Europe : Provence & Spain

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.

From the magic of Paris to the romance of Barcelona, this itinerary of one of our finest European river cruises, promises to be one of our most captivating yet. Start your vacation with three glorious days in Paris then travel in style with the high speed TGV train to Lyon, France's gastronomical capital. From here, cruise through beautiful wine growing regions where such famous wines as Beaujolais, Côte du Rhône and Chateauneuf-du-Pape are being produced. Explore marvelous Avignon and visit Mediterranean Arles, the city which Vincent Van Gogh captured in many of his master pieces. Disembark and continue to the medieval city of Carcassone, a world UNESCO heritage site close to the Pyrenees. Enjoy the grand finale of your vacation with three fascinating days in magnificent Barcelona. Palau

Itinerary

Day 1 - ARRIVE IN PARIS, FRANCE.

Take the balance of the day to relax or explore the "City of Lights."

Day 2 - PARIS.

See the most famous sights of Paris on this morning's tour: Visit Notre Dame Cathedral, pass the renowned Louvre Museum, the commemorative Arc de Triomphe, Opéra, Madeleine, Champs Elysées and much more. The remainder of the day is yours to explore the many museums, galleries and other attractions that Paris has to offer. (B) Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3 - PARIS

Enjoy a free day to explore the most romantic city in the world. Stroll through the Jardin de Tuilleries, gaze at impressionist masterpieces at Musée 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) Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4 - PARIS - LYON.

Savor your last morning in Paris, then travel in style with the high speed TGV train to Lyon, where the ship awaits you. Gather this evening on board for cocktails and a Welcome Dinner. (B,D) Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5 - LYON - TREVOUX.

Lyon not only marks the meeting of the Saône and Rhône Rivers, but is also the gastronomic capital of France. Its rich ancient history includes Roman ruins and early Christian sites. This morning's tour includes a stunning panoramic view of the entire city from the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière. You will also explore the Renaissance charm of Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon) with its cobblestone streets. Return to the ship for lunch and relax as you sail north along the Saône River to the small town of Trevoux. Enjoy free time this evening to explore the town on your own. (B,L,D)

Day 6 - TREVOUX - VIENNE.

This morning's tour will take you behind the village walls of Trevoux and through Beaujolais, the Pay 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 this wine road or route du vin, where you will taste the world renowned Beaujolais Nouveau before returning to the ship. From there, we cruise south from the Saône to the Rhône River and on to Vienne. This evening, stroll along the sidewalk cafés of this rural walking town. (B,L,D) Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 - VIENNE - TOURNON.

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. During this morning's walking tour, you will 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 Tournon and Tain L'Hermitage. These twin towns face each other across the Rhône 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 Côte du Rhône 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. (B,L,D) Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 - TOURNON - CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE.

On this morning's adventure, you will travel via steam train from the vineyards of the valley to the woods of Ardêche along the Doux River. Deemed "Monuments Historiques," these 19th-century locomotives are virtual time capsules. Enjoy lunch back on board the ship as we cruise to Chateauneuf-du-Pape this afternoon. (B,L,D) Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 - CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE - AVIGNON.

Origin of its world famous namesake wine, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, or "new castle of the Pope," is also home to the remains of the fortress which gives the village its name. On this morning's walking tour, see the remains of this 14th-century palace which was built as a summer residence for Popes during their exile to Avignon, as well as, the many squares and beautiful fountains that this medieval village has to offer. Enjoy a wine tasting before returning to the ship, where you’ll cruise to nearby Avignon over lunch. Your afternoon tour of the "City of Popes" will take you through the narrow streets and elegant squares to the Papal Palace, which served as fortress, church and residence to the Popes that once governed the Christian world. (B,L,D) Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 - AVIGNON - ARLES.

Arrive early this morning in Arles, a Mediterranean city situated at the mouth of the Rhône delta. Bathe in the Provencal morning light as you imagine how Vincent Van Gogh worked to capture the richness of every hue on this morning's walking tour. While Van Gogh's homes are no longer standing, you may glimpse the locales and vistas that inspired "Starry Night" or "Terrace de café le Soir" as you pass Constantine's Baths, the Romanesque cathedral and the Roman Amphitheater, which is still in use today. This afternoon, you'll take an excursion via motorcoach to the villages of St. Remy and Les Baux. During your tour of St. Remy, birthplace of Nostradamus, and also where Van Gogh retired to the asylum St. Paul de Mausolée, you will enjoy the rich floral colors and amazing views from this village perched on the hill. (B,L,D) Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 - ARLES - BARCELONA.

After breakfast, transfer to Barcelona, capital of the Spanish region of Catalonia. Along the way, pass through the Camargue on the southern coast and trace the ancient trade route linking the Atlantic and Mediterranean seas. As you approach the Pyrenees, 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) Meals included: Breakfast

Day 12 - BARCELONA

Your day in Barcelona begins with a driving tour to the top of Montjuic Hill where you will catch glorious views of the city below, as you see Palau Nacional (the National Palace), the Olympic Complex. Next, tour Placa Catalonia and Las Ramblas, the promenade and center of Barcelona life. Later, see the Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família, designed by artist and architect Antonio Gaudí and still unfinished to this day, and take a walking tour of the Barrio Gotico (Gothic Quarter), King's Square, and Tinell, the Royal Palace. (B) Meals included: Breakfast

Day 13 - BARCELONA

Your last day in Barcelona is yours to enjoy. Join us in the morning for the optional tour of Gaudí's Parc Güell, where you'll see some of his 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, join us for an optional dinner show featuring Flamenco dancers, or venture out on your own, perhaps across the port for seafood in Barceloneta. (B) Meals included: Breakfast

Day 14 - DEPART BARCELONA.

Your splendid holiday comes to an end as you transfer to the airport for your homebound flight. (B) Meals included: Breakfast

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Prices

Provence & Spain - Prices From:
Dates	Prices from
	Adult
15/10/2008	£1,795
06/05/2009 - 19/05/2009	£1,958
13/05/2009 - 26/05/2009	£1,958
17/06/2009 - 30/06/2009	£1,958
09/09/2009 - 22/09/2009	£2,010
16/09/2009 - 29/09/2009	£2,010
23/09/2009 - 06/10/2009	£2,010
30/09/2009 - 13/10/2009	£2,010
07/10/2009 - 20/10/2009	£2,010
14/10/2009 - 27/10/2009	£1,958
21/10/2009 - 03/11/2009	£1,958
Notes
Prices are per person, based on two adults sharing.
Transfer rates and single supplements available on request
Supplements
01/04/2008 - 31/10/2008: C Grade cabin Emerald Deck: £51
01/04/2008 - 31/10/2008: B Grade Cabin Emerald Deck: £103
01/04/2008 - 31/10/2008: A Grade Cabin Ruby Deck: £256
01/04/2008 - 31/10/2008: Single Person Emerald Deck: £308
01/04/2008 - 31/10/2008: Single Person Ruby Deck: £462
01/04/2008 - 31/10/2008: Approx port charges: £46
06/05/2009 - 03/11/2009: C Grade cabin Emerald Deck: £51
06/05/2009 - 03/11/2009: B Grade Cabin Emerald Deck: £105
06/05/2009 - 03/11/2009: A Grade Cabin Ruby Deck: £263
06/05/2009 - 03/11/2009: Single Person Emerald Deck: £315
06/05/2009 - 03/11/2009: Single Person Ruby Deck: £473
06/05/2009 - 03/11/2009: Approx port charges: £52

What's Included?

• 3 Nights Hotel Accommodation in Paris including daily Buffet Breakfast
• TGV high-speed train from Paris to Lyon
• 7-night Deluxe Cruise in an Outside Stateroom
• Superb Dining with all Meals included during your Cruise
• Unlimited Wines from France's great Wine Regions with every Dinner on board the Ship
• Cocktail Reception, Welcome Dinner & Captain's Gala Dinner
• Motorcoach from the Ship in Arles to Carcassonne and on to Barcelona
• 3 Nights Hotel Accommodation in Barcelona including daily Buffet Breakfast
• Daily Sightseeing Program as outlined in the Itinerary
• Special Highlights including Folklore Dances, Lectures, Theme Dinners, on board Music Performances and afternoon & evening Piano Music
• Services of Professional Cruise Director
• All English Language on board in a non-smoking Environment (smoking permitted only on the Sun Deck
• All local Taxes

What's NOT Included?

• Air Fares and Transfers, however these can be arranged through us, please contact us for details
• Gratuities
• Port Charges - Approx £46.00 per person
• Optional excursions

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This tour also departs in reverse order, depending on departure dates

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