Southern France River Cruises Paris to Barcelona with river cruise in Provence  on the Rhone river 3 nights in Paris, train from Paris to Lyon,  7-night Provence cruise and 3 nights in Barcelona 2010 -2011

Detailed Itinerary:  (Provance and Spain 2010) DAY 1, WED. ARRIVE IN PARIS, FRANCE Arrive in Paris and optional transfer to your hotel. Take the balance of the day to relax or explore the “City of Lights.” DAY 2, THU. PARIS Enjoy Paris’ famous sights during this morning's guided tour. Visit Notre Dame Cathedral, pass the Louvre Museum, the commemorative l’Arc de Triomphe, Opéra, Madeleine, Les Champs Elysées and much more. The remainder of the day is yours to explore on your own. (B)

DAY 3, FRI. 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 the 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)

DAY 4, SAT. PARIS – LYON
Savour your last morning in Paris and then board the TGV train, where you’ll be transported at top speed (up to 186 mph) in smooth, quiet comfort to Lyon where the ship awaits you. Gather this evening onboard for cocktails and a Welcome Dinner. (B,D)

DAY 5, SUN. LYON – TREVOUX
Lyon not only marks the meeting of the Sôane and Rhône Rivers, but it 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 Fourviere. You’ll also explore the Renaissance charm of Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon) with its cobbled streets. Return to the ship for lunch, and relax as we 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, MON. TREVOUX – VIENNE
After breakfast, your morning tour takes you behind the village walls of Trevoux through Beaujolais, the Pay D’Or or “land of the golden stones” named for the ochre limestone of its homes and castles. Enjoy a visit with a local wine maker along la route de vin and sample the world renowned Beaujolais Nouveau. Return to the ship and continue cruising south from the Saône to the Rhône River towards Vienne. This evening stroll along the sidewalk cafés of this rural walking town. (B,L,D)

DAY 7, TUE. VIENNE – TOURNON
Situated between the wine regions of Burgundy and Beaujolais, Vienne, 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. After dinner enjoy wine tasting onboard. (B,L,D)

DAY 8, WED. TOURNON – VIVIERS
On this morning’s adventure, you will get a personal look at a working farm located in the midst of the Adréche Mountains and then take a scenic tour of the valley’s beautiful landscape. Enjoy a visit to Boucieu-le-Roi and its local market of handmade crafts, musical entertainment and wine tasting. Lunch onboard the ship as we cruise to Viviers for an excursion to Grignan. Grignan is a charming hilltop village, dominated by a majestic castle. The ship moors overnight in Viviers. (B,L,D)

DAY 9, THU. 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. Your morning walking tour of the “City of Popes” will take you through the narrow streets and elegant squares to the Papal Palace, which served as a fortress, a church and a residence to the Popes that once governed the Christian world. Enjoy wine tasting before returning to the ship for some scenic cruising to Avignon during lunch. Moor overnight in Avignon. (B,L,D)

DAY 10, FRI. AVIGNON – ARLES
Arrive 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 take a motorcoach to the villages of St. Remy & Les Baux. Enjoy the rich floral colors and amazing views from this village perched on the hill. (B,L,D)

DAY 11, SAT. ARLES – DISEMBARK - BARCELONA, SPAIN
Transfer to Barcelona, capital of the Spanish region of Catalonia. Along the way, pass through Camargue on the southern coast and trace the ancient trade route linking the Atlantic and Mediterranean seas. As we approach the Pyrenees, you will 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)

DAY 12, SUN. BARCELONA
Your full day in Barcelona begins with a driving tour to the top of Montjuic Hill where you’ll catch glorious views of the city below, including the Palau Nacional (the National Palace) and 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 which is still incomplete. Take a walking tour of the Barrio Gotico (Gothic Quarter), King’s Square, and Tinell, the Royal Palace. (B)

DAY 13, MON. BARCELONA
Enjoy a full day at your leisure in Barcelona or join us in the morning for an optional tour of Parc Güell, some of Gaudí’s 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, take part in an optional dinner show featuring Flamenco dancers, or venture out on your own, perhaps across the port for seafood in Barceloneta. (B)

DAY 14, TUE. DEPART BARCELONA
Your vacation comes to an end. Optional transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)

	Daily Program Features
	Day Destination Activities Day 1   Paris   Arrival Day 2   Paris   City tour Day 3   Paris   Optional tours available Day 4   Paris Lyon   TGV Train to Lyon EMBARKATION Welcome Cocktails,Welcome Dinner 2010: City tour of Lyon Day 5   Lyon   City tour (2010: free time) Cruise to Trevoux Day 6   Trevoux Vienne   Beaujolais excursion   Day 7   Vienne Tournon   Walking tour Wine Tasting Day 8   Tournon Viviers   Boucieu-le-Roi excursion Grignan excursion (Ghost walk 2010) Day 09   Avignon   Walking tour Wine tasting Day 10   Arles   City tour St. Remy de Provence Les Baux Day 11   Arles Carcassonne Barcelona   DISEMBARK Walking tour Hotel check-in Day 12   Barcelona   City tour Day 13   Barcelona   Optional tours available Day 14   Barcelona   Disembarkation

Included Features:

• 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 onboard 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, onboard Music Performances and afternoon & evening Piano Music
• Services of Professional Cruise Director
• All English Language onboard in a non-smoking Environment (smoking permitted only on the Sun Deck)
• All local Taxes

2010 Departure Dates and Prices

Port Charges: $133 per person

Single Supplement for Cruise: 50% of twin price; Jr. Suites 100% of twin price. Reduction for 3rd person in triple cabin: $500 off Cat. D price.

Single supplement for Land: $780 per person. Prices are per person in Category D in a deluxe outside cabin.
To upgrade to a higher Category, add the following amount per person:

NOTE: Children are not accepted.

Please select bedding configuration at the time of booking.

The choices are:
Choice A: Two twin beds
Choice B: One large bed (larger than queen size)

2011 Departure dates and prices (US$)
 

Port Charges: $133 per person

Single Supplement for Cruise: 50% of twin price; Jr. Suites 100% of twin price. Reduction for 3rd person in triple cabin: $500 off Cat. D price.

Single supplement for Land: $780 per person. Prices are per person in Category D in a deluxe outside cabin.
To upgrade to a higher Category, add the following amount per person:
 

NOTE: Children are not accepted.

Please select bedding configuration at the time of booking.

The choices are:
Choice A: Two twin beds
Choice B: One large bed (larger than queen size)

Ships Used: MS Swiss Pearl for ship description 
and pictures click here!