Avignon, Beaune & Rhône River cruise

Let the South of France fill you with warmth this winter, on a supremely relaxing getaway upriver and overland. You’ll travel over rolling vineyards through the sparkling Burgundy and Champagne regions, down the sunshine highway and into Provence, famous for its ancient cities, lavender fields and Mediterranean blue bays.

Itinerary

Day 1 Journey to Dover for your crossing to Calais. From here, we continue south through Burgundy, a land of rolling hills, vineyards and turreted châteaux, to Beaune, the historic wine capital of Burgundy, for a one-night stay with dinner and breakfast included. After your meal, perhaps take a stroll and admire Beaune’s ancient ramparts, watchtowers and soaring turrets.

Day 2 Following breakfast, head south to Lyon, capital of Gaul. Founded on the banks of the Rhône and the Saone, Lyon is a city of surprises; a metropolis with a historic core. Make a short stop here and admire grand architecture, green parks and majestic squares. Continue through Provence to the city of Arles. Embark your ship, the MS Van Gogh, and enjoy a welcome cocktail while being introduced to the crew and Captain.

Day 3 This morning we will cruise to the ancient papal capital of Avignon, a medieval city with a divinely inspired setting on the River Rhône. While exploring this former capital of Christendom, don’t miss seeing the 1 th century Popes’ Palace, one of the most impressive medieval buildings in Europe.

Take a wander down the rue Joseph-Vernet and the Roi-René for an abundance of enthralling 17th century houses, as well as fashionable boutiques, pavement cafes and restaurants. Perhaps, after a glass or three of delectable Grenache from the Languedoc region of Southern France, enjoy a dance on Avignon’s renowned 12th century bridge, as the famous medieval song suggests.

After an included lunch on board, enjoy more free time in the city, or join our optional excursion to Saint-Rémy and Les Baux de Provence, two undisputed stars of Provence, the Côte d’Azur. Birthplace of Nostradamus and the place where Vincent Van Gogh was hospitalised having cut off his ear, the charming little town of Saint-Rémy has long attracted famous visitors to its cosy position at the foot of Les Alpilles hills. With its deserted citadel, ruined castle and ancient houses overlooking the ‘Infernal Valley’; a tableau of unusually shaped rocks that were, according to legend, haunted by witches and goblins, Les Baux de Provence could be one of the strangest destinations you’ll ever visit.

Day 4 Enjoy breakfast before departing back to Arles, known as the ‘soul of the Provence’. It is home to a vast roman arena, with elegant Doric and Corinthian columns, the Palace Constantine and the Church of St. Trophime; beautifully carved with saints and apostles. Explore the cobbled streets, and discover hidden courtyards, tiny squares and some of the most well known scenes from Vincent Van Gogh’s extensive paintings.

After lunch, why not join an optional excursion to Pont du Gard and Nîmes. Absolutely stunning, the 160ft high Pont du Gard is the tallest aqueduct the ancient Romans ever built, and is considered a testament to the greatness of the Roman Empire. The aqueduct originally carried water to Nîmes along a 0-mile route from the springs at Uzès. We continue to Nîmes, a bustling town and an important crossroads in the ancient world, renowned for its narrow streets, intimate squares, Roman temples and triumphal arches. Following dinner, enjoy the farewell party night on board.

Day 5 Disembark the vessel after an early breakfast and travel north to Dijon for a one-night stay with dinner and breakfast. The capital of Burgundy, Dijon is home to truly exceptional architectural heritage and nationally classed monuments. See glazed rooftops, half-timbered houses, 17th century mansions, the Saint Benign Cathedral, the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy and the Nortre-Dame Cathedral, whose façade displays the famous ‘chouette’, an owl reputed to bring good fortune when touched.

Eight excellent museums enrich the city, while beautiful parks and gardens offer the perfect place to relax. The city is also reputed for its ‘delicacies’, ranging from its pots of quality mustard to famous Burgundy wines like Chablis, Mâcon and Nuits- St-Georges. Be sure to sample the gourmet food of one of the many restaurants, where specialities like Poulet de Bresse and beef from the white Charollais cattle and game from the hills of Morvan reign supreme.

Day 6 Leave Dijon and travel north to the great chalky plains of the champagne regions of the Aube and Marne. Passing the ancient cities of Troyes, famous for woollens, and Reims, part of the famous champagne triangle which houses the prestigious brands of Mumm, Taittinger and Bollinger. Arrive at port for your crossing to Dover, where upon arrival you will be transferred to your original pick-up point.

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Avignon, Beaune & Rhône River cruise

Tour Code RAC