 6 MACON - TOURNUS

Join a guided tour through the “South Burgundy City” of Mâcon, learning about its local vineyards, museums, historical sites and perhaps its famous son, the poet and minister Alphonse de Lamartine. Or venture somewhat off the beaten path to Cluny, known for its large abbey. Return to the ship and enjoy a scenic cruise to Tournus. Or, instead, join a guided bike tour from Mâcon to Tournus. (B,L,D)

Day 7 TOURNUS - CHALON-SUR-SAONE

Let your knowledgeable guide lead you through Tournus and to its magnificent Benedictine Abbey of Saint Philibert. Or choose instead to visit the moated Château de Cormatin, which dates back to the early 17th century and features ornate apartments as well as a beautifully manicured garden. As an alternative, venture to the medieval village of Brancion with its preserved gateway, church and market hall. Later in the day, enjoy a scenic sailing to Chalon-sur-Saône, or learn about centuries old traditions while sampling the region’s famous Chalonnaise wines. Alternatively, pedal from Tournus to Chalon-sur-Saône on an exhilarating guided bike tour. (B,L,D)

Day 8 CHALON-SUR-SAONE - SEURRE

Located in southern Burgundy at the heart of the Côte Chalonnaise wine region, Chalon-sur-Saône whispers the secrets of its medieval past which you will discover on your historic city tour. Or visit the storybook Château de Couches, a medieval fortress enveloped in idyllic hills and greenery that once served the Dukes of Burgundy. Later in the day, enjoy a scenic sailing to Seurre. Alternatively, visit Clos de Vougeot, a wall-enclosed vineyard and savor the flavors of the regional wines. (B,L,D)

Day 9 SEURRE - DIJON

Visit the town of Beaune, a walled town nestled in the heart of Cote d’Or vineyards where you’ll stroll the cobblestone streets and take in such sights as the mosaic-tiled roof of the Hôtel-Dieu de Beaune, founded in the 15th century as a hospital for the less fortunate. During the afternoon, enjoy a scenic sailing or opt for a more active outing with a bike tour.

Day 10 DIJON

Famously known as the “Birthplace of Mustard,” Dijon was the home to the four Dukes of Burgundy from 1364 to 1477. On a guided tour, explore Dijon’s medieval center which overflows with art and cultural heritage, showcased within several spectacular museums. Alternatively, embark on a guided bike tour along the Saône River and witness captivating sites such as the lock controlling the river’s access to the Rhone-Rhine Canal. Or choose to visit a stunning regional chateaux the stunning Château d’Arcelot, with elements dating back to the 13th century. The Château d’Arcelot blends medieval religious structures, neoclassical architecture, and even a Chinese pavilion into a fascinating architectural marvel. (B,L,D)

Day 11 DIJON - DISEMBARKATION - PARIS, FRANCE

Disembark the ship, board your high-speed train to Paris and check into your hotel. (B)

Day 12 PARIS

Enjoy taking in the signature sites of Paris in your guided city tour, including the awe-inspiring Arc de Triomphe and iconic Eiffel Tower. You’ll see Champs Élysées with its cinemas, sidewalk cafes and luxury specialty shops. (B)

Day 13 PARIS

Enjoy a full day at your leisure to discover more of this romantic city, such as the world-renowned Louvre Museum or Musée d’Orsay. Perhaps go shopping in the Faubourg Saint-Honoré district or simply relax and spend the day like a local – by scoping out a local café for a café au lait, toasted baguette or croissant. In the evening, visit Montmartre, long known as the city’s premier artist's enclave. During the mid to late 1800s, artists also began calling Montmartre home. Pissarro and Jongkind were two of the first to live there, followed by other notable artists, including Edgar Degas, Henri Matisse, Toulouse-Lautrec, Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Pablo Picasso. You’ll be taken on an evening illumination tour, discovering why Paris is renowned as the “City of Light.” (B)

Day 14 DEPART PARIS

Your splendid vacation comes to an end as you transfer to the airport for your homeward flight. (B)

Itineraries and excursions are subject to change.

Departures on the: AmacCello