2010: Provence & Spain: Swiss Pearl
Spend 3 nights in Paris, travel by high-speed TGV train to Lyon, then savor an enchanting 7-night cruise through Provence, ending with a 3-night stay in Barcelona
Included Features
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1, DEPART USA
Board your overnight flight to Paris, France.
DAY 2, ARRIVE IN PARIS, FRANCE
Arrive in Paris and transfer to your hotel. Take the balance of the day to relax or explore the "City of Lights."
DAY 3, PARIS
Enjoy Paris' famous sights during this morning's guided tour. Visit Notre Dame Cathedral, pass the Louvre Museum, the commemorative Arc de Triomphe, Opera, La Madeleine, Les Champs Elysees and much more. The remainder of the day is yours to explore on your own.(B)
DAY 4, PARIS
Your last day in the "City of Lights" is free for you to enjoy. Go to the top of the Eiffel Tower, built for the 1889 World's Fair or choose one of the various optional tours that are available (B)
DAY 5, PARIS - LYON
This afternoon, board the TGV train, where you'll be transported at top speed (up to 186 mph) in smooth, quiet comfort to Lyon where the ship awaits you. Lyon not only marks the meeting of the Saone and Rhone rivers, but it is also the gastronomic capital of France. Its rich ancient history includes Roman ruins and early Christian sites. This afternoon's city tour includes a stunning panoramic view of the entire city from the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere. You'll also explore the Renaissance charm of Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon) with its cobbled streets. Gather this evening onboard for cocktails and a Welcome Dinner. (B,D)
DAY 6, LYON - TREVOUX
Enjoy the morning at your leisure to explore Lyon further on your own. Return to the ship for lunch, and relax as we sail north along the Saone River to the small town of Trevoux. Enjoy free time this evening to explore the town on your own. (B,L,D)
DAY 7, TREVOUX - VIENNE
After breakfast, your morning tour takes you behind the village walls of Trevoux through Beaujolais, the Pays d'Or or "land of the golden stones" named for the ochre limestone of its homes and castles. Enjoy a visit with a local wine maker along "la route de vin" and sample the world renowned Beaujolais Nouveau. Return to the ship and continue cruising south from the Saone to the Rhone River towards Vienne. This evening stroll along the sidewalk cafes of this rural walking town. (B,L,D)
DAY 8, VIENNE - TOURNON
Situated between the wine regions of Burgundy and Beaujolais, Vienne, has a significant Roman history, which is highlighted by its marvelously preserved ruins and remains. This morning, take a mini train tour and see the 1stcentury Roman Temple of Augustus and the Medieval churches of St. Andre-Le-Bas and Abbey St. Pierre, before we cruise on to Tournon and Tain L'Hermitage. These twin towns face each other across the Rhone River and are linked by a 19th-century suspension bridge. The fertile soil and ideal climate of the region has made Tain L'Hermitage the premier producer of the Cotes du Rhone wines. Enjoy free time this afternoon to visit the 16th-century castle which is now a town hall, or visit the chocolate shop for a taste of the confections once produced in Tournon's famous factory. After dinner enjoy wine tasting onboard. (B,L,D)
DAY 9, TOURNON - BOUCIEU-LE-ROI - VIVIERS
On this morning's adventure, you will get a personal look at a working farm located in the midst of the Ardeche Mountains and then take a scenic tour of the valley's beautiful landscape. Enjoy a visit to Boucieu-le-Roi and its local market of handmade crafts, musical entertainment and wine tasting. Return to the ship for lunch as we cruise to Viviers. After dinner, enjoy an evening "ghost walk" through the largely abandoned Medieval town that once had more than 30,000 inhabitants. The ship moors overnight in Viviers. (B,L,D)
DAY 10, VIVIERS - AVIGNON
During breakfast, enjoy a scenic cruise to Avignon, arriving in the afternoon. Home to the papacy from 1309 to 1377, Avignon was an important center of the Catholic Church. Seven popes resided in the magnificent Gothic Papal Palace, which you will visit during your tour. You will also see the well preserved Medieval walls. Also, as your ship docks, look for the Avignon Bridge, made famous by the French children's song "Sur le pont d'Avignon" ("On the bridge of Avignon"). The ship docks overnight in Avignon. (B,L,D)
DAY 11, AVIGNON - ARLES
This morning, travel by motorcoach to the villages of St. Remy & Les Baux. Enjoy the rich floral colors and amazing views from this village perched on the hill. This afternoon bathe in the Provencal light as you imagine how Vincent Van Gogh worked to capture the richness of every hue on your walking tour of Arles. While Van Gogh's homes are no longer standing, you may glimpse the locales and vistas that inspired "Starry Night" or "Terrace de Cafe le Soir" as you pass Constantine's Baths, the Romanesque cathedral and the Roman Amphitheater, which is still in use today. (B,L,D)
DAY 12, ARLES - DISEMBARK - BARCELONA, SPAIN
Transfer to Barcelona, capital of the Spanish region of Catalonia. Along the way, we will pass through Camargue on the southern coast and trace the ancient trade route linking the Atlantic and Mediterranean seas. As we approach the Pyrenees, we'll stop in the medieval city of Carcassone, which is surrounded by a double ring of walls, a world UNESCO Heritage Site, complete with 52 towers that stretches for more than two miles around this strategic import city. Here, you will have free time for lunch and some exploring on your own. (B)
DAY 13, BARCELONA
Your full day in Barcelona begins with a driving tour to the top of Montjuic Hill where you will catch glorious views of the city below, including the Palau Nacional (the National Palace) and the Olympic Complex. Next, tour Placa Catalonia, and Las Ramblas, the promenade and center of Barcelona life. Later, see the Expiatori Temple de la Sagrada Familia, designed by artist and architect Antonio Gaudi which is still incomplete. Take a walking tour of the Barrio Gotico (Gothic Quarter), King's Square, and Tinell, the Royal Palace. (B)
DAY 14, BARCELONA
Enjoy a full day at your leisure in Barcelona; perhaps, take part in an optional tour. Or, return on your own to the markets of Las Ramblas, visit one of the many museums, or venture across the port for seafood in Barceloneta. (B)
DAY 15, DEPART BARCELONA
Your vacation comes to an end as you transfer to the airport for your onward flight.(B)
Details
- Cruise Line
- AMAWATERWAYS
- Offer
- Offer valid through 12/31/2009
- Duration
- 15 Days
- Cruise Ship
- m.s. Swiss Pearl
Click for more information on this ship.
| Day | Port | Arrive | Depart |
| Day 1 | Depart USA | ||
| Day 2 | Paris | ||
| Day 3 | Paris | ||
| Day 4 | Paris | ||
| Day 5 | Lyon | ||
| Day 6 | Trevoux | ||
| Day 7 | Vienne | ||
| Day 8 | Tournon | ||
| Day 9 | Viviers | ||
| Day 10 | Avignon | ||
| Day 11 | Arles | ||
| Day 12 | Barcelona | ||
| Day 13 | Barcelona | ||
| Day 14 | Barcelona | ||
| Day 15 | Depart Barcelona |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
DAY 1, DEPART USA
Board your overnight flight to Barcelona, Spain.DAY 2, ARRIVE IN BARCELONA, SPAIN
Arrive in Barcelona and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure.DAY 3, BARCELONA
Your full day in Barcelona begins with a driving tour to the top of Montjuic Hill where you will catch glorious views of the city below, including the Palau Nacional (the National Palace) and the Olympic Complex. Tour Placa Catalonia, and Las Ramblas, the promenade and center of Barcelona life. See the Expiatori Temple de la Sagrada Familia, designed by artist and architect Antonio Gaudi which is still incomplete. Take a walking tour of the Barrio Gotico (Gothic Quarter), King's Square, and Tinell, the Royal Palace. (B)DAY 4, BARCELONA
Enjoy a full day at your leisure in Barcelona or join us in the morning for an optional tour of Parc Guell, some of Gaudi's most captivating sculptures and architectural structures. Return on your own to the markets of Las Ramblas or visit one of the many museums. This evening, take part in an optional dinner show featuring Flamenco dancers, or venture out on your own, perhaps across the port for seafood in Barceloneta. (B)DAY 5, BARCELONA - EMBARKATION - ARLES, FRANCE
After breakfast, transfer to Arles, the gateway to Provence. Along the way, we will pass through the Pyrenees, and stop in the medieval city of Carcassone. Carcassone is a World UNESCO Heritage Site, surrounded by a double ring of walls complete with 52 towers that stretch for more than two miles around this strategic import city. Here, you will have free time for lunch and some exploring on your own. Then trace the ancient trade route linking the Atlantic and Mediterranean seas to Camargue on the southern coast, before entering Arles, a Mediterranean city situated at the mouth of the Rhone delta. Once onboard gather this evening for cocktails and a Welcome Dinner. (B,D)DAY 6, ARLES - AVIGNON
This morning, travel by motorcoach to the villages of St. Remy & Les Baux. Enjoy the rich floral colors and amazing views from this village perched on the hill. This afternoon bathe in the Provencal light as you imagine how Vincent Van Gogh worked to capture the richness of every hue on your walking tour of Arles. While Van Gogh's homes are no longer standing, you may glimpse the locales and vistas that inspired "Starry Night" or "Terrace de Cafe le Soir" as you pass Constantine's Baths, the Romanesque cathedral and the Roman amphitheater, which is still in use today. This evening cruise to nearby Avignon. (B,L,D)DAY 7, AVIGNON- VIVIERS
Your morning tour of the "City of Popes" will take you through the narrow streets and elegant squares to the Papal Palace, which served as a fortress, a church and a residence to the Popes that once governed the Christian world. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy some scenic cruising to Viviers, arriving late this evening. After dinner, enjoy an evening "ghost walk" through the largely abandoned Medieval town that had once more than 30,000 inhabitants. The ship moors overnight in Viviers. (B,L,D)DAY 8, VIVIERS - TOURNON
After breakfast, enjoy an excursion to Grignan, a charming hilltop village, dominated by a majestic castle. Grignan is a provincial gem and a tourist secret .The ship sails for Tournon during lunch and arrives in the early evening. The ship moors overnight in Tournon. (B,L,D)DAY 9, TOURNON- BOUCIEU LE ROI - VIENNE
On this morning's adventure, you will get a personal look at a working farm located in the midst of the Ardeche Mountains, and then take a scenic tour of the valley's beautiful landscape. Enjoy a visit to Boucieu-le-Roi and its local market of handmade crafts, musical entertainment and wine tasting. Enjoy lunch back onboard the ship as we cruise to Vienne this afternoon. Situated between the wine regions of Burgundy and Beaujolais, Vienne, like Lyon has a significant Roman history, which is highlighted by its marvelously preserved ruins and remains. (B,L,D)DAY 10, VIENNE- TREVOUX
During this morning, take a mini train ride and see the 1st-century Roman Temple of Augustus, and the Medieval churches of St. Andre-Le-Bas and Abbey St. Pierre, before we cruise on to Trevoux, passing through Lyon to the Saone River. This evening, stroll along the sidewalk cafes of this rural walking town. (B,L,D)DAY 11, TREVOUX - LYON
After breakfast, your city tour takes you behind the village walls of Trevoux and through Beaujolais, the Pays D'Or, or "land of the golden stones" so named for the ochre limestone of its homes and castles. Enjoy a visit with a local wine maker along "la route du vin" and sample the world renowned Beaujolais Nouveau. Return to the ship for lunch as you sail to Lyon. Lyon not only marks the meeting of the Saone and Rhone rivers, but it is also the gastronomic capital of France. Its rich ancient history includes Roman ruins and early Christian sites. For those not continuing on to Paris, you will disembark for a city tour of Lyon, while others have the evening at leisure. (B,L,D)DAY 12, LYON- DISEMBARK - PARIS, FRANCE
After breakfast disembark for a city tour of Lyon, before transferring to Paris. Your tour includes a stunning panoramic view of the city from the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere. You'll also explore the Renaissance charm of Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon) with its cobbled streets. (B)DAY 13, PARIS
Enjoy Paris' famous sights during this morning's guided tour. Visit Notre Dame Cathedral, pass the Louvre Museum, the commemorative Arc de Triomphe, Opera, La Madeleine, Les Champs Elysees and much more. The remainder of the day is yours to explore on your own. (B)DAY 14, PARIS
Enjoy a full free day to explore the most romantic city in the world. Stroll through the Jardin de Tuilleries, gaze at impressionist masterpieces at the Musee D'Orsay, or visit the top of the Eiffel Tower, built for the 1889 World's Fair. Paris at night sparkles with possibilities for every taste. (B)DAY 15, DEPART PARIS
Your splendid vacation comes to an end as you transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)
