Essence of Burgundy & Provence

Settle into your Geneva hotel as you embark on the Essence of Burgundy & Provence pre-cruise land adventure.

Discover Geneva, the "Peace City" and gateway to the Swiss Alps, on a guided walking tour that immerses you in its rich heritage. Known for its watchmaking and chocolate crafting traditions, this stunning city offers a captivating glimpse into its storied past. Later, journey to Chillon Castle, a postcard-perfect medieval fortress perched on an island. Explore its grand halls, charming chapel, and atmospheric underground chambers that once housed prisoners as you step back in time at this architectural masterpiece.

On your morning excursion, venture south to the "Pearl of the French Alps," Annecy. Home to beautiful castles, including the Chateau d'Annecy, home to the Counts of Geneva, and natural green spaces with bike trails winding through along the lake.

Transfer from Geneva to Dijon, France, and enjoy a walking tour through the wonderfully picturesque capital of the historic Burgundy region. Renowned for its traditional mustard, Dijon also boasts one of the best-preserved medieval centers in France, with postcard-perfect architecture, including its cathedral of Saint-Benigne de Dijon grand Palace of the Dukes and Estates of Burgundy. Spend free time at your leisure for lunch. Later, board your ship in preparation for your 7-night cruise.

Located in southern Burgundy at the heart of the Cote Chalonnaise wine region, Chalon-Sur-Saone whispers the secrets of its medieval past, which you can 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 stroll the cobblestone streets and take in such sights as the mosaic-tiled roof of the Hotel-Dieu de Beaune, founded in the 15th century as a hospital for the less fortunate. Later in the day, enjoy scenic sailing to Tournus or sample the region's famous white Maconnais wines. Alternatively, pedal from Chalon-Sur-Saone to Tournus on an exhilarating guided bike tour.

Today, you have a choice of several 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 Chateau de Cormatin, which dates back to the early 17th century and features ornate apartments and a beautifully manicured garden. As an alternative, venture to the medieval village of Brancion, which has a preserved gateway, church, and market hall. Return to the ship and enjoy a scenic cruise to Macon. Or, instead, join a guided bike tour from Tournus to Macon or go wine tasting and meet the ship in Macon.

Join a guided tour through Macon's "South Burgundy City," 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 is 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-Saone. For those traveling by ship, enjoy tasting Beaujolais wines while sailing towards your next stop.

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

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. Alternatively, you can go to the magnificent hilltop village of Grignan. After visiting this enchanting Provencal town, search for 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 unique historical tour will surely bring a smile to your lips – or perhaps send shivers down your spine!

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. Alternatively, you can visit three venues around Avignon to taste regional specialties, including macarons, cheese, 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 and 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.

Disembark your ship in Arles and head to Aix-en-Provence, birthplace of renowned painter Paul Cezanne. See the highlights of this delightful city known for its provincial markets. Afterward, take a scenic ride to Nice, where you can enjoy a panoramic tour before entering your hotel.

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.

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.

Bid farewell to Nice and prepare for your homeward flight.