Rhône River Cruise
Lyon, Tournon, Avignon, Nîmes, Arles, Marseilles
Sailing dates through October of 2021!
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Trip Highlights Include:
-
Les Pastras Farm: Truffle Hunting
Take part in one of France's secret culinary traditions as you go on a truffle hunt with a trained truffle dog.
- Ochre Trail and Painting Activity
Hike amid the vibrant, natural beauty of the Ochre landscape unique to the Luberon region, then create a masterpiece of your own.
- Avignon Foodie Tour
Meet local artisans and taste fresh, regional products as you explore the culinary history of Avignon. - Chapel Hike and Cité du Chocolat
Immerse yourself in the world of chocolate with a gourmet, behind-the-scenes tour of the Grand Chocolat - located on the historic site of Chocolaterie Valrhona.
- Silk Experience in Lyon
Get a hands-on experience as you learn about the centuries-old tradition of the fine art of silk-making in Lyon.
Adventure Dates
2021
- May 20 - May 27, 2021
- June 17 - June 24, 2021
- July 1 - July 8, 2021
- October 7 - October 14, 2021
Day One - Lyon, France
Transfer from Lyon-Saint-Exupery Airport (LYS) airport to the AmaCello Ship
Be escorted from the Airport to your new home for the next 8 days, the luxurious AmaCello Ship.
Check Into Your Stateroom
Meet your Adventure Guides who will help with the check-in as you familiarize yourself with your well-appointed stateroom. Look around the ship—your home for the next 7 nights.
Welcome Dinner Onboard the Ship
Say bonjour to your fellow Adventurers as you enjoy your first scrumptious dinner onboard and kickoff your amazing adventure along the Rhône River.
Meal Included: Dinner
Day Two - Lyon, France
Early Morning Bike Ride
Check out the sites around the banks of the Rhône River with a leisurely bike ride on one of the ship’s bicycles.
Breakfast Onboard the Ship
Start your day with a hearty breakfast with your fellow Adventurers.
Morning Activity – Choose One of These Options:
Old Lyon Walking Tour: Roman Amphitheater & Basilica of Fourvière, Les Traboules of the St. Jean District and Cinema and Miniature Museum
- Explore the rich history of Lyon, a city renowned for its culture and cuisine. On this walking tour, you’ll visit the Fourvière, a UNESCO World Heritage sites known as “The Hill that Prays” due its many religious convents, monasteries and chapels, including the stunning Basilica of Notre-Dame Fourvière.
- You will also walk or take the coach to the Saint-Jean district, which is home to a series of secret passageways, or les traboules, that run throughout the city.
- Step into 2 worlds at this unique museum that gives visitors a behind-the-scenes glimpse of movie magic and special effects used to create some of your favorite films. You will also enter the fascination world of the art of miniatures, where you will see an amazing display of painstakingly re-created tableaus of an array of scenes and real-life locations.
OPTION B:
Bike Tour of Parc de la Tête d’Or
Choose an electric or traditional bike for a spectacular morning bicycle tour through the largest urban park in France. You’ll bike around gorgeous botanical displays, a lovely lake and a zoo, where you’ll get to see the giraffes, elephants, primates and other animals that call Parc de la Tête d’Or home.
Lunch Onboard the Ship
Enjoy a savory lunch prepared by the ship’s culinary staff.
Afternoon Activity – Choose One of These Options:
Silk Experience at Maison des Canuts & Le Mur des Canuts
- Learn the origins of the famed Lyon silk industry that dates back to the 16th century. Enter the workshop where you’ll discover the secrets of silk manufacturing, the preparation of the trade and the mechanics of the Jacquard machine—the heart of the Maison des Canuts. You may also get the chance to try your hand at this delicate and beautiful craft.
- During your visit, you will also see the mind-bending Le Mur des Canuts—a stunning example of trompe-l’oeil style, where a 2-dimensional canvas is painted to appear 3-dimensional. This masterpiece, painted on the façade of a 4-story building, depicts life in La Croix-Rousse. The artwork was originally conceive in 1986 to cover up an ugly wall. It has been painted over and altered in an effort to keep up with the times—and ages of those depicted.
OPTION B:
Institut Lumière – Museum Tour
Get ready for your close-up as you explore the Institut Lumière, a museum dedicated to Auguste and Louis Lumière and their contribution to the art of cinema and filmmaking, which includes the invention of the Cinematograph. Junior Adventurers will get to experience the art of movie making as they create their own flip book.
Dinner Onboard the Ship
Return to the AmaCello for a delectable evening meal and to share stories of your day of adventure.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day Three - Tournon
Breakfast Onboard the AmaCello
Begin your day of exciting activities with a good breakfast aboard the ship.
Half-Day Activities, Choose One Option for Morning and One for Afternoon
Morning Activity – Choose One of These Options:
Tain l’Hermitage I – Chapel Hike and Cité du Chocolat
- Begin your adventure with a hike to the Chapel Hermitage Paul Jaboulet Aîné, which was built on the site of the Roman temple of Hercules and offers some of the most breathtaking views of the Rhône Valley that stretches out below.
- Visit Cité du Chocolat, located on the site of Valrhona’s historic chocolate factory, and discover the fascinating world—and secrets—of chocolate making. Then head to the Cité shop where you can purchase the world-famous Valrhona chocolate.
OPTION B:
Tain l’Hermitage II – Chapel Hike and Cave de Tain Wine Tour & Tasting
- Begin your adventure with a hike to the Chapel Hermitage Paul Jaboulet Aîné, which was built on the site of the Roman temple of Hercules and offers some of the most breathtaking views of the Rhône Valley that stretches out below.
- Visit the Cave de Tain winery where you will enjoy a tour and tasting of the vineyards that produce the regions much loved wines—a favorite of U.S. President Thomas Jefferson.
OPTION C:
Goat Farm with Cheese-Making and Visit with Chef Bruneton
- Visit a goat farm where you will spend a delightful morning playing with the farm’s goats and learning about cheese-making.
- Meet Chef Phillipe Bruneton, known as the best jam maker in France, and learn his secrets to creating a sensational jam.
Lunch Aboard the Ship
Savor lunch on board the ship and refuel to be ready for the afternoon activities!
Steam Train & Rail Bike in the Gorges du Doux
Discover the rugged landscape of the Gorges du Doux as you ride along the historic Vavarais Railway Line that was carved into the side of the mountain in 1891. Traverse the tracks via steam train and rail bike while taking in the bridges, viaducts, tunnels and other landmarks along the scenic descent.
Late Afternoon Sailing
Relax and enjoy the onboard amenities of the ship as you set sail for the next port, where more adventures await!
Dinner Onboard the Ship
Tuck into a delectable evening meal prepared by the ship’s culinary team.
Day Four - Avignon
Early Morning Bike Ride
Check out the sites around the banks of the Rhône River with a leisurely bike ride on one of the ship’s bicycles.
Breakfast Onboard the Ship
Say hello to your fellow Adventurers as you get ready for the day ahead with a tasty buffet breakfast.
Morning Activity – Choose One Option:
Kayaking: Collias to Pont du Gard & Pont du Gard Museum
- Paddle out on the River Gard and revel in the scenic beauty that surrounds you as you make your way from Collias to the Pont du Gard. Marvel as you pass under this feat of Roman engineering that was constructed nearly 2,000 years ago as part of a massive aqueduct that supplied water to the city of Nîmes.
- Visit the Pont du Gard Museum to trace the history of the structure as both an aqueduct and a bridge. You will also enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant.
OPTION B:
Non-Kayaking: Pont du Gard Museum with VIP Walk Across
- Adventurers who do not want to kayak may also visit the Pont du Gard and the museum. This option also includes special access to the upper level bridge for a VIP walk across the aqueduct. Following the visit to Pont du Gard, you will enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant.
OPTION C:
Avignon Foodie Tour & Visit Les Halles
- For Guests with an appetite for adventure, a trip to Avignon will hit the spot. Meet local artisans and taste regional products that will tantalize your taste buds with local flavors as you learn about the area’s culinary traditions and history.
- You will also visit Les Halles, the covered market that has been a favored meeting and shopping destination for over a century, where you will peruse the mouthwatering stalls showing off delicious local fare. Afterwards, dine on a delicious lunch that is included with the visit.
Afternoon Activity – Choose One Option:
Wine Tasting at Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Château des Fines Roches
- Visit Châteauneuf-du Pape, a hilltop town that was once the home of the papacy. Although it suffered neglect and ruin, the 14th-century medieval castle, which was built for Pope John XXII, still remains a remarkable landmark high atop the village.
- Located in the heart of the vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, is Chateau des Fines Roches, a 19th-century castle that is now a luxury hotel and home to the gourmet restaurant La Tables des Fines Roches. Enjoy a tasting of local wines within this fairytale setting.
Avignon Walking Tour Featuring Palais des Papes
- Enjoy a walk through the lovely medieval city of Avignon, including a visit to the biggest Gothic palace in the world—Palais des Papes. This architectural marvel was constructed over a period of 20 years, spanning the reign of 3 of the Avignon popes.
Dinner Onboard the Ship
Return from a fun-filled day for a tasty dinner on the ship. Share stories of your experiences with your fellow Adventurers.
Evening Bike Ride
Unwind from your adventure-filled day with a leisurely bike ride around the banks of the Rhône River on one of the onboard bicycles.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day Five - Avignon, France
Early Morning Bike Ride
Check out the sites around the banks of the Rhône River with a leisurely bike ride on one of the ship’s bicycles.
Breakfast Onboard the Ship
Wake up to a delightful breakfast with fellow Adventurers.
The Luberon
Spend an adventure-filled day in the Luberon Valley, a charming location in central Provence made up of beautiful villages perched atop the hills of the region.
Morning Activity – Choose One of These Options:
The Luberon I: Abbaye de Sénanque and Gordes
- Enjoy the serene setting of the Abbaye de Sénanque, a Cistercian abbey near the village of Gordes, as you roam the grounds and admire the spectacular views which include fields of lavender (when in season), which the resident monks grow for their livelihood, along with tending honey bees.
- Spend some relaxing On Your Own time in Gordes, a scenic perched village, where you will enjoy a leisurely walk-around visit
OPTION B:
The Luberon II: Lavender Museum, Roussillon Ochre Trail and Painting Activity
- Stimulate your senses on a visit to the Lavender Museum, a quaint, old-world museum that pays tribute to the history of the aromatic flowering plant in Provence.
- In the scenic village of Roussillon, walk along the breathtaking natural beauty of the Ochre Trail, an area rich in the vibrant and unmistakable pigment that contrasts sharply with the surrounding green foliage.
- Put your sense of color to canvas with a painting activity—that ends with your own masterpiece you can take as a souvenir.
Lunch Onboard the Ship
Take a break between your morning and afternoon activities with a refreshing lunch onboard.
Afternoon Activity – Choose One of These Options:
OPTION A:
Université du Vin
- What better way to appreciate France’s world-renowned wine culture than with a visit to the Université du Vin. Located in the south of the Rhône-Alpes region, in the Château de Suze la Rousse, the University of Wine provides professional education dedicated to the knowledge of wine culture. You’ll be a true oenophile after this delightful activity.
OPTION B:
The Luberon I: Abbaye de Sénanque and Gordes
- Enjoy the serene setting of Abbaye de Sénanque, a Cistercian abbey near the village of Gordes, as you roam the grounds and admire the spectacular views which include fields of lavender (when in season), which the monks grow for their livelihood, along with tending honey bees.
- Spend some relaxing On Your Own time in Gordes, a scenic perched village, where you will enjoy a leisurely walk-around visit.
OPTION C:
On Your Own in Avignon
- Explore the vibrant city of Avignon, the ancient town on the bank of the Rhône River. Visit the Palais des Papes, Avignon Cathedral and many more medieval landmarks. You can also walk through the local markets and peruse the shops and cafés for a lovely afternoon.
Dinner Onboard the Ship
Enjoy another excellent dinner, delivered with flare by the ship's outstanding Chef and staff.
Evening Bike Ride
Unwind from your adventure-filled day with a leisurely bike ride around the banks of the Rhône River on one of the onboard bicycles.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day Six - Avignon, France
Breakfast Onboard the Ship
Enjoy an early morning breakfast onboard with fellow Adventurers.
Morning Activity - Choose One Option:
OPTION A:
Arles Walking Tour: Roman Monuments & Painting Activity
- Discover the sights of this ancient city that was the source of inspiration for many of Vincent van Gogh’s most celebrated paintings.
- Visit Roman structures including the Arles Amphitheatre, the Arles Obelisk, the Church of St. Trophime and the Barbegal aqueduct and mill among other locations.
- Feel the inspiration flow and create a masterpiece of your own during a fun painting activity. Then, keep the painting as a souvenir of your time in Arles.
OPTION B:
Les Baux-de-Provence, Carrières de Lumière, Moulin Calanquet or Castelas
- Walk the streets and passageways of what has been called one of the most beautiful villages in France on your visit to Les Baux-de Provence. Dramatically located in the white limestone Alpilles mountains, the medieval fortified village is well-known for its spectacular setting as well as its delicious wines and extensive olive orchards.
- Marvel at the Carrières de Lumière, an extraordinary art-based multi-media show located in a former quarry where images of famous paintings are projected on large stone slabs and set to music.
- Enjoy a visit to either Moulin Calanquet or Moulin Castelas—two of Les Baux’s famed olive oil mills where award-winning olive oils and other natural olive-based products are produced.
OPTION C:
Les Pastras Farm: Hunting Truffles with Dogs & Truffle Tasting
- Take a sneak peek at one of the world’s most secretive businesses—truffle hunting! On this visit to the Les Pastras Organic Provençal Farm, you’ll learn how truffles are cultivated and go on a hunt for France’s elusive “black gold” with a trained truffle dog.
- Following your hunt, you’ll get to taste these culinary treasures.
Lunch Onboard the Ship and Depart for Amsterdam
Return to the ship for a delicious lunch prepared by the onboard culinary crew.
Afternoon Activity – Choose One Option:
OPTION A:
Arles Walking Tour: Roman Monuments & Painting Activity
- Discover the sights of this ancient city that was the source of inspiration for many of Vincent van Gogh’s most celebrated paintings.
- Visit Roman structures including the Arles Amphitheatre, the Arles Obelisk, the Church of St. Trophime and the Barbegal aqueduct and mill among other locations.
- Feel the inspiration flow and create a masterpiece of your own during a fun painting activity. Then, keep the painting as a souvenir of your time in Arles.
OPTION B:
- Take a sneak peek at one of the world’s most secretive businesses—truffle hunting! On this visit to the Les Pastras Organic Provençal Farm, you’ll learn how truffles are cultivated and go on a hunt for France’s elusive “black gold” with a trained truffle dog.
- Following your hunt, you’ll get to taste these culinary treasures.
OPTION C:
- Step back over 2,000 years in time on this tour of the city of Nîmes, an important outpost of the Roman Empire where you’ll visit some of the city’s landmark structures that include the Roman Amphitheater, an arena so well-preserved that it currently hosts concerts and other events.
- See the Maison Carrée, a small Roman temple dedicated to the sons of Agrippa. Built in 19 BC, it is one of the best-preserved Roman temples in the world.
- Visit City Hall and the magnificent Gardens of the Fountains, a lush display of flora and fauna within a marvel of ancient Roman architectural design and engineering.
Dinner Onboard the Ship
While docked in Arles, savor a delectable dinner on board the ship.
Evening Bike Ride
Unwind from your adventure-filled day with a leisurely bike ride around the banks of the Rhône River on one of the onboard bicycles.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day Seven - Arles, France
Early Morning Bike Ride
Check out the sites around the banks of the Rhône River with a leisurely bike ride on one of the ship’s bicycles.
Breakfast Onboard the Ship
Begin your day with a delicious breakfast and get ready for the adventures ahead.
Morning Activity – Choose One of These Options:
OPTION A:
Aix-en-Provence Market Tour and Calisson Museum & Factory Tour
- No trip to Aix-en-Provence is complete without a visit to a provincial market. These colorful markets take over the city’s squares and offer a range of items like farm-to-table produce, sweet treats, brimming varieties of cheeses, and sprays of freshly-cut flowers.
- After exploring Aix’s outdoor market, head to the Calisson Museum and factory where you’ll not only learn all about the most famous Provençal confection—a candied fruit mixed with crushed almonds that are coated with royal ice—but you’ll also see how they’re made and taste them.
OPTION B:
Les Baux-de-Provence and Carrières de Lumière and Moulin Calanquet or Castelas
- Walk the streets and passageways of what has been called one of the most beautiful villages in France on your visit to Les Baux-de Provence. Dramatically located in the white limestone Alpilles mountains, the medieval fortified village is well-known for its spectacular setting as well as its delicious wines and extensive olive orchards.
- Marvel at the Carrières de Lumière, an extraordinary art-based multi-media show located in a former quarry where images of famous paintings are projected on large stone slabs and set to music.
- Enjoy a visit to either Moulin Calanquet or Moulin Castelas—two of Les Baux’s famed olive oil mills where award-winning olive oils and other natural olive-based products are produced.
OPTION C:
Camargue: Carriage Ride, Hiking & Wildlife Viewing
- Envelope yourself in the natural beauty of the Camargue, western Europe’s largest river delta that is home to more than 400 species of birds, including its most popular denizen, the flamingo. The area is also known for its eponymous horse breed, the famous white Camarguais, which are ridden by the gardians, or cowboys, who rear the region’s cattle and sheep. Take a carriage ride and hike through this spectacular area while viewing all the wildlife that calls the Camargue home.
Lunch Onboard the Ship
Enjoy a relaxing lunch with your fellow Adventurers before you set off on your afternoon excursions.
Afternoon Activity – Choose One of These Options:
OPTION A:
Arles Walking Tour: Roman Monuments & Painting Activity
- Discover the sights of this ancient city that was the source of inspiration for many of Vincent van Gogh’s most celebrated paintings.
- Visit Roman structures including the Arles Amphitheatre, the Arles Obelisk, the Church of St. Trophime and the Barbegal aqueduct and mill among other locations.
- Feel the inspiration flow and create a masterpiece of your own during a fun painting activity. Then, keep the painting as a souvenir of your time in Arles.
OPTION B:
Les Pastras Farm: Hunting Truffles with Dogs & Truffle Tasting
- Take a sneak peek at one of the world’s most secretive businesses—truffle hunting! On this visit to the Les Pastras Organic Provençal Farm, you’ll learn how truffles are cultivated and go on a hunt for France’s elusive “black gold” with a trained truffle dog.
- Following your hunt, you’ll get to taste these culinary treasures.
OPTION C:
Nîmes City Tour: Roman Colosseum, Maison Carre, City Hall, Fountain Gardens
- Step back over 2,000 years in time on this tour of the city of Nîmes, an important outpost of the Roman Empire where you’ll visit some of the city’s landmark structures that include the Roman Amphitheater, an arena so well-preserved that it currently hosts concerts and other events.
- See the Maison Carrée, a small Roman temple dedicated to the sons of Agrippa. Built in 19 BC, it is one of the best-preserved Roman temples in the world.
- Visit City Hall and the magnificent Gardens of the Fountains, a lush display of flora and fauna within a marvel of ancient Roman architectural design and engineering.
Farewell Dinner On Board the Ship
Join the Captain onboard the ship for one last scrumptious dinner. Say farewell to your fellow Adventurers and share the experiences you encountered on this magical adventure.
Evening Bike Ride
Unwind from your adventure-filled day with a leisurely bike ride around the banks of the Rhône River on one of the onboard bicycles.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day Eight - Arles, France
Breakfast Onboard the Ship
Enjoy one last breakfast on the ship as you close your incredible adventure.
Transfer to Marseille Provence Airport (MRS)
Begin your journey home with a transfer to Marseille Provence Airport (MRS).
Meal Included: Breakfast
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