Flavors of Burgundy & Provence

Dates: October 19 – 30, 2008

Day 1 - Departure
Board overnight transatlantic flight to Paris.

Day 2 - Paris/Beaune Châlons-sur-Saône
After breakfast, drive south past the forest of Fontainebleau, favorite hunting grounds of a long line of French kings, and into Burgundy. Beaune, the unofficial capital of the Côte d'Or area which produces the region's finest vintages, owes its wealth to the production, ageing, and selling of fine wines. Its most famous historical site, the Hôtel-Dieu charity hospital, houses Van der Weyden's painting of the Last Judgment and is one of France's architectural highlights. Continue south to Chalon-sur-Saône where the crew of our luxurious river cruise vessel, Avalon Scenery, waits to welcome us aboard. Before dinner, set sail for Tournus.

Day 3 - Tournus/Mâcon
Free time to explore the charming town of Tournus. The cloister of St. Philibert or the folklore collection of the Burgundy Museum, located in an old family mansion, are both worth a visit. Next, we'll sail to Mâcon for a guided walking tour of this delightful town on the River Sâone. Playing an important role in the wine trade, Mâcon has a rich history. We'll see the Old St. Vincent, the cathedral founded in the 6th century that is a symbol of the city; La Charité; the Town Hall; and the Half-Timbered House, dating from the 15th-16th centuries. A number of optional excursions, including a visit to a wine cellar, are available.

Day 4 - Beaujolais Region/Lyon
Enjoy a leisurely morning cruising on the Rhône. Lyon is France's second-largest city and its gastronomic capital. Founded by the Romans in 43 B.C., the city's prosperity dates back to the 16th century and is due to commercial, industrial, and banking activities. Roman remains, many excellent museums, and Renaissance architecture delight visitors. Survey the city from Fourvière Hill; explore Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its maze of medieval alleyways; see Place Terraux and the beautiful Place Bellecour. Beaujolais is the wine of the region, and wine connoisseurs will know that the grapes must be hand-picked. Tradition dictates that the "Beaujolais Nouveau" is tasted for the first time on the third Thursday of November each year. An optional dinner gives gourmets an insight into the local haute cuisine.

Day 5 - Lyon
A free day in this fascinating city to explore at leisure. Early risers might like to visit the local produce market. Our Cruise Director will have suggestions for things to do.

Day 6 – Tournon-Tain L'Hermitage/Viviers
The twin cities of Tournon and Tain L'Hermitage lie nestled among vineyards between the River Rhône and the granite slopes of the Hermitage. Tournon, with its imposing 16th-century castle and Roman ruins, is one of France's oldest medieval cities. Another charming town, Viviers, was developed around its Romanesque cathedral, and the Old Town has an appealing mix of Christian, Roman, and medieval influences.

Day 7 - Avignon
The fortified city of Avignon is the capital of the Vaucluse region, the most picturesque part of Provence. Referred to as the "City of Popes," it was the center of the Catholic Church in the 14th century, and the city landscape is dominated by the grandiose "Palace of the Popes." A photo of the bridge from the popular song is a must, and an optional outing to the famed wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape is available.

Day 8 - Arles
On the northern tip of the Camargue, Arles is the capital of Provence and was once known as the "Little Rome of Gaul." See the Roman Amphitheater, the church of St. Trophime, and "Les Alycamps," the remains of the Gallo-Roman burial road. Vincent Van Gogh was inspired by the special light of Provence and spent a productive year in Arles. The "Foundation Vincent Van Gogh" is a tribute to the artist.

Day 9 - Arles/Nîmes/Pont du Gard/Aix-en-Provence
After breakfast disembark in Arles, where we will board our motorcoach and depart for Nîmes. While in Nîmes we'll visit the Maison Carrée, a Roman temple and one of the finest extant examples of Roman architecture. We'll also visit Les Arenes, the world's best-preserved Roman amphitheatre. Next, a stop in Pont du Gard before arriving in Aix-en-Provence, one of France's most elegant cities. We'll explore its center on foot, stroll along the shaded Cours Mirabeau, and admire its famous cafés and fountains. Dinner this evening will be on our own.

Day 10 - Aix-en-Provence
Today is dedicated to the life and works of Paul Cézanne. We will visit the Bibémus Quarries, the Manor of Jas de Bouffan, the Studio at Les Lauves and the Route du Tholonet and Château Noir. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. This evening, join our Tour Director and traveling companions for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 11 - Aix-en-Provence/Transfer to Marseilles
After breakfast transfer to Marseilles Airport to connect with your homebound flight.

This itinerary is preliminary and subject to change. An updated itinerary will be sent with final documents.

Back to 2008 destination list