Discover the fabulous world of vineyards and wine, exceptional terroirs of the Rhône and Saône (port-to-port cruise)

You will set out on foot for the guided tour of the old town of Avignon. With the Pope's Palace, classed as a world heritage site by UNESCO and a testimony to the city's past when it was known as the capital of Christianity back in the Middle-Ages, Avignon offers an impressive array of monuments. Along the Passage de l'Oratoire, you'll be able to admire the exteriors of the chapel, classified as a historic monument, where many events take place during the famous Avignon Festival. We'll move on to St Agricol street where you'll get to see the diocesan Church, the oldest in the city. We'll then stop by the Place de l'Horloge, which has always been the beating heart of Avignon. Cafés and restaurant terraces are now spread out where the Roman forum once stood. Right across, you will see the walls of the Town Hall and the theater that was built in the 19th century. We'll continue to the Place du Palais. This square is roughly 800 ft long and 160 ft wide. To the East stands the Pope's Palace which faces the baroque sculptures of the Papal mint. A large golden Virgin seems to be watching the Notre Dame des Doms cathedral while the elegant Renaissance inspiration on the outside walls of the Petit Palais are showing further back. Then, discover the Pope's Palace, the most important monument in the city. It's made of two parts: the old Palais of Pope Benedict XII (1334 - 1342), and the new Palais of his successor Pope Clement VI (1342 - 1352). Our visit will take you through the staterooms where numerous ceremonies and feasts took place, the chapels, the Pope's private apartments and the terraces which offer a wonderful panorama on Avignon and the Rhône river. Return on board on foot.

PLEASE NOTE

• It is forbidden to take pictures inside the Pope's Palace.
• It is necessary to climb up 500 steps inside the Pope's Palace.
• Bags would be left in the luggage office.
• Good walking shoes are recommended.
• Times are approximate.
• The order of the visits can change.

Join us on a guided tour of Lyon. We’ll cross through the city and go up Fourvière Hill to the white basilica, the best place to take in the view. Then we’ll head over to Vieux Lyon to have a look at its historical homes and the "bouchon" restaurants that are found throughout the district. Learn about the discrete and strategic doorways leading to shortcuts, known as traboules, that go from street to street. Don’t miss the tasting of fine food at Paul Bocuse’s Les Halles de Lyon, a huge, three-story, indoor market where close to 50 shops offer the finest gourmet food—a veritable feast for the eyes and palates. We’ll enjoy a snack of local sausage and cheese, topped off with a lovely glass of wine.* Enjoy some free time before returning to the ship.

PLEASE NOTE

• Please wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes.
• You must be properly dressed to enter the basilica.
• Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse are closed on Sundays and Mondays. In this instance, arrangements will be made so as to maintain the tasting of local products.
• Times are approximate.
• The order of the visits can change.
• *Alcohol can be dangerous to your health. Please drink in moderation.

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.

You will leave the boat on foot for a guided tour of Viviers. The third largest protected sector in the Rhône Alpes regions, residence of bishops since the 5th century, Viviers, a small town with a population of 3,500 is like an open-air museum, where every stone contains a page of history. You will be able to admire France's smallest Cathedral in this sumptuous medieval town. Among other things you will see the House of Knights with its superb Renaissance facade, the Tower of St Michel, the great seminary and the Belvedere with an unobstructed view of Viviers at night. Return to the boat on foot.

PLEASE NOTE

• Comfortable shoes are recommended.
• An effort is required to go up to the Belvedere.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.