Cruise the Rhône River between Arles and Tain l’Hermitage aboard a 12-passenger luxury barge-hotel (7 days - 6 nights). Admire the sun-drenched landscapes that inspired the great canvases of Paul Cézanne and Vincent Van Gogh. This region is famous for sophisticated architecture dating back to the Romans. It abounds with remnants of fortifications, arenas and aqueducts that continue to amaze our modern engineers. The endless vistas of tiled roofs, lavender fields and olive groves are synonymous with Provence. Local excursions will take you to the famed wine region of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and the storybook towns of Orange, Avignon, Arles, and St Rémy plus the ancient Roman ruins of Pont-du-Gard and Glanum.
2008 Planned Itineraries (actual programs may vary)
Apr 6 - Jul 6, Aug 10, Aug 31 - Oct 19: Arles to/from Tain (see below)
Jul 13: Tain - Tournus
Jul 20: "Grands Crus" wine cruise Macon - St Jean/Dijon
Jul 27: St Jean/Dijon - Lyon
Aug 3: Lyon - Avignon
Aug 17 & 24: Tain to/from Chalon
Oct 26: Tain - St Jean/Dijon
On alternate weeks, some cruises run in the reverse direction. All routes are subject to change without notice.
Arles to Tain L’hermitage Itinerary:
Day 1: Sunday - Paris to Avignon. Depart from Paris, Gare de Lyon train station, on the TGV (high-speed train) in the afternoon. On arrival at Avignon you are met by the guide and transferred to the barge for your cruise along the River Rhône. A champagne reception gives you a chance to meet the crew. A late afternoon cruise from Vallabrègues to Arles is your first taste of Rhône River cruising. After dinner, take a walking tour of Arles, where Van Gogh spent much of 1888-89 painting.
Day 2: Monday - Visit St. Rémy. Cruise to Avignon. Today, visit a traditional 18th century “Provencal Bastide” in St. Rémy for an olive oil tasting. Lunch on board. Relax during the afternoon cruise to Avignon and watch the scenery of the Rhône Valley drift by. Cruise past Le Pont St. Bénézet (the famous Pont d’Avignon) before mooring at the quay facing the gate to the walled city. Visit the Pont du Gard, part of the Roman aqueduct that transported spring water from Uzès to Nîmes.
Day 3: Tuesday - Cruise to St.-Etiennes-des-Sorts. Visit Avignon
A walking tour introduces you to the walled city of Avignon, home of the Popes from 1309-77. A guided tour of the Palace of the Popes is followed by some leisure time. Return to the barge for lunch and an afternoon cruise. Visit Château la Nerthe for a wine tasting before continuing your cruise to St. Etienne des Sorts.
Day 4: Wednesday - Cruise to Viviers. Visit Orange. This morning your guide takes you on a tour of Orange, an important Roman city dating back to 100 BC. The historical town contains two of the finest Roman monuments in Europe. Lunch back on board and continue the cruise to the mooring at Viviers. There’s time for a leisurely stroll around this charming medieval town.
Day 5: Thursday - Visit Château de Grignan. Visit Nyons. Cruise to La Voulte. Today’s visit is to the typical Provencal village of Nyons. Visit a working lavender distillery and tour an ancient 18th century olive mill. Lunch at a local restaurant in the very scenic village of Grignan. In the afternoon, visit a truffle farm to learn all about the black diamond and taste this expensive and unusual mushroom. Back on board continue your cruise to La Voulte.
Day 6: Friday - Cruise to Tain l’Hermitage/Tournon. This morning, the chef takes you to discover a traditional French market in La Voulte, followed by a leisurely lunch on board. During this part of the cruise the river valley is flanked by the vineyards of the Côte du Rhône and has a completely different perspective. Mooring in Tain or Tournon, you are escorted to Mr Ferraton’s winery for your last dégustation. Farewell gala dinner on board.
Day 7: Saturday - Valence to Paris. After breakfast disembark the barge and transfer to Valence railway station. Board the TGV to Paris, Gare de Lyon, where you are met by our representative who will assist you with your luggage.
Barge Features:
- 6 cabins that can be configured with double or twin beds
- 6 crew members
- Sundeck with hot tub
- Air conditioning and central heating
Departures every Saturday subject to availability (except winter)
This barge can be chartered by groups. Various itineraries, themes and dates can be arranged to fit the specific interests of each group. Extra customized trips and excursions may be added before or after the cruise.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Low season/lower deck: US$4840 per person double occupancy; single supplement $1210. Upper deck: $5115 per person double occupancy; single supplement $1279.
High season/lower deck: $5060 per person double occupancy; single supplement $2530. Upper deck: $5335 per person double occupancy; single supplement $2668.
Included:
- Accommodations with private bath (shower)
- All meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 7
- Wine with lunch and dinner and bar drinks
- Sightseeing tours and entrance fees as specified
- Round-trip transfers via first class TGV (high-speed train) from/to Paris Gare de Lyon station
Not Included:
- Health and travel insurance
- Crew gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Other items not specifically listed under "Included" above
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
France
Barging
Food & Wine
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