Immerse yourself in French and German culture on this fabulous European river cruise vacation along the Rhône and Rhine Rivers.
15 Day River Cruise Arles to Amsterdam
Immerse yourself in French and German culture on this fabulous European river cruise vacation along the Rhône and Rhine Rivers. Take in the beautiful countryside, quaint villages, and towns, as you sail through the most captivating views of France. Indulge in the legendary cuisine of France on this culinary focused cruise through Burgundy and Provence. With a Master of Wine on board for the French portion of the itinerary and special culinary highlights throughout the French portion of your cruise, you’ll sample regional French specialties with onboard cheese tasting, pastry demonstration, and with a unique dinner featuring a marvelous menu created just for you in the tradition of famous Chef Paul Bocuse. Your river cruise vacation begins in Arles—famous for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh and its 1st-century Roman Amphitheater. The city of Tournon is beautifully nestled among vineyards and you’ll go on a guided walk of this medieval treasure with plenty of Roman ruins and a fascinating 16th-century castle. Lyon is a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture. You’ll stop in Breisach, the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest, well known for Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and cuckoo clocks. In Strasbourg, France, stroll through the picturesque La Petite France district. Visit the ruins of Heidelberg’s castle, or stop in Mainz for a guided walk and a visit to the captivating Gutenberg Museum. Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, the most beautiful view of the Rhine River where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water. Your last stop in Germany is Cologne, where a guided walk shows you the highlights of this 2,000-year-old city. A stay in Holland’s popular, modern capital of Amsterdam is the perfect way to conclude this sensational European river cruise. And the best way to see the treasures of this 700-year-old city is on a canal cruise along the elegant Grachten lined with homes dating back to the city’s “Golden Age."
DAY 1 - ARLES, FRANCE (EMBARKATION)
Welcome to France. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Marseille must arrive by 3 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES
Discovery: Attend a Painting Workshop to learn techniques of Vincent van Gogh. Create your own painting in the style of the legendary artist, OR:
Classic: Enjoy a Guided Walking Tour of Arles—the captivating city of the Provence region. You’ll visit the Roman Amphitheater in this visually stunning city.
Consider a Guided Optional Excursion to the Carrières de Lumières (Cathedral of Images) a unique experience of art, sound, and light in the old quarries of Val d’Enfer.
Take free time to stop in Le Café Van Gogh for a glass of wine, before sailing to Avignon.
Discovery: Enjoy a crêpes lunch onboard.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON
DAY 3 - AVIGNON
The City of Popes in Picturesque Provence
Classic: Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the fortress city of Avignon—with its ramparts encircling the city—and a visit to the amazing Palace of the Popes.
Guided Optional Excursions include a visit to the ancient Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard, or a trip to the famed wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a true taste of the Rhône wine region. Explore Avignon on your own for the city’s art and culture, theatre, and museums. Be sure to snap photos of the captivating countryside, historic monuments, and the medieval Pont Saint-Bénézet.
Later, enjoy onboard live entertainment.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON
DAY 4 - VIVIERS
World History in a Charming French Country Village. Enjoy a leisurely morning sail to Viviers.
Classic: Explore the pale-stone buildings of Viviers on a late afternoon Guided Walking Tour of this charming village. You’ll see its Romanesque cathedral and Old Town with a mix of historical Christian, Roman, and medieval influences.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO TOURNON
DAY 5 - TOURNON - VIENNE
A Rendezvous with Castle Views and Vineyards. Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
Active: Bike along the Rhone river with your Adventure Host, OR:
Classic: Take a morning Guided Walking Tour to explore Tournon—one of France’s oldest medieval cities. See its 16th-century castle, and Roman ruins between the Rhône River and the granite slopes of the Hermitage.
In the late morning cruise to Vienne
Discovery: Enjoy a pastry demonstration hosted by a French chef on board your ship.
VIENNE
Roman and Middle Age History
Active: See Vienne from atop, hike up to a viewpoint with your Adventure Host, OR:
Classic: Join a Guided Walking Tour of Vienne and discover this charming little town surrounded by steep hills.
Tonight, your Master of Wine will escort you through a French cuisine tasting dinner with wine pairing on board. Enjoy live entertainment while sailing to Lyon.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON
DAY 6 - LYON
La Vie En Rose in Lyon
Classic: Take a Culinary Walk through the city to discover why Lyon is known as the gastronomic capital of France, OR
Classic: Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour to survey Lyon from Fourvière Hill with its numerous churches. You’ll also explore the Old Town with its maze of medieval alleyways, and the lively cafés, monuments, and famed fountain of Place des Terreaux.
Spend free time riding a bike through Lyon’s town squares, over bridges, and along the banks where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet.
Discovery: This evening, join an onboard unique dinner inspired by legendary chef Paul Bocuse.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO TOURNUS
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DAY 7 - TOURNUS–CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE
Wine and Cheese on the Stunning Saône
Consider a Guided Optional Excursion to a Chardonnay wine cellar, or to the Castle of Cormatin.
Discovery: Later, enjoy a delicious Cheese Tasting onboard. Enjoy live entertainment on board this evening.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE
DAY 9 - BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST
German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest. Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.
ActivE: Enjoy the view on a relaxing bike ride along the Rhine with your Adventure Host, OR:
Discovery: Join a full-day Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience the Vogtsbauernohf open-air-museum, visit an authentic water mill, and see a traditional butter-making demonstration, OR:
Discovery: Visit to a local winery in Breisach, where you will learn about German winemaking and enjoy a wine tasting.
You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar in the morning, with its half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings.
EVENING CRUISE TO STRASBOURG
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CRUISE: WLA-T1
APRIL 2, 2024
Deluxe Staterooms from CAD $7,778* per person
Panorama Staterooms from CAD $10,786* per person
*Pricing is per person based on twin occupancy. Pricing includes current promotions which may be withdrawn at anytime.
Disclaimer: We do our utmost to ensure that the information posted on our website is correct at time of publication, however trip details and promotions are subject to change without notice by the suppliers and operators involved. We update the information as soon as possible when changes are advised to us, however we cannot assume responsibility for such changes made by the suppliers and operators. Terms and conditions per supplier(s). Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor. Contact us for the most up to date pricing and availability.
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