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Essence of Burgundy & Provence

France Rhone, Saone

Cruising through France

Indulge in French flavors on a palate-pleasing itinerary that highlights the essence of France’s Burgundy and Provence. Uncover the Roman history of Chalon-sur Saône and delight in charming Tournus with its towering Romanesque abbey and historic apothecary shop. Visit French châteaux from Burgundy to Provence, taste your way through the French culinary capital of Lyon and visit the Papal Palace in Avignon. While you’ll get more than a taste of Burgundy and Provence during this itinerary, the essence of these destinations will linger on your palate – and in your heart – for a lifetime!


About this UnTour Cruise

Itinerary Highlights

Lyon, Vienne, Tournon, Viviers, Avignon, Arles

Air Options

Special airfares may be available. Please inquire for details.

What's included

  • 7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom
  • Entertainment-On-Demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed internet access, movies, a music library and English language TV stations
  • Mini-fridge, desk and sitting area
  • Bottled water replenished daily
  • Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
  • Internet and Wi-Fi access
  • Sun deck pool with swim-up bar and walking track
  • Fitness room, massage services and hair salon
  • Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
  • Daily entertainment including cultural performances
  • All onboard dining in a variety of venues
  • Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
  • The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant
  • Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Dinner, Captain's Cocktail and Gala Dinner
  • Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
  • Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
  • Sip & Sail Daily Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
  • Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge
  • Immersive tours in every destination
  • Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
  • Bike tours and hikes
  • Knowledgeable guides
  • Airport transfers (with purchase of Air only)

Itinerary

Day 1, Chalon-sur Saône, France

EMBARKATION. Board your ship in preparation for your 7-night Essence of Provence & Burgundy cruise. (B,D)

Day 2, Chalon-sur Saône - Tournus, France

History City tour with local market, OR Beaune walking tour, OR Château de Couches Tournus: Scenic cruising, Chalon-Tournus bike tour, OR Chalonnaise wine tasting.

Located in southern Burgundy at the heart of the Côte Chalonnaise wine region, Chalon-Sur-Saône whispers the secrets of its medieval past which you will discover on your historic city tour. You’ll also stop at a local market where you can see and taste some of the local fare. Alternatively, choose an excursion in Beaune, a walled town nestled in the heart of Cote d’Or vineyards where you’ll stroll the cobblestone streets and take in such sights as the mosaic-tiled roof of the Hôtel-Dieu de Beaune, founded in the 15th century as a hospital for the less fortunate. Or, visit the storybook Château de Couches, a medieval fortress enveloped in idyllic hills and greenery that once served the Dukes of Burgundy. Later in the day, enjoy a scenic sailing to Tournus, or pedal from Chalon-Sur- Saône to Tournus on an exhilarating guided bike tour. Alternatively, once in Tournus, sample the region’s famous white Mâconnais wines. (B,L,D)

Day 3, Tournus - Macon, France

Tournus city tour & Abbey of Saint Philibert visit, OR Château Cormatin, OR Medieval Brancion, Macon: Scenic cruising, Tournus-Macon bike tour, OR Maconnais wine tasting.

Today you have a choice of a number of excursions as you explore the cities of Tournus and Macon. Let your knowledgeable guide lead you through Tournus and to its magnificent Benedictine Abbey of Saint Philibert. Or choose instead to visit the moated Château de Cormatin, which dates back to the early 17th century and features ornate apartments as well as a beautifully manicured garden. As an alternative, venture to the medieval village of Brancion with its preserved gateway, church and market hall. Return to the ship and enjoy a scenic cruise to Mâcon, or instead join a guided bike tour from Tournus to Macon and meet the ship in the latter. If you chose to cruise, you can later enjoy a tasting of Mâconnais wines. (B,L,D)

Day 4, Macon - Villefranche-sur-Saone - Lyon, France

Join a guided tour through the “South Burgundy City” of Mâcon, learning about its local vineyards, museums, historical sites and perhaps its famous son, the poet and minister Alphonse de Lamartine. Or venture somewhat off the beaten path to Cluny, known for its large abbey, and the nearby castle Berze-le-Chatel, a well-preserved fortress perched on a rocky hill offering stunning views below. Should architecture or religion be one of your main interests, perhaps choose the excursion to the Royal Monastery of Brou, built in the 16th century and boasting a glorious white façade as well as a beautifully tiled roof. Return to the ship and head to the Sun Deck to enjoy a light lunch and the passing landscapes on the way to Villefranche-sur-Saône, or instead cycle from Mâcon to this Pays Beaujolais castle. For those traveling by ship, enjoy a tasting of Mâconnais wines once you arrive. During the evening, enjoy a special Illuminations cruise – a highlight of your river cruise – as you enter the city of Lyon. (B,L,D)

Day 5, Lyon - Vienne, France

Discover dynamic Lyon, starting 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.” Or get active a guided bike tour through the city designed with cyclists in mind. If you’re a self-described foodie, our Lyon tasting tour is for you, during which you’ll have a chance to taste some of Lyon’s local delights. Later in the day, sail to Vienne, which boasts a Roman past that can be seen in its marvelously preserved ruins. There you can ride the charming mini train around the city. For those wishing to be more active, you can either take a guided bike tour along a portion of the ViaRhôna bike route or a guided hike from the ship to the Monastery at Mount Pipet. (B,L,D)

Day 6, Vienne - Valence, France

Take your coffee on your balcony or the Sun Deck as you cruise to Valence, a designated “City of Art and History,” where you can see such sites as its 11th-century Cathedral of St. Apollinaris or perhaps its House of Heads (named for the carved heads of its façade and courtyard) on your city tour. For a more active adventure, pedal through this bicycle-friendly city. Or indulge your culinary wanderlust by attending a specialized excursion to a local French cooking school. If you prefer a more relaxing excursion, taste the Northern Rhône’s red Cornas wines. (B,L,D)

Day 7, Avignon - Arles, France

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. 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. Depending on your interests, you have two choices of excursions for the morning. You can enjoy a bike tour along the Rhône from Avignon to the provençal town of Tarascon, or you can visit three venues around Avignon to taste regional specialties including macarons, cheese and wine, and tapenades. Later in the day, cruise to Arles, considered one of the most beautiful cities in France. Let your experienced guide lead you to the top sights, including the Romanesqu


Excursions

Immersive tours are included in every destination.


Ship

AmaCello

The AmaCello is a comfortable and well appointed ship. She made her debut in 2008 and carries 144 passengers. Relax in spacious, elegantly appointed staterooms, most with French balcony. The AmaCello offers a host of added comforts and conveniences, including a sauna, whirlpool, massage and hair salon, a stylish and inviting main lounge, and specialty coffee station. You'll enjoy excellent multiple course meals with regional wines in a variety of dining venues. Enjoy the walking track and views from the sun deck while sailing Europe’s great rivers.

Ship Features

  • Multiple outdoor decks offering unimpeded panoramic views
  • Sun deck with whirlpool
  • Comfortable common spaces and scenics decks
  • Award-winning dining featuring locally inspired cuisine and regional wines
  • Multiple dining venues, including the Chef’s Table with tasting menu
  • Fitness room, plus a walking/running track on the sun deck
  • A comfortable main lounge and bar with entertainment
  • Bicycles for guest use and optional cycle tours
  • Wi-Fi access throughout the ship
  • Massage service, sauna, and hair salon
  • 24-hour premium coffee station

Stateroom Amenities

  • Deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows and duvet
  • Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
  • Bathrobes and premium toiletries
  • Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
  • Flat-screen TV that also works as a computer
  • Entertainment system providing TV and on-demand movies and music
  • Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
  • In-room temperature control
  • Suites feature extra seating and bathtubs

Cabin Types:

Upper Deck (Violin)

  • Suite-French Balcony; 255 sq. ft.
  • Category A-French Balcony; 170 sq. ft.
  • Category B-French Balcony; 170 sq. ft.
  • Category C-French Balcony; 170 sq. ft.

Middle Deck (Cello)

  • Category B-French Balcony; 170 sq. ft.
  • Category C-French Balcony; 170 sq. ft.
  • Single Cabin-French Balcony; 140 sq. ft (2 on board. Call for price.)

Lower Deck (Piano)

  • Category D-fixed Panoramic Window; 170 sq. ft.
  • Category E-fixed Panoramic Window; 170 sq. ft.

Disclaimer

Our staff have inspected this cruise and the above description and photographs reflect what they saw at that time. It is possible that the supplier has made changes to the cruise without our knowledge. While we do our best to keep up with any changes or improvements made to our cruises, we cannot guarantee that everything in the above description will be accurate.

Starting at $3839
Package includes

  • River-view stateroom
  • All onboard meals
  • Shore excursions
  • Port taxes & fees

Not Included

  • International Flights
  • Travel Insurance
  • Transportation to/from the port/ship
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Additional overnight(s) if required due to international flight timings