Essence of Burgundy & Provence with Geneva and Nice

Check into your Geneva hotel for the beginning of your Essence of Burgundy & Provence pre-cruise land program.

Get acquainted with Geneva, the “Peace City,” and gateway to the Swiss Alps, on your guided walking tour. With traditions in both watchmaking and chocolate making, this beautiful city has a rich history, which you will glimpse during your excursion. Later in the day, visit Chillon Castle, a picture-perfect medieval island fortress with three formal great halls, a chapel and beautifully arched underground rooms that once served as a prison. (B)

Excursions:

• “The Peace Capital” city tour
• Chillon Castle visit

Venture south to the “Pearl of the French Alps,” Annecy, on your morning excursion. Home to beautiful castles, including the Château d'Annecy, home to the Counts of Geneva, and natural green spaces with bike trails winding through along the lake.(B)

Excursions:

• “Pearl of the French Alps” Annecy excursion

Board your ship in preparation for your 7-night Essence of Provence & Burgundy cruise. (D)

Excursions:

• Transfer to ship
• Dijon city tour

Located in southern Burgundy at the heart of the Côte Chalonnaise wine region, Chalon-Sur-Saône whispers the secrets of its medieval past which you will discover on your historic city tour. Alternatively, choose an excursion in Beaune, a walled town nestled in the heart of Cote d'Or vineyards where you'll stroll the cobblestone streets and take in such sights as the mosaic-tiled roof of the Hôtel-Dieu de Beaune, founded in the 15th century as a hospital for the less fortunate. Later in the day, enjoy a scenic sailing to Tournus, or sample the region's famous white Mâconnais wines. Alternatively, pedal from Chalon-Sur- Saône to Tournus on an exhilarating guided bike tour. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Historic City tour OR Beaune walking tour
• Scenic cruising OR Chalonnaise wine tasting OR Chalon-Tournus bike tour

Today you have a choice of a number of excursions as you explore the cities of Tournus and Macon. Let your knowledgeable guide lead you through Tournus and to its magnificent Benedictine Abbey of Saint Philibert. Or choose instead to visit the moated Château de Cormatin, which dates back to the early 17th century and features ornate apartments as well as a beautifully manicured garden. As an alternative, venture to the medieval village of Brancion with its preserved gateway, church and market hall. Return to the ship and enjoy a scenic cruise to Mâcon Or, instead, join a guided bike tour from Tournus to Mâcon or go wine tasting and meet the ship in Mâcon. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Tournus city tour & Abbey of Saint Philibert visit OR Château Cormatin OR Medieval Brancion
• Scenic cruising OR Mâconnais wine tasting OR Tournus-Mâcon bike tour

Join a guided tour through the “South Burgundy City” of Mâcon, learning about its local vineyards, museums, historical sites and perhaps its famous son, the poet and minister Alphonse de Lamartine. Or venture somewhat off the beaten path to Cluny, known for its large abbey. Built between the 4th and 12th centuries, Cluny Abbey was formerly the world's largest church and stands as a captivating example of early Romanesque architecture. Alternatively, explore the architecture and history behind the Royal Monastery of Brou, a Gothic masterpiece dating back to the 16th century. Return to the ship and head to the Sun Deck to enjoy a light lunch and the passing landscapes on the way to Villefranche-sur-Saône. For those traveling by ship, enjoy a tasting of Beaujolais wines while sailing towards your next stop. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• “The South Burgundy City” Mâcon tour OR Cluny Abbey visit OR Royal Monastery of Brou visit OR Bike Tour
• Scenic Cruising OR Beaujolais wine tasting

Discover dynamic Lyon, starting in Fourvière Hill, part of the city's historic region that is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the 19th-century basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Continue on to the old town of Lyon, followed by a guided walk through the St. Jean district, where you will be introduced to the city's unique covered walkways, known as “traboules.” Or get active a guided bike tour through the city designed with cyclists in mind. If you're a self-described foodie, our Vieux Lyon tasting tour is for you, during which you'll have a chance to taste some of Lyon's local delights. There you can enjoy a guided walking tour around the city. For those wishing to be more active, you can either take a guided bike tour along a portion of the ViaRhôna bike route or a guided hike from the ship to the Monastery at Mount Pipet. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• “France's Culinary Capital” city tour OR Vieux Lyon walk and tasting tour OR Lyon bike tour
• Vienne walking tour OR Mount Pipet hike OR ViaRhôna bike tour

Take your coffee on your balcony or the Sun Deck as you cruise to Viviers, a charming medieval city with picturesque 16th and 18th century monuments. For a more active adventure, pedal through this bicycle-friendly city. Alternately, you can go to the magnificent hilltop village, Grignan. After visiting this enchanting Provençal town, go in search of the highly prized “Black Diamond” truffles with a farmer and his trustworthy canine companion. Or, go on a scenic hike and enjoy a memorable view of Viviers. Later, stroll through the city accompanied by a guide in Renaissance attire as former “residents” in period costumes reenact events and legends of centuries gone by. This special historical tour is sure to bring a smile to your lips – or perhaps send shivers down your spine! (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Scenic cruising
• Viviers walking tour OR Grignan truffle farm visit OR Viviers Hike OR Bike tour
• “Ghost Walk” of Viviers

Avignon, aptly named the “City of Popes,” was the center of the Catholic Church in the 14th century when its “Palais des Papes” was the equivalent of today's Vatican. Discover the history of Avignon on a guided walking tour that includes the Papal Palace and the well-preserved medieval walls surrounding the historic center of town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Alternately, you can visit three venues around Avignon to taste regional specialties including macarons, cheese and wine, and tapenades.

Later in the day, rejoin the ship in Arles, considered one of the most beautiful cities in France. Let your experienced guide lead you to the top sights, including the Romanesque cathedral and Roman amphitheater; or take a guided bike tour to the Roman ruins. If you wish to delve further into Van Gogh's Arles, join a special walking tour along with a visit to the Vincent van Gogh Foundation, showcasing his legacy. Or take some time to focus on wellness with a guided bike tour through town. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Walking tour and Papal Palace OR Tastes of Avignon
• Arles walking tour OR Van Gogh walking tour OR Arles bike tour

Disembark your ship in Arles and head to Aix-en-Provence, birthplace of renowned painter Paul Cézanne. See the highlights of this delightful city known for its provincial markets. Afterward, take a scenic ride to Nice where you'll enjoy a panoramic tour before checking into your hotel. (B)

Excursions:

• Transfer to Nice

Tour the scenic capital of the French Riviera, where tourism has been alive for three centuries. Gaze at the azure waters of the Mediterranean and take in such sites as the Saint Reparate cathedral, opera house and Prefecture Palace. (B)

Excursions:

• Nice city tour

Head to the hilltop town of Eze for a scenic walking tour along its charming cobblestone streets. Later, explore intimate Monaco-Ville, a sleepy medieval village, before taking in the luxury and beauty of Monte Carlo, famous for its opulent casino. (B)

Excursions:

• Eze, Monaco, and Monte Carlo excursion

Bid farewell to Nice and prepare for your homeward flight. (B)