South of FranceSights and sips in France
- 13 days
- 11 nights
- 26 meals
Delighting both the eyes and the taste buds, this cruise on the Rhone River will satisfy your inner epicurean. What’s in store: the wine route, with vineyard tours and tastings of great vintages and other fine wines, plus local specialties and cuisine. And between tours and tastings, history awaits! Tour the medieval town of Semur-en-Auxois, Old Dijon, and the historic city centre of Avignon, City of the Popes. It’s a feast for the senses!
Cities on itinerary:
Lyon, Dijon, Semur-en-Auxois, Beaune, Pérouges, Avignon, Arles, Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône, Martigues, Viviers, Tain-l'Hermitage, Aix-en-Provence, Les Baux-de-Provence, Marseille
- Fast
- CAA-Quebec host
Highlights:
- Magnificent itinerary steeped in history
- Wine and gourmet food tastings
- Visit of the Baux de Provence and the Carrière des Lumières
- All optional excursions are included
Itinerary
- Day 1: Montréal – Lyon
Fly to Lyon.
- Day 2: Lyon – Dijon (200km)
Airport pickup and transfer to Dijon. Mercure Centre Clemenceau Hotel 4* (D)
- Day 3: Dijon – Wine route – Dijon (100km)
Go on a guided morning tour of Dijon. Free time for lunch. In the afternoon, discover the great vintages of Côte de Nuits. Go on a wine cellar tour and enjoy a tasting at a local producer. (B-D)
- Day 4: Dijon – Semur-en-Auxois – Alésia – Dijon (176km)
In the morning, head to the medieval town of Semur-en-Auxois for a guided tour and a breathtaking view from the ramparts. Continue on with a delicious detour to the famous Anis de Flavigny factory. Go on a guided tour of MuséoParc Alésia in the afternoon. Return to Dijon. (B-D)
- Day 5: Dijon – Beaune – Pérouges – Lyon (260km)
Depart for Beaune in the morning to tour the famous charitable almshouse, an iconic Burgundy landmark. Continue on to Pérouges for a guided tour of the city, followed by a tasting of the famous galette au sucre, a type of sugar pie. Head to Lyon to board the MS Van Gogh in the early evening. Enjoy a welcome cocktail party in the evening as you sail to Avignon. (B-D)
- Day 6: Avignon
Take a morning tour of Avignon, the “City of Popes.” Then return to the ship and sail to Arles. Once there, go on a guided tour of the city, known for its rich ancient and medieval heritage. (B-L-D)
- Day 7: Arles – Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône – Martigues – Arles
Visit a manade breeding ranch and watch a horsemanship demonstration by mounted herders, in a tradition that has lived on since medieval times. Continue to Martigues and explore the city on your own in the afternoon before the evening sail to Arles. (B-L-D)
- Day 8: Arles – Viviers
In the morning, take a guided tour of Les Baux-de-Provence, a true jewel nestled atop a rocky outcrop. Return to the ship and admire the lovely Provençal Rhône landscapes on the afternoon sail to Viviers. (B-L-D)
- Day 9: Viviers – Tain-l’Hermitage
Set sail in the morning. In the afternoon, head to Vercors nature park, perfect for anying seeking adventure or quiet contemplation. Then, enjoy a tasting of Clairette de Die, a sparkling, delicately fruity white wine. Enjoy a gala evening en route to Lyon. (B-L-D)
- Day 10: Lyon
Disembark in the morning. Go on a sightseeing tour of Lyon. Enjoy some afternoon free time to explore the city. Hotel Carlton Lyon – MGallery 4* (B-L)
- Day 11: Lyon – Aix-en-Provence – Les Baux-de-Provence – Aix-en-Provence (143km)
In the morning, disembark and hit the road to Les Baux-de-Provence for a guided tour followed by a spectacular immersive experience at the Carrières des Lumières. Return to Aix-en-Provence and spend the evening as you please. Hôtel des Augustins 3* (B)
- Day 12: Aix-en-Provence – Calisson – Aix-en-Provence
Go on a guided morning tour of Aix-en-Provence’s historic city centre and Provençal market. Then it’s off to the countryside for a vineyard and oil mill tour, with a tasting of the estate’s products. In the afternoon, tour the Calisson Museum and sample this iconic Aix confectionery. (B-L-D)
- Day 13: Aix-En-Provence – Marseille – Montréal (26km)
Fly back to Montréal. (B)
Inclusions
Montréal – Lyon and Marseille – Montréal flights
4 nights in 4* accommodations
2 nights in 3* accomodations
5-night cruise in main deck stateroom
Drinks with meals and at the bar (except champagne and wine list selections) during the cruise
Service of a CAA-Quebec tour leader and local French-speaking guides
Tours, excursions, and activities listed in the itinerary
Free internet access aboad the ship
Travel guidebook & explore gift
Applicable taxes
Travel insurance
Baggage handling
Personal expenses
Anything not listed in the “Price includes” section
Get the right coverage with CAA-Quebec Travel Insurance
Take off with peace of mind thanks to protections tailored to your needs and budget. As a member, you enjoy up to 20% off your premium.
Sail aboard the MS Van Gogh
Launched in 1999 and renovated in 2018, MS Van Gogh accommodates 105 passengers. It features cozy and elegant light-filled interiors inspired by Van Gogh’s world.
Welcoming bar inspired by the famous painter
Perfect place to sip a cocktail in good company
Upper deck
All staterooms have windows to admire the scenery
Comfortable ship with a personal touch
Ship completely renovated in 2018 that accommodates 105 passengers
Panoramic restaurant
Welcoming restaurant combining fine dining and stunning views
Lounge bar with dance floor
Lively setting for cocktail games and evening entertainment
No departure on the date you wanted? Trip fully booked?
For personalized assistance, call 1-844-869-2439 or email us.
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Our explore pledge: Travelling differently together
Our exclusive group tours are designed to ensure an enriching, friendly, and fuss-free experience:
- French-speaking tour host
- Generous inclusions and exclusive excursions
- Members earn CAA Dollars back
- 15% back in CAA Dollars at the Boutique
- Rewards for loyal travellers
Rates are per person, based on double occupancy, according to the stateroom category indicated. Other stateroom categories are available. The accommodation establishments listed may be changed without prior notice. A minimum number of guests is required to ensure the presence of a CAA-Quebec Travel host. Please note that group flight contracts do not allow for seat selection. We therefore recommend that you check in with the airlines 24 hours before departure. This offer may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Read the full terms and conditions.
If the scheduled flight is operated by Air France or KLM, only the Air France/KLM shuttle bus service will be available for passengers departing from Québec City.