USA - Marseilles Board
your overnight transatlantic flight to Marseilles
Day 2 Sun
Marseilles - Arles
Transfer from Marseilles to Arles, where you will
board the luxurious Princesse de Provence river
cruise ship. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Day 3 Mon
Arles This
morning, travel through the Provencal countryside,
visiting the sleepy town of St-Remy-de-Provence,
birthplace of Nostradamus, the famous 16th century
seer. Tunnels of shady plane trees, channels of cool
running water, and beautiful old houses line the
narrow streets of the old city center. Next, drive
through the Alpilles and the “Heart of Provence,” to
the fortress village of Les-Baux-de-Provence,
perched high on a ridge that towers above the scenic
Les Baux Valley with superb views of Arles, the
Camargues and the Alpilles. There is time to stroll
through the village’s narrow lanes to admire the
wellpreserved Renaissance facades before heading
back to the ship in time for lunch. This afternoon,
explore Arles, the quintessence of Provence, and a
treasure trove of Roman monuments. See the same
sun-drenched vistas and ancient monuments that
inspired Van Gogh and Cézanne. Local guides will
lead you through the town where you will see the
bustling market square and ancient Roman ruins.
Leaving Arles, cruise through the famous vineyards
and famous landscapes of Provence to Avignon.
Day 4 Tue
Avignon - Viviers
Nestled in the lush hills of the Rhône Valley lies
the Medieval walled city of Avignon. This morning
city tour includes a visit to the impressive 14th
century Gothic Palace of the Popes, which housed a
succession of nine popes, from 1309 to 1417, the
Cathedral and the famous Pont St. Benezet. Back on
the ship in time for lunch and a leisurely cruise up
the Rhône River through the Côtes-du-Rhône wine
region to the picturesque Medieval town of Viviers
for overnight. Time at leisure after dinner to
explore the main street with its magnificent 18th
century residences.
Day 5 Wed
Viviers – Tain
l’Hermitage This
morning, cruise leisurely up the winding Rhône
River. Disembark at Tain l’Hermitage for an exciting
excursion to the Ardeche Region and the Doux Valley
onboard “The Mastrou, ”a nostalgic steam train,
built in 1900. This area is renown for its diverse
and extraordinarily beautiful scenery, some of which
is only accessible by this historical train -
picturesque hill villages, the beautiful Doux
Valley, spectacular river gorges, and the
tempestuous Ardeche River itself. Rejoin the ship in
time for dinner.
Day 6 Thu
Vienne This
morning, join our guided walking tour of picturesque
Roman Vienne, situated in the peaceful hills of the
Rousillon region. Vienne has an extraordinary
collection of Roman and Medieval heritage. Join a
walking tour through the city and view the lovely
cathedral and the Cybele Gardens. In the city
center, get a glimpse of the city’s ancient Roman
past with the Temple of Augustus and Livia, ordered
by Roman emperor Claudius and the spectacular Roman
Pyramid Circus. After some free time to wander
around and shop, return to the ship for lunch and
cruise upstream to Lyon. Your Lyon city tour
includes a stop at Fourviere Hill to see Roman Lyon,
and a splendid panorama of the Rhône and Saône
rivers. We then visit Old Lyon lined with over 300
Medieval and Renaissance buildings. Later, rejoin
the ship docked in Lyon in time for dinner. After
dinner, there is time to wander around the bustling
narrow alleys and streets of Old Lyon.
Day 7 Fri
Lyon – Mâcon This
morning, you may want to join our optional excursion
to Perouges. This authentic Medieval city is
considered a historical treasure with its lavish
13th century timbered buildings. Cruise up the Saône
River, past the vine-clad hills of the Beaujolais
District to arrive in Mâcon, one of France’s major
commercial wine centers.
Day 8 Sat
Beaune – Lyon This
morning’s excursion takes you through the
sun-drenched vineyards, ancient cities, and tranquil
villages of France’s romantic southern Burgundy wine
region to Beaune, the former capital of Burgundy,
and commercial center of Burgundy’s wine trade.
Visit the 15th century Hospices de Beaune, famous
for its multicolored pattern-tiled roof and Great
Hall, and enjoy lunch at a local
winery before rejoining the ship for the cruise back
to Lyon.
Day 9 Sun
Lyon – Paris
Transfer between Lyon and Paris and board your
luxurious floating hotel, the Cézanne, docked near
the city center, making it easy to explore Paris on
your own.
Day 10 Mon
Paris This
morning, join our guided tour of Paris. See all the
famous sights including the colorful Latin Quarter,
the Louvre Museum, the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame
Cathedral, the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs-Elysées
and much more.
Day 11 Tue
Paris – Vernon This
morning is free to shop in Paris, relax in a
sidewalk café, explore further or visit the famous
Louvre Museum. At lunchtime, set sail down the Seine
through the picturesque French countryside, arriving
for overnight at the charming provincial town of
Vernon, gateway to Normandy.
Day 12 Wed
Giverny – Les Andelys This
morning, head for Giverny, home to Claude Monet’s
beloved residence. Visit the restored home and
studio of this famous impressionist painter, and
wander through the spectacular gardens full of
flowers that have inspired many of its most famous
paintings. Wander around the famous waterlily ponds,
and across the famous Japanese bridge. Rejoin the
ship in time for lunch and continue cruising down
the Seine to the small village of Les Andelys. Here,
visit the imposing and dramatic ruins of Chateau
Gaillard, built in the 12th century by Richard the
Lionhearted, when he was Duke of Normandy (note: the
castle is only accessible by foot.)
Day 13 Thu
Caudebec en Caux –
Jumièges This
morning, sail into the small town of Caudebec and
visit the 15th century Gothic Cathedral in Caudebec.
Then continue to the Benedictine Abbey of Jumieges
and the Church of St Peter, arguably the most
beautiful ruins in France. The abbey dates back to
the Carolingian Period with early example of early
Norman architecture from the 10th century. Today,
the majestic twin towers of this romantic ruin still
stand a proud 170 feet tall. Rejoin the ship for
lunch, and continue cruising downstream towards the
Atlantic Coast for an overnight in Le Havre.
Day 14 Fri
Honfleur Often
referred to as the birthplace of Impressionism, the
charming market town of Honfleur is also known as
the most picturesque port in France. This morning,
local guides will lead you on an interesting walk
through the streets including a visit to the town’s
unusual 16th century wooden church built in the
shape of a ship. After lunch on board, head north
for an excursion through Upper Normandy. Drive along
the beautiful Alabaster Coast, renown for its
spectacular cliffs, to the fashionable resort of
Etretat. On to Fécamp, home to the impressive Ste
Trinity Monastery, a treasure trove of stained
glass, altarpieces, tombs, carved screens, and the
tabernacle containing the famous relics of the
Christ’s Precious Blood. You then visit the
extravagant Benedictine Palace, where the famous
Benedictine liquor is made. Learn the secret recipe
on a visit to the distillery, and taste this mix of
27 plants and spices gathered from the four corners
of the world. Return to the ship in time for dinner.
Day 15 Sat
Rouen This
morning, follow in the footsteps of Joan of Arc on a
walking tour of Old Rouen. View the Cathedral of
Notre Dame with its gargoyles, towers and famous
clock, and follow the narrow winding streets past
the law courts to the old market square where Joan
of Arc was burned at the stake. The rest of the
afternoon is at leisure in this charming city.
Alternatively, an optional excursion to the Landing
Beaches of Normandy is also available.
Day 16 Sun
Rouen – USA With
fond memories of your cruise through Normandy,
disembark and transfer to Paris airport for your
flight home.