Vessel : MS Amadeus Provence
Departure date Options:
08 Apr 2021, 15 Apr 2021, 22 Apr 2021, 29 Apr 2021,
13 May 2021, 27 May 2021, 03 Jun 2021, 17 Jun 2021; 01 Jul 2021, 08 Jul 2021, 16 Sep 2021, 30 Sep 2021,
07 Oct 2021, 14 oct 2021, 28 Oct 2021.
Departure at 10pm
Embark in the afternoon and make yourself comfortable in your cabin, which will be your luxurious home for the coming week. In the evening, a Welcome Cocktail awaits you, followed by a delectable Welcome Dinner.
In the morning, your ship arrives in Mâcon in southern Burgundy. This historic wine region produces some of the finest and most expensive wines in the world. Enjoy a morning tour through peaceful vineyards and be enchanted by the Mediterranean charm of the Beaujolais and Mâconnais wine regions. A highlight of this excursion is the visit to the Hameau Duboeuf wine museum, where you will gain fascinating insight into the history and production of Burgundy wines. The tour concludes with a wine tasting. After returning to your vessel for lunch, you can join the afternoon excursion to Cluny Abbey, which was founded in 910 and was home to over 10,000 monks at its height. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner on board in the evening.
With its pastel buildings and tiled roofs, Mâconnais has a Mediterranean charm. From Mâconnais we will tour the Beaujolais and Mâconnais wine regions. We will make our way through the vineyards which grace the area, as well as the castles and stately homes which bear witness to the wealth of the region. A highlight of this excursion is the visit to Georges Duboeuf’s Hameau du Vin. In the unique setting of a 19th-century railway station, you can marvel at the wine making process: the transporting of grapes and wine, the winemaker’s tools and trade, the cellars, the winemaking processes, bottling and corking. Finish the visit with a tasting of Beaujolais wines, in a room housing a barrel organ called a “bouteillophone”.
Duration approx. 3.5 hours
The Abbey of Cluny in Burgundy was the center of a major monastic movement in the Middle Ages. Its church was the largest Christian building in the world until St. Peter’s Basilica was rebuilt in Rome in the 16th century. Although most of the great Abbey of Cluny is in ruins, you can still see remnants showing the size and glory the abbey possessed at its zenith and imagine it as it once was. Today, one transept of the 12th-century abbey church remains, along with the 15th-century abbots’ residences and 18th-century convent buildings. The site also includes beautiful gardens and a museum with Romanesque artifacts.
Your guide will show you around the ancient Benedictine abbey. This church, with its unusual dimensions, was completed under the abbacy of Pierre the Venerable and consecrated in 1130. Its principal architect was Hézelon de Liège. The idea for its construction is said to have originated from a monk’s dream.
Duration approx. 3.5 hours
Continue exploring the Burgundy wine region in Chalon-sur-Saône, where half-timbered houses overlook a square teeming with art galleries and specialty shops. Enjoy a scenic drive through the Burgundy wine route on the morning tour. Your bus will stop in Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy, where you will see the beautiful Hôtel-Dieu and enjoy a wine tasting at one of Beaune’s famous cellars. You will then return to your cruise ship for lunch.
Unwind and admire the scenery as the vessel continues along the Saône or, alternatively, join the afternoon excursion which departs from Chalon-sur-Saône and takes you to the medieval towns of Brançion and Cormatin in a comfortable bus. Among other things, you will be able to admire the Château de Cormatin, which undoubtedly houses one of the most opulent castle interiors in Burgundy. In the late afternoon, rejoin your cruise ship in Tournus.
After breakfast, take a scenic drive along France’s Burgundy wine route through Pommard, Volnay and Meursault. In Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy, you will enjoy a guided tour of the beautiful Hôtel-Dieu, founded as a hospice in 1443. Today, it covers a large area of the town with its museum, three courtyards, outbuildings, 15th-century bastion and hundreds of meters of cellars, which are notable for containing the personal reserve of the Hospices. The four buildings open to the public are situated around the Court of Honor and represent the Hôtel-Dieu of former times.
The great Salle des Pauvres (”hall of the poor”), is decorated with multi-colored beams which are unique in the world. Serenity reigns here which will leave no one unmoved. The rooms overflow with treasures: statues, furniture, pottery, paintings, tapestries and more. The kitchen has been restored to look exactly as it did in the 19th century. The polyptych of “The Last Judgement”, a masterpiece by the Flemish painter Rogier Van Der Weyden, is particularly well presented. Later, enjoy a wine tasting experience at one of Beaune’s famous cellars.
Duration approx. 4 hours
We leave Chalon-sur-Saône and drive to Brançion for a short photo stop before continuing to the Castle of Cormatin. Behind its understated exterior lies inestimable splendor. The castle is undoubtedly one of the most sumptuous castles in Burgundy, and, in addition, it boasts a Renaissance garden. The sculpted yews break up the symmetry as you enter this moated château. The rich, colorful interior reflects the French and more particularly, the Parisian fashion during the reign of Louis XIII. Built between 1605 and 1629 by the du Blé family, it chronicles the history of the arts at this time in France. The formal Renaissance garden has the “fountain of life” at its center. Beyond this is a maze with a charming wrought-iron aviary. From the top of this you can get an overview of the park.
Duration approx. 4 hours
Today your AMADEUS vessel returns to Lyon, which is known not only for its architectural beauty but also for its gastronomic excellence. This photogenic city has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site and its most famous landmarks include the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière and the charming Renaissance Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon) area along the bank of the Saône. You can explore these unmissable sights on the guided tour or on your own.
At midday, the cruise ship leaves Lyon and glides past picturesque countryside vistas, heading south.
Lyon not only marks the meeting of the Saône and Rhône Rivers, but it is also the gastronomic capital of France. Its rich, ancient history includes Roman ruins and early Christian sites. The city tour begins with a coach trip to the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. The well-known pilgrimage church stands on a hill, offering an unforgettable view of the city. After you’ve had a look around on your own and enjoyed a drive along the banks of the Sâone, with views of various sights including the Cathedral of St. John and the Palace of Justice, you will have the opportunity to explore Lyon’s Old Town.
Take a gentle stroll through the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the famous Roman theatre and buildings showing the influence of the Italian Renaissance.
Duration approx. 3 hours
Spend the day exploring the Provencal city of Avignon and discovering its momentous history. In the morning, take part in a guided walking tour of Avignon, the seat of the Catholic popes from 1309 to 1377. You will be able to admire the Papal Palace, one of the world’s most fascinating examples of Gothic architecture. Another must-see is the Pont d’Avignon, a ruined 12th-century bridge that once spanned the Rhône and is immortalized in a folk song.
If you wish to see more of this unique historic area, join the afternoon excursion to the Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct which is a masterpiece of engineering, and the town of Uzès with its many medieval towers. In the evening, enjoy a well-deserved rest and a delicious dinner while your cruise ship remains in Avignon overnight.
Today’s excursion is a guided walk through Avignon, also known as the “City of Popes” due to the role the city played in the Avignon conspiracy of the 14th century, when a pope abandoned Rome and fled to Avignon. Avignon’s lavish Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes), is a fortress, church and palace all in one and was considered the center of the Christian world during the 14th century. From 1309 to 1377, seven popes resided in this impressive building, one of the world’s most fascinating examples of Gothic architecture. Another must-see is the Pont d’Avignon, a ruined 12th-century bridge that once spanned the Rhône and is immortalized in a folk song about dancing on the bridge.
Duration approx. 2 hours
Excursion to Pont du Gard and Uzès
The Pont du Gard is the greatest surviving stretch of a fifty-kilometer-long (thirthy one mile) aqueduct, built by the Romans in the middle of the first century to supply fresh water to the city of Nimes. With just a seventeen-meter difference in altitude between beginning and end, the aqueduct was quite an achievement for its time.Some miles further on, near the start of the aqueduct, lies the city of Uzès. This lovely old town perches on a hill above the River Alzon. Half a dozen medieval towers rise above its tiled roofs. The most fetching is the windowed, Pisa-like Tour Fenestrelle, tacked onto the cathedral. The narrow lanes are lined with Renaissance and Neoclassical houses which were once the residences of the 17th- and 18th-century bourgeoisie, who had grown rich on textiles.
Duration approx. 4.5 hours
Walking grade II: The excursion by bus is followed by a moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.
Your ship will leave Avignon early in the morning and make its way to Arles, which once captured the imagination of the brilliant Impressionist painter, Vincent van Gogh. Learn more about the rich history of Arles during the morning tour and take a break at the café that served as the model for Vincent van Gogh’s “Café Terrace at Night.” Indeed, walking through the town might induce a sense of déjà vu, since many of the settings may be familiar from some of van Gogh‘s best known pieces.
In the afternoon, recharge in the tranquility of nature by joining the excursion to the Camargue Nature Park, home to the renowned Camargue bulls and white Camargue horses. You will also pay a visit to the historic coastal village of Saintes Maries de la Mer. In the evening, while you are at dinner, the cruise ship will continue on its way to Châteauneuf-du-Rhône.
Arles boasts a rich history. It was founded by the Gauls, who made it their capital. During the course of centuries, Arles was home to archbishops, became part of the Kingdom of the Franks and, later on, capital of the Kingdom of Burgundy. During our two-hour city walk, pass many ancient or Roman sights and monuments and see why UNESCO has chosen to declare Arles a World Heritage Site. A visit to the Roman arena is a must while in Arles. Why not take a break in the café that served as the model for Vincent Van Gogh’s “Café Terrace at Night”? While strolling through the city, you might even meet pilgrims walking the Way of St. James, which begins in Arles!
Duration approx. 2 hours
Excursion to the Camargue Nature Park
Arles boasts a rich history. It was founded by the Gauls, who made it their capital. During the course of centuries, Arles was home to archbishops, became part of the Kingdom of the Franks and, later on, capital of the Kingdom of Burgundy. During our two-hour city walk, pass many ancient or Roman sights and monuments and see why UNESCO has chosen to declare Arles a World Heritage Site. A visit to the Roman arena is a must while in Arles. Why not take a break in the café that served as the model for Vincent Van Gogh’s “Café Terrace at Night”? While strolling through the city, you might even meet pilgrims walking the Way of St. James, which begins in Arles!
Duration approx. 2 hours
You can choose to spend a tranquil day on board or disembark for a final excursion to the Ardèche Gorge, another natural wonder of this area. Visit the “Grand Canyon of Europe,” where spectacular limestone cliffs tower over the meandering river below.
You will rejoin the vessel in time for lunch in the charming small town of Le Pouzin. In the afternoon, your ship will make its way back up the beautiful waterways of the Provence. In the evening, celebrate your unforgettable cruise experience at the Captain’s Gala Dinner.
The Ardèche Gorge is often referred to as the Grand Canyon of Europe, its spectacular limestone cliffs tower up to 1,000 ft above the meandering river below. The entrance to the Ardèche Gorge is through the famous Pont d’Arc near Vallon which, at 192 feet is, according to the Natural Arch and Bridge Society, “the largest natural bridge in Europe”. You will take the famous Gorge Trail, from which you can see the harmonious meanderings of the river. Beautiful viewpoints such as the Pont d’Arc and Serre de Tourre offer the greatest views onto the canyon and the river Ardèche.
Duration
Arrival at 08:00AM
Indulge in one more breakfast on board before disembarking. The crew of the AMADEUS Provence bids you farewell and hopes to welcome you again soon!
MS Amadeus Provence
Dive into an unforgettable adventure and enjoy the typically provincial feel aboard the AMADEUS Provence. This vessel travels exclusively along the Rhône and the Saône, two of France’s most beautiful rivers, and takes you to dream destinations in the south of France.
On this Premium cruise ship, you can expect the most modern fittings that blend masterfully with the architecture of the ship and the typically luxurious design that is the hallmark of the AMADEUS fleet. The generous interior planning and design provides comfortable room for 140 passengers and offers all the luxuries of a floating 5-star hotel.
The extensive restaurant and the Panorama-Bar offer divine views of the passing riverscapes, and the outdoor, glass-shielded River Terrace allows you to relax in the open regardless of the weather. In addition, the AMADEUS Provence is the first ship of the AMADEUS fleet to include a pool deck with a swimming pool and the Lido Bar, where you can enjoy hours relaxing on board in the sun. The luxurious layout and fittings of the cruise ship are rounded off by our attentive on-board service. The crew will see to your comfort and attend to your every wish with typical Austrian hospitality, ensuring that your experience on the AMADEUS Provence is an unforgettable one.
