The joie de vivre of Paris... the vibrant colours and rich flavours of Provence... Roman ruins and medieval abbeys to explore... wonderful Rhône Valley wines to sample... and gastronomic delights from the bouchons of Lyon to a culinary school in Valence. Preceded by a two-night stay in Paris, this most extraordinary of France cruises is a feast for the senses!
When it comes to France cruises, it’s hard to imagine a more enjoyable one than gliding along the Rhône through the vineyard country from which come some of the world’s most exceptional wines. But first, spend two nights at The Westin Paris to explore as you please, and perhaps discover things you don’t yet know about the "City of Light." After riding the high-speed TGV through the French countryside to Lyon, embark aboard the ms Swiss Emerald to begin this crème de la crème of France cruises. All along the river, centuries-old towns, each with its own unique personality, compete for your attention with winery visits to sample the unique flavours of the wines produced in different regions on the river’s banks. Add the pleasures of Provence in Avignon, Arles and Roussillon... and France cruises by riverboat don’t come any better!
Departures
21, 28 Jun; 23 Jul; 17, 24, 31 Aug; 25 Sep; 20 Oct 2012.
Inclusions
- Gratuities to ship staff, drivers, local guides, Tauck Directors and Tauck Cruise Director
- All private Tauck shore excursions – $985 Value
- A walking tour of historic Vieux Lyon and included tastings in France’s culinary capital of Lyon
- Tasting presentation featuring seasonal ingredients and local techniques at an award-winning gourmet cooking school
- Wine tasting in the famous Rhône Valley
- Airport transfers upon arrival and departure as noted
- 23 meals (9 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 8 dinners); select meals in local restaurants; wine with dinner on the riverboat; service charges, taxes, porterage, and applicable fuel surcharges
- Reception and dinner at Fouquet's in Paris, followed by an Illuminations tour
- Ride in first class from Paris to Lyon aboard TGV
- Private wine tasting at a Beaujolais vineyard
- Regional culinary and wine tastings aboard your riverboat
- Provençal dinner overlooing the famous Pont du Gard
- Family Departures – While children are welcome on all cruises, the June 21 and July 23 departures of this cruise are family-friendly departures; ask at time of booking for triple and quad prices and details.
- Voted by the readers of Travel + Leisure as 2011 "World's Best River Cruise Line"