Discover the world-famous Burgundy and Beaujolais wine regions of Provence at the height of the harvest season on this 7-night itinerary. Cruise from historic Lyon, France, along the storied Rhône and Saône rivers, to Arles. Dock in the heart of each port and visit the historical Hôtel-Dieu in Beaune; the medieval Papal Palace of Avignon; the Roman Amphitheater in Arles; the Roman city of Orange; and the ancient Roman Pont du Gard aqueduct. Enjoy an exclusive tour of the Beaujolais wine region’s Château de Montmelas, guided by a member of the family, with a specially arranged fortepiano concert and wine tasting. Enhance your experience with the Lyon and/or Aix-en-Provence Optional Extensions.
*Itinerary operates in the reverse direction on the September 4 departure.
Program Details
- Exclusively chartered, deluxe small river boat, Amadeus Provence.
- Specially designed, one-of-a-kind itinerary cruising France’s storied Rhône and Saône Rivers during autumn, the height of harvest season.
- One port call every day, often docking in the very heart of each charming French city, town or village—all excursions included.
- Visit 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Exclusive tour of the Beaujolais wine region’s Château Montmelas, guided by a member of the family, with a specially arranged fortepiano concert and wine tasting.
- Walking tours of historic Old Lyon, Avignon, Arles, and Vienne, featuring stops at the iconic Pont d’Avignon, the Roman Amphitheater, the Temple of Augustus, and the medieval Cathédrale de Saint-Maurice.
- Complimentary wine and beer with lunch and dinner aboard boat.
- Specially arranged educational lectures.
- Lyon and/or Aix-en-Provence Optional Extensions.
*Itinerary operates in the reverse direction on the September 4 departure.
Day 1 - Depart Home City
Day 2 - Lyon, France / Embark Amadeus Provence
Day 3 - Lyon
Day 4 - Charlon-Sur-Saône for Beaune
Day 5 - Mâcon for Cluny / Montmerle-sur‑Saône / Trévoux
Day 6 - Vienne / Tournon
Day 7 - St-Étienne-des‑Sorts / Orange / Châteauneuf-du‑Pape / Avignon
Day 8 - Avignon / Arles
Day 9 - Arles / Disembark river boat / Marseille / Return to home city
*Itinerary will also operate in the reverse direction.
Amadeus Provence
Exclusively Chartered, Deluxe River Boat
The elegant and meticulously crafted Amadeus Provence features all the comforts of a refined and traditional hotel. The 70 stylish staterooms and suites are among the most spacious of any European river boat (172 to 284 square feet). Suites include a private balcony, and select staterooms feature a unique floor-to-ceiling window that lowers to French-balcony height at the touch of a button.
Lyon Optional Extension
Experience fine cuisine and wine, art and architecture, and Provençal beauty in the captivating, UNESCO World Heritage City of Lyon on this 3-day extension. Choose from excursions ranging from a tour of local delicacies on display at Les Halles Paul Boucuse covered market, or a bike ride through Lyon and along the river banks one day; and a gourmet French cooking class or an art and architecture tour on another. Indulge in a wine tasting and cheese pairing with a French sommelier to learn about vintages and grape varieties.
Aix-En-Provence Optional Extension
Our 2-day post-cruise extension explores the beautiful, medieval city of Aix-en-Provence—located in the heart of France’s Provençal region—which captures the quintessential élan of all that is Provence. Stroll the Mazarin district and Old Aix with its mansions on Cours Mirabeau. See Atelier Cézanne, the painter's colorful studio just outside Aix, and drive along the colorful, Provençal “Route Cézanne” to the foot of Saint-Victoire Mountain, the artist’s muse for many of his paintings.
Depending on your chosen departure date, optional extensions may be a Pre-Program or Post-Program.
Optional Extensions are available at an additional cost. Details will be provided with your reservation confirmation.