Spend 3 nights in Paris, travel by high-speed TGV train to Lyon, and embark upon an enchanting 7-night cruise through Provence, ending with 3 nights in Barcelona

1. Day 1
   Thu, Sep 11, 2025

   ARLES, FRANCE ''' EMBARKATION. Embark your ship in Arles, France for your Essence of Burgundy & Provence river cruise. (D)
2. Day 2
   Fri, Sep 12, 2025

   ARLES ''' AVIGNON, FRANCE. Arles is 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, 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. Alternately, you may take a guided bike tour through town. Later in the day, enjoy a walking tour in Avignon, aptly named the '''City of Popes,''' that includes the Papal Palace and the well-preserved medieval walls surrounding the historic center of town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For a more flavorful experience, visit three venues around Avignon to taste regional specialties including macarons, cheese and wine, and tapenades. In the evening, enjoy a short cruise to Avignon where you will see Pont d'''Avignon bridge, illuminated against the night sky. (B,L,D)
3. Day 3
   Sat, Sep 13, 2025

   VIVIERS, FRANCE. Viviers is a charming medieval city with picturesque 16th and 18th century monuments which you can explore on a guided tour. For a more active adventure, pedal through this bicycle-friendly city or join an active walk and enjoy a memorable view of Viviers. Alternately, you can go to the magnificent hilltop village, Grignan. After visiting this enchanting Proven''al town, go in search of the highly prized '''Black Diamond''' truffles with a farmer and his trustworthy canine companion. (B,L,D)
4. Day 4
   Sun, Sep 14, 2025

   VIENNE ''' LYON, FRANCE. Vienne 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 ViaRh''na bike route or a guided hike from the ship to the Monastery at Mount Pipet. Later in the day, discover dynamic Lyon, starting in Fourvi''re 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 Fourvi''re. 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.''' If you'''re a self-described foodie, our Vieux Lyon tasting tour is for you, during which you'''ll have a chance to taste some of Lyon'''s local delights. Or get active a guided bike tour through the city designed with cyclists in mind. (B,L,D)
5. Day 5
   Mon, Sep 15, 2025

   M''CON, FRANCE. Join a guided tour through the '''South Burgundy City''' of M''con, 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. Built between the 4th and 12th centuries, Cluny Abbey was formerly the world'''s largest church and stands as a captivating example of early Romanesque architecture. Alternatively, explore the architecture and history behind the Royal Monastery of Brou, a Gothic masterpiece dating back to the 16th century. Later in the day, enjoy a panoramic view from the Sun Deck as you sail to Tournus, or opt for a bike ride from M''con to Tournus. Or, enjoy a delicious tasting of the region'''s famous white M''connais wines. (B,L,D)
6. Day 6
   Tue, Sep 16, 2025

   TOURNUS. Today you have a choice of a number of excursions as you explore Tournus. Let your knowledgeable guide lead you through Tournus and to its magnificent Benedictine Abbey of Saint Philibert. Or choose instead to visit the moated Ch''teau 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. Later in the day, enjoy scenic cruising as you sail toward Chalon-Sur-Sa''ne, or opt for a bike tour if you'''re feeling adventurous. (B,L,D)
7. Day 7
   Wed, Sep 17, 2025

   CHALON-SUR-SA''NE, FRANCE. Located in southern Burgundy at the heart of the C''te Chalonnaise wine region, Chalon-Sur-Sa''ne whispers the secrets of its medieval past which you will discover on your historic city tour. You'''ll also stop at a local market where you can see and taste some of the local fare. 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 H''tel-Dieu de Beaune, founded in the 15th century as a hospital for the less fortunate. Later in the day, treat your palate to a tasting of Chalonnaise wines. (B,L,D)
8. Day 8
   Thu, Sep 18, 2025

   PORT OF DIJON''' DISEMBARKATION ''' RETURN FLIGHT. Bid farewell to Dijon and prepare for your return flight home.*Please be advised the ship will be docked in Saint-Jean-de-Losne and is located approximately 30 minutes''' walk from the train station. Purchasing one of our transfer options between Saint-Jean-de-Losne and Dijon is strongly recommended for guests embarking on our 7-night cruise without a post-cruise land package.. . B,L,D ''' Indicates Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are included on this day.