RHONE & SAONE JAZZ RIVER CRUISE
FEATURING CURTIS STIGERS
AND THE HARMONY VOYAGES JAZZ BAND
15 - 22 AUGUST 2024
Welcome aboard our Rhône Jazz Cruise through the enchanting river valleys of southern France. Prepare to be swept away by the harmonious melodies and soulful rhythms of jazz as we embark on our cruise.
Providing your evening entertainment on this extraordinary voyage, are the incredible musical talents of the renowned Peter Long, leader of the iconic Ronnie Scott's Jazz Orchestra and the amazing 'Harmony Voyages House Jazz Band'. Joining them for a one-off very special performance is the award-winning singer, songwriter and saxophonist CURTIS STIGERS.
In addition to the Jazz musical theme, Andy Webster (Warehouse of Thieves) will be aboard offering some laid-back Jazz/Swing themed Ukulele sessions. Andy will be on hand to offer useful tips on technique and playing in a Jazz style. Sheet music handouts will be provided and spare Ukulele's available for anyone wishing to borrow one.
Join us on a journey through the ages, including five nights of top-quality entertainment including; 'A History of Jazz,' an evening of music from Frank Sinatra to Ella Fitzgerald, an evening with our special guest, Curtis Stigers, another night filled with Latin, Funk & Blues - 'Havana, Herbie & Hendrix', a request only night and loads of fun.
Our carefully curated itinerary will take you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes and captivating destinations in the South of France. Immerse yourself in the beauty and cultural richness of this picturesque region. Prepare to be captivated by the unforgettable stretches of land in Provence and Burgundy, while enjoying panoramic views of historic cities and monumental landmarks.
But it's not just the scenery that will leave you in awe. Indulge in delectable cuisine, savour exquisite wines, appreciate art and architecture, and dive into the intriguing history of the region. This river cruise promises an all-encompassing experience that combines the very best of what the South of France has to offer.
To make this luxury week of jazz even more special, we have an exceptional offer for solo travellers, seize the opportunity to sail on board with no single supplement charges across all cabin grades!
With a maximum capacity of only 140 guests, this exclusive jazz river cruise is an experience not to be missed. So, secure your place and join us on this extraordinary voyage, where the harmonious blend of jazz, culture, and natural beauty will create memories to last a lifetime.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
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7 night cruise onboard MS Amadeus Provence
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Luxury accommodation in an outside river-view stateroom of your choice: Spacious Mozart Suites with a walk-out balcony, stateroom cabins on Mozart and Strauss Decks with drop-down Panorama Retractable Windows offering a wide-open view
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Individual climate control and in-room safe
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Choice of bed configuration in all categories (double or twin bedding)
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Bottled water in cabin
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Gourmet dining featuring breakfast, multi-course lunches and dinners with menu choices (all specific dietary needs catered for*), afternoon tea and late-night snack *
- Free-flowing hand-selected wines from the best wine regions, draft beer, soda as well as coffee and tea with every lunch and dinner
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Coffee and tea available 24 hours a day in the Amadeus Club
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Welcome Cocktail Reception, Welcome Dinner and Captain’s Farewell Dinner
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Services of your onboard Harmony Voyages Tour Manager and an experienced English-speaking Cruise Director
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Onboard entertainment
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In-stateroom infotainment center
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On board fitness centre
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Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout including cabins
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Complimentary use of onboard bicycles
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Complimentary state-of-the-art audio headsets for use on optional excursions
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All local taxes & port charges
- No single supplement charge for solo travellers
*All dietary requirements can be catered for, however please do let us know in advance of your cruise
ITINERARY
THURSDAY 15 AUGUST - LYON
Welcome to your cruise holiday! Your journey begins in Lyon with afternoon embarkation. After settling into your cabin, join us in the bar for a ‘welcome cocktail and introduction from your Cruise Director & Harmony Voyages Tour Manager. After a specially prepared welcome dinner take the chance to relax in the lounge and meet your fellow sailors. We depart Lyon at 10pm
FRIDAY 16 AUGUST- MACON
Stay Macon 6:00 to 18:00
In the morning your ship will arrive in Mâcon, located in southern Burgundy.
This historic region has a history stretching back over 2000 years and produces some of the finest and most expensive wines in the world. Take our optional excursion to city, and perhaps visit the wine museum, dedicated to the history and production of Burgundy wines. Near the city of Macon is the Cluny Abbey, dedicated to St Peter. This afternoon offers the opportunity to visit the ‘spiritual heart of medieval Europe’. Founded in 910 by Guillaume d’Aquitaine, the abbey is comprised of three abbey churches. At its height, it was home to over 10,000 monks. We depart 18:00
Today's optional excursions:
Mâcon and the Beaujolais
With its pastel buildings and tiled roofs, Mâconnais has a Mediterranean charm. From Mâconnais we will tour the Beaujolais and Mâconnais wine regions. We will make our way through the vineyards which grace the area, as well as the castles and stately homes which bear witness to the wealth of the region. A highlight of this excursion is the visit to Georges Duboeuf’s Hameau du Vin. In the unique setting of a 19th-century railway station, you can marvel at the wine making process: the transporting of grapes and wine, the winemaker’s tools and trade, the cellars, the winemaking processes, bottling and corking. Finish the visit with a tasting of Beaujolais wines, in a room housing a barrel organ called a “bouteillophone”.
Duration: approx. 5 hours
Level 2: The excursion by bus is followed by a moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.
Excursion Pricing:
Mâcon and the Beaujolais £77
Château de Pierreclos with wine tasting £61
OR Visit to Cluny Abbey £66
Beaune and the Burgundy £76
Medieval Brancion and Cormatin £66
Lyon - Gastronomic capital of France £43
OR Les Halles by Paul Bocuse with tasting £52
Avignon walking tour with Papal Palace £43
Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard and Uzès £53
Arles walking tour with Arena £31
Camargue Nature Reserve £51
Valley of the Ardèche Gorge £51
OR Grignan with truffle farm and tasting £74
Château de Pierreclos with wine tasting
Our excursion takes us through the vineyards of the Beaujolais and Mâconnais wine region. We pass castles and chateaux that bear witness to the wealth of the region.
Visit the Château de Pierreclos, with its oldest surviving sections dating back to the 12th century. Immerse yourself in medieval life and explore the vaulted cellars in the artillery tower, the armory or the dungeon. Walk on the terrace overlooking the vineyards and experience a journey back in time to the 15th century. Finally, enjoy a tasting of local wines and cheeses.
Duration: approx. 3.5 hours
Level 3: The excursion by bus is followed by a longer walk. You may need to climb several stairs.
Excursion Pricing:
Mâcon and the Beaujolais £77
Château de Pierreclos with wine tasting £61
OR Visit to Cluny Abbey £66
Beaune and the Burgundy £76
Medieval Brancion and Cormatin £66
Lyon - Gastronomic capital of France £43
OR Les Halles by Paul Bocuse with tasting £52
Avignon walking tour with Papal Palace £43
Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard and Uzès £53
Arles walking tour with Arena £31
Camargue Nature Reserve £51
Valley of the Ardèche Gorge £51
OR Grignan with truffle farm and tasting £74
Visit to Cluny Abbey
The Abbey of Cluny in Burgundy was the center of a major monastic movement in the Middle Ages. Its church was the largest Christian building in the world until St. Peter’s Basilica was rebuilt in Rome in the 16th century. Although most of the great Abbey of Cluny is in ruins, you can still see remnants showing the size and glory the abbey possessed at its zenith and imagine it as it once was. Today, one transept of the 12th-century abbey church remains, along with the 15th-century abbots’ residences and 18th-century convent buildings. The site also includes beautiful gardens and a museum with Romanesque artifacts.
Your guide will show you around the ancient Benedictine abbey. This church, with its unusual dimensions, was completed under the abbacy of Pierre the Venerable and consecrated in 1130. Its principal architect was Hézelon de Liège. The idea for its construction is said to have originated from a monk’s dream.
Duration: approx. 3.5 hours
Level 2: The excursion by bus is followed by a moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.
Excursion Pricing:
Mâcon and the Beaujolais £77
Château de Pierreclos with wine tasting £61
OR Visit to Cluny Abbey £66
Beaune and the Burgundy £76
Medieval Brancion and Cormatin £66
Lyon - Gastronomic capital of France £43
OR Les Halles by Paul Bocuse with tasting £52
Avignon walking tour with Papal Palace £43
Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard and Uzès £53
Arles walking tour with Arena £31
Camargue Nature Reserve £51
Valley of the Ardèche Gorge £51
OR Grignan with truffle farm and tasting £74
SATURDAY 17 AUGUST- CHALON-SUR-SAON > TOURNUS
Continue to explore the wine region with a stop in the town of Chalon sur Saône. Half-timbered houses overlook the square, and it offers art galleries, speciality shops as well as a museum dedicated to photography. The morning brings the option to take a bus tour through the Burgundy Wine route with a wine tasting stop at Beaune. After lunch on board take time to admire the scenery as the vessel continues along the Saone or join the afternoon excursion to the medieval towns of Brançion and Comartin before rejoining the ship at Tournus. There is time to take a look around Tournus before we depart at 19:30
Today's optional excursions:
Beaune And The Burgundy
After breakfast, take a scenic drive along France’s Burgundy wine route through Pommard, Volnay and Meursault. In Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy, you will enjoy a guided tour of the beautiful Hôtel-Dieu, founded as a hospice in 1443. Today, it covers a large area of the town with its museum, three courtyards, outbuildings, 15th-century bastion and hundreds of meters of cellars, which are notable for containing the personal reserve of the Hospices. The four buildings open to the public are situated around the Court of Honor and represent the Hôtel-Dieu of former times.
The great Salle des Pauvres (”hall of the poor”), is decorated with multi-colored beams which are unique in the world. Serenity reigns here which will leave no one unmoved. The rooms overflow with treasures: statues, furniture, pottery, paintings, tapestries and more. The kitchen has been restored to look exactly as it did in the 19th century. The polyptych of “The Last Judgement”, a masterpiece by the Flemish painter Rogier Van Der Weyden, is particularly well presented. Later, enjoy a wine tasting experience at one of Beaune’s famous cellars.
Duration: approx. 4 hours
Level 2: The excursion by bus is followed by a moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.
Excursion Pricing:
Mâcon and the Beaujolais £77
Château de Pierreclos with wine tasting £61
OR Visit to Cluny Abbey £66
Beaune and the Burgundy £76
Medieval Brancion and Cormatin £66
Lyon - Gastronomic capital of France £43
OR Les Halles by Paul Bocuse with tasting £52
Avignon walking tour with Papal Palace £43
Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard and Uzès £53
Arles walking tour with Arena £31
Camargue Nature Reserve £51
Valley of the Ardèche Gorge £51
OR Grignan with truffle farm and tasting £74
Medieval Brancion and Cormatin
Medieval Brancion and Cormatin
We leave Chalon-sur-Saône and drive to Brançion for a short photo stop before continuing to the Castle of Cormatin. Behind its understated exterior lies inestimable splendor. The castle is undoubtedly one of the most sumptuous castles in Burgundy, and, in addition, it boasts a Renaissance garden. The sculpted yews break up the symmetry as you enter this moated château. The rich, colorful interior reflects the French and more particularly, the Parisian fashion during the reign of Louis XIII. Built between 1605 and 1629 by the du Blé family, it chronicles the history of the arts at this time in France. The formal Renaissance garden has the “fountain of life” at its center. Beyond this is a maze with a charming wrought-iron aviary. From the top of this you can get an overview of the park.
Duration: approx. 4 hours
Walking grade Level 2: The excursion by bus is followed by a moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.
Excursion Pricing:
Mâcon and the Beaujolais £77
Château de Pierreclos with wine tasting £61
OR Visit to Cluny Abbey £66
Beaune and the Burgundy £76
Medieval Brancion and Cormatin £66
Lyon - Gastronomic capital of France £43
OR Les Halles by Paul Bocuse with tasting £52
Avignon walking tour with Papal Palace £43
Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard and Uzès £53
Arles walking tour with Arena £31
Camargue Nature Reserve £51
Valley of the Ardèche Gorge £51
OR Grignan with truffle farm and tasting £74
SUNDAY 18 AUGUST - LYON
Stay Lyon 07:00 - 12:00
Today we return to Lyon, known for its architectural beauty and gastronomic excellence. Today brings two options for excursions; a guided tour to discover this UNESCO world heritage site with its famous landmarks, or head to the covered food markets of Paul Bocuse and sample local delicacies. We leave Lyon at midday and you can relax this afternoon as we sail through the picturesque countryside.
Today's optional excursions:
Lyon - Gastronomic Capital Of France
Lyon - Gastronomic Capital Of France
Lyon not only marks the meeting of the Saône and Rhône Rivers, but it is also the gastronomic capital of France. Its rich, ancient history includes Roman ruins and early Christian sites. The city tour begins with a coach trip to the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. The well-known pilgrimage church stands on a hill, offering an unforgettable view of the city. After you’ve had a look around on your own and enjoyed a drive along the banks of the Sâone, with views of various sights including the Cathedral of St. John and the Palace of Justice, you will have the opportunity to explore Lyon’s Old Town.
Take a gentle stroll through the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the famous Roman theatre and buildings showing the influence of the Italian Renaissance.
Duration: approx. 3 hours
Walking grade Level 2: The excursion by bus is followed by a moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.
Excursion Pricing:
Mâcon and the Beaujolais £77
Château de Pierreclos with wine tasting £61
OR Visit to Cluny Abbey £66
Beaune and the Burgundy £76
Medieval Brancion and Cormatin £66
Lyon - Gastronomic capital of France £43
OR Les Halles by Paul Bocuse with tasting £52
Avignon walking tour with Papal Palace £43
Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard and Uzès £53
Arles walking tour with Arena £31
Camargue Nature Reserve £51
Valley of the Ardèche Gorge £51
OR Grignan with truffle farm and tasting £74
Les Halles Du Paul Bocuse With Tasting
Les Halles Du Paul Bocuse With Tasting
Lyon, thanks to its many local specialties, is known for its gastronomy. In 1859 the first covered market in Lyon 'Les Halles de Lyon' was created. Throughout the centuries, the marketplace in Lyon has evolved, been re-built to today's standards, and gained a reputation for its high-quality gourmet goods. Michelin starred Chef Paul Bocuse, enjoyed shopping for his restaurants in this marketplace and in 2006, lent his name to Les Halles de Lyon, giving the final stamp of approval to the gastronomic excellence of the goods available. We invite you to explore the best producers of Lyon in Les Halles Paul Bocuse. The three-level market is made up of 56 traders - cheese makers, bakers, pastry chefs, delicatessens and wine merchants just to name a few. Follow your guides through this maze of merchants and taste the emblematic products of the world capital of gastronomy: wine, cheese, cooked mixed meats and pastries.
Duration: approx. 2 hours
Level 2: The excursion by bus is followed by a moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.
Excursion Pricing:
Mâcon and the Beaujolais £77
Château de Pierreclos with wine tasting £61
OR Visit to Cluny Abbey £66
Beaune and the Burgundy £76
Medieval Brancion and Cormatin £66
Lyon - Gastronomic capital of France £43
OR Les Halles by Paul Bocuse with tasting £52
Avignon walking tour with Papal Palace £43
Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard and Uzès £53
Arles walking tour with Arena £31
Camargue Nature Reserve £51
Valley of the Ardèche Gorge £51
OR Grignan with truffle farm and tasting £74
MONDAY 19 AUGUST - AVIGNON
Stay Avignon 09:00 - 19:00
Spend the day exploring the Provençal city of Avignon, home to the Papal Palace, once the seat of Western Christianity in the 14th century. Provence is also home to the Pont du Gard, a three-level aqueduct constructed over 2000 years ago by the Romans and is one of the architectural masterpieces of the ancient world. After lunch, you can join the excursion to the hilltop town of Uzès and visit the Pont du Gard. We depart for Arles at 18:30.
Today's optional excursions:
Avignon Walking Tour With Papal Palace
Avignon Walking Tour With Papal Palace
Today’s excursion is a guided walk through Avignon, also known as the “City of Popes” due to the role the city played in the Avignon conspiracy of the 14th century, when a pope abandoned Rome and fled to Avignon. Avignon’s lavish Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes), is a fortress, church and palace all in one and was considered the center of the Christian world during the 14th century. From 1309 to 1377, seven popes resided in this impressive building, one of the world’s most fascinating examples of Gothic architecture. Another must-see is the Pont d’Avignon, a ruined 12th-century bridge that once spanned the Rhône and is immortalized in a folk song about dancing on the bridge.
Duration: approx. 2 hours
Walking grade Level 4: Moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.
Excursion Pricing:
Mâcon and the Beaujolais £77
Château de Pierreclos with wine tasting £61
OR Visit to Cluny Abbey £66
Beaune and the Burgundy £76
Medieval Brancion and Cormatin £66
Lyon - Gastronomic capital of France £43
OR Les Halles by Paul Bocuse with tasting £52
Avignon walking tour with Papal Palace £43
Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard and Uzès £53
Arles walking tour with Arena £31
Camargue Nature Reserve £51
Valley of the Ardèche Gorge £51
OR Grignan with truffle farm and tasting £74
Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard and Uzès
Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard and Uzès
The Pont du Gard is the greatest surviving stretch of a fifty-kilometer-long (thirthy one mile) aqueduct, built by the Romans in the middle of the first century to supply fresh water to the city of Nimes. With just a seventeen-meter difference in altitude between beginning and end, the aqueduct was quite an achievement for its time.Some miles further on, near the start of the aqueduct, lies the city of Uzès. This lovely old town perches on a hill above the River Alzon. Half a dozen medieval towers rise above its tiled roofs. The most fetching is the windowed, Pisa-like Tour Fenestrelle, tacked onto the cathedral. The narrow lanes are lined with Renaissance and Neoclassical houses which were once the residences of the 17th- and 18th-century bourgeoisie, who had grown rich on textiles.
Duration: approx. 4.5 hours
Level 2: The excursion by bus is followed by a moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.
Excursion Pricing:
Mâcon and the Beaujolais £77
Château de Pierreclos with wine tasting £61
OR Visit to Cluny Abbey £66
Beaune and the Burgundy £76
Medieval Brancion and Cormatin £66
Lyon - Gastronomic capital of France £43
OR Les Halles by Paul Bocuse with tasting £52
Avignon walking tour with Papal Palace £43
Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard and Uzès £53
Arles walking tour with Arena £31
Camargue Nature Reserve £51
Valley of the Ardèche Gorge £51
OR Grignan with truffle farm and tasting £74
TUESDAY 20 AUGUST - ARLES
Stay Arles 12.01 - 18:30
Arles captured the imagination of the brilliant Impressionist painter, Van Gogh. Walking through the town, many of the settings may seem familiar as some of Van Gogh’s best known pieces reflect the beauty of the town. Your optional tour this morning is a two hour city walk taking in many ancient or Roman sights and monuments and a visit to the Roman arena.
Outside Arles is Camargue Nature Park which covers 86,000 hectares and is known for its unique flora and fauna as well as its astonishing range of wildlife including the renowned Camargue bulls and white horses.You can also visit Saintes Maries de la Mer, located on the Mediterranean Sea where the Rhone joins the ocean. Depart Arles at 18:30 to continue cruising the Rhône River
Today's optional excursions:
Arles Walking Tour With Roman Arena Visit
Arles Walking Tour With Roman Arena Visit
Arles boasts a rich history. It was founded by the Gauls, who made it their capital. During the course of centuries, Arles was home to archbishops, became part of the Kingdom of the Franks and, later on, capital of the Kingdom of Burgundy. During our two-hour city walk, pass many ancient or Roman sights and monuments and see why UNESCO has chosen to declare Arles a World Heritage Site. A visit to the Roman arena is a must while in Arles. Why not take a break in the café that served as the model for Vincent Van Gogh’s “Café Terrace at Night”? While strolling through the city, you might even meet pilgrims walking the Way of St. James, which begins in Arles!
Duration: approx. 2 hours
Level 4: Moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.
Excursion Pricing:
Mâcon and the Beaujolais £77
Château de Pierreclos with wine tasting £61
OR Visit to Cluny Abbey £66
Beaune and the Burgundy £76
Medieval Brancion and Cormatin £66
Lyon - Gastronomic capital of France £43
OR Les Halles by Paul Bocuse with tasting £52
Avignon walking tour with Papal Palace £43
Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard and Uzès £53
Arles walking tour with Arena £31
Camargue Nature Reserve £51
Valley of the Ardèche Gorge £51
OR Grignan with truffle farm and tasting £74
Camargue Nature Reserve
The Camargue is like a little country in its own right. Once you’re a few minutes south of Arles, you enter the unique atmosphere of the area, with its series of long, level roads criss-crossing the marshes and farmlands. For the protection of the exceptional fauna and flora, part of the Camargue was listed as a nature reserve as early as 1927. In 1970, the whole Island of Camargue (the delta of the Rhône River) was listed as the Regional Nature Park of Camargue. It is home to an astonishing range of wildlife, including the renowned Camargue bulls and horses that live in semi freedom, and many hundreds of species of birds. You will also visit Saintes Maries de la Mer, located on the Mediterranean Sea where the Rhône joins the ocean. This village is steeped in history and boasts stunning beaches which meet the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
Duration: approx. 4.5 hours
Walking grade Level 2: The excursion by bus is followed by a moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.
Excursion Pricing:
Mâcon and the Beaujolais £77
Château de Pierreclos with wine tasting £61
OR Visit to Cluny Abbey £66
Beaune and the Burgundy £76
Medieval Brancion and Cormatin £66
Lyon - Gastronomic capital of France £43
OR Les Halles by Paul Bocuse with tasting £52
Avignon walking tour with Papal Palace £43
Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard and Uzès £53
Arles walking tour with Arena £31
Camargue Nature Reserve £51
Valley of the Ardèche Gorge £51
OR Grignan with truffle farm and tasting £74
WEDNESDAY 21 AUGUST - CHATEAUNEUF-DU-RHONE/LE POUZIN
This morning your optional excursion offers the opportunity to view the Ardeche Gorge, another natural wonder of the area. Visit the ‘Grand Canyon of Europe’ and re-join the ship in time for lunch. Alternatively try the excursion to Grignan where you can explore the world of truffles with a. Visit and tasting at a local truffle farm. Join the vessel at Le Pousin in time for lunch. We stay in Le Pouzin from 12:30 to 14:00, after which we make our way back up the waterways of Provence. Those who do not want to participate in excursions can stay and relax on board. The evening brings the Captains Farewell Dinner
Today's optional excursions:
Valley Of The Ardeche Gorge
The Ardèche Gorge is often referred to as the Grand Canyon of Europe, its spectacular limestone cliffs tower up to 1,000 ft above the meandering river below. The entrance to the Ardèche Gorge is through the famous Pont d’Arc near Vallon which, at 192 feet is, according to the Natural Arch and Bridge Society, “the largest natural bridge in Europe”. You will take the famous Gorge Trail, from which you can see the harmonious meanderings of the river. Beautiful viewpoints such as the Pont d’Arc and Serre de Tourre offer the greatest views onto the canyon and the river Ardèche.
Duration: approx. 4.5 hours
Walking grade Level 2: The excursion by bus is followed by a moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.
Excursion Pricing:
Mâcon and the Beaujolais £77
Château de Pierreclos with wine tasting £61
OR Visit to Cluny Abbey £66
Beaune and the Burgundy £76
Medieval Brancion and Cormatin £66
Lyon - Gastronomic capital of France £43
OR Les Halles by Paul Bocuse with tasting £52
Avignon walking tour with Papal Palace £43
Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard and Uzès £53
Arles walking tour with Arena £31
Camargue Nature Reserve £51
Valley of the Ardèche Gorge £51
OR Grignan with truffle farm and tasting £74
Grignan with truffle farm and tasting
Grignan with truffle farm and tasting
Starting from Châteauneuf du Rhône, we will take you by coach to the medieval village of Grignan, located near Mont Ventoux – the highest mountain in Provence, and characterized by the Rennaissance castle of Grignan towering high above the town.
Explore the history of Grignan and the castle during this morning’s visit. The area around Grignan is especially famous for truffle cultivation. During your tour, visit a traditional truffle farm to learn more about truffles and a tasting.
Duration: approx. 4.5 hours
Level 3: The excursion by bus is followed by a longer walk. You may need to climb several stairs.
Excursion Pricing:
Mâcon and the Beaujolais £77
Château de Pierreclos with wine tasting £61
OR Visit to Cluny Abbey £66
Beaune and the Burgundy £76
Medieval Brancion and Cormatin £66
Lyon - Gastronomic capital of France £43
OR Les Halles by Paul Bocuse with tasting £52
Avignon walking tour with Papal Palace £43
Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard and Uzès £53
Arles walking tour with Arena £31
Camargue Nature Reserve £51
Valley of the Ardèche Gorge £51
OR Grignan with truffle farm and tasting £74
THURSDAY 22 AUGUST - LYON - FAREWELL
After a generous breakfast it's time to disembark and join your transfer to the airport.
EXCURSIONS
Choose from a carefully curated selection of inspiring excursions and adventures! Our excursions can be booked with us in advance to ensure your place, or on board if you would rather keep your itinerary flexible. Booked excursions include a packed lunch. Excursions are subject to a minimum number of bookings and may be cancelled if there is not enough interest.
*excursion timings are subject to change*
| EXCURSION | PRICE PER PERSON |
|---|---|
| Macon And The Beaujolais | £77 |
| Château de Pierreclos with wine tasting | £61 |
| OR Cluny Abbey | £66 |
| Beaune And The Burgundy | £76 |
| Medieval Brancion And Cormatin | £66 |
| Lyon - Gastronomic Capital Of France | £43 |
| OR Les Halles By Paul Bocuse With Tasting | £52 |
| Avignon Walking Tour With Papeal Palace | £43 |
| Roman Aqueduct Pont Du Gard And Uzes | £51 |
| Arles Walking Tour With Arena Visit | £30 |
| Camargue Nature Reserve | £50 |
| Valley Of The Ardeche Gorge | £50 |
| OR Grignan With Truffle Farm And Tasting | £71 |
Package A | for only £ 257 per person
Enjoy a package of these pre-selected excursions for a discounted rate when purchased in advance.
- Mâcon and the Beaujolais
Mâcon and the Beaujolais
With its pastel buildings and tiled roofs, Mâconnais has a Mediterranean charm. From Mâconnais we will tour the Beaujolais and Mâconnais wine regions. We will make our way through the vineyards which grace the area, as well as the castles and stately homes which bear witness to the wealth of the region. A highlight of this excursion is the visit to Georges Duboeuf’s Hameau du Vin. In the unique setting of a 19th-century railway station, you can marvel at the wine making process: the transporting of grapes and wine, the winemaker’s tools and trade, the cellars, the winemaking processes, bottling and corking. Finish the visit with a tasting of Beaujolais wines, in a room housing a barrel organ called a “bouteillophone”.
Duration: approx. 5 hours
Level 2: The excursion by bus is followed by a moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.
Excursion Pricing:
Mâcon and the Beaujolais £77
Château de Pierreclos with wine tasting £61
OR Visit to Cluny Abbey £66
Beaune and the Burgundy £76
Medieval Brancion and Cormatin £66
Lyon - Gastronomic capital of France £43
OR Les Halles by Paul Bocuse with tasting £52
Avignon walking tour with Papal Palace £43
Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard and Uzès £53
Arles walking tour with Arena £31
Camargue Nature Reserve £51
Valley of the Ardèche Gorge £51
OR Grignan with truffle farm and tasting £74 - Beaune And The Burgundy
Beaune And The Burgundy
After breakfast, take a scenic drive along France’s Burgundy wine route through Pommard, Volnay and Meursault. In Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy, you will enjoy a guided tour of the beautiful Hôtel-Dieu, founded as a hospice in 1443. Today, it covers a large area of the town with its museum, three courtyards, outbuildings, 15th-century bastion and hundreds of meters of cellars, which are notable for containing the personal reserve of the Hospices. The four buildings open to the public are situated around the Court of Honor and represent the Hôtel-Dieu of former times.
The great Salle des Pauvres (”hall of the poor”), is decorated with multi-colored beams which are unique in the world. Serenity reigns here which will leave no one unmoved. The rooms overflow with treasures: statues, furniture, pottery, paintings, tapestries and more. The kitchen has been restored to look exactly as it did in the 19th century. The polyptych of “The Last Judgement”, a masterpiece by the Flemish painter Rogier Van Der Weyden, is particularly well presented. Later, enjoy a wine tasting experience at one of Beaune’s famous cellars.
Duration: approx. 4 hours
Level 2: The excursion by bus is followed by a moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.
Excursion Pricing:
Mâcon and the Beaujolais £77
Château de Pierreclos with wine tasting £61
OR Visit to Cluny Abbey £66
Beaune and the Burgundy £76
Medieval Brancion and Cormatin £66
Lyon - Gastronomic capital of France £43
OR Les Halles by Paul Bocuse with tasting £52
Avignon walking tour with Papal Palace £43
Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard and Uzès £53
Arles walking tour with Arena £31
Camargue Nature Reserve £51
Valley of the Ardèche Gorge £51
OR Grignan with truffle farm and tasting £74 - Avignon Walking Tour With Papal Palace
Avignon Walking Tour With Papal Palace
Today’s excursion is a guided walk through Avignon, also known as the “City of Popes” due to the role the city played in the Avignon conspiracy of the 14th century, when a pope abandoned Rome and fled to Avignon. Avignon’s lavish Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes), is a fortress, church and palace all in one and was considered the center of the Christian world during the 14th century. From 1309 to 1377, seven popes resided in this impressive building, one of the world’s most fascinating examples of Gothic architecture. Another must-see is the Pont d’Avignon, a ruined 12th-century bridge that once spanned the Rhône and is immortalized in a folk song about dancing on the bridge.
Duration: approx. 2 hours
Walking grade Level 4: Moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.
Excursion Pricing:
Mâcon and the Beaujolais £77
Château de Pierreclos with wine tasting £61
OR Visit to Cluny Abbey £66
Beaune and the Burgundy £76
Medieval Brancion and Cormatin £66
Lyon - Gastronomic capital of France £43
OR Les Halles by Paul Bocuse with tasting £52
Avignon walking tour with Papal Palace £43
Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard and Uzès £53
Arles walking tour with Arena £31
Camargue Nature Reserve £51
Valley of the Ardèche Gorge £51
OR Grignan with truffle farm and tasting £74 - Arles Walking Tour With Roman Arena Visit
Arles Walking Tour With Roman Arena Visit
Arles boasts a rich history. It was founded by the Gauls, who made it their capital. During the course of centuries, Arles was home to archbishops, became part of the Kingdom of the Franks and, later on, capital of the Kingdom of Burgundy. During our two-hour city walk, pass many ancient or Roman sights and monuments and see why UNESCO has chosen to declare Arles a World Heritage Site. A visit to the Roman arena is a must while in Arles. Why not take a break in the café that served as the model for Vincent Van Gogh’s “Café Terrace at Night”? While strolling through the city, you might even meet pilgrims walking the Way of St. James, which begins in Arles!
Duration: approx. 2 hours
Level 4: Moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.
Excursion Pricing:
Mâcon and the Beaujolais £77
Château de Pierreclos with wine tasting £61
OR Visit to Cluny Abbey £66
Beaune and the Burgundy £76
Medieval Brancion and Cormatin £66
Lyon - Gastronomic capital of France £43
OR Les Halles by Paul Bocuse with tasting £52
Avignon walking tour with Papal Palace £43
Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard and Uzès £53
Arles walking tour with Arena £31
Camargue Nature Reserve £51
Valley of the Ardèche Gorge £51
OR Grignan with truffle farm and tasting £74 - Grignan with truffle farm and tasting
Grignan with truffle farm and tasting
Starting from Châteauneuf du Rhône, we will take you by coach to the medieval village of Grignan, located near Mont Ventoux – the highest mountain in Provence, and characterized by the Rennaissance castle of Grignan towering high above the town.
Explore the history of Grignan and the castle during this morning’s visit. The area around Grignan is especially famous for truffle cultivation. During your tour, visit a traditional truffle farm to learn more about truffles and a tasting.
Duration: approx. 4.5 hours
Level 3: The excursion by bus is followed by a longer walk. You may need to climb several stairs.
Excursion Pricing:
Mâcon and the Beaujolais £77
Château de Pierreclos with wine tasting £61
OR Visit to Cluny Abbey £66
Beaune and the Burgundy £76
Medieval Brancion and Cormatin £66
Lyon - Gastronomic capital of France £43
OR Les Halles by Paul Bocuse with tasting £52
Avignon walking tour with Papal Palace £43
Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard and Uzès £53
Arles walking tour with Arena £31
Camargue Nature Reserve £51
Valley of the Ardèche Gorge £51
OR Grignan with truffle farm and tasting £74
Package B | for only £ 370 per person
Enjoy a package of these pre-selected excursions for a discounted rate when purchased in advance.
- Mâcon and the Beaujolais
Mâcon and the Beaujolais
With its pastel buildings and tiled roofs, Mâconnais has a Mediterranean charm. From Mâconnais we will tour the Beaujolais and Mâconnais wine regions. We will make our way through the vineyards which grace the area, as well as the castles and stately homes which bear witness to the wealth of the region. A highlight of this excursion is the visit to Georges Duboeuf’s Hameau du Vin. In the unique setting of a 19th-century railway station, you can marvel at the wine making process: the transporting of grapes and wine, the winemaker’s tools and trade, the cellars, the winemaking processes, bottling and corking. Finish the visit with a tasting of Beaujolais wines, in a room housing a barrel organ called a “bouteillophone”.
Duration: approx. 5 hours
Level 2: The excursion by bus is followed by a moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.
Excursion Pricing:
Mâcon and the Beaujolais £77
Château de Pierreclos with wine tasting £61
OR Visit to Cluny Abbey £66
Beaune and the Burgundy £76
Medieval Brancion and Cormatin £66
Lyon - Gastronomic capital of France £43
OR Les Halles by Paul Bocuse with tasting £52
Avignon walking tour with Papal Palace £43
Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard and Uzès £53
Arles walking tour with Arena £31
Camargue Nature Reserve £51
Valley of the Ardèche Gorge £51
OR Grignan with truffle farm and tasting £74 - Château de Pierreclos with wine tasting
Château de Pierreclos with wine tasting
Our excursion takes us through the vineyards of the Beaujolais and Mâconnais wine region. We pass castles and chateaux that bear witness to the wealth of the region.
Visit the Château de Pierreclos, with its oldest surviving sections dating back to the 12th century. Immerse yourself in medieval life and explore the vaulted cellars in the artillery tower, the armory or the dungeon. Walk on the terrace overlooking the vineyards and experience a journey back in time to the 15th century. Finally, enjoy a tasting of local wines and cheeses.
Duration: approx. 3.5 hours
Level 3: The excursion by bus is followed by a longer walk. You may need to climb several stairs.
Excursion Pricing:
Mâcon and the Beaujolais £77
Château de Pierreclos with wine tasting £61
OR Visit to Cluny Abbey £66
Beaune and the Burgundy £76
Medieval Brancion and Cormatin £66
Lyon - Gastronomic capital of France £43
OR Les Halles by Paul Bocuse with tasting £52
Avignon walking tour with Papal Palace £43
Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard and Uzès £53
Arles walking tour with Arena £31
Camargue Nature Reserve £51
Valley of the Ardèche Gorge £51
OR Grignan with truffle farm and tasting £74 - Beaune And The Burgundy
Beaune And The Burgundy
After breakfast, take a scenic drive along France’s Burgundy wine route through Pommard, Volnay and Meursault. In Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy, you will enjoy a guided tour of the beautiful Hôtel-Dieu, founded as a hospice in 1443. Today, it covers a large area of the town with its museum, three courtyards, outbuildings, 15th-century bastion and hundreds of meters of cellars, which are notable for containing the personal reserve of the Hospices. The four buildings open to the public are situated around the Court of Honor and represent the Hôtel-Dieu of former times.
The great Salle des Pauvres (”hall of the poor”), is decorated with multi-colored beams which are unique in the world. Serenity reigns here which will leave no one unmoved. The rooms overflow with treasures: statues, furniture, pottery, paintings, tapestries and more. The kitchen has been restored to look exactly as it did in the 19th century. The polyptych of “The Last Judgement”, a masterpiece by the Flemish painter Rogier Van Der Weyden, is particularly well presented. Later, enjoy a wine tasting experience at one of Beaune’s famous cellars.
Duration: approx. 4 hours
Level 2: The excursion by bus is followed by a moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.
Excursion Pricing:
Mâcon and the Beaujolais £77
Château de Pierreclos with wine tasting £61
OR Visit to Cluny Abbey £66
Beaune and the Burgundy £76
Medieval Brancion and Cormatin £66
Lyon - Gastronomic capital of France £43
OR Les Halles by Paul Bocuse with tasting £52
Avignon walking tour with Papal Palace £43
Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard and Uzès £53
Arles walking tour with Arena £31
Camargue Nature Reserve £51
Valley of the Ardèche Gorge £51
OR Grignan with truffle farm and tasting £74 - Lyon - Gastronomic Capital Of France
Lyon - Gastronomic Capital Of France
Lyon not only marks the meeting of the Saône and Rhône Rivers, but it is also the gastronomic capital of France. Its rich, ancient history includes Roman ruins and early Christian sites. The city tour begins with a coach trip to the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. The well-known pilgrimage church stands on a hill, offering an unforgettable view of the city. After you’ve had a look around on your own and enjoyed a drive along the banks of the Sâone, with views of various sights including the Cathedral of St. John and the Palace of Justice, you will have the opportunity to explore Lyon’s Old Town.
Take a gentle stroll through the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the famous Roman theatre and buildings showing the influence of the Italian Renaissance.
Duration: approx. 3 hours
Walking grade Level 2: The excursion by bus is followed by a moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.
Excursion Pricing:
Mâcon and the Beaujolais £77
Château de Pierreclos with wine tasting £61
OR Visit to Cluny Abbey £66
Beaune and the Burgundy £76
Medieval Brancion and Cormatin £66
Lyon - Gastronomic capital of France £43
OR Les Halles by Paul Bocuse with tasting £52
Avignon walking tour with Papal Palace £43
Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard and Uzès £53
Arles walking tour with Arena £31
Camargue Nature Reserve £51
Valley of the Ardèche Gorge £51
OR Grignan with truffle farm and tasting £74 - Avignon Walking Tour With Papal Palace
Avignon Walking Tour With Papal Palace
Today’s excursion is a guided walk through Avignon, also known as the “City of Popes” due to the role the city played in the Avignon conspiracy of the 14th century, when a pope abandoned Rome and fled to Avignon. Avignon’s lavish Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes), is a fortress, church and palace all in one and was considered the center of the Christian world during the 14th century. From 1309 to 1377, seven popes resided in this impressive building, one of the world’s most fascinating examples of Gothic architecture. Another must-see is the Pont d’Avignon, a ruined 12th-century bridge that once spanned the Rhône and is immortalized in a folk song about dancing on the bridge.
Duration: approx. 2 hours
Walking grade Level 4: Moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.
Excursion Pricing:
Mâcon and the Beaujolais £77
Château de Pierreclos with wine tasting £61
OR Visit to Cluny Abbey £66
Beaune and the Burgundy £76
Medieval Brancion and Cormatin £66
Lyon - Gastronomic capital of France £43
OR Les Halles by Paul Bocuse with tasting £52
Avignon walking tour with Papal Palace £43
Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard and Uzès £53
Arles walking tour with Arena £31
Camargue Nature Reserve £51
Valley of the Ardèche Gorge £51
OR Grignan with truffle farm and tasting £74 - Arles Walking Tour With Roman Arena Visit
Arles Walking Tour With Roman Arena Visit
Arles boasts a rich history. It was founded by the Gauls, who made it their capital. During the course of centuries, Arles was home to archbishops, became part of the Kingdom of the Franks and, later on, capital of the Kingdom of Burgundy. During our two-hour city walk, pass many ancient or Roman sights and monuments and see why UNESCO has chosen to declare Arles a World Heritage Site. A visit to the Roman arena is a must while in Arles. Why not take a break in the café that served as the model for Vincent Van Gogh’s “Café Terrace at Night”? While strolling through the city, you might even meet pilgrims walking the Way of St. James, which begins in Arles!
Duration: approx. 2 hours
Level 4: Moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.
Excursion Pricing:
Mâcon and the Beaujolais £77
Château de Pierreclos with wine tasting £61
OR Visit to Cluny Abbey £66
Beaune and the Burgundy £76
Medieval Brancion and Cormatin £66
Lyon - Gastronomic capital of France £43
OR Les Halles by Paul Bocuse with tasting £52
Avignon walking tour with Papal Palace £43
Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard and Uzès £53
Arles walking tour with Arena £31
Camargue Nature Reserve £51
Valley of the Ardèche Gorge £51
OR Grignan with truffle farm and tasting £74 - Camargue Nature Reserve
Camargue Nature Reserve
The Camargue is like a little country in its own right. Once you’re a few minutes south of Arles, you enter the unique atmosphere of the area, with its series of long, level roads criss-crossing the marshes and farmlands. For the protection of the exceptional fauna and flora, part of the Camargue was listed as a nature reserve as early as 1927. In 1970, the whole Island of Camargue (the delta of the Rhône River) was listed as the Regional Nature Park of Camargue. It is home to an astonishing range of wildlife, including the renowned Camargue bulls and horses that live in semi freedom, and many hundreds of species of birds. You will also visit Saintes Maries de la Mer, located on the Mediterranean Sea where the Rhône joins the ocean. This village is steeped in history and boasts stunning beaches which meet the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
Duration: approx. 4.5 hours
Walking grade Level 2: The excursion by bus is followed by a moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.
Excursion Pricing:
Mâcon and the Beaujolais £77
Château de Pierreclos with wine tasting £61
OR Visit to Cluny Abbey £66
Beaune and the Burgundy £76
Medieval Brancion and Cormatin £66
Lyon - Gastronomic capital of France £43
OR Les Halles by Paul Bocuse with tasting £52
Avignon walking tour with Papal Palace £43
Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard and Uzès £53
Arles walking tour with Arena £31
Camargue Nature Reserve £51
Valley of the Ardèche Gorge £51
OR Grignan with truffle farm and tasting £74 - Valley Of The Ardeche Gorge
Valley Of The Ardeche Gorge
The Ardèche Gorge is often referred to as the Grand Canyon of Europe, its spectacular limestone cliffs tower up to 1,000 ft above the meandering river below. The entrance to the Ardèche Gorge is through the famous Pont d’Arc near Vallon which, at 192 feet is, according to the Natural Arch and Bridge Society, “the largest natural bridge in Europe”. You will take the famous Gorge Trail, from which you can see the harmonious meanderings of the river. Beautiful viewpoints such as the Pont d’Arc and Serre de Tourre offer the greatest views onto the canyon and the river Ardèche.
Duration: approx. 4.5 hours
Walking grade Level 2: The excursion by bus is followed by a moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.
Excursion Pricing:
Mâcon and the Beaujolais £77
Château de Pierreclos with wine tasting £61
OR Visit to Cluny Abbey £66
Beaune and the Burgundy £76
Medieval Brancion and Cormatin £66
Lyon - Gastronomic capital of France £43
OR Les Halles by Paul Bocuse with tasting £52
Avignon walking tour with Papal Palace £43
Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard and Uzès £53
Arles walking tour with Arena £31
Camargue Nature Reserve £51
Valley of the Ardèche Gorge £51
OR Grignan with truffle farm and tasting £74
Package C | for only £ 502 per person
Enjoy a package of these pre-selected excursions for a discounted rate when purchased in advance.
- Mâcon and the Beaujolais
Mâcon and the Beaujolais
With its pastel buildings and tiled roofs, Mâconnais has a Mediterranean charm. From Mâconnais we will tour the Beaujolais and Mâconnais wine regions. We will make our way through the vineyards which grace the area, as well as the castles and stately homes which bear witness to the wealth of the region. A highlight of this excursion is the visit to Georges Duboeuf’s Hameau du Vin. In the unique setting of a 19th-century railway station, you can marvel at the wine making process: the transporting of grapes and wine, the winemaker’s tools and trade, the cellars, the winemaking processes, bottling and corking. Finish the visit with a tasting of Beaujolais wines, in a room housing a barrel organ called a “bouteillophone”.
Duration: approx. 5 hours
Level 2: The excursion by bus is followed by a moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.
Excursion Pricing:
Mâcon and the Beaujolais £77
Château de Pierreclos with wine tasting £61
OR Visit to Cluny Abbey £66
Beaune and the Burgundy £76
Medieval Brancion and Cormatin £66
Lyon - Gastronomic capital of France £43
OR Les Halles by Paul Bocuse with tasting £52
Avignon walking tour with Papal Palace £43
Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard and Uzès £53
Arles walking tour with Arena £31
Camargue Nature Reserve £51
Valley of the Ardèche Gorge £51
OR Grignan with truffle farm and tasting £74 - Visit to Cluny Abbey
Visit to Cluny Abbey
The Abbey of Cluny in Burgundy was the center of a major monastic movement in the Middle Ages. Its church was the largest Christian building in the world until St. Peter’s Basilica was rebuilt in Rome in the 16th century. Although most of the great Abbey of Cluny is in ruins, you can still see remnants showing the size and glory the abbey possessed at its zenith and imagine it as it once was. Today, one transept of the 12th-century abbey church remains, along with the 15th-century abbots’ residences and 18th-century convent buildings. The site also includes beautiful gardens and a museum with Romanesque artifacts.
Your guide will show you around the ancient Benedictine abbey. This church, with its unusual dimensions, was completed under the abbacy of Pierre the Venerable and consecrated in 1130. Its principal architect was Hézelon de Liège. The idea for its construction is said to have originated from a monk’s dream.
Duration: approx. 3.5 hours
Level 2: The excursion by bus is followed by a moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.
Excursion Pricing:
Mâcon and the Beaujolais £77
Château de Pierreclos with wine tasting £61
OR Visit to Cluny Abbey £66
Beaune and the Burgundy £76
Medieval Brancion and Cormatin £66
Lyon - Gastronomic capital of France £43
OR Les Halles by Paul Bocuse with tasting £52
Avignon walking tour with Papal Palace £43
Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard and Uzès £53
Arles walking tour with Arena £31
Camargue Nature Reserve £51
Valley of the Ardèche Gorge £51
OR Grignan with truffle farm and tasting £74 - Beaune And The Burgundy
Beaune And The Burgundy
After breakfast, take a scenic drive along France’s Burgundy wine route through Pommard, Volnay and Meursault. In Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy, you will enjoy a guided tour of the beautiful Hôtel-Dieu, founded as a hospice in 1443. Today, it covers a large area of the town with its museum, three courtyards, outbuildings, 15th-century bastion and hundreds of meters of cellars, which are notable for containing the personal reserve of the Hospices. The four buildings open to the public are situated around the Court of Honor and represent the Hôtel-Dieu of former times.
The great Salle des Pauvres (”hall of the poor”), is decorated with multi-colored beams which are unique in the world. Serenity reigns here which will leave no one unmoved. The rooms overflow with treasures: statues, furniture, pottery, paintings, tapestries and more. The kitchen has been restored to look exactly as it did in the 19th century. The polyptych of “The Last Judgement”, a masterpiece by the Flemish painter Rogier Van Der Weyden, is particularly well presented. Later, enjoy a wine tasting experience at one of Beaune’s famous cellars.
Duration: approx. 4 hours
Level 2: The excursion by bus is followed by a moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.
Excursion Pricing:
Mâcon and the Beaujolais £77
Château de Pierreclos with wine tasting £61
OR Visit to Cluny Abbey £66
Beaune and the Burgundy £76
Medieval Brancion and Cormatin £66
Lyon - Gastronomic capital of France £43
OR Les Halles by Paul Bocuse with tasting £52
Avignon walking tour with Papal Palace £43
Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard and Uzès £53
Arles walking tour with Arena £31
Camargue Nature Reserve £51
Valley of the Ardèche Gorge £51
OR Grignan with truffle farm and tasting £74 - Medieval Brancion and Cormatin
Medieval Brancion and Cormatin
We leave Chalon-sur-Saône and drive to Brançion for a short photo stop before continuing to the Castle of Cormatin. Behind its understated exterior lies inestimable splendor. The castle is undoubtedly one of the most sumptuous castles in Burgundy, and, in addition, it boasts a Renaissance garden. The sculpted yews break up the symmetry as you enter this moated château. The rich, colorful interior reflects the French and more particularly, the Parisian fashion during the reign of Louis XIII. Built between 1605 and 1629 by the du Blé family, it chronicles the history of the arts at this time in France. The formal Renaissance garden has the “fountain of life” at its center. Beyond this is a maze with a charming wrought-iron aviary. From the top of this you can get an overview of the park.
Duration: approx. 4 hours
Walking grade Level 2: The excursion by bus is followed by a moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.
Excursion Pricing:
Mâcon and the Beaujolais £77
Château de Pierreclos with wine tasting £61
OR Visit to Cluny Abbey £66
Beaune and the Burgundy £76
Medieval Brancion and Cormatin £66
Lyon - Gastronomic capital of France £43
OR Les Halles by Paul Bocuse with tasting £52
Avignon walking tour with Papal Palace £43
Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard and Uzès £53
Arles walking tour with Arena £31
Camargue Nature Reserve £51
Valley of the Ardèche Gorge £51
OR Grignan with truffle farm and tasting £74 - Les Halles Du Paul Bocuse With Tasting
Les Halles Du Paul Bocuse With Tasting
Lyon, thanks to its many local specialties, is known for its gastronomy. In 1859 the first covered market in Lyon 'Les Halles de Lyon' was created. Throughout the centuries, the marketplace in Lyon has evolved, been re-built to today's standards, and gained a reputation for its high-quality gourmet goods. Michelin starred Chef Paul Bocuse, enjoyed shopping for his restaurants in this marketplace and in 2006, lent his name to Les Halles de Lyon, giving the final stamp of approval to the gastronomic excellence of the goods available. We invite you to explore the best producers of Lyon in Les Halles Paul Bocuse. The three-level market is made up of 56 traders - cheese makers, bakers, pastry chefs, delicatessens and wine merchants just to name a few. Follow your guides through this maze of merchants and taste the emblematic products of the world capital of gastronomy: wine, cheese, cooked mixed meats and pastries.
Duration: approx. 2 hours
Level 2: The excursion by bus is followed by a moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.
Excursion Pricing:
Mâcon and the Beaujolais £77
Château de Pierreclos with wine tasting £61
OR Visit to Cluny Abbey £66
Beaune and the Burgundy £76
Medieval Brancion and Cormatin £66
Lyon - Gastronomic capital of France £43
OR Les Halles by Paul Bocuse with tasting £52
Avignon walking tour with Papal Palace £43
Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard and Uzès £53
Arles walking tour with Arena £31
Camargue Nature Reserve £51
Valley of the Ardèche Gorge £51
OR Grignan with truffle farm and tasting £74 - Avignon Walking Tour With Papal Palace
Avignon Walking Tour With Papal Palace
Today’s excursion is a guided walk through Avignon, also known as the “City of Popes” due to the role the city played in the Avignon conspiracy of the 14th century, when a pope abandoned Rome and fled to Avignon. Avignon’s lavish Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes), is a fortress, church and palace all in one and was considered the center of the Christian world during the 14th century. From 1309 to 1377, seven popes resided in this impressive building, one of the world’s most fascinating examples of Gothic architecture. Another must-see is the Pont d’Avignon, a ruined 12th-century bridge that once spanned the Rhône and is immortalized in a folk song about dancing on the bridge.
Duration: approx. 2 hours
Walking grade Level 4: Moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.
Excursion Pricing:
Mâcon and the Beaujolais £77
Château de Pierreclos with wine tasting £61
OR Visit to Cluny Abbey £66
Beaune and the Burgundy £76
Medieval Brancion and Cormatin £66
Lyon - Gastronomic capital of France £43
OR Les Halles by Paul Bocuse with tasting £52
Avignon walking tour with Papal Palace £43
Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard and Uzès £53
Arles walking tour with Arena £31
Camargue Nature Reserve £51
Valley of the Ardèche Gorge £51
OR Grignan with truffle farm and tasting £74 - Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard and Uzès
Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard and Uzès
The Pont du Gard is the greatest surviving stretch of a fifty-kilometer-long (thirthy one mile) aqueduct, built by the Romans in the middle of the first century to supply fresh water to the city of Nimes. With just a seventeen-meter difference in altitude between beginning and end, the aqueduct was quite an achievement for its time.Some miles further on, near the start of the aqueduct, lies the city of Uzès. This lovely old town perches on a hill above the River Alzon. Half a dozen medieval towers rise above its tiled roofs. The most fetching is the windowed, Pisa-like Tour Fenestrelle, tacked onto the cathedral. The narrow lanes are lined with Renaissance and Neoclassical houses which were once the residences of the 17th- and 18th-century bourgeoisie, who had grown rich on textiles.
Duration: approx. 4.5 hours
Level 2: The excursion by bus is followed by a moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.
Excursion Pricing:
Mâcon and the Beaujolais £77
Château de Pierreclos with wine tasting £61
OR Visit to Cluny Abbey £66
Beaune and the Burgundy £76
Medieval Brancion and Cormatin £66
Lyon - Gastronomic capital of France £43
OR Les Halles by Paul Bocuse with tasting £52
Avignon walking tour with Papal Palace £43
Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard and Uzès £53
Arles walking tour with Arena £31
Camargue Nature Reserve £51
Valley of the Ardèche Gorge £51
OR Grignan with truffle farm and tasting £74 - Arles Walking Tour With Roman Arena Visit
Arles Walking Tour With Roman Arena Visit
Arles boasts a rich history. It was founded by the Gauls, who made it their capital. During the course of centuries, Arles was home to archbishops, became part of the Kingdom of the Franks and, later on, capital of the Kingdom of Burgundy. During our two-hour city walk, pass many ancient or Roman sights and monuments and see why UNESCO has chosen to declare Arles a World Heritage Site. A visit to the Roman arena is a must while in Arles. Why not take a break in the café that served as the model for Vincent Van Gogh’s “Café Terrace at Night”? While strolling through the city, you might even meet pilgrims walking the Way of St. James, which begins in Arles!
Duration: approx. 2 hours
Level 4: Moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.
Excursion Pricing:
Mâcon and the Beaujolais £77
Château de Pierreclos with wine tasting £61
OR Visit to Cluny Abbey £66
Beaune and the Burgundy £76
Medieval Brancion and Cormatin £66
Lyon - Gastronomic capital of France £43
OR Les Halles by Paul Bocuse with tasting £52
Avignon walking tour with Papal Palace £43
Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard and Uzès £53
Arles walking tour with Arena £31
Camargue Nature Reserve £51
Valley of the Ardèche Gorge £51
OR Grignan with truffle farm and tasting £74 - Camargue Nature Reserve
Camargue Nature Reserve
The Camargue is like a little country in its own right. Once you’re a few minutes south of Arles, you enter the unique atmosphere of the area, with its series of long, level roads criss-crossing the marshes and farmlands. For the protection of the exceptional fauna and flora, part of the Camargue was listed as a nature reserve as early as 1927. In 1970, the whole Island of Camargue (the delta of the Rhône River) was listed as the Regional Nature Park of Camargue. It is home to an astonishing range of wildlife, including the renowned Camargue bulls and horses that live in semi freedom, and many hundreds of species of birds. You will also visit Saintes Maries de la Mer, located on the Mediterranean Sea where the Rhône joins the ocean. This village is steeped in history and boasts stunning beaches which meet the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
Duration: approx. 4.5 hours
Walking grade Level 2: The excursion by bus is followed by a moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.
Excursion Pricing:
Mâcon and the Beaujolais £77
Château de Pierreclos with wine tasting £61
OR Visit to Cluny Abbey £66
Beaune and the Burgundy £76
Medieval Brancion and Cormatin £66
Lyon - Gastronomic capital of France £43
OR Les Halles by Paul Bocuse with tasting £52
Avignon walking tour with Papal Palace £43
Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard and Uzès £53
Arles walking tour with Arena £31
Camargue Nature Reserve £51
Valley of the Ardèche Gorge £51
OR Grignan with truffle farm and tasting £74 - Grignan with truffle farm and tasting
Grignan with truffle farm and tasting
Starting from Châteauneuf du Rhône, we will take you by coach to the medieval village of Grignan, located near Mont Ventoux – the highest mountain in Provence, and characterized by the Rennaissance castle of Grignan towering high above the town.
Explore the history of Grignan and the castle during this morning’s visit. The area around Grignan is especially famous for truffle cultivation. During your tour, visit a traditional truffle farm to learn more about truffles and a tasting.
Duration: approx. 4.5 hours
Level 3: The excursion by bus is followed by a longer walk. You may need to climb several stairs.
Excursion Pricing:
Mâcon and the Beaujolais £77
Château de Pierreclos with wine tasting £61
OR Visit to Cluny Abbey £66
Beaune and the Burgundy £76
Medieval Brancion and Cormatin £66
Lyon - Gastronomic capital of France £43
OR Les Halles by Paul Bocuse with tasting £52
Avignon walking tour with Papal Palace £43
Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard and Uzès £53
Arles walking tour with Arena £31
Camargue Nature Reserve £51
Valley of the Ardèche Gorge £51
OR Grignan with truffle farm and tasting £74
ENTERTAINMENT
CURTIS STIGERS
For the past 30 years, the singer, songwriter, saxophonist and guitarist has been making records that confound those who try to categorize his music or put him in a box. Curtis Stigers has had several top ten hits as a long-haired, blue-eyed soul singer and he’s written and sung an Emmy nominated TV theme song. He’s recorded a track for one of the biggest-selling pop albums of all time and he’s released nine critically-acclaimed, award-winning jazz albums. He’s played for presidents and princes and he’s appeared in two Seth MacFarlane movies about a foul-mouthed cuddly bear called Ted. He’s recorded thirteen studio albums and a live album singing Sinatra songs with the world-famous Danish Radio Big Band. He’s toured with symphony orchestras, written songs with Carole King and duetted with Al Green, Shawn Colvin and Tom Jones.
DAVE CHAMBERLAIN - BASS
David Chamberlain is a double bassist and guitarist who has worked extensively on the UK jazz scene and internationally over the last 20 years, having performed with Scott Hamilton, Harry Allen, Buddy Greco, the Halle Orchestra and many other well-known artists and orchestras. David was a regular member of Blue Note recording artist Stacey Kent's band from 2001 to 2008 and currently appears with popular show 100 Years Of Jazz In 99 Minutes as well as his own project Hard Bop Reductions.
MATT SKELTON - DRUMS
Matt Skelton is a drummer equally at home in modern and vintage Jazz styles enjoying a diverse musical career that has already spanned three decades. He has accompanied many leading Jazz luminaries such as Harry ''Sweets'' Edison, Conte Candoli, Bucky Pizzarelli, John Pizzarelli, Warren Vache, Scott Hamilton, John Hendricks, Kurt Elling, Curtis Stigers, Gregory Porter, and most recently Georgie Fame. He has recorded and appeared with singers such as Marion Montgomery, Dame Cleo Laine, Claire Martin and Dame Jessye Norman. In 2015 he toured in the USA and recorded with Seth Macfarlane.
NICK DAWSON - PIANO AND KEYBOARD
A graduate of the Royal College of Music, Nick has been singing and playing jazz since he was 11 years old. As a vocalist, the timing and phrasing of Sinatra is Nick’s inspiration, while his phenomenal piano techniques owes much to such legendary figures as Errol Garner, Oscar Peterson and , of course, Frederic Chopin!
MARK ARMSTRONG - TRUMPET, CORNET AND FUGELHORN
Mark is the RCM Jazz Professor, delivering academic jazz modules and directing large ensemble projects. Mark is the Artistic Director of the National Youth Jazz Orchestra with which he directs concerts around the UK and Europe and runs educational projects and workshops. As freelance jazz trumpet player, Mark played with Stan Tracey in his big band, recording a live album from Appleby Jazz Festival, and was a member of the quintet for his final album The Flying Pig. He is a member of the Ronnie Scott's Jazz Orchestra and Robin Jones's Latin Underground and has performed widely in the UK and abroad in a variety of jazz styles and genres during his career. As a commercial player Mark has performed in a diversity of settings from the London Sinfonietta to The Four Tops and on film and TV soundtracks.
DANNY ILETT - GUITAR AND VOCALS
Denny Ilett is a self taught multi-instrumentalist who specialises in guitar. His musical roots have allowed him to blossom into a highly sophisticated musician with an extensive knowledge of jazz. He is known equally for his prodigious ability in all fields of jazz, from New Orleans to blues and funk, and has been the main vocal artist celebrating the legacy of Frank Sinatra. He is also the founder member and bandleader of the Electric Lady Big Band, which celebrates the music of Jimi Hendrix re-imagined through the medium of the jazz orchestra.
LOUISE COOKMAN - VOCALS
Louise Cookman is one of the leading big band and swing era vocalists in the UK. Her rich, velvety voice, and vibrant stage presence have ensured that she has been a hit with audiences all over the UK and abroad for many years.
PETE LONG - CLARINET AND SAXOPHONES
Peter is currently the leader of the Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra. Described by Clive Davis in the Times as a “National Treasure”, Peter has been organising groundbreaking projects since the early 1990’s, when he formed the first professional Ellington repertory orchestra in Europe, the award-winning Echoes Of Ellington. He worked for five years as saxophonist and arranger for Jools Holland, and has worked on the playing and writing side with such luminaries as The Moody Blues, Paul MacCartney and Tom Jones.
ANDY WEBSTER
Andy Webster will be on board this fabulous cruise wearing 'two hats'. In his role as Harmony Voyages Tour Manager, he will be your main point of contact for any questions that you might have. In addition, he will also have his Ukes with him!
He will be offering some laid-back Jazz / Swing themed Ukulele sessions and will have sheet music for some popular standards to hand out.
Andy will be on hand with some useful tips on technique and playing in a Jazz style (he won’t be delving into improvisation on this occasion though). These will be relaxed informal sessions and will be aimed at all levels, although a knowledge of basic chords would be an advantage.
So grab your uke, a drink from the bar and enjoy a friendly Ukulele session on Jazz music with Andy.
Watercolour Art Classes
We are delighted to welcome Paul Clark and Margot Lofts on this cruise to take the watercolour art classes.
Paul Clark is a published author, professional artist, and a world renowned YouTuber with a following of over 200,000+ subscribers, who has been teaching watercolour painting and drawing techniques to adult learners of all levels for over 40 years.
Margot Lofts, a watercolourist in her own right, works alongside Paul to take extra classes to provide a varied programme.
A list of equipment required is available and can be downloaded as a pdf by clicking here.
All classes suitable for all levels.
£30 per class / £180 all classes
Payment on board by card (sterling) or BACS or cash (sterling / euros)
*Possible Extra Supplement for transport
**Van Gogh Museum additional entry fee
| Date | Morning Session Times Vary | Afternoon Session Times Vary |
|---|---|---|
| 15 August | Embarkation | |
| 16 August | 10:00 - 11:00 Pay for your art classes at the Harmony Voyages Desk | 14:00 - 16:30 A short introduction welcome followed by paint along class |
| 17 August | 14:15 - 18:15* En Plein Air Brancion Village |
|
| 18 August | 14:00 - 16:30 Painting on deck as we sail |
|
| 19 August | 10:00 - 12:30 Painting in Avignon | |
| 20 August | 10:00 - 12:30 Painting on board on deck or inside paint along | 14:00 - 16:30* En Plein Air Van Gogh Museum** OR Arles |
| 21 August | 14:00 - 16:30 Painting on board |
PROGRAMME
| NIGHT 1 | Embarkation Day (Evening at Leisure) |
| NIGHT 2 | A History of Jazz |
| NIGHT 3 | Sing Me A Swing Song/ Frank Sinatra / Ella Fitzgerald |
| NIGHT 4 | Latin / Funk & Blues - "Havana, Herbie & Hendrix" |
| NIGHT 6 | Special Guest Curtis Stigers |
| NIGHT 7 | Captain's Dinner followed by a quiz or request's night |
| Please note: performance dates may vary | |
ACCOMMODATION
Dive into an unforgettable adventure and enjoy the typically provincial feel aboard the AMADEUS Provence. On this Premium cruise ship, you can expect the most modern fittings that blend masterfully with the architecture of the ship and the typically luxurious design that is the hallmark of the AMADEUS fleet. The generous interior planning and design provides comfortable room for 140 passengers and offers all the luxuries of a floating 5-star hotel.
The extensive restaurant and the Panorama-Bar offer divine views of the passing riverscapes, and the outdoor, glass-shielded River Terrace allows you to relax in the open regardless of the weather. In addition, the AMADEUS Provence is the first ship of the AMADEUS fleet to include a pool deck with a swimming pool and the Lido Bar, where you can enjoy hours relaxing on board in the sun.
AMADEUS Suite (26.4m²) with walk-out exterior balcony
Comfortable corner sofa, luxurious bathroom, walk-out exterior balcony, mini-bar, walk-in wardrobe, choice of bed configuration (double or twin bed), flat-screen television, individual climate control, en-suite bathroom with shower/WC, bathrobe, hair dryer, direct dial telephone and in-room safe.Mozart Deck
Cabin A-1 (17.5m²) with drop-down panoramic window
Spacious bathroom, drop-down panoramic window, mini-bar, walk-in wardrobe, choice of bed configuration (double or twin bed), flat-screen television, individual climate control, en-suite bathroom with shower/WC, hair dryer, direct dial telephone and in-room safe.Mozart Deck
Cabin B-1 (17.5m²) with drop-down panoramic window
Spacious bathroom, drop-down panoramic window, mini-bar, walk-in wardrobe, choice of bed configuration (double or twin bed), flat-screen television, individual climate control, en-suite bathroom with shower/WC, hair dryer, direct dial telephone and in-room safe.Strauss Deck
Cabin B-4 (17.5m²) with drop-down panoramic window
Spacious bathroom, drop-down panoramic window, mini-bar, walk-in wardrobe, choice of bed configuration (double or twin bed), flat-screen television, individual climate control, en-suite bathroom with shower/WC, hair dryer, direct dial telephone and in-room safe.Strauss Deck
Cabin C-1 (16m²) with panoramic window
Spacious bathroom, small panoramic window (cannot be opened), spacious wardrobe, choice of bed configuration (double or twin bed), flat-screen television, individual climate control, en-suite bathroom with shower/WC, hair dryer, direct dial telephone and in-room safe. Cabins with connecting doors are available on request.Haydn Deck
Cabin C-4 (16m²) with panoramic window
Spacious bathroom, small panoramic window (cannot be opened), spacious wardrobe, choice of bed configuration (double or twin bed), flat-screen television, individual climate control, en-suite bathroom with shower/WC, hair dryer, direct dial telephone and in-room safe. Cabins with connecting doors are available on request.Haydn Deck
PRICE
| SAVE £500pp off below prices - Early Booking Discount* OR no solo supplement | ||
|---|---|---|
| Cabin Grade | Deck | Price per person (no solo supplement) |
| Suite | Mozart Deck | £3,899 |
| A1 | Mozart Deck | £3,399 |
| B1 | Strauss Deck | £2,999 |
| B4 | Strauss Deck | £2,799 - SOLD OUT |
| C1 | Haydn Deck | £2,399 |
| C4 | Haydn Deck | £1,999 |
*Early booking discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer*
Prices are per person and do not include flights. Please contact us if you require assistance with your travel arrangements.
Please note: a deposit of £200pp is required to secure your booking.
FAQ
We look after you every step of the way
We are a small experienced team who look after you from first enquiry, right through to the end of your holiday. The same people who help you with your booking, will be in the resort or on the cruise to look after you. We are extremely proud of the personal service that we provide and when you need to get in touch, there are no call centres, just the same people you've always being dealing with. Need help with flights, care hire or extra nights? ...we are just a phone call away.
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