Burgundy & Provence 2011 (Chalon sur Saône to Arles)

DAY 1: Lyon airport, transfer to Chalon sur Saône (embark)
Arrive Lyon airport where you will be transferred to your ship docked in Chalon sur Saône 

DAY 2: Chalon sur Saône (Beaune)
Featured Excursion: Beaune, Hospices de Beaune 

Located in the heart of Burgundy, Chalon sur Saône is an important center for France’s wine trade. From here, you will journey to nearby Beaune to visit the famous Hospices de Beaune, a charitable hospital founded by the Chancellor of Beaune in 1443. Marvel at the multicolored roofs of this architectural jewel, which has become one of the symbols of Burgundy. The Hospice monks were given some vineyards in the 15th century so they could make wine to auction in order to help support charities, and to this day, the tradition continues. (BB, L, Captain’s Welcome Dinner) 

DAY 3: Lyon
Featured Excursion: Lyon city tour 

Lyon, France’s second-largest city after Paris, is the country’s lively and creative capital of gastronomy. Your tour starts with a drive to the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière, Lyon’s hallmark church, for a dramatic view of the town, which was built at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers. From the motorcoach, you will view Terreaux Square, the Musée des Beaux-Arts, and the Opera House. During the afternoon, you will have leisure time to further explore this city on your own. (BB, L, D) 

DAY 4: Tournon/Tain l’Hermitage
Featured Excursion: Wine tasting and Tournon walking tour 

Nestled among famous vineyards, the twin cities of Tournon/Tain l’Hermitage provide the perfect setting for those who are true connoisseurs of wine. Celebrate the region by indulging in some Côtes du Rhône mid-valley wines. Then cross the Marc Seguin suspension bridge and visit Tournon and its historic castle. (BB, L, D) 

DAY 5: Viviers
Featured Excursion: Viviers walking tour and organ concert 

Lovely Viviers, developed around its Romanesque cathedral, has retained much of its historic charm. Your tour of Viviers starts in Old Town with an introduction to the city. You will take the Rue Chévrerie to Porte Riquot, then climb Rue du Château to reach St. Vincent Cathedral, where you will enjoy an organ concert. Finally, you will walk through the Medieval streets of this delightful town on your way back to the ship. (BB, L, D) 

DAY 6: Avignon
Featured Excursion: Avignon walking tour and Palace of the Popes 

Avignon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is full of history, culture, art, and life, and you will capture all of that on your walking tour of the “City of the Popes.” Your tour starts at the fortification walls and continues to Clocktower Square. In truly Provençal style, under the shadows of the sycamores, the colorful café terraces face the magnificent architecture of City Hall, the Opera Theatre, and the classic mansions. Next, it’s on to Popes’ Palace Square for an inside view of the maze of galleries, chambers, and chapels that make up the grand Palace of the Popes. During the afternoon, you will have leisure time to enjoy this magical city. (BB, L, D) 

DAY 7: Arles
Featured Excursion: Arles walking tour and open-air food market visit 

Vincent van Gogh found inspiration in the charming town of Arles and you will, too. Inspired by the unique Provençal light, he spent a period of intense and impassioned work under these bright sunny skies. In fact, he produced more than 300 paintings and drawings in 15 months, including Starry Night. During your walking tour, discover Van Gogh’s Arles as well as a fascinating wealth of Romanesque monuments, such as the Roman Amphitheater and Constantine’s Roman baths. (BB, L, Captain’s Farewell Dinner) 

DAY 8: Arles (disembark), transfer to Marseille airport
Disembark the ship in Arles and transfer to the airport for your return flight home (CB or BB)

Sail through the heart of Burgundy and Provence on a magical journey where sumptuous cuisine, fine wine, world-class art, nature, and history provide a treat for all of the senses. Here you’ll discover that joie de vivre is not just a phrase, but a wonderful way of life!

You’ll sail past quaint hilltop cities and fashionable, lively towns, as well as lush vineyards, fields of flowers, and sun-drenched vistas made famous by great painters such as Van Gogh and Cézanne. Visit regions filled with UNESCO World Heritage Sites—Arles, immortalized by Van Gogh’s paintings; the well-preserved Medieval city of Avignon, with its spectacular Palace of the Popes; and Lyon, center of Gallo-Roman history and the gastronomic capital of France.

• Port charges of $112 per person are not included in the prices shown above.
• Cabin upgrades are available at additional cost.
• Please ask your Vacations To Go travel counselor for more details.

* The prices shown are U.S. dollars per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability. Prices quoted for land/cruise arrangements are subject to increase without notice. Once we have received your deposit, land/cruise prices are guaranteed. Whenever air-inclusive prices are displayed, these prices do not include government taxes and fees, which are additional. Air prices are subject to increase and are guaranteed only from the time that full payment is received. Air-inclusive prices include air from a major U.S. gateway; air from other U.S. airports is available at an additional cost. Sorry, we are unable to offer air from countries other than the U.S. However, for those international customers who are able to arrange their own transportation to the origination city, we are able to offer the land/cruise portion of the package, at the price quoted.