Project Description
The Colours of Provence | AmaWaterways™
The Colours of Provence | France
Embark on a 7-night, 8-day, river cruise from Arles to the culinary capital of Lyon in France. Trace the steps of famous artists in Arles and Carrières des Lumières. In Avignon, a sprawling commune with an overwhelming array of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, explore intriguing art museums and savour the historic charm. Embrace the beauty of legendary vineyards and imbibe in local vintages like Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône. Become an expert in all things culinary: go in search of the highly prized “Black Diamond” truffles and learn how to pair chocolate with wine. It’s a voyage of discovery into the heart of Provence and France.
Colours of Provence
May 16 to 23, 2024. Sailing on AmaKristina.
Arles, France to Lyon, France on the Rhone River.
See chart for our pricing & below for itinerary.
Optional Pre-Cruise Package
May 13 to May 16, 2024
3 Nights in Barcelona, Spain
CA$1487 per person, based on dbl. occupancy
Check into your Barcelona hotel for the beginning of your Colors of Provence pre-cruise land program.
Barcelona, the bustling capital of Catalonia, is an artist’s, architect’s, foodie’s, historian’s and culturist’s dream. Tour the cobblestoned lanes of the Gothic Quarter in the medieval city center and Las Ramblas. See some of Antoni Gaudí’s imaginative architectural creations, La Sagrada Familia. (B)
Join an excursion to the mountain Montserrat, which is home to the Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria de Montserrat, located about 30 miles from Barcelona. Once there, you’ll ride a scenic funicular to the top of the mountain and experience an indescribable view of the Catalonia landscape. The monastery, officially founded in 1025, soon began to receive pilgrims and visitors who contributed to the spread of stories of miracles and wonders performed by the Virgin Mary. The whole of Montserrat is built around facilitating the worship of the Black Madonna in the Basilica. While here, you’ll see the famous Black Madonna sculpture, which sits at the back of the church, above the altar area. The stairway leading to the statue, plus the room and altar in which the statue sits are ornate, golden and pay tribute to the wonder that is the Virgin herself. (B)
Check out of the hotel and board the TGV high-speed train to Nimes. Then you will transfer via bus to Arles where you’ll board your luxury ship. (B,D)
Optional Post-Cruise Package
May 23-25, 2024
3 Nights in Paris, France
CA$1753 per person, based on dbl. occupancy
Disembark the ship and enjoy tasting some local Lyon specialties before boarding your high-speed train to Paris and checking into your hotel. (B)
Enjoy taking in the signature sites of Paris in your guided city tour, including the awe-inspiring Arc de Triomphe and iconic Eiffel Tower. You’ll see Champs Élysées with its cinemas, sidewalk cafes and luxury specialty shops. (B)
Enjoy a full day at your leisure to discover more of this romantic city, such as the world-renowned Louvre Museum or Musée d’Orsay. Perhaps go shopping in the Faubourg Saint-Honoré district or simply relax and spend the day like a local – by scoping out a local café for a café au lait, toasted baguette or croissant. In the evening, visit Montmartre, long known as the city’s premier artist’s enclave. During the mid to late 1800s, artists also began calling Montmartre home. Pissarro and Jongkind were two of the first to live there, followed by other notable artists, including Edgar Degas, Henri Matisse, Toulouse-Lautrec, Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Pablo Picasso. You’ll be taken on an evening illumination tour, discovering why Paris is renowned as the “City of Light.” (B)
Bid farewell to Paris and prepare for your flight home. (B)
| Stateroom | Fare per person in CAD * |
|---|---|
| Cat E [Fixed Window] | $5,417 |
| Cat CB [French Balcony] | $6,559 |
| Cat CA [French Balcony] | $7,068 |
| Cat BB [French & Outside Balcony] | $7,830 |
| Cat BA [French & Outside Balcony] | $8,084 |
| Cat AB [French & Outside Balcony] | $8,338 |
| Cat AA [French & Outside Balcony] | $8,592 |
| Cat SS [Suite – French & Outside Balcony] | $10,244 |
*Please add CA$285 per person for port fees & taxes. Non-refunadable deposit of $500 per person required to hold your place, Fares are based on double occupancy. See also terms & conditions.
BOOK BY SEPT 30, 2023
and
Enjoy FREE Pre-paid On Board Gratuities
Itinerary
Board your cruise in Arles. This evening, meet your fellow passengers for a Welcome Dinner. (D)
Considered one of the most beautiful cities in France, Arles enchants all with its tantalizing history, formerly a Roman center of trade. Join a guided walking tour where you’ll visit the Roman ruins of Arles such as its Roman Amphitheater and the Church of Saint Trophime, famous for its Romanesque architecture. Alternatively, you can enjoy a bike ride along the Rhône, through town to the Langlois Bridge, a famous subject from several Vincent Van Gogh paintings. And for those who 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. During the afternoon, you’ll visit the enchanting medieval fortress, the Castle of Tarascon – a fortress designed to protect but surprises all with its elegant interior, fit for royalty. Or venture to the medieval hilltop village, Les Baux de Provence and then delve deeply into the Carrières des Lumières, where you’ll be treated to a spectacular presentation of art, sound and history projected on the former limestone quarry walls of caves. 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)
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. Depending on your interests, you have three choices of excursions in the morning. 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. Or, you can visit three venues around Avignon to taste regional specialties including macarons, cheese and wine, and tapenades. Alternately, you can enjoy a bike tour through the city. During the afternoon, you can go to another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the impressive Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct that is a masterpiece of ancient engineering. (B,L,D)
Take in the quaint surroundings of Viviers, a charming commune that sidles up to the right bank of the Rhone. From Viviers, you can also go in search of the highly prized “Black Diamond” truffles with a farmer and his trustworthy canine companion. (B,L,D)
Take an exclusive private train ride past magnificent landscape carved along the Gorge du Doux, stopping at the charming little station of Colombier le Vieux-Saint Barthélemy le Plain, where the train maneuvers in preparation for its return journey. Alternatively, lovers of wine and chocolate will want to visit Le Château de Tournon for a presentation and tasting on the pairing of red wine and chocolate. For a more active adventure, take a hike through the vineyards of Tain l’Hermitage, followed by a visit to a local winery where you’ll sample some of the wines. (B,L,D)
Situated between the wine regions of Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône lies Vienne with a Roman past that can be seen in its marvelously preserved ruins. Follow the footsteps of the ancient Romans on a walking tour to see the amazingly well-preserved Augustus and Livia Temple, the Saint Maurice Cathedral, a Gothic church that took more than 500 years to build, and St. Pierre Abbey—one of the oldest surviving churches in France, and now an Archaeological Museum. For those wishing to be more active, you can either take a guided hike from the ship to the Monastery at Mount Pipet or a guided bike tour along a portion of the ViaRhôna bike route. Later in the day travel to Lyon, considered the “Food Capital of France.” Take a walking tour that starts 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.” You can also visit the famous indoor market hall Les Halles de Lyon – Paul Bocuse, named after the late chef renowned for his Michelin-starred l’Auberge du Pont de Collonges restaurant. There you’ll have a chance to sample of the delicacies offered by butchers, bakers, chocolatiers and cheesemongers while taking in the colorful sights and enticing aromas around you. Alternately, join a guided bike tour through the city designed with cyclists in mind. (B,L,D)
Visit a traditional Beaujolais winery and learn the history and techniques of their vineyard. Plus, enjoy a tasting of their specialty. (B,L,D)
Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Lyon as you prepare for your flight home. Or continue on the Paris for a post-cruise stay!(B)
History
Truffle Hunting
Wine Tasting
French Cuisine & Atmosphere
Terms & Conditions: *Pricing is in Canadian dollars, per person, double occupancy, and is subject to change and availability until booked. Non-refundable deposit is $500 per person. Prices are combinable with past passenger discounts and benefits. Pricing, prepaid gratuities and availability are subject to change and are not guaranteed until booked and deposited. Pricing does not include $285 per person port fees and taxes, or personal items such as visas. air fare or travel insurance. Air fare and travel insurance may be purchased separately, please inquire. Additional terms and conditions apply, please inquire.
Please contact your travel professional at this agency for more details.
This agency reserves the right to correct any errors, omissions or inaccuracies in this publication at any time without notice.
OFFER ID: AMA0524