The Valleys of the Rhône and Saône: Gastronomy and vineyards (port-to-port cruise)

Departure by coach towards the Galeries Lafayette Lyon Bron, a place where the art of living the Lyonnais way truly comes to life through a refined and unique experience. You will dive into the world of craftsmanship by learning about weaving, guided by a passionate Lyon-based designer. This learning moment will allow you to become a creator yourself by making your own personalized silk square, 100% silk, made in Lyon. After this creative experience, indulge in a tasting of typical Lyon pastries, featuring the famous pink praline of the city. Enjoy a praline brioche, a slice of praline tart, or other delicious sweets, all irresistible. This delightful moment will also be an opportunity to chat with your guide, who will share with you the secrets and fascinating history of Lyon. Finally, enjoy some free time to wander through the aisles of Galeries Lafayette Lyon Bron. Discover a multitude of treasures among the boutiques, blending fashion, design, and luxury. Return on board.

PLEASE NOTE

• Times are approximate.
• The order of the visits can change.

This winkling city will reveal itself to you during a guided visit by coach and on foot. Our excursion will start with a stop at the Fourvière Basilica. You'll first take in the breathtaking views from the heights of the Basilica before entering it. In 1168, a chapel was built in Fourvière by Olivier de Chavannes, the Saint Jean canon, over the ruins of the old roman forum. The small chapel that was first dedicated to Saint Thomas and then to the Virgin Mary has been destroyed and rebuilt many times. Its current known form dates back to 1740 and its most recent renovation was in 2008. After our visit we'll return to the coach and move on to Lyon's Old Town. You will take a walking tour with our guide and discover the "traboules”, types of passageways that are typical of the city. The first traboules are thought to have been built in the 4th century. There was a water shortage in Lugdunum (the Gallo-Roman name that was given to Lyon at the time) that led its inhabitants to settle in the "lower city” on the banks of the Saône, at the foot of the hills of Fourvière. The traboules were thus used to reach the river quickly. You'll enjoy some free time in the Saint Jean district, in the heart of the Old Town. Return on board for lunch.

PLEASE NOTE

• Please dress appropriately to enter the Basilica.
• Good walking shoes are recommended.
• Times are approximate.
• The order of the visits can change.

Departure by coach in the company of our guide from Montmerle-sur-Saöne or Belleville to discover the Beaujolais vineyards extending on 22,500 hectares. We will pass through charming little wine-growing villages before reaching Romanèche-Thorins for a visit to the "Hameau Duboeuf ", a unique museum in Europe containing a collection of old and rare objects from over 2000 years of wine-growing history. We'll learn about the current wine-making and vine-growing processes when visiting the wine storehouse where the wines are left to age in oak barrels.
In the midst of the Beaujolais vineyards, we will discover the skills of the winemakers through exhibitions, automated puppet theaters and 3-D films. Afterwards, immerse yourself in fine aromas and delightful scents during a walk through the surprising gardens of "Oenoparc”, a true haven for wine-lovers spread out on 30,000 m² and 25 exhibition halls. Before leaving the "Hameau Duboeuf", we will, of course, enjoy a tasting* of some of the region's wines. Return on board.

PLEASE NOTE

• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• *Alcohol can be harmful to your health. Please drink in moderation.

Departure on foot for the visit of a wine cellar in Tain L'Hermitage.
We'll discover the vats, barrels and storehouse and learn all there is to know about wine-making. Afterwards, we'll taste* a white wine (Côte du Rhône Samorens) as well as two red wines (Crozes Hermitage la Martinière and a St Joseph, both produced in this very cellar). Return on board for dinner.

PLEASE NOTE

• It is possible to buy wine after the visit and be delivered on board.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• *Alcohol can be harmful to your health. Please drink in moderation.

Meet up with the guides for a walking tour of Vienne, during which you will discover this Roman city rich in vestiges. The history of Vienne goes back more than 2000 years. The city is indivisible from the Rhône river and the surrounding hills. The Allobrogi people are thought to have made it their capital, but it was in the Roman era that the city began to prosper on both banks. You will see the Antique Theatre; built roughly between 40 and 50 AD, it is considered one of the largest in the Roman empire, with its 130m diameter and 13,000 spectators capacity. Restored in 1938, it was returned to its original function and is now a venue for artistic events. The tour will continue with the Temple of Augustus and Livia (exteriors only). This temple dedicated to Rome and Augustus stood in a sacred area on the forum and has carried this name since the end of the 18th century. Its construction began about 20-10 BC; it was later transformed at the beginning of the Middle Ages into a church, and was finally restored in the second half of the 19th century thanks to the intervention of Prosper Mérimée. Finally, to complete the tour, you will see the Cathedral of St Maurice (exteriors only), which has been listed as a historic monument since 1840. Return to the boat on foot.

PLEASE NOTE

• Comfortable shoes are recommended.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.