AmaWaterways™ River Cruises

Overview

CRUISE FROM : Arles to Lyon

Delight all your senses with world-class art and architecture, awe-inspiring scenery, legendary history, sumptuous cuisine and fine wine on a journey from Barcelona through the heart of Provence and ending in Paris. Trace the steps of famous artists as in Barcelona, where Anton Gaudi’s magnificent legacy and creative imagination can be seen everywhere; walk in the footsteps of Van Gogh in Arles as you live out the “Artist’s Experience”; and visit Carrières de Lumières, an impressive underground art show held at a limestone quarry where you’ll be surrounded by colour and light from every angle at this stunning visual exhibit, which brings famous paintings to life as they are projected against the rock faces of the quarry. Become an expert in all things culinary: go in search of the highly prized “Black Diamond” truffles; learn how to pair chocolate with wine; and discover how olives turn into the Mediterranean’s nectar, olive oil. Walk through legendary vineyards witnessing the time-honoured traditions of winemakers and participate in tastings of vintages, such as Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône.

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.

Arles to Lyon

Expand All

Day 1

Arles

EMBARKATION

Board your cruise in Arles. This evening, meet your fellow guests for a Welcome Dinner. (D)

Day 2

Arles

Les Baux and olive farm excursion

OR “Artist Experience” Van Gogh Asylum and Carriéres de Luminéres

Arles walking tour

Tarascon

Tarascon-Avignon bike tour

OR Avignon walking tour

OR Tastes of Avignon

Avignon

Avignon Illuminations Cruise

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 3

Valence

Walking tour and Papal Palace

OR Tastes of Provence

OR Avignon bike tour

Avignon, aptly named the “City of Popes,” was the center of the Catholic Church in the 14th century when its “Palais des Papes” was the equivalent of today’s Vatican. 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 Tastes of Provence. (B,L,D)

Day 4

Vienne

Grignan excursion and truffle farm visit

OR Mount Pipet hike

OR ViaRhôna bike tour

Lyon

“France’s Culinary Capital” city tour

OR Lyon tasting tour

OR Lyon bike tour

Illuminations cruise

Visit the magnificent medieval hilltop village, Grignan. The village offers unique panoramic views to the north, south, east and west. 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 5

Macon

Steam train ride

OR Red wine and chocolate tasting

OR Bike Tour to Berze-le-Chatel

OR Tain l’Hermitage hike and wine tasting

Mâconnais wine tasting

OR Tournon bike tour

OR Mâconnais wine tasting

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 maneuvres 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

Tournus

Vienne Walking Tour

OR ViaRhôna bike tour

OR Mount Pipet hike

Scenic cruising

City tour

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. Later in the day, set sail to Lyon. Discover dynamic Lyon, starting in Fourvière Hill, part of the city’s historic region that is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the 19th-century basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Continue on to the old town of Lyon, followed by a guided walk through the St. Jean district, where you will be introduced to the city’s unique covered walkways, known as “traboules.” Or for those more interested in discovering why Lyon is France’s culinary capital, visit the city’s famed indoor food market, which has nearly five-dozen stalls selling countless gourmet delights. (B,L,D)

Day 7

Chalon-sur Saône

OR Beaujolais excursion and tasting

OR Beaune walking tour

OR Château de Couches

Chalonnaise wine tasting

Enjoy free time in Lyon or travel to the Beaujolais wine region—known as the Pays d’Or or “land of the golden stones." While there, indulge in a wine tasting at a traditional winery and learn about the history and techniques of their vineyard. (B,L,D)

Day 8

Chalon-sur Saône

DISEMBARKATION

Disembark your cruise in Lyon. (B)

Arles to Chalon-sur Saône

Expand All

Day 1

Arles

EMBARKATION

Board your cruise in Arles. This evening, meet your fellow guests for a Welcome Dinner. (D)

Day 2

Arles

Les Baux and olive farm excursion

OR “Artist Experience” Van Gogh Asylum and Carriéres de Luminéres

Arles walking tour

Tarascon

Tarascon-Avignon bike tour

OR Avignon walking tour

OR Tastes of Avignon

Avignon

Avignon Illuminations Cruise

Day 3

Valence

Walking tour and Papal Palace

OR Tastes of Provence

OR Avignon bike tour

Day 4

Vienne

Grignan excursion and truffle farm visit

OR Mount Pipet hike

OR ViaRhôna bike tour

Lyon

“France’s Culinary Capital” city tour

OR Lyon tasting tour

OR Lyon bike tour

Illuminations cruise

Day 5

Macon

Steam train ride

OR Red wine and chocolate tasting

OR Bike Tour to Berze-le-Chatel

OR Tain l’Hermitage hike and wine tasting

Mâconnais wine tasting

OR Tournon bike tour

OR Mâconnais wine tasting

Day 6

Tournus

Vienne Walking Tour

OR ViaRhôna bike tour

OR Mount Pipet hike

Scenic cruising

City tour

Day 7

Chalon-sur Saône

OR Beaujolais excursion and tasting

OR Beaune walking tour

OR Château de Couches

Chalonnaise wine tasting

Day 8

Chalon-sur Saône

DISEMBARKATION

Disembark your cruise in Lyon. (B)

Included Features

SPACIOUS STATEROOMS

7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with French balconies)
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
Sip & Sail Daily Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
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 Jun 30 - Jul 7, 2022

Hosted by Dr. Richard Becker, Owner of Becker Vineyards

Expertly Curated WINE EXPERIENCES

About the Wine Region – The Saone and the Rhone

At A Glance