BURGUNDY & PROVENCE WITH AIX-EN-PROVENCE & NICE (CULINARY THEME)

Take a delightful river cruise through France along the Rhône and Saône Rivers with guided sightseeing in known French treasures and some hidden gems too! Take in the beautiful countryside, quaint villages and towns, as you sail through the most captivating views of France. Lyon, France’s gastronomic capital, founded by the Romans in 43 BC, sits at the junction of the Rhône and Saône Rivers and is a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture. Visit the popular Place des Terreaux with its lively cafés and monuments and stand in front of the famous fountain you’ve seen on postcards. Join a culinary walk and taste Lyonnaise and French delicacies. You’ll have plenty of time to explore this historical city further and be sure to sample Beaujolais, the famous wine of the region. On board, a French chef will share with you his secrets and expertize during a pastry demonstration. Beautifully nestled among vineyards, you’ll find the city of Tournon, a medieval treasure with plenty of Roman ruins and a fascinating 16th-century castle, where you’ll go on a guided walk. Stop in the picturesque village of Viviers, where, during your walking tour, you will taste local products. Continue your river cruise to historical Avignon and see the 14th-century Palace of the Popes—the largest gothic fortress in the world. On the Rhône River sits Arles, France—famous for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh and its 1st-century Roman Amphitheatre, which hosts plays and concerts to this day.A Master of Wine will travel with you on this cruise and will hold tastings and introduce you to the concept of food and wine pairing. Disembark your cruise ship in Port-Saint-Louis and transfer to Aix en Provence for the start of your Monograms extension. With two overnights, enjoy guided sightseeing with an expert Local Guide, and visit the Cathedral of the Holy Savior, known for its mishmash of architectural styles.

Finally, we’ll whisk you via high-speed train to Nice for your final two nights in France. Here, you’ll walk through the Old Town and the Promenade des Anglais, Nice’s most famous boulevard. In your free time, perhaps take an excursion to Monaco, St. Tropez, or Cannes—known for its famous film festival. In both cities, we provide the services of Local Hosts®—a “friend in the city” to answer questions, share inside information, and help arrange your activities and excursions.