Viking River Cruises

Burgandy and Provence

Itinerary Overview

Your journey through France takes you past some of the most beautiful vineyards and vistas in the French countryside. As you travel along the Saône and Rhône Rivers, you’ll explore the famed region of Burgundy, the lavender-scented hills of Provence and the wild, majestic scenery of the Ardèche region. Indulge your taste buds by sampling the famed cuisine of Lyon and fabled wines of Burgundy. In beautiful Arles, see for yourself why this city was such an inspiration to Vincent van Gogh. View the historic Papal Palace of Avignon and imposing ancient Roman ruins scattered across the region.

What's Included

• 7-night cruise with river-view, outside cabin onboard deluxe Viking Burgundy
• 6 tours with private, English-speaking guides: Beaune/Burgundy wine tour; Lyon; Vienne; Tournon/Tain L’Hermitage; Avignon; Arles
• All meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners
• Private motorcoach for all coach excursions
• Welcome Cocktail & Farewell Dinner
• Old World Highlights: Port lectures by your knowledgeable Cruise Manager, French wine-making demonstration and French food demonstration
• Individual port guides for on-your-own exploring
• Onboard currency exchange services
• All port charges included

Ship

Detailed Itinerary

Considered an important center for the wine trade, Chalon-sur-Saône is the entrance to France's famed Dijon region. The city's fine quays border the Saône River at its junction with the Canal du Centre. The two lofty steeples of the 17th century Church of St. Pierre can be seen from anywhere in the city. Other architectural treasures and historical sites include the crypt of St. Benigne and 13th century Church of St. Vincent.

Dating back more than 2,000 years, Beaune has become the trading center for Burgundy's fine wines. The charming blend of half-timbered buildings and gentle curves of romanesque architecture is evident throughout the city. During its 2,000 year existence, Beaune served for a short period as the capital of the Dukes of Burgundy. Later, it became a busy commercial center for the cloth and wine industries.

Set along a narrow peninsula between the Rhône and Saône Rivers, Lyon is located in the heart of France's Provence region. Visitors can take in panoramic views from atop Fourviere Hill and step into the past when they tour Vieux Lyon's (Old Lyon's) cobblestone streets and 16th century architecture. Now an important educational center, Lyon's cultural life is reflected in its buildings, museums and houses. Dominating the skyline is the Basilica of Fourviere, known for its lavish interior decorations of marble and mosaics.

Vienne - Walking tour & mini-train; free time

Surrounded by steep hills and situated between France's Burgundy and Beaujolais regions, Vienne is the gateway to Lyon's countryside. The old town is rich in Roman and medieval buildings including ancient market ruins. Vienne's history can be traed through its architecture, dating back to the Roman Temple of Augustus built in the 1st century. Other landmarks include the Abbey of Saint Pierre and the Church of Saint-Andre-Le-Bas.

Secluded between the beautiful Rhône River and the granite slopes of the Hermitage, Tournon is a charming city. The fertile surrounding landscape is blanketed with various fruit trees and lies in the heart of the St. Joseph vineyard. Tournon boasts an imposing 16th century castle and flower-lined terrace over the quay with stunning views over the town, river, and surrounding vineyards. From Tournon, a 19th century steam train journeys up the mountaintop on a narrow-gauge railway for a view of the majestic scenery.



Viviers - Evening walking tour

Set amid a mountainous province, Viviers is an old Episcopal town founded in the 5th century. With buildings dating back to the Middle Ages, time seems to stand still within the Old Town. Visit a fine example of Renaissance architecture, the beautiful Maison des Chevaliers.

Towards the end of the Roman Empire, this city was the former capital of Roman Gaul. Indeed, it was known as the "Little Rome of Gaul," and boasts many Gallo-Roman ruins including Les Arenes, an ancient amphitheater seating 20,000 that is still used today for bullfights and plays. The town is frequently bathed in a strong Mediterranean light that inspired legendary impressionist Vincent Van Gogh to paint a number of works, and many of the town's sights are immortalized in his paintings.

Sheltered by medieval walls, Avignon's maze of narrow streets is filled with churches, museums and palaces tracing the history of this ancient, vibrant city. Visitors can capture a bird's eye view of the city and surrounding Rhône River valley from the top of Cathedral Hill. Avignon is known as the "City of Popes," due to the role the city played in the Avignon conspiracy during the 14th century, when a series of popes abandoned Rome and fled to Avignon. Still remaining from this time of this papal residence, the lavish Palais des Papes, a fortress, church and palace was considered the center of the Christian world during the 14th century. From 1309-1377, seven popes resided in this stunning building, one of the world's most unique and grandiose examples of gothic architecture.

Cost of This Itinerary

The most expensive stateroom costs:
$314 per person per night in low season and
$428 pp pn in high season