Timeless France
$3,809.00
From $3,809* pp | 12 Days • 23 Meals *Rate is per person, land only, double occupancy.
Journey through France blending its waterways, quaint villages and captivating cities in the regions of Alsace, Burgundy, Provence and the French Riviera.
- Behold the majestic Cathedral of Strasbourg, also known as Strasbourg Minster.
- Savour a wine tasting at a local wine cellar.
- Spend five nights relaxing onboard your cruise ship, the MS Amadeus Symphony.
- Mingle with the locals in quaint French villages along the way.
- Enjoy a Captain’s Gala Dinner aboard your cruise ship.
- Uncover the secrets of the famous Palais des Papes in Avignon.
Take the Road Less Traveled
Bask in the charm and storybook ambiance on this tour that takes you from France’s Alsace region to Burgundy and Provence and concludes in the French Riviera. Marvel at the storybook village of Riquewihr, the canals of Colmar and the charming streets of Strasbourg. Delight in the beauty of Burgundy while visiting wineries in Beaune and the Palace of the Dukes in Dijon. Set sail on a 5-night cruise along the Saone and Rhone Rivers from Lyon to Provence. Sit back, relax and enjoy the luxury of your outside stateroom and daily onboard performances. Join a local guide as you tour the gastronomic hub of Lyon. Relish in a tour of the medieval walled city of Avignon including a visit to the 14th-century papal palace. Spend time in Arles, touring this former Roman village complete with a colosseum, and discover why it became an inspiration to Van Gogh. Finish your tour relaxing on the Mediterranean in Antibes a place that brings to life the joie de vivre of this fabulous country.
INCLUSIONS
Accommodation
Meals as per itinerary
Tour guide
Activities as stated
Please note: Accommodation is subject to change.
EXCLUSIONS
Flights
Meals not indicated on the itinerary
Drinks
Optional activities
Visas
Comprehensive travel insurance
Items of a personal nature – laundry, telephone, room service
Tips and gratuities
Itinerary
Dinner 
High 20° Low 12° 
Le Meridien Parkhotel Frankfurt
Breakfast High 20° Low 14° Hilton Strasbourg
Day 3. Strasbourg – Colmar – Strasbourg
Set out for a full day of touring through the Alsace region. Your first stop is at a sixth-generation local winery where you’ll sample their latest vintages and learn about world-class wine making. Then we’re off to the storybook village of Riquewihr, one of the most beautifully preserved villages in France. Continue on to Colmar, located in the middle of the Alsatian wine route, and considered to be the “capital of Alsatian wine.” As you walk with your local guide through its well-known historic old town and past its canals, the architecture will have you feeling as if you have stepped into a fairy tale. Spend the afternoon meandering through the village. Tonight, savour dinner at a local restaurant featuring regional specialities.
Breakfast & Dinner High 20° Low 14° Hilton Strasbourg
Day 4. Strasbourg
The day is yours to independently explore Strasbourg and everything it has to offer. Perhaps you’ll choose to take an optional tour delving into the history of Alsace during WWII, including visits to the Maginot Line, a French strategic defence system, and the KL-Natzweiler, the only Nazi concentration camp in France.
Breakfast High 20° Low 14° Hilton Strasbourg
Say au revoir to Alsace and head towards the city of Dijon in Burgundy. Spend time exploring the old town and the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, a remarkably well-preserved building which now houses the fine arts museum. Make a stop along the way at the medieval church of Notre Dame. After time on your own to explore or enjoy lunch, we head to the town of Macon to board the MS Amadeus Symphony, your home for the next five nights.
Breakfast & Dinner High 18° Low 8° Lueftner Cruises
Day 6. Chalon-sur-Saône – Beaune
Today we sail north, making a stop in charming Chalon-sur-Saône. From here, continue by land to Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy. Join a local expert for a guided tour of this historic walled city, highlighting its 15th-century Hôtel-Dieu. Famous for its dramatic design, this delightful building was once a charity hospital. Finally, we complete our visit to Burgundy with a wine tasting at a local cellar. Back aboard ship, enjoy an afternoon and evening sail down the Saône and Rhône rivers towards Lyon.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner High 18° Low 8° Lueftner Cruises
Day 7. Lyon
Wake this morning docked in the city of Lyon, full of historical and architectural treasures, and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city’s renowned Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse indoor market will dazzle your senses. Browse its endless stalls and experience the lively atmosphere. Continue on your tour through Lyon’s enchanting Old Town. This afternoon, take in the scenery of the Côtes du Rhône from the comfort of your cabin or take advantage of any of the ship’s public spaces as we continue southward.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner High 18° Low 8° Lueftner Cruises
Day 8. Avignon
Today, stop in the ancient city of Avignon. Your guided tour showcases its historical gems, including the Palais des Papes. Built during the 14th century, a total of seven popes lived here during the Avignon Papacy, and the city remained under Papal control until 1791. This afternoon, you may continue to explore Avignon on your own or choose to join an optional tour bound for Pont du Gard and the charming city of Uzes.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner High 18° Low 8° Lueftner Cruises
Day 9. Arles
Relax and savour the scenery on your way to the town of Arles. Today, you may choose to join an optional tour to the Camargue Nature Reserve – learn about the reserve’s 400 bird species and how this territory remains one of the most protected in all of Europe. This afternoon, gather for a guided tour of Arles. Your walking tour introduces you to the history and culture of this ancient Roman town. Visit the imposing Arles Amphitheatre – once capable of seating over 20,000 people, it has hosted chariot races and gladiator battles. Later, take in the stunning architecture as you stroll the streets that inspired artists such as Van Gogh. Tonight, it’s time to bid farewell to the Symphony at your Captain’s Gala Dinner.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner High 18° Low 8° Lueftner Cruises
Day 10. Diembark Ship – Aix-en-Provence – Antibes
Your journey continues in picturesque Aix-en-Provence. Experience this quintessential French city on a guided walking tour. You’ll quickly see why it is referred to as the “town of a thousand fountains.” Each turn seems to reveal colourful local markets and a wealth of architectural treasures. Enjoy some free time exploring this captivating city on your own before we continue on to the picturesque seaside resort of Antibes.
Breakfast High 24° Low 17° Hotel Ac Ambassadeur
Day 11. Antibes
The day is yours to discover this ancient port at your own pace. Spend some time strolling the narrow streets, browsing the local markets or soaking in the view from the harbour’s medieval ramparts. This is the perfect opportunity to relax and take in the breathtaking Mediterranean panoramas. Tonight, gather with your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner celebrating the close of an unforgettable trip.
Breakfast & Dinner High 24° Low 17° Hotel Ac Ambassadeur
Day 12. Antibes – Tour Ends
Your tour comes to a close this morning.
Breakfast
- The countries visited on this tour are 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.
- The currency in France and Germany are the Euro.
- There is no significant elevation on this tour.
- The voltage in France and Germany are 220V.
- Why not consider a pre and post tour extension. Start and end your holiday rested.
This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, upstairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected