Arrive at Marseille International Airport where you’ll be transferred to your ship docked in Arles. (D)

Featured Excursion: Avignon walking tour and Palace of the Popes

Irresistible Optional Highlights: Pont du Gard and Chateauneuf du Pape

Avignon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is full of history, culture, art, and life, and you’ll capture all of that on your walking tour of the “City of the Popes.” Your tour starts at the fortification walls and continues to Clocktower Square. In truly Provençal style, under the shadows of the sycamores, the colorful café terraces face the magnificent architecture of the City Hall, the Opera Theatre, and the classic mansions. Next, it’s on to Pope’s Palace Square for an inside view of the maze of galleries, chambers, and chapels that make up the grand Palace of the Popes. During the afternoon, you’ll have leisure time to enjoy this magical city. (BB, L, D)

Featured Excursion: Winetasting and Tournon walking tour

Nestled among famous vineyards, the twin cities of Tournon/Tain l’Hermitage provide the perfect setting for those who are true connoisseurs of wine. Celebrate the region by indulging in some Côtes du Rhône mid-valley wines. Then cross the Marc Seguin suspension bridge and visit Tournon and its historic castle. (BB, L, D)

Featured Excursion: Beaune and Hospices de Beaune, open-air food market visit

Irresistible Optional Highlights: Southern Burgundy vineyards. Rully and Chamirev.

Centered in the heart of Burgundy, Chalon-sur-Saône is an important center for France’s wine trade. From here, you will journey to nearby Beaune to visit the famous Hospices de Beaune, a charitable hospital founded by the Chancellor of Beaune in 1443. Marvel at the multicolored roofs of thisarchitectural jewel that has become one of the symbols of Burgundy. The Hospice monks were given some vineyards in the 15th century so they could make wine to auction in order to help support charities, and to this day, the tradition still continues. (BB, L, D)

Arrive at Lyon Airport where you’ll be transferred to your ship docked in Chalon sur Saône. (D)

Featured Excursion: Lyon city tour

Lyon, France’s second largest city after Paris, is the country’s lively and creative capital of gastronomy. Your tour starts with a drive to the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière, Lyon’s hallmark church, for a dramatic view of the town built at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers. From the bus, you’ll view Terreaux Square, the Musée des Beaux-Arts, and the Opera House. During the afternoon, you’ll have leisure time to explore this city on your own. (BB, L, Captain’s Welcome Dinner)

Featured Excursion: Viviers walking tour

Irresistible Optional Highlights: Truffle farm and Chateauneuf du Pape wine tasting

Lovely Viviers, developed around its Romanesque cathedral, has retained much of its historic charm. Your tour in Viviers starts in Old Town with an introduction to the city. You’ll take the Rue Chévrerie to Porte Riquot, then climb Rue du Château to reach St. Vincent Cathedral where you’ll enjoy an organ concert. Finally, you’ll walk through the Medieval streets of this delightful town on your way back to the ship. (BB, L, D)

Featured Excursion: Arles walking tour

Irresistible Optional Highlights: Olive Farm and Les Baux.

Vincent van Gogh found inspiration in the charming town of Arles, and you will too. Inspired by the unique Provençal light, he spent a period of intense and impassioned work under the bright sunny sky of Provence. In fact, he produced more than 300 paintings and drawings in 15 months, including Starry Night. During your walking tour, discover Van Gogh’s Arles as well as a fascinating wealth of Romanesque monuments, such as the Roman Amphitheater and Constantine’s Roman baths. (BB, L, Captain’s Farewell Dinner)