AmaWaterways™ River Cruises

Overview

CRUISE FROM : Lyon to Arles

From romantic cities to foodie havens and artistic epicentres, this itinerary enlivens all your senses. Starting from Lyon, France’s culinary capital, savour the beauty of legendary vineyards and imbibe in local vintages like Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône. Enjoy hunting for truffles, refining your Provençal cooking skills, and learning how to pair chocolate with wine. Trace the steps of famous artists in Arles and Avignon and be inspired!

COUNTRIES:

RIVERS:

At A Glance

On our cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and Limited Edition tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.

Lyon to Arles

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Day 1

Chalon-sur Saône

EMBARKATION

Board your cruise in Lyon. Tonight, meet your fellow passengers as the ship moors overnight. (D)

Day 2

Chalon-sur Saône

City tour

Lyon bike tour

OR Free time

Tournus

Free time

Chalon-Tournus bike tour

OR Chalonnaise wine tasting

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.” During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time or join a guided bike tour through the city designed with cyclists in mind. (B,L,D)

Day 3

Tournus

Beaujolais excursion and tasting

Free evening

OR Medieval Brancion

Tournus-Macon bike tour

Macon

Scenic Cruising

Tournus-Macon bike tour

OR Maconnais wine tasting

Travel to the Beaujolais wine region—known as the Pays d’Or or “land of the golden stones." Indulge in a wine tasting at a traditional winery and learn about the history and techniques of their vineyard. Later set sail for Vienne, where you'll enjoy free time to explore the town. (B,L,D)

Day 4

Macon

Roman ruins walking tour

OR ViaRhôna bike tour

OR Bike tour to Berze-le-Chatel

Vienne

OR Mount Pipet hike

Villefranche-sur-Saone

Scenic cruising

OR Maconnais or Beaujolais wine tasting

Lyon

Illuminations cruise

Situated between the wine regions of Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône lies Vienne with a Roman past that can be seen in its marvellously preserved ruins. Take a walking tour to see the amazingly well-preserved Augustus and Livia Temple, the Saint Maurice Cathedral, a Gothic church that took more than 500 years to build, and St. Pierre Abbey—one of the oldest surviving churches in France, and now an Archaeological Museum. 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 5

Lyon

Steam train ride

OR Red wine & chocolate tasting

OR Tain-l'Hermitage hike and wine tasting

Vienne

OR Bike tour

OR ViaRhôna bike tour

OR Mount Pipet hike

Wine and chocolate lovers will enjoy visiting Tournon located in the heart of Côtes du Rhône. You have a choice of three excursions. Take a train ride past magnificent landscape carved along the Gorge du Doux stopping at the charming little station of Colombier le Vieux-Saint Barthélemy le Plain, where the train manoeuvres in preparation for its return journey. Alternatively, lovers of wine and chocolate will want to visit Le Château de Tournon for a presentation and tasting on the pairing of red wine and chocolate. For a more active adventure, take a hike through the vineyards of Tain l’Hermitage, followed by a visit to a local winery where you’ll sample some of the wines. (B,L,D)

Day 6

Vienne

Walking tour and Papal Palace

Valence

OR Pont du Gard

OR Tastes of Provence

Grignan excursion and truffle farm visit

OR Avignon bike tour

Avignon, aptly named the “City of Popes,” was the centre of the Catholic Church in the 14th century when its “Palais des Papes” was the equivalent of today’s Vatican. Depending on your interests, you have three choices of excursions. Discover the history of Avignon on a guided walking tour that includes the Papal Palace and the well-preserved medieval walls surrounding the historic centre of town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Alternatively, you can go to another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the impressive Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct that is a masterpiece of ancient engineering. Or if you prefer, indulge in a Tastes of Provence. During the afternoon, you can enjoy free time in Avignon; go on a bike tour; or go to the magnificent hilltop village, Grignan. After visiting this enchanting Provencal town, go in search of the highly prized “Black Diamond,” truffles, with a farmer and his trustworthy canine companion. (B,L,D)

Day 7

Avignon

Les Baux and olive farm excursion

OR Van Gogh Asylum and Carriéres de Luminéres

OR Camargue and Aigues-Mortes

Arles

Arles walking tour

OR Van Gogh walking tour

OR Arles bike tour

Considered one of the most beautiful cities in France, Arles enchants. For art lovers, you’ll wish to visit Saint Paul de Mausole Asylum, where Vincent van Gogh once lived and painted such well-known works as “The Irises” and “Starry Night.” Many people consider Van Gogh’s Arles period to be the most creative of his career. Afterwards, go to the Carrières de Lumières, where you’ll be treated to a spectacular presentation of art, sound and history projected on the walls of caves. Alternatively, venture to the medieval hilltop village, Les Baux de Provence, followed by a visit to an olive farm where you’ll learn about age-old Provençal traditions from a master olive miller as well as sample the olive oil. During the afternoon, you can join a walking tour of Arles highlighting top sights, including the Romanesque cathedral and Roman amphitheatre; or take a guided bike tour to the Roman ruins. And for those who wish to delve further into Van Gogh’s Arles, join a special walking tour along with a visit to the Vincent van Gogh Foundation, showcasing his legacy. (B,L,D)

Day 8

Arles

DISEMBARKATION

Disembark your ship in Arles. (B)

Chalon-sur Saône to Arles

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Day 1

Chalon-sur Saône

EMBARKATION

Board your cruise in Lyon. Tonight, meet your fellow passengers as the ship moors overnight. (D)

Day 2

Chalon-sur Saône

City tour

Lyon bike tour

OR Free time

Tournus

Free time

Chalon-Tournus bike tour

OR Chalonnaise wine tasting

Day 3

Tournus

Beaujolais excursion and tasting

Free evening

OR Medieval Brancion

Tournus-Macon bike tour

Macon

Scenic Cruising

Tournus-Macon bike tour

OR Maconnais wine tasting

Day 4

Macon

Roman ruins walking tour

OR ViaRhôna bike tour

OR Bike tour to Berze-le-Chatel

Vienne

OR Mount Pipet hike

Villefranche-sur-Saone

Scenic cruising

OR Maconnais or Beaujolais wine tasting

Lyon

Illuminations cruise

Day 5

Lyon

Steam train ride

OR Red wine & chocolate tasting

OR Tain-l'Hermitage hike and wine tasting

Vienne

OR Bike tour

OR ViaRhôna bike tour

OR Mount Pipet hike

Day 6

Vienne

Walking tour and Papal Palace

Valence

OR Pont du Gard

OR Tastes of Provence

Grignan excursion and truffle farm visit

OR Avignon bike tour

Day 7

Avignon

Les Baux and olive farm excursion

OR Van Gogh Asylum and Carriéres de Luminéres

OR Camargue and Aigues-Mortes

Arles

Arles walking tour

OR Van Gogh walking tour

OR Arles bike tour

Day 8

Arles

DISEMBARKATION

Disembark your ship in Arles. (B)

Included Features

SPACIOUS STATEROOMS

7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with French balconies)
Computer for internet access
Entertainment on Demand system featuring, movies, TV shows, news and music
Desk and sitting area
Bottled water replenished daily

AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES

Wellness Program with a dedicated Wellness Host leading various exercise classes as well as discussions on healthy eating and relaxation techniques, both on board and on shore.
Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
Internet and Wi-Fi access
Sun deck whirlpool and walking track
Fitness room, massage services and hair salon
Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
Daily entertainment including cultural performances

AWARD-WINNING DINING

All onboard dining in a variety of venues
Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant
Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Dinner
La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs exclusive dining experience
Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge

A WORLD OF EXPLORATION

Immersive tours in every destination
Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
Bike tours and hikes
Special Interest Tours
Knowledgeable guides
Personal headset for easy exploration

Exclusive Wine Cruise Essence of Burgundy & Provence Aug 5 - 12, 2021

Hosted by Jason McClain, Owner & Winemaker for McClain Cellars, CA

Expertly Curated WINE EXPERIENCES

About the Wine Region – The Saone and the Rhone

At A Glance