AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES

AWARD-WINNING DINING

A WORLD OF EXPLORATION

Land Program

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 : ARRIVE IN BARCELONA, SPAIN
Check into your Barcelona hotel for the beginning of your Essence of Burgundy & Provence pre-cruise land program.

Day 2 : BARCELONA
Barcelona, the bustling capital of Catalonia, is an artist's, architect's, foodie's, historian's and culturist's dream. Tour the cobblestoned lanes of the Gothic Quarter in the medieval city center and Las Ramblas. Visit Montjuic Hill and see some imaginative architectural creations, highlights of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Works of Antoni Gaudi," including La Sagrada Familia. (B)

Day 3 : BARCELONA
Join an excursion to the mountain Montserrat, which is home to the Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria de Montserrat, located about 30 miles from Barcelona. Once there, you'll ride a scenic funicular to the top of the mountain and experience an indescribable view of the Catalonia landscape. The monastery, officially founded in 1025, soon began to receive pilgrims and visitors who contributed to the spread of stories of miracles and wonders performed by the Virgin Mary. The whole of Montserrat is built around facilitating the worship of the Black Madonna in the Basilica. While here, you'll see the famous Black Madonna sculpture, which sits at the back of the church, above the altar area. The stairway leading to the statue, plus the room and altar in which the statue sits are ornate, golden and pay tribute to the wonder that is the Virgin herself. (B)

Day 4 : BARCELONA - NIMES - ARLES, FRANCE - EMBARKATION
Depart Barcelona and, en route to Arles, enjoy a visit to Nimes, a former outpost for the Roman Empire, close to the Mediterranean, where you will have free time for lunch and some exploring. Continue on through Camargue on the southern coast before arriving at your luxurious ship docked in Arles. (B,D)

Day 5 : ARLES - TARASCON - AVIGNON, FRANCE
Arles is considered one of the most beautiful cities in France. Let your experienced guide lead you to the top sights, including the Romanesque cathedral and Roman amphitheater. Or, if you 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. Alternately, you may take a guided bike tour through town. Later in the day, bike from Tarascon to Avignon, aptly named the "City of Popes. Or enjoy a walking tour that includes the Papal Palace and the well-preserved medieval walls surrounding the historic center of town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For a more flavorful experience, visit three venues around Avignon to taste regional specialties including macarons, cheese and wine, and tapenades. During the evening, enjoy an Illuminations cruise. (B,L,D)

Day 6 : VALENCE, FRANCE
Valence is a designated "City of Art and History," where you can see such sites as its 11th-century Cathedral of St. Apollinaris or perhaps its House of Heads (named for the carved heads of its facade and courtyard) on your city tour. If you prefer a more relaxing excursion, taste the Northern Rhone's red Cornas wines. For a more active adventure, pedal through this bicycle-friendly city. (B,L,D)

Day 7 : VIENNE - LYON, FRANCE
Vienne boasts a Roman past that can be seen in its marvelously preserved ruins. There you can ride the charming mini train around the city. For those wishing to be more active, you can either take a guided bike tour along a portion of the ViaRhona bike route or a guided hike from the ship to the Monastery at Mount Pipet. Later in the day, discover dynamic Lyon, starting in Fourviere 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 Fourviere. 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." If you're a self-described foodie, our Lyon tasting tour is for you, during which you'll have a chance to taste some of Lyon's local delights. Or get active a guided bike tour through the city designed with cyclists in mind. In the evening, sit back to see the city illuminated during a scenic nighttime cruise. (B,L,D)

Day 8 : MACON - TOURNUS, FRANCE
Join a guided tour through the "South Burgundy City" of Macon, learning about its local vineyards, museums, historical sites and perhaps its famous son, the poet and minister Alphonse de Lamartine. Or venture somewhat off the beaten path to Cluny, known for its large abbey, and the nearby castle Berze-le-Chatel, a well-preserved fortress perched on a rocky hill offering stunning views below. Alternately, you can enjoy a guided bike tour to Berze-le-Chatel. Should architecture or religion be one of your main interests, perhaps choose the excursion to the Royal Monastery of Brou, built in the 16th century and boasting a glorious white facade as well as a beautifully tiled roof. Later in the day, enjoy a panoramic view from the Sun Deck as you sail to Tournus, or opt for a bike ride from Macon to Tournus. Or, enjoy a delicious tasting of the region's famous white Maconnais wines. (B,L,D)

Day 9 : TOURNUS
Today you have a choice of a number of excursions as you explore Tournus. Let your knowledgeable guide lead you through Tournus and to its magnificent Benedictine Abbey of Saint Philibert. Or choose instead to visit the moated Chateau de Cormatin, which dates back to the early 17th century and features ornate apartments as well as a beautifully manicured garden. As an alternative, venture to the medieval village of Brancion with its preserved gateway, church and market hall. Later in the day, enjoy scenic cruising as you sail toward Chalon-Sur-Saone, or opt for a bike tour if you're feeling adventurous. (B,L,D)

Day 10 : CHALON-SUR-SAONE, FRANCE
Located in southern Burgundy at the heart of the Cote Chalonnaise wine region, Chalon-Sur-Saone whispers the secrets of its medieval past which you will discover on your historic city tour. You'll also stop at a local market where you can see and taste some of the local fare. Alternatively, choose an excursion in Beaune, a walled town nestled in the heart of Cote d'Or vineyards where you'll stroll the cobblestone streets and take in such sights as the mosaic-tiled roof of the Hotel-Dieu de Beaune, founded in the 15th century as a hospital for the less fortunate. Or, visit the storybook Chateau de Couches, a medieval fortress enveloped in idyllic hills and greenery that once served the Dukes of Burgundy. Later in the day, treat your palate to a tasting of Chalonnaise wines. (B,L,D)

Day 11 : CHALON-SUR-SAONE - DISEMBARKATION - GENEVA - DIJON - BOURG-EN-BRESSE
Disembark your ship in Chalon-sur-Saone and transfer to your hotel. Visit stunning Dijon, France, the wonderfully picturesque capital of the historic Burgundy region. Renowned for its traditional mustard, Dijon also boasts one of the best-preserved medieval centers in France, with postcard-perfect architecture, including its cathedral of Saint-Benigne de Dijon. You'll also stop in the lovely commune of Bourg-en-Bresse, famous for its Gothic Brou Royal monastery, centuries-old timber-framed houses, and its Renaissance-style Cathedral of Our Lady. (B,D)

Day 12 : GENEVA
Get acquainted with Geneva, the "Peace City," and gateway to the Swiss Alps, on your guided walking tour. With traditions in both watchmaking and chocolate making, this beautiful city has a rich history, which you will glimpse during your excursion. (B)

Day 13 : GENEVA
Venture south to the "Pearl of the French Alps," Annecy, on your morning excursion. Home to beautiful castles, including the Chateau d'Annecy, home to the Counts of Geneva, and natural green spaces with bike trails winding through along the lake. Later in the day, visit Chillon Castle, a picture-perfect medieval island fortress with three formal great halls, a chapel and beautifully arched underground rooms that once served as a prison. (B)

Day 14 : DEPART GENEVA
Bid farewell to Geneva and prepare for flight home. (B)