AMA Burgundy & Provence
October 2024
In July of 2017 Kim and I went on an amazing adventure to Southeast Asia where we sailed on the Mekong River thru Vietnam and Cambodia. We met Rene & John (and their family) on that trip and had remained friends, always hoping we could travel together again. Finally in January of 2023 Rene's travel agency hosted a land-only trip to Iceland and we joined (along with our friends Pam & Bob). Such a great time being together again that we told Rene & John to keep us posted on future plans. And now, here we are on another adventure together on a European river cruise!
Discover Geneva and Annecy, the “Pearl of the French Alps” before embarking your 7-night Chalon-Sur-Saône to Arles cruise. Uncover the Roman history of Chalon-sur Saone and delight in charming Tournus with its towering Romanesque abbey and historic apothecary shop. Visit French châteaux from Burgundy to Provence, taste your way through the French culinary capital of Lyon and visit the Papal Palace in Avignon. Then, get ready to spend three nights in Nice taking in the top sites, as well as breathtaking Monaco and opulent Monte Carlo. While you’ll get more than a taste of Switzerland, Burgundy, Provence and Nice during this itinerary, the essence of these destinations will linger on your palate – and in your heart – for a lifetime!
Days 0 - 2: September 29 - October 1 - Geneva
Travel from South Florida to Geneva and check into our hotel in Geneva. Then get acquainted with Geneva, the “Peace City,” and gateway to the Swiss Alps, on your guided walking tour. With traditions in both watchmaking and chocolate making, this beautiful city has a rich history, which you will glimpse during your excursion. (B)
Day 3: October 2 - Geneva
Venture south to the “Pearl of the French Alps,” Annecy, on your morning excursion. Home to beautiful castles, including the Château d’Annecy, home to the Counts of Geneva, and natural green spaces with bike trails winding through along the lake. Later in the day, visit Chillon Castle, a picture-perfect medieval island fortress with three formal great halls, a chapel and beautifully arched underground rooms that once served as a prison. (B)
Day 4: October 3 - GENEVA/CHALON-SUR SAÔNE/EMBARKATION
Before transferring to your ship, visit stunning Dijon, France, the wonderfully picturesque capital of the historic Burgundy region. Renowned for its traditional mustard, Dijon also boasts one of the best preserved medieval centers in France, with postcard-perfect architecture, including its cathedral of Saint-Benigne de Dijon. You’ll also stop in the lovely commune of Bourg-en-Bresse, famous for its Gothic Brou Royal monastery, centuries-old timber-framed houses, and its Renaissance-style Cathedral of Our Lady. Later, board your ship in preparation for your 7-night cruise. (B,D)
Day 5: October 4 - Chalon-Sur-Saone to Tournus
Located in southern Burgundy at the heart of the Côte Chalonnaise wine region, Chalon-Sur-Saône whispers the secrets of its medieval past which you will discover on your historic city tour. Alternatively, choose an excursion in Beaune, a walled town nestled in the heart of Cote d’Or vineyards where you’ll stroll the cobblestone streets and take in such sights as the mosaic-tiled roof of the Hôtel-Dieu de Beaune, founded in the 15th century as a hospital for the less fortunate. Or, visit the storybook Château de Couches, a medieval fortress enveloped in idyllic hills and greenery that once served the Dukes of Burgundy. Later in the day, enjoy a scenic sailing to Tournus, or sample the region’s famous white Mâconnais wines. Alternatively, pedal from Chalon-Sur- Saône to Tournus on an exhilarating guided bike tour. (B,L,D)
Day 6: October 5 - Tournus to Macon
Today you have a choice of a number of excursions as you explore the cities of Tournus and Macon. Let your knowledgeable guide lead you through Tournus and to its magnificent Benedictine Abbey of Saint Philibert. Or choose instead to visit the moated Château de Cormatin, which dates back to the early 17th century and features ornate apartments as well as a beautifully manicured garden. As an alternative, venture to the medieval village of Brancion with its preserved gateway, church and market hall. Return to the ship and enjoy a scenic cruise to Mâcon Or, instead, join a guided bike tour from Tournus to Mâcon or go wine tasting and meet the ship in Mâcon. (B,L,D)
Day 7: October 6 - Macon to Lyon
Join a guided tour through the “South Burgundy City” of Mâcon, learning about its local vineyards, museums, historical sites and perhaps its famous son, the poet and minister Alphonse de Lamartine. Or venture somewhat off the beaten path to Cluny, known for its large abbey, and the nearby castle Berze-le-Chatel, a well-preserved fortress perched on a rocky hill offering stunning views below. Alternately, you can enjoy a guided bike tour to Berze-le-Chatel. Should architecture or religion be one of your main interests, perhaps choose the excursion to the Royal Monastery of Brou, built in the 16th century and boasting a glorious white façade as well as a beautifully tiled roof. Return to the ship and head to the Sun Deck to enjoy a light lunch and the passing landscapes on the way to Villefranche-sur-Saône, later choosing between scenic cruising or a tasting of Beaujolais wines. In the evening, enjoy a cruise to the city of Lyon, illuminated against the night sky. (B,L,D)
Day 8: October 7 - Lyon to Vienne
Discover dynamic Lyon, starting in Fourvière Hill, part of the city’s historic region that is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the 19th-century basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Continue on to the old town of Lyon, followed by a guided walk through the St. Jean district, where you will be introduced to the city’s unique covered walkways, known as “traboules.” Or get active a guided bike tour through the city designed with cyclists in mind. If you’re a self-described foodie, our Lyon tasting tour is for you, during which you’ll have a chance to taste some of Lyon’s local delights. Later in the day, sail to Vienne, which boasts a Roman past that can be seen in its marvelously preserved ruins. There you can enjoy a guided walking tour around the city. For those wishing to be more active, you can either take a guided bike tour along a portion of the ViaRhôna bike route or a guided hike from the ship to the Monastery at Mount Pipet. (B,L,D)
Day 9: October 8 - Vienne to Valence
Take your coffee on your balcony or the Sun Deck as you cruise to Valence, a designated “City of Art and History,” where you can see such sites as its 11th-century Cathedral of St. Apollinaris or perhaps its House of Heads (named for the carved heads of its façade and courtyard) on your city tour. For a more active adventure, pedal through this bicycle-friendly city. If you prefer a more relaxing excursion, taste the Northern Rhône’s red Cornas wines. (B,L,D)
Day 10: October 9 - Avignon
Avignon, aptly named the “City of Popes,” was the center of the Catholic Church in the 14th century when its “Palais des Papes” was the equivalent of today’s Vatican. Discover the history of Avignon on a guided walking tour that includes the Papal Palace and the well-preserved medieval walls surrounding the historic center of town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Alternately, you can visit three venues around Avignon to taste regional specialties including macarons, cheese and wine, and tapenades. Later in the day, rejoin the ship in Arles, considered one of the most beautiful cities in France. Let your experienced guide lead you to the top sights, including the Romanesque cathedral and Roman amphitheater; or take a guided bike tour to the Roman ruins. If you wish to delve further into Van Gogh’s Arles, join a special walking tour along with a visit to the Vincent van Gogh Foundation, showcasing his legacy. Or take some time to focus on wellness with a guided bike tour through town. (B,L,D)
Day 11: October 10 - Arles & Disembarkation
Disembark your ship in Arles and head to Aix-en-Provence, birthplace of renowned painter Paul Cézanne. See the highlights of this delightful city known for its provincial markets. Afterward, take a scenic ride to Nice where you'll enjoy a panoramic tour before checking into your hotel. (B)
Day 12: October 11 - Nice
Tour the scenic capital of the French Riviera, where tourism has been alive for three centuries. Gaze at the azure waters of the Mediterranean and take in such sites as the Saint Reparate cathedral, opera house and Prefecture Palace. (B)
Day 13: October 12 - Monte Carlo
Head to the hilltop town of Eze for a scenic walking tour along its charming cobblestone streets. Later, explore intimate Monaco-Ville, a sleepy medieval village, before taking in the luxury and beauty of Monte Carlo, famous for its opulent casino. (B)
Day 14: October 13 - Return Home
Bid farewell to Nice and after breakfast prepare for your homeward flight. (B)