Our Itinerary
Tuesday, September 15, 2009: DEPART USA to BARCELONA, SPAIN
Board your overnight flight to Spain
Wednesday, September 16, 2009: ARRIVE IN BARCELONA, SPAIN
Take the balance of the day to relax or explore.
Thursday, September 17, 2009: BARCELONA
Your full day in Barcelona begins with a driving tour to the top of Montjuic Hill where you’ll catch glorious views of the city below, as we see Palau Nacional (the National Palace), the Olympic Complex. Next, we’ll tour Placa Catalonia, and Las Ramblas, the promenade and center of Barcelona life. Later we’ll see the Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família, designed by artist and architect Antonio Gaudí and still unfinished to this day, and take a walking tour of the Barrio Gotico (Gothic Quarter), King’s Square, and Tinell, the Royal Palace. (B)
Friday, September 18, 2009: BARCELONA
Your last full day in Barcelona is yours to enjoy. Join us in the morning for the optional tour of Gaudí’s Parc Güell, where you’ll see some of his most captivating sculptures and architectural structures, return on your own to the markets of Las Ramblas or visit one of the many museums. This evening, join us for an optional dinner show featuring Flamenco dancers, or strike out on your own, perhaps across the port for seafood in Barceloneta. (B)
Saturday, September 19, 2009: BARCELONA - ARLES
This morning after breakfast, transfer to Arles, the gateway to Provence. Along the way, we’ll pass through the Pyrenees, we’ll stop in the medieval city of Carcassone, which is surrounded by a double ring of walls, a world UNESCO heritage site, complete with 52 towers that stretches for more than two miles around this strategic import city. Here, you will have free time for lunch and some exploring on your own. Then trace the ancient trade route linking the Atlantic and Mediterranean seas, to the Camargue on the southern coast, before entering Arles, a Mediterranean city situated at the mouth of the Rhône delta. Once onboard gather this evening for cocktails and a Welcome Dinner. (B, D)
Sunday, September 20, 2009: ARLES – AVIGNON
This morning you’ll take an excursion, via motorcoach, to the villages of St. Remy & les Baux. During your tour of St. Remy, birthplace of Nostradamus, and also where Van Gogh retired to the asylum St. Paul de Mausolée, you will enjoy the rich floral colors and amazing views from this village perched on the hill. Then this afternoon bathe in the Provencal light as you imagine how Vincent Van Gogh worked to capture the richness of every hue on your walking tour of Arles. While Van Gogh’s homes are no longer standing, you may glimpse the locales and vistas that inspired “Starry Night” or “Terrace de café le Soir” as you pass Constantine’s Baths, the Romanesque catherdral and the Roman Amphitheater, which is still in use today. This eveining we cruise to nearby Avignon. (B,L,D)
Monday, September 21, 2009: AVIGNON- CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE
Your morning tour of the “City of Popes” will take you through the narrow streets and elegant squares to the Papal Palace, which served as fortress, church and residence to the Popes that once governed the Christian world. Then we’ll cruise to nearby Chateauneuf-du-pape over lunch. The origin of its world famous namesake wine, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, or “new castle of the Pope,” is also home to the remains of the fortress which gives the village its name. On this afternoons tour, see the remains of this 14th-century palace which was built as a summer residence for Popes during their exile to Avignon, as well as the many squares and beautiful fountains that this medieval village has to offer. Enjoy a wine tasting before returning to the ship. (B,L,D)
Tuesday, September 22, 2009: CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE - TOURNON
Today we enjoy cruising the Rhone river, upstream to the twin towns of Tournon and Tain L’Hermitage. These twin towns face each other across the Rhône River and are linked by a 19th-century suspension bridge. The fertile soil and ideal climate of the region has made Tain L’Hermitage the premier producer of the Côte du Rhône wines. Upon arrival this afternoon there is free time to visit the 16th-century castle which is now a town hall, or visit the chocolate shop for a taste of the confections once produced in Tournon’s famous factory. After dinner on board you will enjoy a wine tasting. (B,L,D)
Wednesday, September 23, 2009: TOURNON- VIENNE
On this morning’s adventure, you will travel via steam train from the vineyards of the valley to the woods of Ardêche along the Doux River. Deemed “Monuments Historiques”, these 19th-century locomotives are virtual time capsules. Enjoy lunch back onboard the ship as we cruise to Vienne this afternoon. Situated between the wine regions of Burgundy and Beaujolais, Vienne, like Lyon has a significant Roman history, which is highlighted by its marvelously preserved ruins and remains. (B,L,D)
Thursday, September 24, 2009: VIENNE- TREVOUX
During this morning’s walking tour you will see the 1st-century Roman Temple of Augustus, and the medieval churches of St. Andre-Le-Bas and Abbey St. Pierre, before we cruise on to Trevoux this afternoon. Passing Lyon on the way we enter the Saône River and on to Trevoux. This evening stroll along the sidewalk cafes of this rural walking town. (B,L,D)
Friday, September 25, 2009: TREVOUX - LYON
This morning’s tour will take you behind the village walls of Trevoux and through Beaujolais, the Pay D’Or, or “land of the golden stones” so named for the ochre limestone of its homes and castles. Enjoy a visit with a local wine maker along this wine road or route du vin, where you’ll taste the world reknowned Beaujolais Nouveau before returning the ship. Lyon not only marks the meeting of the Sôane and Rhône Rivers, but is also the gastronomic capital of France. Its rich ancient history includes Roman ruins and early Christian sites. Enjoy free time this evening to explore the town on your own. (B,L,D)
Saturday, September 26, 2009: LYON- PARIS
This morning disembark, bid farewell to the ship, and before traveling to Paris, tour Lyon. Your tour will include a stunning panoramic view of the entire city from the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere. You’ll also explore the Renaissance charm of Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon) with its cobble stone streets. Then this afternoon board the TGV train, where you’ll be transported at top speed (up to 186 mph) in smooth, quiet comfort to Paris, the ‘City of light’s” (B)
Sunday, September 27, 2009: PARIS
See the most famous sights of Paris on this morning’s tour: Visit Notre Dame Cathedral, pass the reknowned Louvre Museum, the commemorative Arc de Triomphe, Opéra, Madeleine, Champs Elysées and much more. The remainder of the day is yours to explore the many museums, galleries and other attractions that the city has to offer. (B)
Monday, September 28, 2009: PARIS
Enjoy a full free day to explore the most romantic city in the world. Stroll through the Jardin de Tuilleries, gaze at masterpieces in Musée D’Louvre, or visit the top of the Eiffel Tower, built for the 1889 World’s Fair. Paris at night sparkles with possibilities for every taste. (B)
Tuesday, September 29, 2009: DEPART PARIS, FRANCE to USA
Your splendid vacation comes to an end as you transfer to the airport for your homebound flight. (B)
Itinerary subject to change.
What Is Included
- 3 Nights Hotel Accommodation in Paris including daily Buffet Breakfast
- TGV high-speed train from Paris to Lyon
- 7-night Deluxe Cruise in an Outside Stateroom
- Superb Dining with all Meals included during your Cruise
- Unlimited Wines from France's great Wine Regions with every Lunch and Dinner on board the Ship
- Cocktail Reception, Welcome Dinner & Captain's Gala Dinner
- Motorcoach from the Ship in Arles to Carcassonne and on to Barcelona
- 3 Nights Hotel Accommodation in Barcelona including daily Buffet Breakfast
- Daily Sightseeing Program as outlined in the Itinerary
- Special Highlights including Folklore Dances, Lectures, Theme Dinners, on board Music Performances and afternoon & evening Piano Music
- Services of Professional Cruise Director
- All local taxes
- All English Language on board in a non-smoking Environment (smoking permitted only on the Sun Deck)
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All Transfers with the Purchase of Cruise & Air package
